'It wouldn't be Cheltenham' - Gemmell hopes owners can attend in March

Andrew Gemmell has stressed "Cheltenham wouldn't be Cheltenham" if owners are not permitted to attend this year's festival, as he waits anxiously to find out whether he can be on course as his beloved Paisley Park goes for more Stayers' Hurdle glory in March.

The leading owner was speaking in the build-up to Paisley Park's intended prep run in the Paddy Power Cleeve Hurdle on Saturday – although Cheltenham will need to pass a 2pm inspection on Friday with parts of the track waterlogged.

Cheltenham Saturday cards

The outlook for March is even more muddling, with owners still unsure whether they will be able to attend the Cheltenham Festival and the Jockey Club yet to confirm if the meeting will be held behind closed doors.

That thought is a bleak prospect for Gemmell, who provided one of the most heartwarming stories at the festival when celebrating Paisley Park's 2019 Stayers' Hurdle success. The 68-year-old owner, who has been blind since birth, has followed Paisley Park eagerly in his rise from handicaps to Grade 1 stardom.

Paisley Park: recorded a career-highest RPR of 172 in the 2019 Cleeve HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

He said: "It would be massively disappointing [if owners can't go] and I'm really hoping that it isn't the case. Cheltenham wouldn't be Cheltenham. It's bad enough without the spectators but if you're an owner and you can't go then it's very disappointing.

"I really hope that doesn't happen and I'd like to think it's in seven weeks' time and so we can be there."

Paisley Park has raced twice since the coronavirus outbreak halted the sport. The Emma Lavelle-trained nine-year-old bounced back from a below-par seventh in last season's Stayers' Hurdle with a fine second at Newbury to Thyme Hill before reversing the form with a thrilling last-gasp win in the Long Walk at Ascot.

"The enthusiasm was brought back to the boil at Ascot – although it's never really gone away," said Gemmell. "Simon Holt's commentary and how he [Paisley Park] 'got him' [Thyme Hill] right at the end of the race was brilliant. It got me really excited and thinking it was only 12 weeks until the big one at Cheltenham."

As an owner, Gemmell was able to be on course for both of Paisley Park's runs this season and Saturday would be the first time he is not permitted to attend. But he has suitable arrangements in place if the odds-on favourite obliges.

Andrew Gemmell: has supplies on boardCredit: Edward Whitaker

He added: "I'm disappointed I can't go but the excitement is still there. Celebrating won't be a problem, I think I've got plenty in the house for that. I'll be watching on the TV as per normal and hopefully I'll be having a refreshment afterwards."

A Jockey Club statement confirmed talks had begun with the BHA about relocating the Cotswold Chase, Cleeve Hurdle and "a couple of other races" should Cheltenham fail its inspection on Friday.

If the Cleeve Hurdle is relocated, Lavelle hopes Paisley Park would still attempt to complete a hat-trick in the race.

"It'd be disappointing [if Saturday is abandoned] as Trials day sits in the perfect position," said the Wiltshire-based trainer. "We'd have to see what's happening – I'd imagine it'd be rearranged shortly as it wouldn't want to be too close to the main meeting. If we can go racing with him we will."

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Paisley Park was one of six runners declared on Thursday for the Grade 2 and he will bid to become only the second horse to triumph three times in the 38-year history of the race.

The son of Oscar is reported to be in brilliant shape in his quest to emulate Lady Rebecca, whose third successive win came in 2001. Lavelle, speaking in a call hosted by Great British Racing, said: "He's really good, he did a lovely bit of work on the grass on Saturday which was his last proper bit of work. Aidan [Coleman, jockey] came in and schooled in on Wednesday – he's so good at home.

"He's a three-mile hurdler but he schooled with a horse who's more than capable of winning races over two and a half but they don't see which way he's goes. That class – even just [schooling] over four hurdles – it shows."

Read more:

Cheltenham's Trials day card set for Friday afternoon inspection

'He's the ultimate stayer' – turbo kicks in as Paisley Park snatches Long Walk

Paisley Park: what makes Emma Lavelle's star stayer such a hit with the public

Murphy says time is right for Itchy Feet's Cleeve clash with Paisley Park

Tom Segal is taking on Paisley Park with 20-1 and 16-1 shots in Stayers' Hurdle

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