Cheltenham has announced the introduction of the Prestbury Cup ahead of this year’s Festival to celebrate the rivalry between Britain and Ireland.
The Prestbury Cup runs from the first race of the four-day meeting on March 11 until either country has 14 winners or more.
For the first time last year there were more Irish-trained winners than British-trained, with 14 trophies taken back across the Irish Sea.
“The competition between Ireland and Great Britain is an element of the Festival that has grown hugely in significance over the last few years,” a spokeswoman said.
“It therefore seemed appropriate that the competition between the two countries should be given an official title.
“With such strong entries from Ireland this year, as well as hundreds of British-trained horses running, I’m sure The Prestbury Cup will provide a great narrative to The Festival.”
Coral have priced Great Britain as 1-3 with Ireland 9-4.
“Despite Willie Mullins travelling across the Irish Sea with arguably the strongest Cheltenham Festival team ever assembled, we favour the combined might of the British challenge to win enough races to keep the Prestbury Cup at home this year,” a Coral spokesman said.
