CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 'madness' has kicked in - after bookies slashed the odds of a Nicky Henderson horse who 'can't run' there. JP McManus' brilliant mare Joyeuse hammered rivals in last weekend's big William Hill Hurdle at Newbury. Sent off 9-2 under Nico de Boinville, she travelled like an absolute dream and cruised home by eight lengths. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).
![[Two jockeys racing horses at Newbury Racecourse.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/nico-de-boinville-riding-joyeuse-970246295.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get... Become a member today for just £1*. *For the first month then £3 per month thereafter. SIGN UP NOW. 18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk. Bookies immediately slashed her odds to 8-1 for the County Hurdle at next month's Festival.
But both Henderson and De Boinville hit out at the qualifying criteria for the handicaps after it emerged Joyeuse would not run. A horse has to run five times before the Festival to be eligible for this year's County. Joyeuse has run four times since January 8 but Henderson said he will not squeeze another in before March. De Boinville said the whole situation was 'madness' - adding: "She went through the race really easy and jumped great. It was very straightforward.
