Alan Brazil missing from Cheltenham Festival show as update emerges | Racing | Sport

TalkSPORT broadcaster Alan Brazil was notably absent from his popular breakfast programme at the Cheltenham Festival – following just one day of racing.

The 66-year-old presented his beloved show live from Prestbury Park on Tuesday, but colleague Shebahn Aherne was forced to announce that the former Scotland international would miss the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Radio station talkSPORT has embraced Brazil’s track record of colourful explanations for missing his breakfast show, with the ongoing jest becoming ‘can Alan host all four of his assigned shows?’

Brazil entertained guests on the opening day, though he was caught in a coughing fit when former SFA chief Gordon Smith appeared as his guest to discuss the aftermath of Sunday’s pitch invasion between Rangers and Celtic, reports the Daily Record.

However, Aherne dismissed concerns in a statement to begin the show. She said: “Good morning, you are listening to talkSPORT Breakfast, my name’s Shebahn Aherne, not Alan Brazil, can you believe it? Day two, has he beaten his own record?”

Pundit Dean Saunders remained convinced Brazil would return before the week’s conclusion.

Aherne later added: “It’s not like he’s fallen off the wagon, or anything like that. he’s just absolutely banjaxed after one day of Cheltenham.

“It’s Cheltenham one, Alan Brazil nil. Unfortunately, he’s not going to be here, but he is absolutely fine. He is resting up and he will be back with you tomorrow.”

Listeners took to social media to share their reactions, with some voicing concern over Brazil’s tone on Tuesday.

The Cheltenham Festival will continue on Wednesday and will see seven races take place at the iconic racecourse.

The Turner’s Novices’ Hurdle, the Novices’ Chase, the Coral Cup, the Cross Country Chase, the Champion Chase, the Grand Annual Chase and the Champion Bumper will all take place in Gloucestershire on Day Two of the festival.