Irish Power Defines Cheltenham 2026

​If ever there was a week that underlined Ireland’s dominance at Cheltenham Festival, this was it.
From the opening exchanges on Tuesday through to a commanding finale on Friday, Irish-trained runners spearheaded by the relentless force of Willie Mullins dictated the narrative in emphatic fashion.
The tone was set early on Tuesday as Kargese, owned by Kenneth Alexander, landed the Grade 1 Arkle under Danny Mullins. Saratoga struck for JP McManus in the Fred Winter under a measured ride from Mark Walsh much to the delight of Curragh trainer Padraig Roche. The day, however, belonged to Lossiemouth, who delivered a performance of the highest calibre to capture the Champion Hurdle, handing Willie Mullins and Paul Townend the first of several marquee victories.
Wednesday only reinforced that grip. King Rasko Grey and Kitzbuhel continued Mullins’ remarkable run for owners Mrs Audrey Turley and Mrs Joe Donnelly.  Final Orders added to Ireland’s tally in the Cross Country Chase for Gavin Cromwell and the ecstatic CMD Syndicate with Conor Stone Walsh in the saddle. The feature on day two fell to Il Etait Temps, again showcasing the Mullins–Townend partnership in the colours of Hollywood Racing and Barnane Stud. There were scenes of utter jubilation in the parade ring when The Mourne Rambler closed the day in style in the Weatherby’s Champion Bumper for owner Philip Polly and trainer Noel Meade under a brilliant ride from Ireland’s Champion Flat Jockey Colin Keane.
On Thursday, Gordon Elliott entered the winner’s enclosure as Wodhooh claimed the Mares’ Hurdle for the Sundowners Partnership, while the patrons at Cheltenham racecourse were serenaded by Owner Sean O’Driscoll when his horse Home by the Lee powered home in the grade 1 stayers’ hurdle for trainer Joseph O’Brien and JJ Slevin. Heart Wood in Brian Acheson’s Robcour colours delivered a standout success in the feature Ryanair Chase for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe, giving us another reminder of the depth of talent across the Irish training ranks.
Friday provided a fitting crescendo for the festival. Apolon De Charnie got Patrick Mullins off the mark winning the Triumph Hurdle for owner Edward Ware and Willie Mullins. Dinoblue struck gold for JP McManus and Willie Mullins in the grade 2 Mares Chase giving jockey Mark Walsh a double for the festival. The defining moment of the Festival came in the Gold Cup, where Gaelic Warrior, owned by Rich and Susannah Ricci, powered home under Paul Townend to secure his fifth victory in the race, a landmark achievement and providing the owners with their first Gold Cup Victory. The curtain fell on Cheltenham Festival 2026 with Air of Entitlement in the Martin Pipe, a festival double for owner Robcour and Henry deBromhead, ensuring Ireland signed off in the same commanding fashion it began.
Across four days, the story was unmistakable: precision, depth and dominance. Willie Mullins horses were on fire with seven grade 1’s and a grade 2 win for seven individual owners. It was a festival that had it all, we had the powerhouses, smaller sole owners, partnerships and syndicates all finding their way into the winner’s enclosure. Ireland retained the Prestbury Cup, although admittedly with a smaller advantage. Willie Mullins won leading trainer with eight wins, Paul Townend was leading Jockey with four wins, all grade 1’s and JP McManus was once again leading owner with four wins as many seconds and three thirds.
Fairyhouse Easter Festival, Aintree and Punchestown are lining up in front of us as we look forward to lots more jumping action in the coming weeks.

---