The Trackside Live team bring you updates from Cheltenham including paddock reports, key market movers, results and reaction.
- 50/1 shot Apolon De Charnie - tipped by Ben Linfoot - won the Triumph
- Johnny's Jury relished the step up in trip in the Albert Barlett
- 11/4 joint-favourite Gaelic Warrior easily won the Cheltenham Gold Cup
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17:20 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
Paddock Notes
3 Air Of Entitlement - has a bit of quality about him, strong top line
10 East India Express - good definition, little bit tight and tense
8 Kel Histoire - couldn’t get this much fitter, very sharp
20 Saint Le Fort - heavy set, doesn’t appeal physically
23 Hot Fuss - little plain through the coat, fine at best
14 Wendrock - lovely easy walker, nice
6 Karl Des Tourelles - lacking some definition behind
15 Open Secret - small and flat backed, okay
9 Fiercely Proud - has appealed all season; another nice type
17 Jump Allen - okay after a break, not the best
2 Nurse Susan - good looking type, tends to appeal, like
7 Zillow - tall and muscular, fit
24 Sainte Lucie - lightly sweating, just okay
4 Sa Fureur - narrow and muscular, fine
15 Open Secret - small type, walks okay, fine
1 Its Bilbo - big strong gelding, fit and well
18 Andashan - disappointing from the yard, would expect to see sharper
17 Jump Allen - another good looking type from Mullins yard, nice stamp
21 Dino Roc - can’t be dismissed, fit and fine
22 Charlus - some definition but lacking fitness compared to some rivals
11 Da Capo Glory - very keen, two handles, can present this way, okay
16 Stede Bonnet - solid and muscular, fine
19 Ballykinlar - fit and fine
5 Farfromnowhere - fit and fine
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16:40 - Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
Paddock Notes
13 Panda Boy - compact and together, well muscled with a shine to coat, early eye catcher
8 King Alex - very keen and on toes early; concern
18 Stattler - deep chested and girthed; one of the better horses from yard this week
9 Kings Jet - lovely shine to coat, walks well, likeable
17 Solitary Man - lengthy and athletic, big walk, fit and fine
6 Gracchus De Balme - very fit and lean, couldn’t be much fitter
5 Golden Son - big, lengthy type, rib definition, okay
3 Chemical Energy - has got very warm and sweaty; concern
15 Pyleight Court - fit and fine, no major negatives
4 Con's Roc - big, deep chested sort, lovely demeanour; fit
13 Panda Boy - fit and well, big athletic grey
19 Take All - hard fit over quarters, no fitness concerns
7 Its On The Line - fit and well
14 Paul Marvel - okay at best, stringhalt in hind
21 Williewonga - plain, others appeal more
2 Carnfunnock - fit enough, some definition
16 Shearer - fit and well
17 Solitary Man - fit and very tight over ribs
Paddock Verdict
17 Solitary Man and 19 Take All best. 8 King Alex negative
Full Result
1st Barton Snow 9/2
2nd Its On The Line 7/2 fav
3rd Music Drive 33/1
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Winning rider Henry Crow told ITV Racing: “It’s easy when you're on a good horse.
“My nan isn't very well, she won the race in 2008, but all the credit has to go to Joe O’Shea. He’s won three Foxhunters’ and he’s just an amazing trainer.
“I ride him up the gallops every day, and me and Joe love him.”
Paddock Notes
1 Envoi Allen - grand old boy, looks strong through front end with definition behind
7 Inothewayurthinkin - early eye catcher, far better than Ireland, well defined behind
5 Grey Dawning - looks fit and fine, probably seen him look marginally sharper
2 Firefox - big hefty sort, doesn’t appeal against some of these
4 Gold Tweet - compact with plenty of chest and girth, busy in walk
9 L'Homme Presse - best he’s looked in the coat all season; fit and well as last few starts
3 Gaelic Warrior - reformed character these days and very straightforward in pre-parade, looks well
8 Jango Baie - little busy with two handlers in pre-parade, no major concerns but watching brief for paddock, no fitness queries
6 Haiti Couleurs - looked better at Newbury, little plain through coat in this field and has got a little warm. Fit enough.
