Inside Tony Bloom’s Stable: Cheltenham Festival Contenders Ready for Glory

The Cheltenham Festival is gathering pace. 

For a Flat racing fan who doesn't know a great deal about National Hunt, even I've got my ear to the ground and placing a couple of free bets. One professional gamblers - and all-round good man - is Tony Bloom who knows a decent bet when he sees it. 

Let's take a look at Bloom's Cheltenham Festival entrants.

Bunting (5yo) - Willie Mullins 

Wednesday 12th March 2025 - 2:40 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (25/1)

Friday 14th March 2025 - 2:00 William Hill County Handicap (50/1)

Friday 14th March 2025 - 5:20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (25/1) 


Energumene (11yo) Willie Mullins 

Wednesday 12th March 2025 - 4:00 Betmgm Queen Mother Champion Chase (7/1) 

Thursday 13th March 2025 - Ryanair Chase (10/1) 


Poniros (4yo) Willie Mullins 

Friday 14th March 2025 - 1:20 JCB Triumph Hurdle (66/1) 


Tony Bloom has a trio of hopes for the Festival with his familiar blue and white silks. I'm sure a few punters will be following the money and Energumene will be high on the list being a dual winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The dilemma with these multiple-entered horses. Considering this son of Denham Red is only 10/1 for the Ryanair Chase it is one of those situations for ante-post backers. I can imagine most are holding out to see the final declarations. You'd imagine Energumene would go for the Queen Mother. 

The lightly raced Bunting has three entries but pretty big odds for them (25/1 - 50/1). 

Poniros is a recent purchase for Bloom and in training with Mullins. Very much an unknown quantity after sole runs on the Flat. The odds of 66/1 suggest not too much is expected so you imagine he has been purchased to make up the numbers for the Festival.

It's interesting that Mullins scratched a lot of horses including Bloom's Ile Atlantique who was a big surprise and disaster for some ante-post backers. We'll have to keep an eye on the betting and see how the above three runners go. It looks to me that Energumene is the major hope. 



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Tony Bloom The Amazing Story of a Professional Gambler


Tony Bloom is a name that rings a bell in the world of professional gambling. He is known to be one of the most successful gamblers in the industry, having amassed a fortune through his astute betting strategies. However, Bloom's journey to success has been a long and arduous one, marked by determination, perseverance, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

Bloom was born into a family of gamblers. His grandfather, Harry Bloom, was a legendary figure in the Brighton racecourse scene, and his father, Brian Bloom, was a professional gambler who taught his son the basics of betting at an early age. It was during his childhood that Bloom began to develop a deep interest in gambling, spending countless hours at the racetracks and learning from his father's experiences.

Despite his passion for gambling, Bloom pursued a different career path, studying mathematics and economics at Manchester University. He then went on to work in finance, starting off as an options trader at a London-based bank. However, Bloom's love for gambling never waned, and he spent his spare time honing his betting skills, analyzing data and developing complex algorithms to predict the outcomes of sporting events.

It was not until the late 1990s that Bloom decided to take the plunge and become a full-time gambler. He started off by betting on football matches, but soon moved on to other sports, including horse racing and tennis. He quickly established himself as a formidable player in the gambling industry, winning huge sums of money through his well-calculated bets.

One of Bloom's most notable successes came in 2010 when he won £1.2 million by betting on a single tennis match. The match in question was between Robin Soderling and Rafael Nadal, and Bloom correctly predicted that Soderling would beat the odds and defeat Nadal in the French Open quarterfinals. His bet paid off handsomely, and he instantly became the talk of the gambling world.

Bloom's success can be attributed to his meticulous approach to gambling. He spends countless hours researching and analyzing data, studying the form of players and teams, and identifying patterns and trends that others might miss. He is also known for his willingness to take calculated risks, betting large sums of money on outcomes that he believes are highly likely to occur.

However, Bloom's success has not come without its fair share of challenges. He has had to overcome numerous setbacks over the years, including losing significant amounts of money on occasion. Nevertheless, he has always bounced back stronger, using his failures as learning opportunities and refining his strategies to improve his chances of success.

