Benie Des Dieux: A 30/1 Shot at Cheltenham
Introduction
The Cheltenham Festival is a prestigious horse racing event held annually in Cheltenham, England. One of the highly anticipated races is the Mares Hurdle, a Grade 1 race for mares only. Benie Des Dieux, a highly decorated mare trained by Willie Mullins, has been a dominant force in the Mares Hurdle, winning in 2018 and 2019. However, in 2020, William Hill offered a surprising 30/1 odds on Benie Des Dieux to win the Mares Hurdle. This unexpected offer sparked interest and speculation, raising questions about her chances and the factors influencing William Hill’s odds. This article will delve into the reasons behind William Hill’s odds and analyze Benie Des Dieux’s potential to win the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Benie Des Dieux’s Past Performance
Benie Des Dieux boasts an impressive track record, especially in the Mares Hurdle. She has won the race twice, in 2018 and 2019, demonstrating her dominance in the division. Prior to her Cheltenham success, she had already established herself as a talented mare, winning the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle in 2018. Her exceptional performance in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran in 2020, where she won for a record fifth time, further solidified her status as a top contender. However, her dramatic exit at Cheltenham in the OLBG Mares Hurdle in 2020, where she fell at the final flight, raised questions about her consistency. Despite this setback, her proven track record and ability to win at the highest level make her a formidable opponent.
William Hill’s Odds
William Hill’s decision to offer 30/1 odds on Benie Des Dieux to win the Mares Hurdle was a significant departure from the general consensus. Most online bookmakers placed her as a strong favorite, with odds much shorter than William Hill’s offering. The bookmaker’s decision to offer such long odds suggests a perceived risk factor associated with Benie Des Dieux, potentially due to her recent fall at Cheltenham or concerns about her form; However, William Hill’s odds also presented an opportunity for bettors to capitalize on a potential upset, given Benie Des Dieux’s history of winning at the highest level.
The Mares Hurdle
The Mares Hurdle, often referred to as the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle, is a prestigious Grade 1 race at the Cheltenham Festival, specifically designed for mares. This race, held on the first day of the festival, attracts top-class mares from across the racing world. The Mares Hurdle is a challenging 2m4f hurdle race, demanding both stamina and agility from the competitors. The 2020 edition of the Mares Hurdle saw a strong field of contenders, including the reigning champion, Honeysuckle, and other formidable mares like Stormy Ireland and Elfile. Benie Des Dieux’s presence in the race added further excitement and intrigue, given her previous victories in the event and William Hill’s unusual 30/1 odds.
The Competition
The 2020 Mares Hurdle presented a formidable challenge for Benie Des Dieux. Honeysuckle٫ trained by Henry de Bromhead٫ emerged as a formidable rival٫ having won the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown and boasting a strong record. Other notable contenders included Stormy Ireland٫ a consistent performer trained by Willie Mullins٫ and Elfile٫ a talented mare with a good track record. These mares٫ along with others in the field٫ possessed the skills and experience to make the race fiercely competitive٫ and Benie Des Dieux would have needed to be at her absolute best to overcome the strong opposition and claim victory.
Benie Des Dieux’s Chances
Despite the 30/1 odds offered by William Hill, Benie Des Dieux remained a formidable contender in the Mares Hurdle. Her past victories in 2018 and 2019 showcased her exceptional talent and prowess on the Cheltenham track. While her recent form might have raised some concerns, her past performances and the pedigree of her trainer, Willie Mullins, instilled a sense of confidence among many racing enthusiasts. The potential for an upset was certainly there, and Benie Des Dieux’s potential to win, though considered an unlikely outcome by William Hill, could not be entirely discounted.
The 30/1 odds offered by William Hill on Benie Des Dieux to win the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2020 was a bold statement; While Benie Des Dieux’s past success and reputation as a formidable mare made her a strong contender, the odds reflected a belief that she was not the top favorite. Despite the unexpected odds, Benie Des Dieux’s chances couldn’t be completely dismissed. Ultimately, the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham is a race known for its unpredictability and surprises, and the potential for an upset, though unlikely, was always present. The 2020 Mares Hurdle race was a testament to the thrilling nature of horse racing, where unexpected outcomes can sometimes be the most exciting.