11 The Jukebox Man - not a clear stand out on fitness, just fine. Little jiggy in atmosphere but no concerns
8 Jango Baie - easily managed in paddock
Paddock Verdict
8 Jango Baie best. Expected 6 Haiti Couleurs to look better, closest to a negative in this field
Full Result
1st Gaelic Warrior 11/4 joint fav
2nd Jango Baie 11/4 joint fav
3rd Inothewayurthinkin 11/1
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Winning rider Paul Townend told ITV Racing: “They get better and better – I'm speechless, I was lucky enough for this lad to come along with Galopin Des Champs coming out, but it’s hard luck on Patrick [Mullins] who has done a lot of work with this horse, including the last day.
“That wasn't keen for Gaelic Warrior - I was delighted. I got the position I wanted when Harry [Skelton, rider of Grey Dawning] went on then my lad went to sleep, and he jumped from fence to fence.”
Winning trainer Willie Mullins added: “It was extraordinary, the way he did it was amazing.
“I’m delighted for the owners.
“It was a great ride, he [Paul Townend] was so cool on him. Can you imagine what was going through his head going to the last?
“It’s fantastic for owners and jockey.”
15:20 - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
Paddock Notes
11 Kripticjim - best he’s looked all season, shine and defined
7 Johnny's Jury - big strong gelding, fussy in the head but calm
2 Doctor Steinberg - very fit, presented the same in Ireland, to the point of lean
9 Kicour La - not the fittest Pauling horse sighted this week, others appeal more
12 Mondoui'boy - has got warm with two handlers; presented same on last start
1 Doctor Du Mesnil - future chaser, plenty of hind end, fit
6 Jalon d'Oudairies - very fit and defined
10 King's Bucks - defined over quarters, okay
3 Espresso Milan - big, imposing gelding, one for fences down the line
13 Moneygarrow - never knocks the eye out but fairly tidy and balanced
14 Road Exile - biggest horse of the week, must be 18hh, fit for frame though
16 Swindon Village - one for the notebook down the line, big chasing type, lovely
21 Ubatuba - filled out from Haydock, looks improved
4 Fruit De Mer - defined with good rib definition
18 Thedeviluno - big solid horse, bit tight, didn’t appeal on fitness compared to some of these
8 Kazansky - very fit, to the point of lean
19 The Passing Wife - a little plain compared to some, okay
20 The Price Of Peace - tense and tight
5 Hipop De Loire - not the greatest physical, fit but couldn’t say he catches the eye
Paddock Verdict
11 Kripticjim and 8 Kazansky liked, 2 Doctor Steinberg very fit, can’t fault
Full Result
1st Johnny's Jury 20/1
2nd Fruit De Mer 28/1
3rd The Passing Wife 11/1
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Winning rider Gavin Sheehan told ITV Racing: “I thought our chances were cooked at the start!”
Paddock Notes
2 Dinoblue - typical Mullins, strong and muscular, little plain through coat but not a concern
7 Panic Attack - walks well; good mover. Fit and ready, no concerns.
8 Piper Park - Red hood and slightly tense. Fit and probably over priced compared to appearance.
1 Spindleberry - not a horse that appeals in the paddock, very plain and not a good physical stamp. Fit.
5 All The Glory - touch tense through neck and shoulders but nothing of concern. Good definition.
4 Only By Night - solid and muscular compared to some of these, has size. Okay.
9 Telepathique - business like walker, fit and well
3 July Flower - late in, red hood and a bit keen, fit and well
Paddock Verdict
Market has this right, top two are the best, 7 Panic Attack marginal preference
Full Result
1st Dinoblue 11/8 fav
2nd Only By Night 11/1
3rd Panic Attack 11/4
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Winning rider Mark Walsh told ITV Racing: “She didn’t miss a beat, she jumped brilliantly and I amost landed in front at four out when a couple of others made a mistake.
