Paddy Power unveils new Cheltenham Festival TV ad

Paddy Power today unveiled a comedic television ad ahead of Cheltenham Festival 2020 fronted by Irish actor Colm Meaney.

The TV short, filmed at Leopardstown Racecourse in Dublin, was created by Irish marketing agency The Public House and directed by Pull The Trigger creative Chris Cottam.

The ad plays on the historic rivalry between Ireland and England, with Star Trek star Meaney narrating a humorous piece to camera throughout. It will air on Irish television this evening for the first time.

Meaney begins by saying: “We need to have a chat, neighbour to neighbour” before taking aim at the English for geo-blocking the BBC iPlayer, mispronouncing Siobhan and serving baked beans with a fried breakfast.

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: “If anyone can air our grievances about the state of the pints served across the water and their complete lack of soda bread in dramatic fashion, it’s Colm.

“We’re hit and miss when it comes to most sports, but the arrival of Cheltenham marks our time to shine. Horseracing is the one sport we are consistently good at.

“This is our World Cup and we’re about to unleash our team of four-legged Zidane’s to win big on their turf. This ad is our battle cry ahead of The Festival, and we intend to leave our hoofprints all over it – with a little help from Mr Meaney,” they added.

Golden Globe nominee Meaney, 66, has also starred in major blockbusters including Con Air and Layer Cake.

The ad concludes with Meaney declaring: “Every year we get one chance at our horses winning big on your turf” before Cheltenham’s Coming Home text appears on screen.

Cheltenham Festival begins on 10 March 2020.