The Cheltenham Festival is back. It’s that time of year again when the sporting world turns its eyes on horse racing as the best jockeys, trainers and horses prepare for four days of intense and gruelling competition.
The festival starts with Champion Day on Tuesday 11 before Style Wednesday, St Patrick’s Thursday, and Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday this week.
Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs took the honours last year and, with jockey Paul Townend, won the Gold Cup for a second consecutive year. He’s the overwhelming favourite on betting sites to do so again this week but the late addition of Inothewayurthinkin, the favourite for the Grand National, could resist the huge momentum built up by Galopin Des Champs.
Elsewhere, the battle between the Irish and British trainers will be renewed as near 250,000 spectators descend on the racecourse for a festival of skill, class and showmanship.
Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips, free bet offers and the latest Cheltenham Festival odds with our live blog below:
Cheltenham Festival 2025
- The Cheltenham Festival returns and will be held from March 11-14
- Galopin Des Champs and Paul Townend aiming for third consecutive Gold Cup win on Friday
- Cheltenham Festival race card, dates, start times and full four-day schedule
- Latest tips for Day 1 at Cheltenham Festival
- Cheltenham Festival weather forecast and ground prediction
- Willie Mullins explains move to run Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle
Nicky Henderson eager for Constitution Hill to let his racing do the talking
17:30 , Jack RathbornNicky Henderson is pleased it is time for the talking to stop and the action to unfold as Constitution Hill looks to silence any remaining doubters by regaining his crown in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.
The Seven Barrows superstar looked unbeatable when winning the 2022 Supreme Novices' Hurdle by 22 lengths and was similarly dominant when dismissing State Man by nine in the Champion Hurdle the following year.
There have been a few bumps in the road since, with a lung infection ruling him out of a Festival defence 12 months ago, but he has returned this winter with further triumphs in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and the Unibet Hurdle on Festival Trials day in January to extend his unblemished record to 10.
Some still question whether Nico de Boinville's mount can possibly as good as he was a couple of seasons ago, but Henderson's faith is unshakeable.
"He's done everything right and, touch wood, we have had a relatively uncomplicated prep and here we go. We're nearly at the time where it's in his and Nico's hands and what will be will be," he said.
"It's going to be tough because the Irish are going to take us on all week and they're not coming for the fun of it.
"I'm pretty happy he is the same as what he always was, I know some people don't think he is but I don't see why. Everyone is happy and his schooling the other day was brilliant."
Mullins backs State Man to challenge for Champion Hurdle
16:43 , Lawrence OstlereWhile no match for Constitution Hill two years ago, State Man did emerge victorious in his absence last season and is back to defend his title.
The chestnut suffered successive defeats to Brighterdaysahead before winning his third Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month, but how much can be garnered from that victory is questionable given his stablemate Lossiemouth crashed out four flights from home.
Mullins has decided to fit his charge with cheekpieces for his return to the Cotswolds, telling Racing TV at Cheltenham on Monday morning: "I just put them on him last week during work and we were very happy with it.
"He's an older horse who has been running since he was three and he's lazy, isn't he? When Lossiemouth fell (at Leopardstown) he didn't do anything, he just thought he wasn't in a race.
"He was always laid-back and only ever beats what he has to beat - he never goes and wins by 10 lengths. He's a horse with a lot more ability I think than people think he has, so we'll find out."
-and-Danny-Mullins-riding-Lossiemouth.jpeg)
D-Day for Brighterdaysahead in Champion Hurdle
16:24 , Lawrence OstlereBrighterdaysahead has been beaten only once in 10 outings to date and that was at last year's Festival when third behind the reopposing Golden Ace as an odds-on favourite for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle.
Elliott has no track concerns, though, as he blames himself for that defeat.
He added: "She only had one blip and that was in Cheltenham last year and that was my fault because I said to Jack (Kennedy) 'don't set the race up for Paul Townend (riding Jade De Grugy)' and Willie probably said the same thing to Paul. The two of them seemed to look at each other and something went by both of them like a bullet.
"I always go back to what Jack Kennedy said to me, that she doesn't quicken she just gallops. She's got a cruising speed and when she gets into it it's hard to stop her - she's a relentless galloper I suppose would be the term to use."
