Alan Brazil missing? Real reason for Cheltenham Festival ‘no-show’ revealed

talkSPORT can confirm Alan Brazil’s absence from Wednesday’s Breakfast show was pre-planned.

The beloved presenter was not part of the team live from Cheltenham this morning.

Neil Munns - The Sun

However, Alan will be back on air for Thursday and Friday’s shows as the Festival continues – we hope.

The former Scotland forward took a pre-agreed day off from his hosting duties on Wednesday.

He will be joined from Cheltenham by Gabby Agbonlahor and Harry Redknapp on Thursday morning from 6am – assuming all goes to plan.

Redknapp is preparing to cheer on his horse, The Jukebox Man, in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

The legendary manager has previously had success at the Festival with Shakem Up’Arry in the Plate Handicap Chase two years ago.

Meanwhile, The Jukebox Man scooped £142,375 by winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Brazil will end the week alongside Ray Parlour (fingers crossed) on Friday after the pair successfully delivered the Breakfast Show live from Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Alan Brazil no-shows?

Shebahn Aherne and Dean Saunders hosted the Breakfast Show ahead of Ladies Day.

It led to widespread reports of yet another Brazil disappearance.

Opening the show, Shebahn said: “I am not Alan Brazil. I’m Shebahn Aherne. Can you believe it? Day two.”

Neil Munns - The Sun

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

“It’s Cheltenham 1-0 Alan Brazil. Unfortunately, he’s not going to be here today but he’s absolutely fine.

“He’s resting up and he’ll be back with you tomorrow morning for day two of his Cheltenham, day three for everyone else.”

We fully expect the big man to be in attendance at Cheltenham for this afternoon’s racing – which begins at 1.20pm with The Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

Brazil’s whereabouts have become part of the Festival’s cultural fabric over time.

Just last year, he was forced to call in and explain why he was late on Gold Cup day.

It was ultimately revealed he had been at a nightclub in Cheltenham with Parlour the evening before as put the blame on his co-host.

Neil Munns - The Sun

Speaking over the phone, he explained: “Don’t you worry, I’ve just been at a nightclub in Cheltenham to get Parlour out of the bar.

“I’ve dragged him out. Honestly, he was slumped in the corner, dragged them out. We’ve now got Mr Bib again, who’s caused us chaos getting in. I will be there in 15 minutes, we’re at the entrance.”

Another bumper day of racing is in store for the second day of the festival on Wednesday.

The Ladies Day racecard features the Coral Cup as well as the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.