The Cheltenham Festival’s five Championship races have been dominated by Irish horses in recent years, particularly the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most prestigious race in Jumps racing.
That trend could continue this year, as the Irish team are set to travel across to the meeting with a strong team. Here is a look at some of the leading contenders for the big races.
Galopin Des Champs Bidding for a Second Gold Cup
The top three horses in the Cheltenham Festival betting for this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup are Irish runners, including winner Galopin Des Champs, who is the 5/6 favourite to prevail for the second straight renewal.
Galopin Des Champs has been one of the meeting’s most popular Cheltenham betting tips as he has already beaten many of his rivals this season, with major wins coming in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup.
Willie Mullins’ runner has now won eight of his 11 career starts over fences. He has an official rating of 180, and he can establish himself as one of the best 3m chasers in history with a second Gold Cup.
The defending champion’s biggest rival this year is likely to be Irish raider Fastorslow. He has defeated the Gold Cup winner twice since the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. The two horses will renew their rivalry in the feature race of the meeting.
State Man Leads the Challenge Against Constitution Hill
The Champion Hurdle is the opening Championship race at the Cheltenham Festival and those involved will have to dethrone last year’s winner Constitution Hill. Nicky Henderson’s star remains unbeaten, and he continues to dominate the 2m division.
State Man finished second behind Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle. He will get another shot at the champion as he bids to add to his Grade One tally. The seven-year-old scored at the highest level for the eighth time when he won the Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.
Mullins could saddle as many as five runners in this year’s Champion Hurdle. His leading mare Lossiemouth has an entry in the Championship contest along with the Mares’ Hurdle. Based on her performance in the International Hurdle on her latest appearance, she may also get a shot at Constitution Hill.
El Fabiolo the One to Beat in Champion Chase
Last season’s Arkle Trophy winner El Fabiolo has had another excellent campaign over fences, extending his unbeaten record over fences to six races. He has won the Grade Two Hilly Way Chase and Grade One Dublin Chase this season.
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The seven-year-old defeated Jonbon in the Arkle Trophy in 2023 in his novice campaign. He will take on the leading 2m British chaser once again at the Festival. Opposition to the Irish horse will also include recent Game Spirit Chase winner Edwardstone.
Captain Guinness, a horse trained by Henry De Bromhead, is another Irish horse who will make the trip across the Irish Sea for the Champion Chase. He was second in the Champion Chase behind Energumene last year, so he has shown he is capable of challenging for the crown.
Ireland had 18 winners at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival and with some strong hopes this year, there is a good chance they will better that tally this time around.
