By Callum Close
Kopeck De Mee has tumbled in price for three Cheltenham Festival races after handicap weights were revealed.
The five-year-old gelding has been given a handicap mark of 136 and is set to make his British debut at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival for 11-time Festival Champion trainer Willie Mullins.
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “We’ve reported how popular Kopeck De Mee has been for Cheltenham already, but now the handicap marks are out, the money just won’t stop coming.
“He’s now a 7/2 shot from 5/1 for the Martin Pipe and is being backed like he’s one of the Irish bankers of the meeting.
“He’s also 5/1 from 6/1 for the William Hill County Hurdle, and should he go there, Martin Pipe backers since January 1st will get their money back thanks to our Non-Runner Money Back concession.”
After some impressive runs in France, the horse will now run in the infamous green and gold silks that represent renowned Irish businessmen JP Mcmanus.
He has five career runs over hurdles, winning his last three.
Form
The form of his final victory – a win over Karam Le Rouge in a listed contest at Auteuil – has been boosted the second placed horse.
Prior to that defeat, Karam Le Rouge beat now stablemate of Kopeck De Mee Kitzbuhelb – who is now a Grade 3 winner for Mullins and rated 153.
Given that the French import has never raced in Britain or Ireland, the handicapper has had their hand forced into leniency and has granted Kopeck De Mee a handicap mark that could seriously underestimate his ability.
He is also the 5/1 ante-post favourite for the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle.
Another horse with the same, powerful owner is Jagwar, who Phelps said “we’re keeping a close eye on” as he has now shortened into 4/1 from 5’s for the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase.”
The six-year-old is another French import but has run exclusively in Britain since 2023 – after only one run on the continent.
READ MORE: Dan Skelton’s Cheltenham Festival Fancies