Bloom's success as a professional gambler has also allowed him to pursue other interests outside of the gambling world. He is a well-known philanthropist, having donated millions of pounds to charitable causes over the years. He is also a keen sports enthusiast, owning a stake in Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and playing a key role in the club's recent success.

In conclusion, Tony Bloom's story is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and a willingness to take calculated risks. His success as a professional gambler has made him a household name in the gambling world, but it is his dedication to philanthropy and his passion for sports that truly set him apart. He is a true inspiration to anyone looking to achieve success in their chosen field, and his story is sure to continue to inspire future generations of gamblers and entrepreneurs alike.

3 Stupid Bets You Must Read


Some punters just love to bet. You've heard about those people who would bet on two flies crawling up a wall. I always wonder if there is a finishing line or whether the loser is the first fly to fly off into the sunset. 

 The world of betting is built on a foundation of stupid bets. The kind of idiotic bets that get to make the press. Sure, they are a good read. They are amusing, funny, laughable and often incredible. However, would you like to have your name published as being the said bettor? What a tag to write home about. 

 ''Hey, did you see that bloke who bet on the world ending?'' 

 It was me!!!!

 I guess you could collect your winning in heaven or hell but I am sure you don't need wonga in the former and the heat would burn it to ash in the latter. 

 Read this list of  crazy, stupid life and death bets.

 Too Cold 

''Working in the Arctic, 72 degrees Fahrenheit below zero, with a wind. A poker game broke out to pass the time in darkness. A final bet: the loser was to strip down to naked and stand outside for one minute. Now to those of you who live in San Diego, this kind of cold freezes skin in 10 seconds, snot becomes icicles and hence formed phrases such as, “frosted balls”! *One minute naked in this due north is like an eternity!!! I WON and I’m still fertile, unfortunately my friend claims Mr.Turtle has never come out again ;) ''

 Sure, I like to make Bets

''I love this one! I’m really big into making crazy bets.. however, I’m not at all like Laura’s friend Kellen – I’d never want to actually be the one eating the crisco nacho or running around naked and covered in chocolate milk.. (did I misunderstand what happened in that bet?) 

 However, I am an excellent “market maker”.. when any two people want to make a crazy bet, I am particularly good at coming up with a betting structure, or odds, or specific terms that will make both parties SURE they are going to win and want to enter the bet.. At my previous job, this was a constant source of amusement for us, and it mostly centered around various food bets: whole pizzas, gallons of ice cream, the entire contents of a vending machine, etc.. 

 Crazy bets are the best!''

 I Bet you 20 Cents
''I work in the dishroom of my campus dining hall, and just the other day a friend was working across from me on the other dishline and leaned over the plate piles and cup racks to say “I bet you 20 cents I can keep the conveyor turned all the way up to 10 for the whole shift” (we usually turn down the dish belt to make the worst of the rush manageable). Naturally this led to trading banter and heckling for the rest of our 3 hour lunch shift, which is exactly the kind of thing that makes work AWESOME! He pulled through the thick of the lunch rush on 10, by the way, and I turned over my 2 dimes.''

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A Winning Day At The Races

So, the four of us went to Great Yarmouth races. That's me, Tony, Gareth & Danny. It was Danny's idea. 

 He said: ''Are you interested in going to Yarmouth on the 31st July?'' 

 We didn't take much convincing although Tony had intended to work. As it tuned out, it was a good idea. 

 Travelling by train, we got the 8:34 from March, the heart of the Fens. I wouldn't call myself a carrot cruncher but we did chat to a bloke later in the day who mentioned webbed feet!

 A change at Ely, Norwich, then about a 30 minute journey to a place associated with the great man himself Lord Nelson (he actually lived up the road in Burnham Thorpe). The train went quicker than the traffic on the Acle straight. The whole journey took about two hours. With good company, it seemed much quicker. There is no rush. Smiles, laughter and talking tips, prices...red hot favourites.

 ''It's a favourites track.'' 

 It's a short walk from the railway station to the market place. Danny didn't realise and suggested we got a taxi. The taxi man politely explained it was a short walk, clearly finding reason to get rid of a very cheap fare. I couldn't blame him. Not much to be gained from a £5 trip when waiting in the taxi rank for far too long. 

