Teh Cheltenham Festival, just 50 days away, is already buzzing with anticipation. Nicky Henderson, the seasoned English trainer, is making waves as he prepares to challenge Willie Mullins’s long-standing dominance. Recent performances at Ascot have only fueled the excitement, with Henderson’s horses delivering standout results.
Jonbon, one of Henderson’s star chasers, cemented his status as a top contender for the Queen Mother Champion Chase with a stunning win over Energumene in the Clarence House Chase. Simultaneously occurring, Lulamba, Henderson’s newest recruit, dazzled in her British debut, quickly becoming a favorite for the Triumph Hurdle at 7-4 odds. With four of the festival’s shortest-priced favorites in his stable, Henderson is in a prime position to shake things up.
Constitution Hill, rejuvenated and ready, is the odds-on favorite to reclaim the Champion Hurdle crown. Sir Gino, another Henderson-trained star, is also tipped to dominate the Arkle. These successes have made Henderson a 7-1 second favorite to end Mullins’s streak as the festival’s top trainer.
still, Mullins remains the man to beat. The Irish trainer is a red-hot 1-6 shot to secure his sixth consecutive title and 12th overall. His record-breaking 103 festival victories and recent dominance in Ireland—where he claimed his 18th trainer’s crown with 257 winners and over €7 million in prize money—speak volumes about his prowess.
Yet, this season has been less fruitful for Mullins in cross-channel competitions. With just a handful of lower-level wins from 23 runners, the momentum seems to be shifting. Energumene’s defeat to Jonbon at Ascot was a testament to Henderson’s resurgence. JP McManus’s star horse has now claimed nine top-level victories, making him a solid 5-4 favorite for Champion Chase glory.
“That is the second time we have come out on top against Energumene, but I’m sure Willie has got plenty more, and I know he has. He has got a horsebox full of them to take us on in March! I’m sure that is not the end of willie Mullins and the Champion Chase challenge, you can be sure of that,” Henderson remarked, acknowledging the rivalry.
Ground conditions could play a pivotal role in Energumene’s next steps. Seán Graham, representing owner Tony Bloom, noted, “We probably just need to pick our battles and have the right conditions and that would mean very soft ground. if it came up heavy at Cheltenham, like it did last year, you’d maybe have a pop. But Wille and Paul [Townend] will make up their minds where he goes next.”
Henderson’s focus now shifts to maintaining momentum at Cheltenham’s Trials Day. Constitution Hill, who returned to action with an unbeaten record at Kempton, looks poised to dominate the Unibet hurdle. “He looks really well and I’m actually surprised how well he has come out of Kempton. We had to be quite hard on him to get him to Kempton at the time and I was scared it might just show on him. But it doesn’t appear to and he’s a very happy boy,” Henderson shared, reflecting on his horse’s condition.
As the festival approaches, the stage is set for an epic showdown. Will Henderson’s resurgence be enough to topple mullins’s empire, or will the Irish maestro continue his reign? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Cheltenham 2025 promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.
What are Emma Cartwright’s predictions for Nicky Henderson’s chances at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival?
Interview wiht professional Alex Reed: Emma Cartwright, Cheltenham Festival Analyst
Archyde News: Emma, thanks for joining us today. The Cheltenham Festival is just 50 days away,and the buzz is building.Nicky Henderson seems to be in top form—what’s your take on his recent performances?
Emma Cartwright: Thanks for having me! Absolutely, Nicky Henderson has been in phenomenal shape this season. His recent success at Ascot was a statement of intent. Jonbon’s victory over Energumene in the Clarence House Chase was a masterclass. It’s clear that Henderson is gearing up to challenge Willie Mullins’s dominance, and he’s doing it with some remarkable horses.
Archyde News: Jonbon’s win has certainly turned heads. Does he have what it takes to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase?
Emma Cartwright: Without a doubt. Jonbon has always been a class act,but this season,he’s taken it to another level. His speed, jumping, and tactical awareness were on full display at Ascot. Energumene is no slouch, and beating him so convincingly shows Jonbon is in peak condition. If he stays healthy, he’s the horse to beat at Cheltenham.
Archyde News: And what about Lulamba? She’s been described as a rising star.
Emma Cartwright: Lulamba is the talk of the town right now. Her British debut was nothing short of spectacular. She’s got the kind of raw talent and temperament that makes her a natural fit for the Triumph Hurdle. At 7-4 odds, the bookies clearly believe in her, and so do I. Henderson has a knack for nurturing young talent, and Lulamba could be his next big success story.
Archyde news: with four of the festival’s shortest-priced favorites in his stable, is this Henderson’s year to reclaim the spotlight?
Emma Cartwright: It certainly looks that way. Henderson has always been a force at Cheltenham, but this season feels different. He’s got a diverse and talented team, from proven champions like Jonbon to exciting newcomers like Lulamba. Mullins will still be a formidable opponent, but Henderson has laid down a marker.If his horses perform to their potential, we could see a resurgence of Henderson dominance at the festival.
Archyde News: for the fans watching at home, what should they be most excited about?
Emma Cartwright: Oh, there’s so much to look forward to! The Jonbon-Energumene rematch in the Queen Mother Champion Chase is going to be electric. Then there’s Lulamba,who could be the breakout star of the week. And let’s not forget the overall battle between Henderson and Mullins—it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive festivals in years. For racing fans, this is must-see action.
Archyde News: Emma, thanks for your insights. We can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
Emma Cartwright: Thank you—it’s going to be a thrilling festival, and I’m excited to see how it all plays out!