D-Day for Brighterdaysahead in Champion Hurdle
16:08 , Lawrence OstlereGordon Elliott is confident Brighterdaysahead has what it takes to serve it up to Constitution Hill in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.
Not many would have had the Gigginstown House Stud-owned mare down as a genuine contender for the two-mile crown in the autumn, but back-to-back defeats of Willie Mullins' reigning champion State Man - and in particular her 30-length demolition job at Leopardstown over Christmas - put her right in the mix.
After toying with the idea of taking the perceived easier option of the Mares' Hurdle, connections confirmed last week they would roll the dice and bid for Champion Hurdle glory with a six-year-old who is held in the highest esteem by her trainer.
"I'm not going to say she's the best I've trained because I'd be telling you a lie, but she knows how to win and that's what you want, isn't it?," said the Cullentra House handler.
"She's been good over two and a half miles, but was impressive the last day over two miles.
"I just decided to miss the Irish Champion Hurdle because we started off early in Down Royal and we've had three runs, so we didn't need to have four before Cheltenham. I just thought I'd freshen her up.
"I always thought she was very good and I always said from day one what I thought of her."
Cheltenham tips for day one
15:49 , Lawrence OstlereOur experts give their best bets and 10 horses to watch on day one:
Cheltenham Festival tips, best bets and horses to watch on day one
Alan Shearer excited for Cheltenham Festival
15:02 , Jack RathbornAlan Shearer has had a stake at the Festival previously through part-ownership of Augusta Kate, who was trained by Willie Mullins.
But he’ll be cheering on the equine Shearer and can’t wait to soak in four days of racing: “I've been to Cheltenham and had a runner, with Augusta Kate, at the Festival. It was amazing to go into the parade ring, with the other owners and trainers it was brilliant. It's a side you don't usually see as a punter - it was brilliant to experience.
"I once had a winner at Cheltenham, not at the Festival, but Trials day, which was a 50-1 shot. Unfortunately, I was actually playing that day at St James's Park.
"We had a horse called Akilak and the other owners, my mates, had gone down to watch the horse and half of my other mates were in my box during the game.
"I got into the dressing room, the manager did his team talk, and then I snuck my phone into the toilet to see if I could check on the result!
"We won the match as well so it was one of the better days. We went out to celebrate both wins afterwards - it was a great day!"
Alan Shearer cheering on horse named after him at Cheltenham Festival
14:47 , Jack RathbornAlan Shearer is looking forward to watching a horse named in his honour at the Cheltenham Festival this week.
The equine Shearer will take his place in the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase for 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls and will be ridden by his daughter, Olive. The nine-year-old is a perfect four from four over fences and made an impressive return to this track this season following a 601-day absence.
He was partnered by Olive Nicholls when winning a Ffos Las Hunters Chase by a remarkable 37 lengths before a quick return to action saw him win at Taunton to qualify for the race at Prestbury Park.
Former Newcastle and England captain Shearer told Betfair: "Cheltenham is an amazing place and I can't wait to watch all the action this week. I do really enjoy it - I used to have a share in a horse with a few of my pals. We've had some great days out and some bad days out, which is all part of the sport, isn't it?
"There's a special horse running on Friday, trained by Paul Nicholls, called Shearer, fantastic. I mean, Shearer, running in the St James's, come on! I want to wish everyone the best of luck for Friday. I really hope it goes well, good luck Paul, Olive and all the connections. It's won two from two this season and hopefully it will be three from three."
Jason Maguire labels Brighterdaysahead 'a certainty' for Champion Hurdle
14:23 , Jack RathbornFormer jockey Jason Maguire tells the Racing Post: “Shane [McCann] told me this morning she's a certainty.
“He said Jack Kennedy will give her a kick off the bend and they won't see which way she went.”
Constitution Hill might have something to say about that, but it should be a cracking battle.
Sir Alex Ferguson places faith in L'Eau Du Sud for Arkle Challenge
14:02 , Jack RathbornL'Eau Du Sud, who numbers Sir Alex Ferguson among his ownership group, was a beaten favourite in last year's County Hurdle on Gold Cup day, the same afternoon the Willie Mullins-trained Majborough won the Triumph Hurdle.
His chasing bow was eagerly awaited and he lived up to the billing in victory at Fairyhouse in December, before making light of a few sketchy jumps to win at the Dublin Racing Festival.
