Newcastle playmaker Jonjo Shelvey talks Festival fever - (2026)

Midfielder discusses flat v jumps, Gold Cup and more

Coral News: Hey Jonjo, have you been to Cheltenham before?

Jonjo Shelvey: Yeah I’ve been to Cheltenham a couple of times – I love it. It’s an awesome place to go.

CN: Do you or anyone in the squad own a horse?

JS: I’ve owned a few over the years. One called Goalazo and one called Generous Jack which won a few times.

CN: Flat or Jumps racing – which do you prefer?

JS: Definitely jumps. The added unpredictability of the hurdles just makes the races so much more exciting to watch. 

CN: Favourite Cheltenham memory?

JS: Winning on the Gold Cup back in 2015 on Coneygree. That was great!

Coneygree ridden by Nico de Boinville jumps the last fence on his way to winning the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase

CN: How do you pick your horse?

JS: I’m in a syndicate with a few other people so I get my tips from there.

CN: Is there anyone among the squad who thinks themselves as a bit of a tipster?

JS: Hmmm. Me, Clarky, and Darlow like to have a punt. We’re trying to get a few of the other lads into it too.

CN: Who do you fancy for the Gold Cup?

JS: Native River!

CN: What do you enjoy most about racing?

JS: I like the excitement when a winner you’ve backed comes in. That’s a great feeling.

CN: Who do you reckon has it tougher? Footballers or jockeys?

JS: Definitely jockeys as I know how hard they train and all the work that goes into their diet etc.

Cheers Jonjo!

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