“She’s a fair mare - I think it's a career best.
“That’s proper good ground which is ideal for her.”
Paddock Notes
23 Secret Squirrel - well enough fitness wise, have seen look better in coat
24 Ooh Betty - tuned to the minute, two handlers but quiet, high level of rib definition
6 Wilful - already warm and keen in the pre-parade, needs to settle
5 Hello Neighbour - tends to carry over ribs, looks well for him
3 Bowensonfire - okay definition but probably looked better in Ireland; only marginal difference
1 Ndaawi - bit heavy over ribs, others preferred
11 Sixandahalf - fit and fine, smaller and more compact than others
17 Gibbs Island - very defined, does tend to present fit; can’t fault though
2 Absurde - heavy over girth but can present that way
7 Pinot Gris - big strong gelding, not an obvious speed hurdler, fine
19 Balko d'Ange - lean and slender, warm
16 Joyeuse - keeps catching the eye, looking much better than earlier in season
22 Sinnatra - big strong and eye catching gelding, always appeals, fit
4 Karbau - plain through the coat, has got warm
8 Murcia - fine at best, not great in the coat
9 Tripoli Flyer - definition behind but heavy over ribs, others appeal more
14 Sticktotheplan - looks improved on recent runs, fit
10 Helvic Dream - some definition behind but others catch the eye more on fitness
21 Tellherthename - red hood, but perfectly relaxed, strong top line, plenty of definition
20 Bowmore - walks well but no better than okay
17 Gibbs Island - very on toes switched to paddock
15 Cracking Rhapsody - small and agile, fit
Paddock Verdict
14 Sticktotheplan and 22 Sinnatra best pair. Honourable mention for 16 Joyeuse, improved
Full Result
1st Wilful 14/1
2nd Sticktotheplan 25/1
3rd Joyeuse 12/1
4th Cracking Rhapsody 50/1
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Winning rider Jonjo O’Neill Jr told ITV Racing: “I really fancied him. I would have preferred it if we hadn't got the rain but it hadn't got in too much.
“It’s fantastic. It's so hard to win here - you’ve got to make them count. It’s such a special place.
“I'm lucky enough to have had winners here but it's great to get them for dad.
“I’ve had a troubled time on and off the course over the last year, but have had a lot of support from my family – to repay them means everything.”
Winning joint trainer AJ O’Neill added: “It’s been the week of dreams.
Jonjo has given him a great ride, the Hay family [winning owners] have been great supporters.”
Paddock Notes
8 Macho Man - physically forward; imposing and muscular gelding, early eye catcher
15 Proactif - blowing slightly through nostrils and having a look, bit green, quite athletic for a Willie Mullins
3 Fantasy World - appeals as a physical type, has size and scope, better coat condition than last start
17 Highland Crystal - small and whippy, getting a little warm
6 Kai Lung - very fit and fine but warm, doesn’t appeal physically compared to stablemates
19 Selma De Vary - more professional than Ireland; same level of fitness
12 Mon Crueset - big, scopey sort, one for fences down the line, potentially a bit heavy over ribs
7 Lord Byron - smaller type, heavy set, yards runners tend to present that way
4 Forty Fifty - similar physical to Macho Man; not quite as nice type, okay
11 Minella Study - in excellent physical shape, shine to the coat, has some size without being overly big at this stage of career
5 Indian River - very keen, has got warm, needs to settle
14 One Horse Town - on toes, has been doing this in the paddock, not as tight as seen earlier in the year
2 Berto Ramirez - tail swishing, walks well, good shine to coat
10 Minella Academy - big type, plain though the coat, doesn’t appeal
13 North Shore - more compact and ‘today’ than some of these, fit and well
9 Maestro Conti - red hood today, didn’t have it last time but nice and together at this stage; lovely physical, can’t fault him
16 Wolf Rayet - fussy and green, concern
1 Apolon De Charnie - not the fittest of the Mullins horses, others appeal more
18 Noemie De La Vis - unusual physical, stockily built, don’t make much appeal
20 Tenter Le Tout - very tense in the paddock; concern
Paddock Verdict
9 Maestro Conti and 11 Minella Study best pair
Full Result
1st Apolon De Charnie 50/1
2nd Maestro Conti 5/1
3rd Minella Study 7/1
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Winning rider Patrick Mullins told ITV Racing: “He was fantastic. He’s not very big but he caught my eye at home, and I got a dream run everywhere.
