Sports Betting News: Ballyburn Lays Down Cheltenham Festival Marker

Ballyburn recorded an eye-catching victory on his chasing debut at Punchestown on Saturday, powering 13 lengths clear of stable Ocastle Des Mottes.

The result sparked a shake up in the Cheltenham betting for the Arkle Novices’ Chase, with the six-year-old’s odds cut from 5/2 to 2/1 by numerous bookmakers.

Read on as we look at what is next on the agenda for Ballyburn, before assessing other key developments in the ante-post Cheltenham Festival markets.

Trainer Willie Mullins’ decision to send Ballyburn over bigger obstacles looks to be inspired given the manner of his performance under jockey Paul Townend.

Mullins admitted after the race that the horse was not fully tuned-up, which bodes well for his chances of improving as the season progresses.

Ballyburn could be sent to England for his next run and betting apps will be inundated with wagers on him when he embarks on his second start over fences.

Mullins suffered a setback in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown as 2024 Champion Hurdle winner State Man was defeated by Brighterdaysahead.

The Gordon Elliott-trained mare was the second favourite on UK betting sites and delivered the goods for punters who backed her to win the race.

The five-year-old’s Champion Hurdle odds were slashed from 14/1 to 4/1 in what has been a rollercoaster week for ante-post Cheltenham bettors.

Constitution Hill has sustained bruising in a pastern and will not return to action in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle next weekend.

Trainer Nicky Henderson says the 2023 Champion Hurdle victor now faces a race against time to recover in time for the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

The seven-year-old is now rated as a 5/1 shot on several new betting sites to regain his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham next March.