Festival Focus - Jewson

Conan The Destroyer - Captain Conan looks a cut above his potential Jewson rivals

We’re over half way through the big races in Festival Focus now and on to day three of the festival with Thursday’s first race the Jewson Novices’ Chase.

The Jewson might still be in its infancy as a Cheltenham Festival race but with Sir Des Champs taking the race in impressive fashion last year it has already established itself as a breeding ground for future stars.

Much like the Ryanair did for the seasoned chasers the Jewson offers novice chasers an interim distance between the rapid 2 miles of the Arkle and the attritional 3 miles of the RSA.

Ireland have been responsible for both winners of this race thus far with Noble Prince taking the inaugural running in 2011 and Sir Des Champs following up for the raiders from across the Irish Sea twelve months ago.

Although there will once again no doubt be a strong Irish challenge this year it is the home team that look to have the strongest hand in the race courtesy of the Nicky Henderson trained Captain Conan.