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CHELTENHAM 2026

eeyore said:
'I've already reached out to Nicky' - international recruiter keen to facilitate Constitution Hill's Melbourne Cup adventure
Michael Buckley says he has Melbourne on his mind for Constitution Hill – and Melbourne says it would love to have him.

Racing Victoria’s (RV) chief international recruiter has responded to Buckley floating his Melbourne Cup idea by saying the gelding’s participation in the race that stops a nation would be “one of the biggest racing stories in our lifetime”.

Much water has to flow under the bridge, but following Constitution Hill’s nine-and-a-half length romp in his Flat debut at Southwell on Friday, RV’s head of racing and international recruitment Paul Bloodworth said he would work hard to facilitate his Cup mission.

i would not call that a 7/2 chance i would say its odds-on and i would not back him for the Ascot gold cup as he do not stay 2 and a 1/2
and he is a big horse and o firm ground no way
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I would doubt either race is realistic tbh, let's face it he's achieved very little up to now and imo he's more about speed than staying distancies anyway, 12f might just be about right.
 
that 7/2 was for just turning up and finishing last people are saying the john porter at Newbury because local track The John Porter Stakes at Newbury Racecourse is run over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (approximately 2,414 metres or 12 furlongs). It is a Group 3 flat horse race for horses aged four years or older, typically held in April.and hopefully not firm going
 
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i may have egg on my face but i have a feeling the Irish will not have it their own way and i do not think Willie Mullins will not get 8 winner this time just a feeling
 
Well it could easily be 7-0 or 6-1 UK by the end of Tuesday, but it also looks like the Irish could easily win Wednesday 7-0 or 6-1, if we could squeak a few Thursday it might be closer than some people might expect going into Friday. It will still probably end up being at least 18-10 to the Irish.
 
Winning Trainers at Cheltenham 2025

Willie Mullins - 10 Wins - Kopek Des Bordes, Lossiemouth, Lecky Watson, Jimmy Du Seuil, Bambino Fever, Fact To File, Poniros, Kargese, Dinoblue, Jasmin De Vaux
Nicky Henderson - 2 Wins - Jango Baie, Doddiethegreat
Henry De Bromhead - 2 Wins - Air Of Entitlement, Bob Olinger
Gavin Cromwell - 2 Wins - Stumptown, Inurthewayurhtinkin
Barry Connell - 1 Win - Marine Nationale
Joseph O'Brien - 1 Win - Puturhandstogether
Lucinda Russell - 1 Win - Myretown
Dan Skelton - 1 Win - The New Lion
Paul Nicholls - 1 Win - Caldwell Potter
Jeremy Scott - 1 Win - Golden Ace
Rebecca Curtis - 1 Win - Haiti Couleurs
Paul Nolan - 1 Win - Daily Present
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero - 1 Win - Jagwar
Cian Collins - 1 Win - Jazzy Matty
Gordon Elliott - 1 Win - Wodhooh

20 Ireland - 8 Great Britain


Winning Trainers at Cheltenham 2024

Willie Mullins - 9 Wins - Gaelic Warrior, State Man, Lossiemouth, Ballyburn, Fact To File, Jasmin Du Vaux, Majborough, Absurde, Galppin Des Champs
Dan Skelton - 4 Wins - Langer Dan, Unexpected Party, Grey Dawning, Protektorat
Gordon Elliott - 3 Wins - Teahupoo, Stella Story, Better Days Ahead
Henry De Bromhead - 2 Wins - Slade Steels, Captain Guiness
Gavin Cromwell - 2 Wins - Inothewayurhtinkin, Limerick Lace
Paul Nicholls - 1 Win - Monmiral
Kim Bailey - 1 Win - Chianti Classic
Joseph O'Brien - 1 Win - Lark In The Mornin
Emmet Mullins - 1 Win - Corbetts Cross
Ben Pauling - 1 Win - Shakem Up'arry
Jeremy Scott - 1 Win - Golden Ace
Fiona Needham - 1 Win - Sine Nomine

18 Ireland - 9 Great Britain (Cross Country cancelled due to waterlogged track)


Winning Trainers at Cheltenham 2023

Willie Mullins - 6 Wins - El Fabiolo, Gaillard Du Mesnil, Impaire Et Passe, Energumene, Lossiemouth, Galopin Des Champs
Henry De Bromhead - 4 Wins - Honeysuckle, Maskada, Envoi Allen, Magical Zoe
Gordon Elliott - 2 Wins - Jazzy Matty, Delta Work, Sire Du Berlais
Dan Skelton - 2 Wins - Langer Dan, Faivoir
Paul Nicholls - 2 Wins - Stage Star, Stay Away Fay
Barry Connell - 1 Win - Barry Connell
Nicky Henderson - 1 Win - Constitution Hill
Lucinda Russell - 1 Win - Corach Rambler
Patrick Neville - 1 Win - The Real Whacker
John E. Kiely - 1 Win - A Dream To Share
A.J. Martin - 1 Win - Good Time Jonny
Jamie Snowden - 1 Win - You Wear It Well
John McConnell - 1 Win - Seddon
Sam Curling - 1 Win - Angels Dawn
Bradley Gibbs - 1 Win - Premier Magic
Colm Murphy - 1 Win - Impervious
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero - 1 Win - Iroko