“I’m very proud of my father – I've never seen him doubt himself as much as he has this winter – and he was getting lots of advice, but he has stuck to his guns.”
Winning trainer Willie Mullins added: “We knew he wasn't bad, but he came in late and had a nice prep.
“I didn't give any instructions – Patrick rode to his own instructions - and he always looked like he was going well.
“I knew we had several chances coming to the second last. I loved the way he won the race after the last. Once he got to the front – with the Cheltenham roar - he still didn't stop.”
Market Movers
It’s been lively this morning, with Highland Crystal in the opening JCB Triumph Hurdle the best backed horse of the day so far. He’s now as short as 7/2 (from 15/2). 6/1 shot Maestro Conti and, at bigger prices, North Shore (16s), are also proving popular.
Paul Townend’s only handicap ride of the week – Karbau in the County Hurdle – is a strong 4/1 chance, with Secret Squirrel (9s) and Wilful (11s) also well supported.
Last year’s winner Dinoblue (5/4) is very strong in the Mares’ Chase, while a couple of bigger priced horses – Mondoui’boy and King’s Bucks – have been supported into around 12/1 in the Albert Bartlett.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Jango Baie – winner of the Arkle 12 months ago – is the one for money in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, now the general 10/3 joint-favourite with Gaelic Warrior. Inothewayurthinkin (8/1) and fellow Irish challenger Firefox (25s) are also strong.
There’s not much support for the home team in the following Hunters’ Chase, with Its On The Line and Panda Boy taking out much of the market. The former has been runner-up in the race on three occasions and would be a popular winner were he to go one better here.
Finally, in the 28th and final race of the meeting, punters are latching onto Kel Histoire as the pick of the Willie Mullins runners. He’s the clear 4/1 favourite on his handicap debut with a promising young rider booked for the ride.
Welcome to live coverage of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival
Gold Cup day is upon us, with the first three days having generally gone the way of the bookmakers. The big race – the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup – is due off at 16:00 and looks wide open. Gaelic Warrior will be bidding to give his owners Susannah and Rich Ricci an unprecedented Champion Hurdle/Gold Cup double, but faces the strongest home challenge for years in the form of Jango Baie, The Jukebox Man and Haiti Couleurs, to name just a few.
The first race on day four is the JCB Triumph Hurdle at 13:20 and looks one of the most open renewals for years despite the presence of a couple of leading Willie Mullins runners, Proactif and Selma De Vary. Highland Crystal has been popular this morning and is the new favourite, just ahead of home hopes Maestro Conti and Minella Study.
It looks a deeper renewal of the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at 14:40, with Panic Attack and Spindleberry appearing to be the chief threats to last year’s winner Dinoblue, while a bumper field of 22 have been declared for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at 15:20.
With the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (14:00), Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase (16:40) and the closing Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (17:20) completing the card, it looks another tough – but potentially very rewarding – day of racing for punters.
Good luck!
Our build-up to the opening race will feature the main market movers of the day, but for now a word on the going, which is good to soft, soft in places on the chase course after plenty of rain overnight.
Some news on non-runners first: 14:00, 18 Hamlet's Night (going), and 16:00, 10 Spillane's Tower (going)
Join us later for paddock reports and selections from the Trackside Live team, results as they cross the line, reaction from connections, and plenty more.
Cheltenham Festival coverage
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