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.
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