And They’re Off…€18,000 In Prize Money For Castle Bar’s ‘Cheltenham Rollover’

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Castle Cheltenham

Getting all geared up for Cheltenham in the Castle Bar were, from left: Fergal, Adrian, Darren, Gerard O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

CHELTENHAM has arrived and  while many pubs and bookies will see a surge in business, one Rock Street hostelry becomes the hub of activity for the week.

It has almost become a tradition for many punters in town to converge on The Castle Bar where their ‘Cheltenham Rollover’ is the highlight of the festival.

And with thousands in prize money at stake it’s a serious business among the craic in the bar during the world famous national hunt festival.

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In total, the ‘Rollover’ will shell out €18,000 in prize money with €5,000 going to the lucky winner.

The ‘Rollover’ victor will also have the privilege of being immortalised in the bar on the list of past winners.

The competition which has been going since 1998 is expected to have 180 entrants before the first race goes to post Tuesday afternoon.

Entrants in the rollover must pick a horse in every race with the winner at the end of the week being determined on points system.

“It’s the next best thing to being there,” said Gerard O’Sullivan of the Castle Bar.

Another big lure for the bar is Locals Day on Thursday where prizes for best dressed lady and best dressed man are awarded.

“We’ve always been busy for Cheltenham, but I suppose since the ‘Rollover’ has started it has become even busier because it’s brought a few extra heads into the bar during the week. It’s got to the stage now where people take their holidays during Cheltenham and spend it all in the bar. It’s good for the whole area and we’ll have a bit of craic as well,” said Gerard.

 

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