18 Ireland - 10 Great Britain


Winning Trainers at Cheltenham 2022

Willie Mullins - 10 Wins - Stattler, Sir Gerhard, Energumene, Facile Vega, Allaho, Vauban, State Man, The Nice Guy, Billaway, Elimay
Henry De Bromhead - 3 Wins - Honeysuckle, Bob Olinger, A Plus Tard
Gordon Elliott - 2 Wins - Commander Of Fleet, Delta Work
Nicky Henderson - 2 Wins - Constitution Hill, Marie's Rock
Venetia Williams - 2 Wins - L'Homme Presse, Chambard
Gavin Cromwell - 2 Wins - Flooring Porter, Love Envoi
Alan King - 1 Win - Edwardstone
Lucinda Russell - 1 Win - Corach Rambler
Padraig Roche - 1 Win - Brazil
Ben Pauling - 1 Win - Global Citizen
Hughie Morrison - 1 Win - Third WInd
Evan Williams - 1 Win - Coole Cody
Harry Fry - 1 Win - Love Envoi
Joseph O'Brien - 1 Win - Banbridge

18 Ireland - 10 Great Britain


Winning Trainers at Cheltenham 2021

Willie Mullins - 6 Wins - Appreciate It, Monkfish, Sir Gerhard, Allaho, Colreevy, Galopin Des Champs
Henry De Bromhead - 6 Wins - Honeysuckle, Put The Kettle On, Bob Olinger, Telmesomethingirl, Quilixios, Minella Indo
Denise Foster (for the banned Gordon Elliott) - 3 Wins - Black Tears, Tiger Roll, Mount Ida
Nicky Henderson - 2 Wins - Shishkin, Chantry House
Gavin Cromwell - 2 Wins - Flooring Porter, Vanillier
Sue Smith - 1 Win - Vintage Clouds
Noel Meade - 1 Win - Jeff Kidder
Ian Ferguson - 1 Win - Galvin
Paul Hennessy - 1 Win - Heaven Help Us
Jonjo O'Neill - 1 Win - Sky Pirate
Paul Nolan - 1 Win - Mrs Milner
Emmet Mullins - 1 Win - The Shunter
Peter Fahey - 1 Win - Belfast Banter
Tom Lacey - 1 Win - Porlock Bay

23 Ireland - 5 Great Britain


FIVE YEAR TOTALS

97 Ireland (70%) - 42 Great Britain (30%)

Willie Mullins - 41 Wins (29%)
Henry De Bromhead - 17 Wins (12%)
Gordon Elliott - 9 Wins (6%)
Nicky Henderson - 9 Wins (6%)
Gavin Cromwell - 8 Wins (6%)
Dan Skelton - 7 Wins (5%)
Paul Nicholls - 4 Wins (3%)
Joseph O'Brien - 3 Wins
Lucinda Russell - 3 Wins
Venetia Williams - 2 Wins
Jeremy Scott - 2 Wins
Ben Pauling - 2 Wins
Paul Nolan - 2 Wins
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero - 2 Wins
Barry Connell - 2 Wins
Emmett Mullins - 2 Wins

1 Win = 21 (15%) - Rebecca Curtis, Cian Collins, Kim Bailey, Fiona Needham, Patrick Neville, John E. Kiely, A.J. Martin, Jamie Snowden, John McConnell, Bradley Gibbs, Sam Curling, Colm Murphy, Hughie Morrison, Evan Williams, Sue Smith, Noel Meade, Ian Ferguson, Paul Hennessy, Jonjo O'Neill, Peter Fahey, Tom Lacey.

Lol, Mullins 1 off drawing/2 off beating Great Britain on his own over the last 5 years. This year he's going down, ha (I'll still be backing him).
 
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I was going to have a bet today but had to remind myself, no betting now until Cheltenham, save the money for better bets next week!
 

Willie is the master and a nice guy, but bit annoyed with him really, he didn't clear up any of the ones that need clearing up, and laughed saying that "it's far too early, it's a week before", not funny Willie, they should be forced to declare. Who cares what the weather/ground is like, I mean, it's springtime, it's going to be anywhere from good to heavy, deal with it.

I found my 1st use for AI, I asked it where certain horses will run and obviously it pulls all info together from the various sites...

WP Mullins

Ballyburn - final target remains to be confirmed by trainer Willie Mullins.
  • Champion Hurdle: Mullins noted that Ballyburn's pedigree might rule him out of a two-mile speed test like the Champion Hurdle, as he may lack the necessary "fast" elements in his lineage.
  • Stayers' Hurdle: While Mullins previously stated that the Stayers' Hurdle was a long-term aim after the horse seemingly did not enjoy chasing in the 2024/25 season, some analysts believe Ballyburn may not settle well enough for this three-mile trip.

Lossiemouth - remains officially unconfirmed. While entries have been made for both races, trainer Willie Mullins typically waits until the final declaration stage—often at 9:59 am on the Sunday before the festival—to make a definitive decision.
  • Performance Factors: Lossiemouth was defeated by Brighterdaysahead in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival in early 2026. Willie Mullins noted that if her form did not improve, she might be "better off going to a Mares' Hurdle".
  • Market Trends: Some markets suggest she will defend her Mares' Hurdle title, with her odds shortening for that race while drifting to 6-1 for the Champion Hurdle as of early 2026.
  • Trainer Strategy: Mullins has expressed reluctance to commit early to avoid the "hassle" of late-season changes. Some tipsters believe she should run in the Champion Hurdle because Mullins lacks other strong contenders for that specific race this year.

Fact To File - is expected to run in the Ryanair Chase. While he was also considered a top contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, trainer Willie Mullins has indicated a strong preference for the Ryanair Chase to split his stars, with stablemate Gaelic Warrior potentially heading for the Gold Cup instead. Although Fact To File recently won the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown over 3 miles, his connections believe the intermediate trip of the Ryanair Chase better suits his dominance. Additionally, owner JP McManus would have had to pay a £25,000 supplementary fee to enter him into the Friday Gold Cup, as he was not originally entered for that race.

Oh wow, billionaire will have to pay £25k.


Might Park - while his exact race has not been confirmed, he is currently being considered for two potential events:
  • Turners Novices' Hurdle: Mighty Park has been supported for this race, and it is considered a strong possibility as the longer distance is expected to suit him.
  • Supreme Novices' Hurdle: This is the alternative option if he does not run in the Turners. His trainer, Willie Mullins, is expected to make a final decision between these two races closer to the event.
Yeh, let's all wait on Willie.


Final Demand - primarily targeted for the Brown Advisory Chase.


Gaelic Warrior - Trainer Willie Mullins reportedly plans to split his stars, Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File, with Gaelic Warrior currently considered the "plunge horse" for the Gold Cup while Fact To File is sent to the Ryanair Chase. His recent form includes a second-place finish at Leopardstown in February 2026 and a third-place finish in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day 2025. His official chase rating heading into the festival is 172. Gaelic Warrior has seen significant market support for the Gold Cup. Bookmakers have noted him as one of their biggest potential "losers" (highest liability) for the week if he wins the Gold Cup. Final declarations for these races are typically made two days before the event.


Doctor Steinberg - final target depending on decisions from trainer Willie Mullins.
  • Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle: Doctor Steinberg is considered a leading contender for this race, scheduled for Friday, 13 March 2026, at 15:20. Pundits like Ruby Walsh believe he is well-suited for this stamina test following his eight-length victory in a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival.
  • Turners Novices' Hurdle: He also holds an entry for this race on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, at 13:20. Trainer Willie Mullins has stated he is unsure about the Albert Bartlett and may instead target the Turners.
  • Supreme Novices' Hurdle: He is listed as having an alternative entry for the Supreme Hurdle on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, at 13:20.
Trainer Perspective
  • If Mighty Park runs in the Turners, Doctor Steinberg is likely to run in the Albert Barlett.
  • If Mighty Park runs in the Supreme, Doctor Steinberg may run in the Turners.
    • Depends on what Townend thinks he can do with him.
 
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Jazzy Matty - primary target / expected to run in the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
The Big Westerner - connections have indicated a strong preference for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase
July Flower - July Flower recently succeeded at Cheltenham in November 2025, winning the Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (Grade 2). Ridden by Darragh O'Keeffe, she finished a length and a half ahead of the second-place horse, Be Aware, a victory that solidified her potential for the main Arkle race in March
Talk The Talk - primary target / most likely to run in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle
I'll Sort That - primary target Turners Novice Hurdle
Ballyfad - preference is for Supreme
Wendigo - primary target Brown Advisory
Sixmilebridge - Trainer Fergal O'Brien has stated that soft ground and the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (formerly the Golden Miller) on Thursday are at the top of his wishlist
Panic Attack - specifically aimed at the Mares' Chase
Nurse Susan - Trainer Dan Skelton recently stated he is unsure which race she will definitely target but mentioned the Coral Cup (Cup Handicap Hurdle) and the Mares' Hurdle as the most likely options. Some betting tipsters have identified the Coral Cup on Wednesday as her primary selection. Nurse Susan most recently ran on 22 February 2026, at Fontwell Park in the Star Sports National Spirit Hurdle, where she finished 4th out of 5 runners. Before that, she secured a victory at Sandown Park on 3 January 2026, in the Unibet Mares' Hurdle.