 A short walk to the Feathers public house. A friendly place, clean, tidy and inexpensive beer. Different from the racecourse where a round is getting on for £20. 

 The market was busy and the lady on the hat stand sold Danny something that resembled a Panama. It was as much to keep the sun at bay as being a style guru. He looked the part.

 We got a taxi to the course. This bloke shared his tips for the day and didn't inform us it was only ''two miles'' to walk. I've walked along the front but it's a long, long walk – an endless straight. Plenty of furlongs if you want to look at it in that way. Good to firm going, if not hard. Ten minutes drive and stops at the wrong gate. Walked half a furlong to the members enclosure. Almost £30. Scandalous. 

 I love the course. 

 So many memories. A family tradition. A happy pilgrimage. Remembering family and friends who did the same. I remember the stories. We were part of the stories. Holidays to Caister-on-sea. Love you, Dad. That's where the sport of kings whispered in my ear that one day you will bet like a pro. I certainly have. Many times one, two, three grand. But not today. 

Time passes so quickly. Ten minutes to the first race. I was interested in the second – a two-year-old novice stakes. 

 The first race come and gone. An easy 10/1 winner. No joy. Danny bet on the favourite. Tony chances his luck on an outsider.

 We walked to one of the stands. Sausage and chips, fishcake and chips twice, while Dan had fish and chips. A decent meal for the price. Not so scandalous. Hunger making any price seem palatable. 

 The two-year-old race had a couple of horses I fancied. Karl Burke's Lonely Boy and Beryl The Petal who I thought had sound each-way claims. I would have rather backed Lonely Boy each-way but the price was 7/4. Had a win bet on both and each-way bet on Beryl at 4/1. I don't think there was much value floating about. 

 Tony had his eye on Taylormade, trained by Mohamed Moubarak. This son of Archipenko had raced once back in May, running down the field. Ninth of thirteen. He fancied the 25/1 shot. It was 30s on Betfair. 

 Tony has won some huge money for small stakes in his time. £20 to £4000 when Puggy won on debut. She went on the compete in the 1000 Guineas. He's had many similar bets often simply because he likes the look of a horse. Well, Taylormade registered on his radar. 

 He walked up to one bookie with a few £20 pound notes, another with a smaller bet. A few quid on Betfair. 

 I felt pretty confident my two horses would be there about. 

 ''They're off!'' shouted commentator, Thommo, a regular at the course. 

 Lonely Boy and Beryl The Petal leading. Soon battling with the pack. This wasn't going to be so easy. Losing. Fighting for the lead. 

 Taylormade mentioned. Tony getting more animated. 

 ''Go on, Taylor...'' 

 I looked to see what I was shouting for sensing Tony had much more to win than me to lose. 

 It was close. Very close. 

 ''Photograph!!!'' 

 An anxious wait. Tony saying he thought Taylormade had just got up but you can never be sure. The announcement of the photo. Silence before the a merry bunch cheered. Number 4. Taylormade 1st. Tony looking happy. Danny sitting in the grandstand unaware of any winner, as yet. 

 One bookie paid £400. Another the same. Money ready. ''I've counted it twice.'' Tony took the bundle with a thank you. Taylormade had won him well over a grand with the Betfair wager struck, too. A wallet bulging at the seams. 

 Walking across the grass, climbing the steps to a hatted Danny, racing paper in hand. Looking up, seeing smiles, and listening to a story of winning. ''I had a feeling you bet on that!'' Danny telling everyone he met Tony had won over a grand. 

 A great day.

2022 Gold Cup Winner A Plus Tard


A Plus Tard is a horse that has quickly risen to prominence in the world of horse racing, and his victory in the 2022 Gold Cup was a testament to his talent and perseverance. The seven-year-old gelding, owned by Cheveley Park Stud and trained by Henry de Bromhead, had a difficult start to his career, but has now emerged as one of the most exciting horses in the sport. A Plus Tard's journey to the Gold Cup victory was far from straightforward. He began his career in France, racing on the flat before switching to hurdles. He won his first race over jumps in 2018, but it was not until the following year that he really began to show his potential. He won a novice hurdle at Naas by an impressive eight lengths, before following up with a victory in the Grade One Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

That victory marked A Plus Tard as a horse to watch, and he continued to impress throughout the 2019/2020 season. He won two more races, including the Grade One Novices' Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, before running a creditable second in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. 

