Irish eyes were smiling at Cheltenham on St Patrick’s Day Thursday as the Daily Express joined lucky punters finding winners – and true love. Megan Steggles, 22 was enjoying her first trip to the Gloucestershire track with friends but told us she only had one place so far after the first three races.
The Daily Express chatted to her and her three pals – enjoying a friends day out – and joined them to watch the fourth race of the day, the Grade 1 Ryanair Steeplechase at 3.20pm in the Guinness Village. The village, the number one go to spot at the track to sup the Irish stout, broke out in screams as jockey Mark Walsh hopped miles clear of the chasing pack over the last fence to glory on 6/4 favourite Fact To File.
And immediately the university student Megan, of Stourport, Worcestershire, burst into a huge beam as she revealed: “That’s my horse!
“I’ve only had a second so far but now we’ve been watching it and I’ve got a winner. I won’t say how much I bet but it’s fantastic to get a win.”
Her friend Jade Whitmore, 28, of Kidderminster, Worcestershire, has been to the racetrack before but admitted the prices had soared since last year.
Cheltenham bosses have decided to increase the price of some of their Guinness by 30p from last year, charging punters £7.80 while a premium lager costs 40p less at £7.40.
The recruitment associate director told us: “I went to the bar to buy two gins – just two pink gins – and it cost me £37. That’s mad.
“It is a great day out Cheltenham but the prices could be lowered a bit to make it less of a crazy expensive day. It’s freezing too but they can’t do anything about the weather!”
The pair were joined by thrilled Kate Leadbeader, 26, of Leeds, West Yorkshire, who said: “I’m gutted I’ve not had any winners but it’s been a great experience here.”
Irish driver Shane Thomas, 30, was all smiles after falling for the fourth girl in the group – quantity surveyor Summer Taylor-Bird, 29, in the Guinness Village.
It took him eight hours by car and boat to reach his first Cheltenham festival from his home in Tipperary but he said it was “well worth it” as he cuddled Summer, from Plymouth, Devon.
Shane told us: “For an Irishman I’ve not had much luck on the horses. But I’ve had a fair bit of luck in the Guinness Village.
“It’s my first Cheltenham. It’s only taken me 30 years to get here. It took two hours by bus to the ferry, four hours on the boat and another two hours on the road.
“Then I’ve got to do the whole lot again on Saturday. It may seem like a waste of time – and it probably is. But it’s been worth it. Cheltenham is everything they say it is and more.”
Summer said: “I’ve not had a winner. My lucky number is nine and number nine seems to be nearly there in every race.
“But I’ve had some luck with Shane. We’ve only just met. But his accent is so sexy. I’m going to marry him!”
David Pullar, a 62-year-old retired bank worker, from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, came dressed to the Irish nines in a green and orange hat, a dapper green checked suit, orange waistcoat, flecked-green tie and orange leather shoes.
He said: “I come down with friends every year but I’m the only one that dresses up for St Pat’s Thursday. That’s why they’re currently giving me a wide berth! It’s a long way from home but I love it here.”
Friends Amelia Bonnick, Gabbie Bird and Rose Hardy, all 22, were enjoying their first trip to Cheltenham, wrapped up against the weather in their green-chequered complimentary scarves.
Ms Bird, from Bath, Somerset, said: “It’s our first time here and we haven’t won a penny, but we’re having a great time.’
Ms Bonnick, from Westbury, Wiltshire, added: “The weather’s pretty terrible but it’s not stopping us from having fun. We’re going to keep spending and keep drinking.”