Paddy Power are now offering Non Runner No Bet (NRNB) on all races at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival.
This popular initiative always ignites the Cheltenham antepost markets with punters sometimes in the dark as to which race their fancy will actually compete in, but, this year more than any before, the concession will be warmly welcomed by backers.
Outside forces such as the travel restrictions currently in place mean that bookies and punters alike are operating in an ever-changing environment, but while Irish runners are currently widely expected to get the green light for the Cheltenham extravaganza, NRNB will allow backers to support their selection with confidence, safe in the knowledge that if for any reason their horse fails to line up, they’ll get their money back.
Paddy Power himself said: “I love a good antepost punt and there’s no better feeling than putting your money where your mouth is two months before a race and then collecting. I’m hugely looking forward to the old battle between the English and Irish horses and while I’d be quietly confident of it happening, NRNB completely wipes away any lingering doubts and allows punters peace of mind to get stuck into their fancies."
Paddy Power ambassador Ruby Walsh added: “For punters that have any concerns about Irish horses not being able to travel to Cheltenham, this is a pretty ironclad insurance policy. For what it’s worth, I’d be fairly optimistic about Irish horses being able to run at the meeting. The 2021 Festival will be different, but thankfully the racing will still be the same. Hopefully it’s giving people plenty to look forward to with some brilliant clashes on the cards."
The initiative comes soon after a busy Christmas racing period in which the layers saw some big Irish movers for plenty of the Cheltenham contests.
A Plus Tard was a huge shaker for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and is into 10/1 (from 66) after getting the better of a pulsating finish to the Savills Chase, Chacun Pour Soi, already considered the one to beat in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, solidified into 11/8 fav (from 11/4) after his demolition job in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase also at Leopardstown, while Appreciate It (11/4 fav from 12) and now a solid 5/2 fav became one of the Irish bankers for the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle after a scintillating win in the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at the Dublin venue.
