Aston Villa players enjoy day out at Cheltenham Festival before Arsenal clash

Aston Villa’s players enjoyed a day out at the Cheltenham Festival yesterday (15 March).

Philippe Coutinho, Emiliano Martinez, John McGinn, Ashley Young, Matty Cash, Ollie Watkins, Kortney Hause and club captain Tyrone Mings all attended day one of the 2022 event and could be seen cheering from the grandstand when the races got underway.

The players witnessed Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle on top form as they landed the Champion Hurdle on an eventful first day.

Much was expected from both Blackmore and her ride after they romped to a win in last year’s race - and they more than delivered by seeing off 2020 winner Epatante and Zanahiyr to win by three and a half lengths.

Another firm favourite had also met expectations in the opening race of this year’s festival as the famous Cheltenham roar returned to precede Constitution Hill’s impressive triumph in the Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Villa’s stars watched the action unfold and will now be preparing to take on Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday (19 March)

Steven Gerrard will be without Lucas Digne for the game as the Frenchman is likely to be absent for at least three weeks after damaging a hamstring during Villa’s 2-1 loss at West Ham on Sunday (March 13).

But, according to the Daily Mail, Gerrard should be able to call on Calum Chambers, who, is hopeful of being fit to face his former club despite suffering a facial injury at the London Stadium.

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