Henderson: Epatante "didn't cough today" and remains on course for Cheltenham
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Nicky Henderson insists Unibet Champion Hurdle favourite Epatante is on course for Cheltenham, despite giving her trainer some cause for concern earlier this week.
The master of the powerful Seven Barrows stable was on hand at Newbury on Friday to see Monte Cristo successfully land odds-on favouritism in the three-runner Mansionbet Best Odds Guaranteed Juvenile Hurdle under Daryl Jacob.
Afterwards, Henderson said: “I can tell you Epatante didn’t cough today. That is the official line today.
“We are forced to say these things before somebody gets it out – and then it’s headline news. Unfortunately, we have to say it before it leaks out and it is drifting (in the market). You virtually have to let everyone know before she has even coughed!
“But that’s what they are making you do. She has not coughed this morning and we are all on course.”
Though a general 3-1 shot on Thursday morning before the yard informed the public via Twitter the mare had coughed, some firms pushed her out to 9-2 overnight, but she has again firmed up, with Sky Bet shortest at 3-1.
Essential for the Cheltenham Festival - get your FREE Racing TV Flat Cap! Click here for more details.
Related posts
Naas report: Causeway follows in hoofprints of Paddington
Katie Midwinter has one more Naas tip after two winners
Sunday tips: Angus McNae begins with two winners
The 2026 Grand National: guide to all the entries
Dubai World Cup meeting: news, tips and interviews
Featured offers
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
£30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Ladbrokes
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets + money back if 2nd to SP fav with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved