British hopes will once again be in sharp focus when the Cheltenham Festival arrives, as home-trained runners look to challenge Ireland’s current dominance in National Hunt racing.
Although Irish stables have held the upper hand in recent years, the British contingent showed signs of resurgence in 2025 with eight Festival winners. With the balance of power in racing often shifting over time, there is growing optimism that British trainers can close the gap in the seasons ahead.
Dan Skelton, currently leading the British trainers’ championship, has enjoyed a remarkable spell at Cheltenham, with seven of his 11 Festival victories coming since 2023. Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson remains one of the meeting’s most successful figures, having saddled 75 winners, second only to Willie Mullins.
As the new season unfolds, several British-trained horses are already shaping up as serious contenders for Cheltenham in March.
Old Park Star has emerged as an exciting prospect for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Nicky Henderson’s record in the race speaks for itself, and this promising novice caught the eye with an impressive win at Cheltenham in December, barely asked for an effort by Nico de Boinville. His performance suggested he could follow in the footsteps of Henderson greats who have dominated the Festival opener.
Another Henderson-trained runner generating strong expectations is Lulamba, who looks tailor-made for the Arkle Novices’ Chase. Lightly raced over fences, he has already claimed two convincing victories, including a Grade 1 success at Sandown. Having finished second in last season’s Triumph Hurdle, he appears to have made a seamless transition to chasing.
Paul Nicholls may have a major player in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle with No Drama This End. The unbeaten gelding has made a powerful impression so far, including a commanding Grade 2 win at Sandown. Nicholls has spoken highly of him, and a strong showing in the Challow Hurdle could further strengthen his Festival credentials.
Kabral Du Mathan represents Dan Skelton’s ambitions in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Since switching yards in the summer, the improving gelding has thrived, producing a smooth success at Haydock when stepped up in distance. A run in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham is expected to provide a clearer guide to his stamina and top-level potential.
In the Gold Cup picture, The Jukebox Man could become Britain’s leading hope. Trained by Ben Pauling, the unbeaten chaser has already proved himself at Grade 1 level and faces a key test in the King George at Kempton. A strong performance there would firmly place him among the serious contenders for racing’s ultimate staying chase.
About the author
Six US airmen die in Iraq KC-135 crash
The US military has confirmed the identities of six airmen killed when a KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday. The victims were: John Klinner, 33, from Alabama; Ariana Savino, 31, from Washington; Ashley Pruitt, 34, from Kentucky; Seth Koval, 38, from Indiana; Curtis Angst, 30, from Ohio; and Tyler Simmons, 28, also from Ohio. The first three served in the Air Force, while the latter three were part of the National Guard. The Pentagon confirmed that neither hostile action nor friendly fire caused the crash. The KC-135 was on a combat mission as part of ongoing US operations targeting Iran. A second aircraft involved in the mission landed safely. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the crew as “American heroes,” honoring their service. Officials suggested the crash may have resulted from a midair collision, though investigations are […]
Trump urges allies to secure Strait of Hormuz
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after Donald Trump called on several countries to deploy naval forces to secure the strategic shipping corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets. The US president urged nations including United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to the region. According to him, a multinational naval presence would help guarantee the safety of commercial vessels navigating the route, which carries a significant portion of the world’s oil supply. In a message posted on the social platform Truth Social, Trump said many countries were expected to cooperate with the United States to ensure that the passage remains open. He warned that despite recent military operations against Iran, Tehran could still pose threats to ships through drones, mines, or short-range missile attacks. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of […]
CODITOGO critique la session du Cadre de concertation
La Coalition togolaise pour l’alternance et la démocratie (CODITOGO) a publié le 4 mars 2026 un communiqué dans lequel elle critique l’ouverture de la nouvelle session du Cadre permanent de concertation (CPC) au Togo. L’organisation d’opposition estime que cette initiative s’inscrit dans une stratégie politique du pouvoir en place. Selon CODITOGO, la première session de l’année 2026 du CPC s’est tenue le 19 février lors de sa 25ᵉ réunion. Les discussions auraient porté sur plusieurs sujets, notamment la Commission électorale nationale indépendante (CENI), le fonctionnement du CPC ainsi que la participation de candidats indépendants dans le nouveau contexte institutionnel marqué par l’évolution vers un régime parlementaire. À l’issue de la rencontre, trois commissions auraient été créées pour approfondir ces questions et proposer des recommandations d’ici la fin du mois de mars. Les promoteurs de ces travaux affirment que cette démarche […]
Déguerpissements et occupations illégales à Lomé
Une opération de déguerpissement menée à la fin de l’année 2025 autour des voies ferrées de Lomé a fortement perturbé l’activité de nombreux petits commerçants installés le long des rails. Plusieurs étals et installations ont été retirés, suscitant l’inquiétude des riverains et des vendeurs concernés. Selon plusieurs sources, cette opération serait liée à une décision de l’Agence Nationale d’Assainissement et de Salubrité Publique visant à libérer les emprises ferroviaires et à améliorer l’environnement urbain. Dans ce contexte, une note attribuée au directeur général du Port Autonome de Lomé, le contre-amiral Fogan Adégnon, demandait le démantèlement immédiat des installations situées sur ces zones. Le document invitait les occupants à quitter les lieux avant le 30 novembre 2025. Les secteurs concernés comprenaient notamment la voie ferrée située sous le pont menant à la ligne Lomé–Aného, la zone de la gare routière ainsi […]
Togo–États-Unis : un partenariat aux enjeux stratégiques