He is unlikely to get away with any mistakes here, but Mullins is relaxed on that front.
"I thought he got a bit close to some fences the last day, but he did everything right. I didn't mind his jumping, I thought he was learning on the job," he said. "I don't think he ever had a real scare, so I thought his jumping was fine. When he wanted one at the third-last, which is what you want to see at the end of the day, he flew it and then got over the last two, so I was happy with his jumping and I was happy that he learned a huge amount."
Jonbon leads field chasing Champion Chase
13:48 , Jack RathbornHot favourite Jonbon and previous winners Captain Guinness and Energumene are among eight runners declared for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on Wednesday.
Although beaten in two previous Festival appearances, having chased home stablemate Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle three years ago and El Fabiolo in the Arkle the following season, Nicky Henderson's Jonbon is a odds-on across the board to make it third time lucky at the showpiece meeting.
The JP McManus-owned nine-year-old did not take part in last year's Champion Chase, but has since established himself as the leading light in the division by winning his second Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, his second Tingle Creek at Sandown and his first Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
Energumene provided Willie Mullins and Paul Townend with back-to-back victories in this race in 2022 and 2023, but was unable to bid for the hat-trick last term due to injury. The 11-year-old returned from a year and a half off the track with victory in the Hilly Way at Cork in December, but was firmly put in his place by Jonbon at Ascot in January.
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Champion Bumper entries declared
13:18 , Jack Rathborn- Copacabana
- Dalston Lad
- El Cairos
- Fortune De Mer
- Gameofiniches
- Heads Up
- He Can't Dance
- Idaho Sun
- I Started A Joke
- Kalypso'chance
- No Drama This End
- Shuttle Democracy
- Sortudo
- Aqua Force
- Bambino Fever
- Highland Haven
- Caballero Cliff
- Lancelot Allen
Full field for the Coral Cup revealed
13:05 , Jack Rathborn- Maxxum
- Ballyadam
- Eagle Fang
- Sandor Clegane
- Colonel Mustard
- Jimmy du Seuil
- Sa Fureur
- Beacon Edge
- Al Gasparo
- Staffordshire Knot
- Impose Toi
- Beckett Rock
- Bunting
- King Alexander
- Comfort Zone
- Might I
- Be Aware
- Samui
- Anna Bunina
- Lossiemouth
- Captain Morgs
- Minella Missile
- Vischio
- Beat The Bat
- Jipcot
- Ike Sport
Jockeys booked for Champion Bumper at Cheltenham Festival
12:52 , Jack RathbornPaul Townend bids for victory in the Champion Bumper on Gameofinches.
And he’ll also ride Ballyburn in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase and Final Demand in the Turners Novices' Hurdle.
Townend will be up against Patrick Mullins and favourite Copacabana in the Champion Bumper, while Mark Walsh rides Aqua Force, Danny Mullins is on Sortudo and Jody Townend is on Bambino Fever.
While Mullins is the biggest threat to Townend securing victory in the Brown Advisory when he rides Dancing City.
Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead on the gallops at Cheltenham Racecourse
12:32 , Jack Rathborn
Willie Mullins explains move to run Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle
12:17 , Jack Rathborn"She worked nicely last week but I was happy enough that State Man worked better than her,” Mullins told Racing TV, with his long-term plan to run her in the Champion Hurdle failing to materalise.
“Paul was not going to ride her in the Champion Hurdle so the obvious thing to do was go for the Mares'.
"It's disappointing as it had been the plan to run her in the Champion Hurdle for two years but after her work the other day we felt she would just be a runner.
“She'll get her chance to meet those horses – maybe at Aintree – but my duty this week is to get winners for owners and her best chance of a win is in the Mares' Hurdle. Rich makes a big investment in the game and everyone wants a winner at the festival."