The 2020/2021 season saw A Plus Tard take on some of the best horses in the sport, and while he was not always successful, he continued to show his talent and determination. He won the Grade Two Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown in December 2020, before finishing third in the Grade One Savills Chase at the same track later that month.

A Plus Tard's path to the 2022 Gold Cup was not without its challenges. He suffered a setback early in the season, which forced him to miss some important races. However, his connections remained confident in his ability, and he returned to action in January 2022 with a victory in the Grade Three Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster.

That win set A Plus Tard up for a shot at the Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious races in the sport. He faced tough competition from some of the best horses in the world, including the defending champion Al Boum Photo, but he was undaunted. In a thrilling race, A Plus Tard stayed close to the leaders throughout, before making his move in the closing stages. He surged past the tiring Al Boum Photo and the fast-finishing Frodon to win by a length and a quarter.

The victory was a career highlight for A Plus Tard and his connections, who had worked hard to get him to this point. It was also a testament to the skill and talent of trainer Henry de Bromhead, who had masterminded the horse's success over the years. De Bromhead had also trained the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Minella Indo, and his success with A Plus Tard further cemented his status as one of the best trainers in the sport.

Looking ahead, A Plus Tard's future is bright. He is still only seven years old, and he has plenty of racing years ahead of him. His victory in the Gold Cup marked him as one of the best horses in the sport, and he will be a formidable opponent for any horse that comes up against him in the future.

In conclusion, A Plus Tard's victory in the 2022 Gold Cup was a well-deserved and impressive achievement. It marked him out as one of the best horses in the world, and a serious contender for major races in the years to come. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and a strong team behind him, and it is a story that will inspire horse racing fans for years.

Photo: Canva

1994 Gold Cup Winner The Fellow


The Fellow is a name that is well known in the world of horse racing, particularly in France. Born in 1984, The Fellow was a French-bred thoroughbred racehorse who won the 1994 Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious races in the United Kingdom. He was owned by the legendary French racing figure, Marcel Boussac, and trained by Francois Doumen.

The Fellow began his racing career in 1987, and his first major victory came in the Prix des Sablons at Longchamp in 1990. He went on to win several other important races in France, including the Prix La Haye Jousselin in 1991 and 1992, and the Prix Georges Courtois in 1993.

But it was his victory in the 1994 Gold Cup at Cheltenham that made him a legend. The Gold Cup is a race that has been run since 1924 and is considered one of the most prestigious races in the world. It is a steeplechase race that covers a distance of 3 miles 2 ½ furlongs (approximately 5,331 meters) and features some of the best jumpers in the world.

The 1994 Gold Cup was a particularly competitive race, with several top contenders vying for the title. But The Fellow stood out from the pack, displaying his incredible jumping ability and stamina. Ridden by Adam Kondrat, The Fellow took the lead early in the race and never looked back, crossing the finish line ahead of his nearest competitor, Jodami, by 1 ¾ lengths.

The Fellow's victory in the Gold Cup was a triumph not only for himself but for his trainer, Francois Doumen, and his owner, Marcel Boussac. Boussac was a renowned figure in French racing, having owned several other successful racehorses, including the great Ribot. But he had never won the Gold Cup before, and The Fellow's victory was a crowning achievement for him.

After his victory in the Gold Cup, The Fellow continued to race for a few more years, but injuries began to take their toll on him. He was retired in 1997 with a record of 18 wins from 33 starts and earnings of more than £800,000.

Today, The Fellow is remembered as one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time. He was inducted into the French Racing Hall of Fame in 2002, and his name is still invoked by racing fans as a symbol of excellence and perseverance. His victory in the 1994 Gold Cup was a moment of glory not just for himself, but for all those who loved and admired him.

