To be frank, this is a question we thought we'd never have to ask. Will Irish trainers be able to safely make their way over for the Cheltenham Festival?
The lack of crowd this year, due to the pandemic, means we are blessed that we won't have to read any articles asking: "How many pints of Guinness were drunk over the week?" But the thought of no Irish horses competing would make 2021 appear far worse than 2020 already.
It would rule out the likes of Envoi Allen, who won the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, Marsh Novices' Chase holder Samcro, the Ryanair Chase hero Min, and of course back to back Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo.
Fortunately, there is more than just hope. The market indicates that the short trip over the Irish Sea will be possible for the trainers and their horses. It is currently heavily odds-on that they will make it.
Betfair spokesman Barry Orr commented today: "With so much uncertainty around Brexit and Covid travel restrictions the market is currently saying that the participation of Irish runners at this year's Festival is highly likely at 1.14 (1/7)."
"It's interesting to see Willie Mullins dipping his toe in the water with a runner at Market Rasen this weekend and I'm sure a lot of Irish trainers will be contacting him to see how difficult, or easy, the process was."
Mullins is sending his five-year-old Grangee over to Lincolnshire, who will compete in the Alan Swinbank Mares' National Hunt on Saturday.
Betfair Sportsbook are now officially non runner money back on all 2021 Cheltenham Festival races. “NRMB” applies to all bets placed after 10:00am on Tuesday 12th January. The promotion applies to both new and existing customers with registered Betfair accounts. Terms and conditions apply.