The Emerald Isle’s Cheltenham Record: A Decade of Dominance

Since the introduction of the Prestbury Cup in 2014, awarded to the nation with the most victories at the Cheltenham Festival, Ireland has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Winning nine of the thirteen renewals, Ireland’s success is a testament to the depth of talent within its training ranks and the quality of its horses. The 2025 festival saw a particularly emphatic victory for Ireland, with a 20-8 scoreline against Great Britain – their largest margin of success since 2021. This sustained period of success isn’t simply luck; it’s the result of strategic investment, meticulous preparation, and a passionate racing culture.

Lossiemouth: Champion Hurdle Favourite

All eyes will be on Lossiemouth as she bids for glory in the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the 2026 Festival. Currently the 2/1 favourite in the Cheltenham Festival 2026 betting odds, the star mare boasts an impressive record of 13 wins from 16 hurdles starts. Her recent victories in the Grade One Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown and the December Hurdle at Leopardstown have solidified her position as a leading contender. Lossiemouth’s consistency and proven ability make her a popular pick in Cheltenham tips for the premier hurdles contest.

Lossiemouth wins a NINTH grade 1

Brighterdaysahead just CANNOT catch in the December Hurdle pic.twitter.com/Es7yAyLzsc

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 29, 2025

Remarkably, Lossiemouth has already tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival three times, winning the Triumph Hurdle in 2023 and the Mares’ Hurdle in both 2024 and 2025. A victory in the 2026 Champion Hurdle would represent her most significant achievement at the meeting to date.

Gold Cup Renewal: A Clash of Titans

The Cheltenham Gold Cup promises a thrilling rematch between Inothewayurthinkin and Galopin Des Champs, the one-two from the 2025 race. Trained by Gavin Cromwell and Willie Mullins respectively, these two Irish challengers are expected to be at the forefront of the Gold Cup betting. Inothewayurthinkin, a surprise victor in 2025, demonstrated his affinity for the Cheltenham track, building on his earlier triumph in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup. A repeat performance would see him join an exclusive club of horses to win back-to-back Gold Cups this century.

Galopin Des Champs, a two-time Gold Cup winner (2023 & 2024), is far from a spent force. Mullins remains confident in his charge’s ability to reclaim the crown, and at ten years old, Galopin Des Champs could become the oldest winner of the race since Cool Dawn in 1998. The rivalry between these two horses is shaping up to be a defining feature of the 2026 Festival.

Beyond the Big Two: Irish Hopes in the Stayers’ and Champion Chase

Ireland’s strength extends beyond the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup. Teahupoo is poised to be a leading contender in the Stayers’ Hurdle, having consistently performed at a high level in the 3m hurdles division. Gordon Elliott’s runner finished second in the Championship race in 2025 and is expected to go one better this time around. On the second day of the meeting, Marine Nationale heads the field for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, where he will face a stern test from fellow Irish raider Majborough in the 2m chase contest.

Bob Olinger and Rachael Blackmore!

He’s STILL unbeaten at Cheltenham and wins the @paddypower Stayers’ Hurdle pic.twitter.com/6jH0i1sE8F

— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 13, 2025

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival will unfold between Tuesday, March 9th, and Friday, March 12th. With 28 races scheduled across the four days, including a Championship contest each day, the festival promises a spectacle of National Hunt racing.

What impact will the ground conditions have on the Irish runners’ chances? And could a dark horse emerge to challenge the established favourites?

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Cheltenham Festival

• What is the Prestbury Cup? The Prestbury Cup is awarded to the nation – Ireland or Great Britain – that wins the most races at the Cheltenham Festival.
• Who is the current favourite for the 2026 Champion Hurdle? Lossiemouth is currently the 2/1 favourite for the 2026 Champion Hurdle.
• Which Irish trainers are expected to have a strong presence at the 2026 Festival? Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, and Henry De Bromhead are all expected to have significant runners throughout the week.
• What is the significance of the Gold Cup? The Gold Cup is the premier chase race of the Cheltenham Festival and is considered one of the most prestigious races in National Hunt racing.
• When does the 2026 Cheltenham Festival take place? The 2026 Cheltenham Festival will be held from Tuesday, March 9th, to Friday, March 12th.