The racing world is already looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival following a dominant performance by Galopin Des Champs in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup on April 30, 2025. The nine-year-old, ridden by Paul Townend, cruised to victory by 22 lengths, signaling a return to peak form after a disappointing run at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. This win has ignited debate among racing experts about Ireland’s potential dominance at the upcoming festival and the likely number of victories for trainer Willie Mullins.
The victory at Punchestown wasn’t just a win for Galopin Des Champs; it was a statement. As Racing TV noted, the horse “pinged the last” and finished with a commanding lead, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd. The performance has prompted renewed discussion about the strength of the Irish contingent heading into Cheltenham, with predictions varying widely.
Several prominent figures in the racing and sporting worlds have offered their predictions for the number of Irish-trained winners at the Cheltenham Festival. Jimmy Barry Murphy, a figure in Cork GAA, believes Ireland will secure 18 wins, while Paddy Power, the bookmaker, is forecasting 15. Ivan Yates, a pundit and broadcaster, predicts 17 Irish victories. Nicky English, of Tipperary GAA, suggests a potentially even split, forecasting a 14-14 draw between Irish and British trainers. Darragh O’Se, a Kerry GAA representative, anticipates a similar outcome to last year, estimating between 18 and 10 wins for Ireland.
The focus on Willie Mullins’ performance is particularly acute. After a relatively quiet period, many believe the trainer is regaining his momentum. Predictions for Mullins’ wins range from six, as suggested by Barry Murphy, to eight, according to Yates and English. O’Se also leans towards seven or eight wins for the renowned trainer. Mullins had 10 winners at the previous year’s festival, but experts suggest a slightly lower tally this time around.
Analyzing the Bets and Lay Bets for Cheltenham
Beyond overall winner predictions, several individuals have highlighted specific bets and “lay bets” – horses they believe will perform well or poorly, respectively. Charlie McCarthy, a friend of Barry Murphy, is backing Kopek Des Bordes to win the Arkle, while Paddy Power favors Favori De Champdou in the Cross Country Chase. Conversely, several experts, including Murphy and Power, advise against betting on Lulamba in the Arkle. Yates suggests avoiding Brighterdaysahead in the Champion Hurdle, and O’Se cautions against Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The conversation also touched on individual horse performances and aspirations. Nicky English expressed a desire to see Thedeviluno succeed in the Albert Bartlett, while Paddy Power lamented the absence of a victorious Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, suggesting Gaelic Warrior as a potential alternative. Ivan Yates emphasized the importance of safety, stating his hope for “no fatalities” during the festival.
Recent form also plays a role in these predictions. Mark Walsh’s win on Dinoblue in The BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Steeplechase at Naas Racecourse on February 7, 2026, adds another layer to the pre-Cheltenham analysis. This victory, as captured by The42.ie, demonstrates the strong form of Irish horses leading up to the festival.
Looking Ahead to Cheltenham
The diverse range of predictions highlights the inherent uncertainty surrounding the Cheltenham Festival. While Irish trainers are widely expected to perform strongly, the strength of the British challenge and the unpredictable nature of National Hunt racing indicate that any outcome is possible. The return to form of key horses like Galopin Des Champs certainly boosts Ireland’s chances, but the festival promises to be a fiercely contested event.
As the Cheltenham Festival draws closer, all eyes will be on the performance of key contenders and the tactical decisions made by trainers and jockeys. The coming weeks will undoubtedly bring further analysis and speculation, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Cheltenham Festival promises to be a thrilling spectacle for racing fans worldwide.
What are your predictions for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