In conclusion, The Fellow was a magnificent racehorse whose victory in the 1994 Gold Cup will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in the history of horse racing. His combination of speed, agility, and stamina made him a true champion, and his legacy continues to inspire and excite racing fans around the world.

The Grand National: Betting Odds for Life


I wonder how you got interested in horse racing?

 My father, Colin, was my inspiration. If it hadn't been for him, the odds of me writing this post would be 1000/1. Life and our relationships make us who we are today. 

 My childhood was everything it should be. I didn't realise at the time I had a wonderful mother, father, brothers, relatives and friends. I got lucky at the game of life. Sure, there have been a few lessons to learn. You often hear how gambling is a derogatory word. It is akin to dicing with the devil. He can throw six six six without any fuss. You feel the heat of the situation as another bet crashes and burns.

 I wonder if you like a bet? 

 Because we all need to be philosophical when considering the best betting odds for any given horse race. It may be the Grand National or the Nunthorpe Stakes over a flying five furlongs at York. There will always be winners and losers. But sometimes there is no logic to the result. 

 If your life was defined by a winner of the Grand National which horse would you be? 

 Be honest. 

 I guess everyone wants to be Red Rum. The three-time winner of the Grand National in days where the fences were hard, deceiving and cruel. You needed to be as cunning as a fox, as strong as a bear and jump like a gazelle. Red Rum raced over both codes: Flat & National Hunt. Funny how he was ridden by Lester Piggott at Aintree over five-furlong and dead-heated. It doesn't sound possible, hey? Then we went on to run in 100 national hunt races and never fell. 

 I'm sure in those days, if we had colour television we would have noticed he wore a red cape and pants over his trousers. That's Red Rum, not Lester Piggott, although I'm pretty sure they both came from the same primordial soup. A mixture of stardust and long-tailed comets that caught the eye. 

 While some are known for greatness others just got lucky. Which is better? I guess it depends on your perspective. A winner is a winner, hey. So many times life is about circumstance. The odds of you or me being born to our parents more remote than anything we could imagine. As fascinating as it is mundane. It simply happened. 

 I always watch the Grand National. My first thoughts being that all horses return home safe and sound. 

 This year's Grand National will be a year for many to remember. If anyone has ever backed a winner in the greatest steeplechase in the world they are likely to remember the horse's name. For some, it was Red Rum. Others it was Foinavon. Many taken their answers to their graves or told in stories by future generations. 
How Flo, down the street, won £100 when Red Alligator romped home in 1968, with the song In The Year 2525 sang by Zager And Evans playing in the background. 

10 Reason To Go To The Cheltenham Fesival 2023

Prestige: The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. Its long history and reputation for attracting the best horses, jockeys, and trainers make it an event that many horse racing enthusiasts dream of attending.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere at the Cheltenham Festival is electric. The excitement of the crowd, the thundering hooves of the horses, and the roar of the cheers all combine to create a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Competition: The Cheltenham Festival is known for its fiercely competitive races. Some of the best horses from around the world compete against each other, making for some exciting and unpredictable races.

Tradition: The Cheltenham Festival has a long and rich history. It has been held annually since 1860 and has become an integral part of British culture. Attending the festival allows you to become a part of this tradition and experience the history of horse racing firsthand.

Betting: Betting on horse racing is an integral part of the Cheltenham Festival. Whether you are a seasoned gambler or a beginner, there is something for everyone. The festival offers a wide range of betting options and the potential for big wins.

Fashion: The Cheltenham Festival is a chance to dress up and show off your style. The event has become known for its fashion, with attendees wearing their finest outfits and accessories.

Entertainment: The Cheltenham Festival offers much more than just horse racing. There are also a variety of entertainment options, including live music, food and drink stalls, and other attractions.

Socializing: The Cheltenham Festival is a social event, and attending allows you to meet and connect with other horse racing enthusiasts. It’s a great opportunity to network and make new friends. Location: Cheltenham is a beautiful town located in the heart of the Cotswolds, an area known for its stunning natural beauty. Attending the festival allows you to explore this region and take in its sights and sounds.

Memories: The Cheltenham Festival is an event that creates lasting memories. The excitement, energy, and atmosphere of the event are unforgettable, and attending allows you to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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