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend on the gallops at Cheltenham Racecourse
12:02 , Jack Rathborn
Coral Cup entries declared
11:48 , Lawrence OstlereHere is the full field for the Coral Cup, with Be Aware the one to beat:
- Maxxum
- Ballyadam
- Eagle Fang
- Sandor Clegane
- Colonel Mustard
- Jimmy du Seuil
- Sa Fureur
- Beacon Edge
- Al Gasparo
- Staffordshire Knot
- Impose Toi
- Beckett Rock
- Bunting
- King Alexander
- Comfort Zone
- Might I
- Be Aware
- Samui
- Anna Bunina
- Lossiemouth
- Captain Morgs
- Minella Missile
- Vischio
- Beat The Bat
- Jipcot
- Ike Sport
Turners Novices' Hurdle entries declared
11:33 , Lawrence OstlereHere is the full list of runners for what is expected to be great contest between The New Lion, Final Demand and The Yellow Clay:
- Final Demand
- Forty Coats
- Kaid D'Authie
- Kappa Jy Pyke
- Kel Histoire
- Kiss Will
- Potters Charm
- Sixmilebridge
- Supersundae
- The New Lion
- The Yellow Clay
Gold Cup latest as late wildcard bids to deny Galopin Des Champs
11:20 , Jack RathbornInothewayurthinkin has been added as a supplementary entry for the Cheltenham Gold Cup for day four on Friday.
The Grand National favourite, trained by Gavin Cromwell for owner JP McManus, hopes to deny Galopin Des Champs a rare hat-trick in the prestigious race.
Fact To File and L'Homme Presse were withdrawn, as were Conflated, Grangeclere West, Grey Dawning and Hewick.
That means there are now 10 potential contenders for the Gold Cup, with Fact To File instead opting for Thursday's shorter Ryanair Chase.
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase entries declared
11:10 , Jack Rathborn- Ballyburn
- Better Days Ahead
- Dancing City
- Gorgeous Tom
- Lecky Watson
- Quai De Bourbon
- Stellar Story
The Changing Man (Ultima) and Haiti Couleurs (National Hunt Chase) were ineligible.
The Yellow Clay declares for Turners Novices' Hurdle
11:01 , Jack RathbornThe Yellow Clay is set for the Turners Novices' Hurdle after being declared.
That leaves an exciting novice race that also includes The New Lion and Final Demand.
The current market favourite is The New Lion at 6/4, while Final Demand is next at 13/8 and The Yellow Clay out at 9/2.
Champion Chase entries declared
10:49 , Lawrence OstlereHere are the eight runners in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Jonbon is set to be pushed by Marine Nationale:
- Captain Guinness
- Energumene
- Found A Fifty
- Jonbon
- Libberty Hunter
- Marine Nationale
- Quilixios
- Solness
Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast ahead of 2025 races including Gold Cup day
10:45 , Jack RathbornThe weather can be crucial to the chances with punters studying the going days and hours out from each race. If the course is heavy, then expect a real test of the horse’s stamina, though the forecast currently suggests a quicker track due to a dry spell just before and throughout the festival.
The forecast looks good during the week: the BBC shows light cloud and a gentle breeze on day one, sleet and a gentle breeze on day two, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze on day three and day four for the Gold Cup.
Most outlets suggest a mostly dry week at Cheltenham, though Accuweather forecasts an afternoon shower in spots on Wednesday for day two, a couple of morning showers on Thursday for day three and a stray morning shower on day four.
It should be a chilly week on the ground, with temperatures range from 7-9c throughout the week.
Apple weather suggests a 50 percent chance of rain on Wednesday, meaning the ground could soften as we apporoach Gold Cup day on Friday. The going at Cheltenham is currently good to soft, good in places, while the top loop in front of the stands currently has soft ground. We’ll keep the forecast updates throughout the festival.
Is Rachael Blackmore racing at Cheltenham Festival this year and who are her likely winners?
10:30 , Jack RathbornMarch is the month that the Cheltenham Festival dominates the back pages for four days of horseracing action which can send winning jockeys into the mainstream.
One such champion is Ireland’s Rachael Blackmore. A favourite with the general public following her triumph in the 2021 Grand National which made her the first female jockey to win the famous race.
At Cheltenham, Blackmore has cemented her place as one of the best jockeys around riding 16 winners at the festival including A Plus Tard in the 2022 Gold Cup where she repeated her previous feat and became the first female jockey the prestigious trophy.
Last year she opened the four-day meeting with a win in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle atop Slade Steel before taking victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Captain Guinness. Those were her only two winners in 2024 but she’s back to challenge for the greatest honours and titles this time around.
Below, we’ll list all the horses Blackmore is riding on each day of the festival 2025 and rank their chances of winning:
Is Rachael Blackmore racing at Cheltenham Festival this year?
