Cheltenham Festival 2021: Racing rapport with Charlie Deutsch

Without the roaring crowds and electric buzz of anticipation, the Cheltenham Festival is set to look very different this year, but excitement amongst the racing community is as palpable as ever.

Before we head off to the (televised) races, we caught up with Lycetts-sponsored jockey Charlie Deutsch, as he readies himself to compete in the highlight event of the Jump Racing season.

The Cheltenham Festival is just around the corner. Some would say that it represents the most exciting few days in the racing calendar for a jockey.  Would you agree?

Yes, the Cheltenham Festival is definitely the most exciting week of racing. The best horses are racing and their whole season is planned for the meeting.

As a jockey, it is the greatest place to win, and it can give your career a huge uplift. Every year, people flock to the meeting and people come over from Ireland in their swarms. The atmosphere is electric all week and growing up nearby in the Cotswolds, the pubs and hotels are packed. The whole area is abuzz with activity.

What is your favourite memory of previous Festivals?

My favourite memory is bunking off school and sneaking through a hole in the fence on the Friday to cheer on Imperial Commander as he won the gold cup.

Who are you most looking forward to riding this year?

Venetia has a good team this year and Royale Pagaille is very exciting.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals that you always like to do before a race?

I’m not very superstitious, so I don’t really have any rituals. I do try to have a good stretch before my first ride of the day, however.

What difference does not having the crowd in attendance at race meeting make?  Can you feel the difference in the atmosphere?

At first, the racecourses did feel very empty but now I’m used to it. On a day-to-day basis, I like it, as it is much easier to get on with your day and the traffic is better going home.

However, if you ride a winner on a big stage like Cheltenham, you do would want a crowd to celebrate with.

If you could ride any horse (past or present) which would it be and why?

I would say it would have to be Kauto Star, as he was on the racing circuit when I was growing up. He was also hugely talented and looked very athletic, like a cat.

We will all be avidly glued to the TVs in the afternoon, but what does a morning of the festival look like for you?

I will ride out in the morning at Venetia’s in Hereford and then go to Cheltenham racecourse early to beat the traffic, run the track, and then get ready for the race.

What is it like to have the support of Venetia Williams and how important has she been in your career?

It’s great to have the support of Venetia – she is very easy to ride for and doesn’t overcomplicate things. She allows me to make my own decisions throughout a race. Venetia has been crucial to my career and it gives me huge satisfaction riding winners for her team.

What is it like to ride up the Cheltenham hill and is it the hardest in racing?

It really depends on the horse you are riding. Although it is not the longest hill, it feels a long way from the back of the last, and it can pay to time your challenge.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

I would always watch the top jockeys and their techniques, but Venetia’s Liam Treadwell has been a huge influence. Although we were both competing for rides, he would always try and help me out and was an absolute gentleman.

We wish Charlie the best of luck at the Cheltenham Festival and we will be cheering him on from the virtual Grandstand!