We asked an AI to write horseracing articles and the results were fascinating

We posed some questions to ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence research system that has been making headlines all over the world for its incredible ability to give convincing answers to requests on a mind-boggling array of subjects, and we wanted to see what this super AI could do with racing.

Open AI, the company that developed Chat GPT, says its mission is to ensure its technology "benefits all of humanity", but forget that – can it tell us if Honeysuckle would beat Constitution Hill?

We asked: Write an article about why Honeysuckle can beat Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle

ChatGPT answered: The Champion Hurdle is a prestigious horse racing event held annually at the Cheltenham Festival in England. The race is open to horses aged four years and above, and it is one of the most prestigious hurdles races in the world. This year, the race is set to be a thrilling showdown between two talented horses: Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill.

While Constitution Hill is the current favourite to win the Champion Hurdle, there are several reasons why Honeysuckle could emerge victorious. For starters, Honeysuckle has a strong track record, having won all six of her previous races. This impressive winning streak includes victories at the Hatton's Grace Hurdle and the Dublin Racing Festival, which are both prestigious hurdles races.

Furthermore, Honeysuckle has proven herself to be a versatile and adaptable horse. She has won races on both soft and heavy ground, which means that she can handle a variety of track conditions. This could be a significant advantage at the Champion Hurdle, as the weather at Cheltenham can be unpredictable.

Another factor in Honeysuckle's favour is her youth. At just six years old, she is still relatively young for a horse racing at this level. This means that she has plenty of room for improvement and could be reaching the peak of her abilities just in time for the Champion Hurdle. By contrast, Constitution Hill is eight years old and may be past his prime.

Additionally, Honeysuckle has a strong partnership with her jockey, Rachael Blackmore. The duo has a great understanding of each other and have developed a winning strategy that has proven successful in the past. Blackmore is a skilled and experienced jockey who knows how to get the best out of her horse.

In conclusion, while Constitution Hill is the current favourite to win the Champion Hurdle, Honeysuckle has a strong case for victory. Her impressive track record, versatility, youth, and strong partnership with her jockey make her a formidable opponent. If she can produce a top-class performance on the day, Honeysuckle could be the one to beat.

What we say: In OpenAI's defence, it might not have known Henry de Bromhead was running scared of Constitution Hill and some would say if the trainer doesn't think she can win, then why should a bot?

The Teahupoo camp might not like hearing she has won "all six of her previous races", but it, rightly, points to the powerhouse mare's versatility when it comes to ground "as the weather at Cheltenham can be unpredictable", although it's probably too early to ask Jon Pullin about watering for March.

Her "great" relationship with the flawless Rachael Blackmore is given as another plus, but perhaps some gremlins in the intelligence has led it to believe the daughter of Sulamani is six and her big-race rival is eight. Either that, or it's stumbled across one of the biggest scoops of the century and fair play to Honeysuckle for winning her point-to-point as a two-year-old.

The fact Constitution Hill, who is actually five, "may be past his prime" might surprise those closest to him who are daring to dream they have a megastar on their hands, but it is a game of opinions.

We asked: Should the Cheltenham Festival be expanded to five days?

Cheltenham Festival: more days, more racegoers?Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

ChatGPT answered: The Cheltenham Festival is a prestigious annual horse racing event held in Cheltenham, England. The event currently lasts for four days and features a number of high-profile races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle.

There are arguments both for and against expanding the Cheltenham Festival to five days. On the one hand, expanding the event could allow for more races to be held, potentially attracting a larger number of spectators and increasing revenues for the industry. This could also provide more opportunities for jockeys, trainers, and owners to compete and potentially boost the popularity of the sport.

On the other hand, expanding the Cheltenham Festival to five days could also have some negative impacts. For example, it could put additional strain on the horses, jockeys, and other members of the racing industry who would be required to compete in more races. This could potentially lead to an increase in injuries and other negative outcomes.

Additionally, expanding the event to five days could also require significant investments in infrastructure and other resources, such as accommodations for racegoers and additional security and medical personnel. This could potentially lead to higher costs for the organisers of the event.

In conclusion, whether or not the Cheltenham Festival should be expanded to five days is a complex issue that would need to be carefully considered. While there are potential benefits to expanding the event, there are also potential drawbacks that would need to be taken into account.

What we say: More races, not that many more, ChatGPT. Just two to make it 30 with six on each day would be the likely thought, but if more are required a veterans' novice handicap chase for horses whose trainers just have one syllable in their first names shouldn't be ruled out lightly – sorry Nicky, Willie and Gordon!

The AI also notes the need for additional accommodation for racegoers, which could be music to the ears of some of the town's hotels, whose rates soar 743 and 589 per cent from February to festival week.

"Increasing revenues" from the Jockey Club's milkiest cash cow didn't seem that hard to turn down when the organisation made the decision to stick with a four-day festival this autumn, but will it be able to resist the lure of a famous five forever?

Boosting the sport's appeal – a fifth day would result in a Tuesday-to-Saturday meeting – is another factor identified, although those involved would be mindful of attracting the 'wrong' Saturday crowd and an action plan to combat anti-social behaviour at the fixture was announced this year – months before anyone decided their best horses shouldn't run against other good horses.

We asked: Write some marketing spiel for the Cheltenham Festival that is totally over the top

A Plus Tard returns to the winner's enclosure after his Gold Cup triumphCredit: Edward Whitaker

ChatGPT answered:Are you ready for the most thrilling, heart-pumping, edge-of-your-seat action you've ever experienced? Look no further than the Cheltenham Festival – the ultimate destination for true adrenaline junkies!

At the Cheltenham Festival, you'll be treated to a feast of high-speed, high-stakes horse racing like you've never seen before. From the thundering hooves of the horses to the cheers of the crowd, every moment is guaranteed to take your breath away.

But the excitement doesn't stop there – in between races, you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment, from live music and performances to delicious food and drink. And with a range of ticket options available, there's something for everyone at the Cheltenham Festival.

So why wait? Join us at the Cheltenham Festival and get ready for the time of your life – you won't be disappointed! Get your tickets now and experience the thrill of the race like never before!

What we say: High stakes? Mmm. Not that connections of State Man are short of a bob or two, but he collected £56,270 when winning the County Hurdle – a sum towered over by the £87,218 Glory And Fortune trousered in Newbury's Betfair Hurdle a month earlier.

Talking of money, you better have some because that "delicious food and drink" doesn't come cheap, although if you pay £7.50 for a pint of Guinness, you'll get your paper cup for free.

The action on the track might take your breath away and you will hear hooves thundering – well, if there are enough runners - but let's hope Cheltenham doesn't borrow the Derby-day idea of fireworks from sister venue Epsom for "entertainment" in between races; certain TV presenters are capable of causing enough sparks.

As for the "ultimate destination for true adrenaline junkies", Paul Townend would probably rather a serene, routine, drama-free victory in the Gold Cup on Galopin Des Champs over a repeat of their sensational final-fence spill in last term's Turners Novices' Chase, which probably had him at odds with ChatGPT's sentiments people "won't be disappointed" at the festival.

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