Cheltenham Day 1: Can L’Homme Presse Defy the Weight in the Mud? (Dec 12)
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025 Category: Horse Racing News & Tips
The road to the Festival starts in earnest today. The Cheltenham International Meeting kicks off this afternoon, and for racing fans in the Cotswolds, the weather is the main talking point. With heavy rain soaking the track over the last 24 hours, the ground is officially Soft, setting the stage for a grueling test of stamina.
While the “mud-larks” will be relishing the conditions, all eyes are on one superstar returning to the track in a fascinating—and risky—handicap bid.
Here is your trending racing briefing for Day 1.
The Big Story: L’Homme Presse Shoulders Top Weight (13:50)
It is rare to see a genuine Gold Cup contender start their season in a handicap, but that is exactly what L’Homme Presse is doing in the Dahlia Handicap Chase (1:50 pm).
Venetia Williams’ stable star carries a massive 12 stone, conceding weight to the entire field. While this is a huge ask, the local conditions might play right into his hands. L’Homme Presse excels on Soft and Heavy ground. If he can win today carrying this burden, his odds for the Gold Cup in March will crash immediately.
If you are betting today, look for “Grade 1 class in a handicap.” If he jumps cleanly, he could simply outclass opponents like Il Ridoto despite the weight difference.
External Link Suggestion: View the Full 13:50 Racecard & Odds (Racing Post)
Market Movers: The “Skelton Factor” (13:15)
The “Rising” trend on Google this morning has been dominated by the Dan Skelton yard. Skelton has a phenomenal record at this meeting, and the money has started to flow for Fortune De Mer in the 1:15 pm Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Why he’s trending: He was a winner at this track in October, and the market suggests he is still “well-in” at the weights. With the ground turning testing, his course form is gold dust.
One to watch: In the opener (12:05), keep an eye on Lisbane Park. There is a strong “whisper” for this Joe Tizzard runner, with punters backing him heavily to upset the favourites on debut.
The Constitution Hill Debate: Is the King in Trouble?
While he isn’t running today, Constitution Hill remains the most searched name in British racing this week. Following a lackluster public gallop and rumors of a “startling dip in form,” the racing world is divided.
Is this just a blip, or are we seeing the decline of a legend? The camp insists he “looks fantastic” at home, but with his participation in the Christmas Hurdle still unconfirmed, the skepticism is growing.
Watch: Remind yourself of his dominance in last year’s Christmas Hurdle below.
Constitution Hill destroying the field (Caption: Constitution Hill destroying the field in the 2024 Christmas Hurdle – can he bounce back?)
Global Spotlight: History Beckons in Hong Kong
Looking ahead to Sunday, the international spotlight shifts to Sha Tin for the Hong Kong International Races.
The headline act is Romantic Warrior, who is aiming to win the historic Hong Kong Cup for a record-breaking fourth consecutive year. He is currently the highest-earning horse in the world, and a win on Sunday would cement his status as an all-time global great.