FESTIVAL FEVER: England cricketers Jamie and Craig Overton on their love of Cheltenham

England’s cricketing twin brothers – and horse racing fans – Jamie and Craig Overton will be glued to the action this week.

Here they reveal what Cheltenham means to them, their favourite memories and banker bet.

What does Cheltenham mean to you?

Jamie: It’s the pinnacle of racing and every owner or trainer wants to have a Festival winner. One day hopefully I may be able to do both.

Craig: It’s special as it reminds me of watching horseracing with my grandad when I was little, but also symbolises the start of the cricket season.

Craig Overton really fancies Bravemansgame in the Cheltenham Gold Cup

What is your best memory of the Festival and which winner did you celebrate the most?

Jamie: The memory would have to be Kauto Star winning the Gold Cup for the second time (2009) and the winner I celebrated the most was Pacha Du Polder as I was on at 33s. 

Craig : I’d say being there on Gold Cup day in 2017 and seeing Sizing John. A group of us had backed him following a tip from a mate. He went off at 7s and won by almost three lengths. 

Which is your favourite race of the four days?

Jamie : It has to be the Champion Chase, an end-to-end gallop in which you make one mistake and you are out of it!

Craig : A tough one, as you can’t go far wrong with the Gold Cup, but I quite like the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Not only is it the first race of the Festival, it also provides a chance to see the best young horses and the future of National Hunt racing.

Will you be going? If not, where will you be watching?

Jamie : I’m planning on going to the first two days. My best friend Harry Derham has his first Festival entry in the Boodles, a horse called Shared, so I will be there supporting him, then watching the other two days on TV. 

Craig : Unfortunately not as I am away with Somerset but I’ll be glued to the iPad in the evenings. I have a couple of horses with Harry, so will be keeping my fingers crossed for his runners during the week.

Your banker bet for the week?

Jamie : Constitution Hill but he’s far too short to back! I like the chances of Shared, I’m just hoping he sneaks in the race and runs nicely for Harry.

Craig : Other than Constitution Hill, I really fancy Bravemansgame in the Gold Cup. He showed in the King George that he has improved massively from last year.