Depuis plusieurs décennies, la relation diplomatique entre les États-Unis et le Togo est souvent présentée comme un partenariat stratégique. Pourtant, pour de nombreux observateurs, cette coopération reflète surtout une relation où les intérêts des deux pays ne pèsent pas de la même manière. Sur la scène internationale, les grandes puissances entretiennent fréquemment des liens avec des États plus modestes afin de consolider leur présence dans certaines régions. Dans ce contexte, Washington considère Lomé comme un partenaire utile, notamment pour maintenir une influence diplomatique en Afrique de l’Ouest. La position géographique du Togo, un pays relativement petit situé entre plusieurs États de la région, limite toutefois son poids dans les équilibres internationaux. Malgré cela, les autorités togolaises cherchent à renforcer leur visibilité et à jouer un rôle plus actif dans les affaires régionales et internationales. Depuis son arrivée au pouvoir en […]
Le Togo participera à l’Expo universelle Belgrade 2027
Le Togo prendra part à l’Exposition universelle de Belgrade 2027. L’accord officialisant cette participation a été signé entre Alexandre de Souza, commissaire général du Togo pour l’événement, et Jagoda Lazarević, ministre serbe du Commerce. À travers cette présence, le Togo entend mettre en avant ses atouts culturels, le potentiel de sa jeunesse ainsi que le dynamisme de son économie. Selon Alexandre de Souza, le pays souhaite apporter une contribution significative à cet événement international en valorisant la richesse de son patrimoine et ses perspectives de développement. L’exposition se déroulera du 15 mai au 15 août 2027 à Belgrade, en Serbie, autour du thème : « Jouons pour l’humanité – Sport et musique pour tous ». Placée sous l’égide du Bureau International des Expositions, la manifestation mettra en avant des valeurs universelles telles que la solidarité, la créativité et le dialogue […]
Related
Gavi ready to play for Barcelona after injury
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Spanish midfielder Gavi is ready to return to action after spending several months out with a knee injury.The 21 year old has received medical clearance and could feature for the first time since August in Barcelona’s next league match at Camp Nou. Gavi suffered a serious injury to the medial meniscus in his right knee last year and later underwent surgery, which kept him on the sidelines for around five months.He has since completed a rehabilitation programme and recently rejoined full group training with the rest of the squad. Flick explained that the club’s medical staff now consider Gavi fit enough to be reintegrated into competitive games, even if he only plays limited minutes at first.The coach added that the final decision on how many minutes he will get depends on how the match goes […]
Ejuke back in Sevilla training ahead of Barcelona clash
Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has returned to full training with Sevilla ahead of their La Liga clash with Barcelona.The Nigerian missed Wednesday’s session due to a minor ailment but was back with the squad on Thursday, easing fears over his fitness. Reports from Spain say Ejuke took part in team drills and tactical work, indicating he is available for selection for the trip to Camp Nou.His return is a big boost for manager Matías Almeyda, who has been dealing with several injuries in the squad. Defenders Kike Salas and Marcao, as well as forward Peque, are still sidelined, but other players carrying minor knocks have also resumed training.This has slightly improved Sevilla’s options as they prepare for a difficult visit to the La Liga leaders. Ejuke has contributed one goal and one assist for Sevilla this season, adding pace […]
Akor Adams ready and motivated to face Barcelona
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams says he is highly motivated and looking forward to facing Barcelona in Sevilla’s upcoming La Liga clash.The Nigerian forward believes the game is another chance to make history and prove himself against one of the biggest clubs in world football. Adams recently ended a frustrating goal drought by scoring in Sevilla’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.He described the goal as a major confidence boost and said it has put him in a positive frame of mind ahead of the trip to Barcelona. Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda confirmed that Adams is in good spirits and fully focused on the task ahead.According to the coach, the striker is working hard in training and understands how important the match is for Sevilla’s season. Adams has been an important player for Sevilla this campaign, […]
Haaland’s agent dismisses Barcelona transfer rumours
Erling Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has rubbished reports linking the Manchester City striker with a summer move to Barcelona, insisting there has been no contact with the Catalan club. Recent speculation in Spain suggested that Barca presidential hopeful Victor Font and other figures around the club were exploring a deal to lure Haaland to Camp Nou in the coming seasons. Some reports claimed that Barcelona had already started sounding out the player’s camp. But speaking in an interview with Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, Pimenta said there is “a lot of respect and admiration” for Barcelona, yet no one from the club or any presidential candidate has made contact about a transfer. She stressed that Haaland is “very happy” at Manchester City and fully focused on his current project under Pep Guardiola. The agent also pointed out that the Norwegian […]
Sabalenka storms into semis as Medvedev reaches Indian Wells last four amid controversy
World number one Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant form at Indian Wells, reaching the semi finals with a straight sets win over Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. Sabalenka prevailed 7–6(0), 6–4 in one hour and 51 minutes, but was pushed hard by the 19 year old 10th seed, who recently won the 2025 Canadian Open and is regarded as one of the brightest young talents on the WTA Tour. The Belarusian did not drop serve, landing 94 percent of her first serves and saving all five break points she faced to secure a fourth straight Indian Wells semi final. She will next face Czech player Linda Noskova, who ended the impressive run of Australia’s Talia Gibson with a 6–2, 4–6, 6–2 victory to book her own place in the last four. In the other semi final, Elina Svitolina will meet Australian […]
EPL: Spurs fight for survival as Arsenal gear up for title charge
Tottenham Hotspur travel to Liverpool on Sunday desperately searching for salvation in their fight against relegation, while Premier League leaders Arsenal look primed for another push in the title race. Spurs have lost their last six matches in all competitions, the worst run in the club’s history. Igor Tudor’s side sit 16th, just one point above West Ham and Nottingham Forest, and could drop closer to the bottom three if results go against them before they kick off at Anfield. The north Londoners were thrashed 5–2 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in midweek, a chaotic night in which Tudor substituted goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after just 17 minutes following two costly errors. With only nine league games left and no win in their last 11, Tottenham know they must “dig deeper” to […]