Willie Mullins makes declarations for Cheltenham Festival
10:15 , Jack RathbornFinal Demand fronts a busy morning for Willie Mullins and is one of six runners for the top trainer in the Turners.
Ballyburn and Dancing City are set for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
Energumene goes for victory in the Champion Chase with five more shots for Mullins in the Champion Bumper: Copacabana, Gameofinches, Sortudo, Aqua Force and Bambino Fever.
Brighterdaysahead takes in the surroundings at Cheltenham Racecourse
10:00 , Jack RathbornHere she is 😍@unibet Champion Hurdle contender Brighterdaysahead (1) 💫 pic.twitter.com/m1EUTmQP8N
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 10, 2025
Cheltenham Festival race card, dates, start times and full four-day schedule
09:45 , Jack RathbornTuesday, 11 March - Champion Day
1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course
3.20: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
5.20: National Hunt ChaseRace conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
See the full schedule for all four days this week below:
Cheltenham Festival 2025 race card and full four-day schedule
Ruby Walsh shares Day 1 tips for Cheltenham Festival
09:30 , Jack RathbornThe legendary Ruby Walsh has shared his Cheltenham Festival Day 1 tips with Paddy Power:
4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
Ruby Walsh - Brighterdaysahead (Champion Hurdle) – 15/8
She [Brighterdaysahead] blew me away in Leopardstown – I was watching it thinking, you’re going too fast, you’re going too fast, you’re going too fast the whole way, and all of a sudden, they were going too fast for the pacemaker, he falls in a hole going to the third last, King Of Kingsfield, the next minute the mare picks up, heads on to the second last and away with her off the bend again. It’s the one hurdle performance this year that you went ‘Jesus.’
4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
Ruby Walsh - Beyond Your Dreams (Fred Winter) – 6/1
“I’ll have to go for a price so I’ll go for Beyond Your Dreams [in the Fred Winter]. I think the obvious ones early in the card – Kopek Des Bordes [Supreme], Majborough [Arkle] but look if you’re going for something at some bit of a price.”
What is a handicap? A brief guide to horseracing jargon for Cheltenham Festival
09:15 , Jack RathbornThe Cheltenham Festival is a rare occasion when the world of horseracing breaks into the collective consciousness of the general public.
It starts with Champion Day on March 11 before Style Wednesday, St Patrick’s Thursday, and Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday 14.
Along with the Grand National in April, Cheltenham attracts the eyes of many people who would otherwise be disengaged by the regular horseracing meetings up and down the country. It is a festival that all can enjoy but the terminology can be a bit confusing for those who only tune in once or twice a year.
Below we break down everything we think you’ll need to know to get the most out of the Cheltenham Festival this year:
What is a handicap? A brief guide to horseracing jargon for Cheltenham Festival
Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner – can his horses follow suit at Cheltenham?
09:00 , Jack RathbornSir Alex Ferguson spent a sporting career picking up trophies and it remains a trait he has maintained throughout his retirement.
The most decorated manager British football has ever seen has also enjoyed a successful link with horse racing stretching back decades, although unlike his management career, it hasn’t always been plain sailing.
A much-publicised 2003 dispute with Coolmore supremo John Magnier over unpaid stud fees regarding 2,000 Guineas winner Rock Of Gibraltar, ended in an ugly public row with matters complicated still further by Magnier and business partner JP McManus holding a near quarter share in Manchester United at the time.
Ferguson claimed he was gifted a 50 per cent share in the seven-time Group 1 winner, which he owned in partnership with Magnier’s wife Sue, and argued the agreement extended to the colt’s earnings at stud as well as the prize money generated during a record-breaking career.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner – but can his horses do the same at Cheltenham?
How the Cheltenham Festival reveals the underlying reasons behind the dominance of Irish trainers
08:50 , Jack RathbornIn March every year jockeys, trainers, owners and fans flock to Prestbury Park for the ultimate horseracing show as the Cheltenham Festival brings the National Hunt jump racing season to a thrilling conclusion.
It’s a four-day showcase of the best horses and jockeys jostling alongside one another for pride, prestige and the adulation of the watching crowd.
Each day there’s a champion race with Tuesday hosting the Champion Hurdle, Wednesday the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Thursday the Stayers’ Hurdle and Friday culminating with the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Every jockey, owner and trainer tailors their season to peak at the festival and throughout the week there’s a good-natured rivalry between those from Ireland and Great Britain to see who performs strongest.