More for me, so I don't back one I shouldn't / in the wrong race.
 
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Here’s my problem with the greatest trainer, yes he dominates Cheltenham , but so he should he has nearly all the best horses, he managed to turn a certain 3 times champion hurdler in Annie’s Power into a horse that got beat in a Mares and a Stayers hurdle, now he’s doing the same with Lossiemouth, if Lossiemouth avoids the champion hurdle again this year when the race is the biggest pile of shit champion hurdle I have ever seen then it is a disgrace, same with Fact to File he has already win a poxy Ryanair, but this is the Irish Gold cup winner and he should be running in the Gold cup, it would be borderline pathetic to run in another Ryanair.
Look at the races Henry De Bromhead has won with a fraction of the ammunition of Mullins , it took Mullins decades before he won a Gold Cup, now he’s so confident he will run Gold cup horses in the Ryanair. He has too many of the best horses, too many choices and they have made a made a mockery of the Cheltenham Festival putting on all these Mickey Mouse races so Mullins can fit his horses into easier races.
This is why NH racing is boring now because we never ever get to see proper clashes with all the best horses against each other.
Mullins gallops probably have more exciting clashes than the Cheltenham Festival.
 
Outlander said:
Here’s my problem with the greatest trainer, yes he dominates Cheltenham , but so he should he has nearly all the best horses, he managed to turn a certain 3 times champion hurdler in Annie’s Power into a horse that got beat in a Mares and a Stayers hurdle, now he’s doing the same with Lossiemouth, if Lossiemouth avoids the champion hurdle again this year when the race is the biggest pile of shit champion hurdle I have ever seen then it is a disgrace, same with Fact to File he has already win a poxy Ryanair, but this is the Irish Gold cup winner and he should be running in the Gold cup, it would be borderline pathetic to run in another Ryanair.
Look at the races Henry De Bromhead has won with a fraction of the ammunition of Mullins , it took Mullins decades before he won a Gold Cup, now he’s so confident he will run Gold cup horses in the Ryanair. He has too many of the best horses, too many choices and they have made a made a mockery of the Cheltenham Festival putting on all these Mickey Mouse races so Mullins can fit his horses into easier races.
This is why NH racing is boring now because we never ever get to see proper clashes with all the best horses against each other.
Mullins gallops probably have more exciting clashes than the Cheltenham Festival.
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Apparently any French bred that comes on the open market has already been assessed and turned down by Willie.
 
ALEXEI
ANZADAM
PONIROS
THE NEW LION
TUTTI QUANTI
WORKAHEAD
BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD
GOLDEN ACE
LOSSIEMOUTH

if Lossiemouth does not turn up in this race then both Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci should hand their heads in shame, it would be harder to beat Wodhooh than this pile of tripe.
 
I said similar yesterday, if Lossiemouth goes to the Mares, and Fact To File goes to the Ryanair it's a disgrace, he should be ashamed, and fined.
 
Just looking for some big odds horses and these stood out, to me....

Still fancy Nurse Susan but not certain where she's running, but sounds like now BetMGM Cup 16/1.

Solness 25/1 Queen Mother, yes, doesn't seem to like it at Cheltenham as much, but decent price for a capable horse.

Banbridge 25/1 Gold Cup, can never rule him out.

Matata 25/1 Ryanair, by the time the non runners have gone he could have a decent chance.
 
A few i have backed at bigger prices are Apache Tribe Albert Bartlett. Jordans Cross Jack richards. Ma Shantou stayers Hurdle. Feel gut Jcb. Western Fold and Oscars brother both Brown Advisory. Waiting where Romeo Coolio goes and a few others .
 
rbtblb82 said:
Just looking for some big odds horses and these stood out, to me....

Still fancy Nurse Susan but not certain where she's running, but sounds like now BetMGM Cup 16/1.

Solness 25/1 Queen Mother, yes, doesn't seem to like it at Cheltenham as much, but decent price for a capable horse.

Banbridge 25/1 Gold Cup, can never rule him out.

Matata 25/1 Ryanair, by the time the non runners have gone he could have a decent chance.
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Banbridge has gone under the radar but only lost the king George by a nose. Though he will not have the benefit of Bowen on board this time.
 
Not sure if I've said this before but Sean Bowen is 0-52 at Cheltenham, surely he'll get one this year.

Obviously he has Haiti Couleurs in the GC.

Cant find his other rides atm but he will no doubt pick a few up.
 
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