The Cheltenham Festival stands as the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, where excellence in training can mean the difference between triumph and disappointment. As we approach the 2025 renewal, the battle for the coveted Leading Trainer award promises to be another fascinating chapter in this jumps season.
The Leading Trainer Award at the Cheltenham Festival is given to the trainer who achieves the most wins over the event’s four days. This accolade reflects not only individual race victories but also the overall strength and preparation of a trainer’s stable.
Irish dominance has become an established narrative at Prestbury Park, with trainers from the Emerald Isle securing the majority of winners in recent years. This supremacy reached its zenith in 2023 when Irish-trained horses claimed 18 of the 28 races, continuing a trend that has seen the Celtic contingent dominate the festival landscape.
As we analyse the current odds for the 2025 Leading Trainer title, let’s examine the premier handlers vying for this prestigious accolade:
Willie Mullins (1/5)
The master of Closutton’s reign at Cheltenham, Willie Mullins shows no signs of abating. The Irishman’s remarkable record at the Festival, including his breakthrough Gold Cup victories with Al Boum Photo and subsequent triumphs with Galopin Des Champs, a favourite with free bets to go for the three-peat, has established him as the most successful trainer in Festival history with 11 wins.
His yard’s depth of talent remains extraordinary, with championship contenders across every division. From Supreme Novices’ prospects to Gold Cup aspirants, Mullins’ arsenal appears formidable once again. The short odds reflect not just his past glory but the quality of his current string.
Nicky Henderson (11/2)
Seven Barrows’ stalwart brings tremendous firepower to the 2025 Festival. Constitution Hill’s presence in the Champion Hurdle division, Jonbon’s aspirations in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Lulamba’s exciting potential in the juvenile sector give Henderson a strong hand across the championship races.
Henderson’s mastery of preparing horses for Cheltenham remains unquestioned, and his ability to peak his charges for the big occasion makes him a perpetual threat to Irish dominance.
Gordon Elliott (10/1)
Cullentra House’s commander-in-chief Gordon Elliott enters the Festival with several leading fancies, notably Teahupoo in the Stayers’ Hurdle and the exciting mare Brighterdaysahead.
The trainer, who won the award in 2017 and 2018, has a proven ability to target handicaps successfully alongside Grade 1 victories makes him a perpetual threat for the trainer’s title.
His previous Festival successes, including three Cross Country Chase victories with Tiger Roll, demonstrate his tactical acumen in preparing horses for Cheltenham’s unique challenges.
Dan Skelton (14/1)
The rising force in British racing continues to strengthen his Festival hand year on year. Dan Skelton’s methodical approach and growing string quality have seen him become an increasingly significant presence at the meeting, with his targeted approach to specific races yielding impressive results.
His yard’s evolution from handicap specialists to Grade 1 contenders marks him as a serious challenger to the established order.
Henry de Bromhead (20/1)
The architect of a historic 2021 Festival, where he claimed the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, and Gold Cup in a remarkable sweep, Henry de Bromhead knows what it takes to succeed at Cheltenham. While his current odds might seem generous given that achievement, they reflect the cyclical nature of National Hunt racing.
His ability to prepare horses for the big occasion makes him an intriguing outsider in the trainer’s title race.
Gavin Cromwell (25/1)
Perhaps the dark horse in the training ranks, Cromwell’s steady rise through the National Hunt hierarchy has been impressive. His previous Festival successes, including Flooring Porter’s back-to-back Stayers’ Hurdle victories, demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level.
The longer odds belie his capability to target and win major races, particularly with his progressive string of young horses.
As we approach the 2025 Festival, the Leading Trainer market reflects both the current hierarchy of National Hunt racing and the potential for emerging forces to challenge the established order. While Mullins’ dominance appears difficult to overcome, the unpredictable nature of the sport means that every trainer mentioned, as well as Paul Nichols who is a wildcard at 50/1, brings legitimate aspirations to claim this prestigious title. There is even a separate betting market without Closutton’s involvement.
Top trainer betting without Willie Mullins
- Nicky Henderson – 5/4
- Gordon Elliott – 9/4
- Dan Skelton – 5/1
- Henry De Bromhead – 15/2
- Gavin Cromwell – 9/1
- Paul Nicholls – 20/1