But in recent times, it’s been no contest at all.
How Cheltenham Festival reveals reasons behind Ireland’s racing dominance
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle declarations
08:40 , Jack RathbornCasa No Mento Sam Twiston-Davies
Dysart Enos Jonathan Burke
Gala Marceau Brian Hughes
Jade De Grugy Danny Mullins
Jetara Sam Ewing
Joyeuse Nico de Boinville
July Flower Rachael Blackmore
Kala Conti Jack Kennedy
Lossiemouth Paul Townend
Queens Gamble Paul O'Brien
Take No Chances Harry Skelton
Trainer Gordon Elliott on the gallops at Cheltenham Racecourse
08:35 , Jack Rathborn-on-the-gallops-at-Cheltenham-Racecourse.jpeg)
Arkle Challenge Trophy declarations
08:30 , Jack RathbornJango Baie Nico De Boinville
L’Eau Du Sud Harry Skelton
Majborough Mark Walsh
Touch Me Not Jack Kennedy
Only By Night Keith Donoghue
Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle declarations
08:25 , Jack RathbornFuniculi Funicula Brian Hayes
Irancy Mark Walsh
Karbau Sean O'Keeffe
Karniquet Danny Mullins
Kopek Des Bordes Paul Townend
Romeo Coolio Jack Kennedy
Salvator Mundi Patrick Mullins
Sky Lord Darragh O'Keeffe
Tripoli Flyer Jonathan Burke
Tutti Quanti Harry Cobden
William Munny Sean Flanagan
Workahead Rachael Blackmore
Unibet Champion Hurdle declarations
08:20 , Jack RathbornBurdett Road Sam Twiston-Davies
Constitution Hill Nico de Boinville
King Of Kingsfield Danny Gilligan
State Man Paul Townend
Winter Fog Brian Hayes
Brighterdaysahead Jack Kennedy
Golden Ace Lorcan Williams
Dan Skelton provides update on L'Eau Du Sud for Arkle Challenge
17:37 , Jack RathbornL'Eau Du Sud and Majborough are unbeaten over fences and bid to prove a big field is not needed for a great race when they clash in the My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham on Tuesday.
"At Warwick last time I didn't use fitness as an excuse because I thought we had him fairly fit, but he will improve for it. It wasn't a good excuse, he was fit enough to go and win," said Dan Skelton on L’Eau Du Sud.
"What was impressive was the way he jumped and the distance he put between himself and a good horse between the third-last and the last, Rubaud was rated 150 over hurdles don't forget. Rubaud jumped really well at Warwick, too, and stayed on. After jumping the last Harry (Skelton) just shook him up, a little bit of company wouldn't have done any harm. The way he jumps, the most taking part of the race was between three out and the last.
"At Sandown the ground was against him, but he was very good in the Henry VIII despite not being at his best on that ground. He will arrive on the crest of a wave so there's not much I don't like.
"The fact he's got the experience is a box ticked, it's helpful to have it than not. He's had almost as many runs over fences as Majborough has had in his life, but the one thing you can't make up is talent and Majborough has an unbelievable amount. I think it will be a great race, but I have a lot of faith in my horse.
"Majborough to me looks like a big, galloping horse that will keep going. They've been positive on him over fences as they know he stays well, which is a great asset to have."
How the Cheltenham Festival reveals the underlying reasons behind the dominance of Irish trainers
17:32 , Jack RathbornIn March every year jockeys, trainers, owners and fans flock to Prestbury Park for the ultimate horseracing show as the Cheltenham Festival brings the National Hunt jump racing season to a thrilling conclusion.
It’s a four-day showcase of the best horses and jockeys jostling alongside one another for pride, prestige and the adulation of the watching crowd.
Each day there’s a champion race with Tuesday hosting the Champion Hurdle, Wednesday the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Thursday the Stayers’ Hurdle and Friday culminating with the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Every jockey, owner and trainer tailors their season to peak at the festival and throughout the week there’s a good-natured rivalry between those from Ireland and Great Britain to see who performs strongest.
But in recent times, it’s been no contest at all.
How Cheltenham Festival reveals reasons behind Ireland’s racing dominance
