Spring not only signals the start of warmer and hopefully brighter weather, more importantly, it also signifies the start of one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the horseracing calendar – Cheltenham Festival. Cheltenham is a favourite amongst racing fans and here in Ireland is one of the main events that online bookmakers cover, with many Irish fans traveling to the vent.
Taking place between Tuesday the 10th of March and Friday the 13th of March, (unlucky for some) the Cheltenham Festival is known as the ‘Pinnacle Event of the Horseracing Calendar’. The event, which takes place annually at Cheltenham Racecourse, consists of four major title races, with the action culminating on Friday with the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup.
In recent years, Irish-trained horses have excelled here, and with the likes of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott at the helm, it’s hardly surprising. But will history repeat itself and reveal more luck ‘o the Irish, or will Friday the 13th signify the end of the Emerald Isle’s dominance at this prestigious event?
Here are some Bookmaker’s Odds for the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle.
Champion Hurdle Favourites
Kicking off the action on day one of the event we have the Champion Hurdle. Last year, it was Somerset-trained 25-1 outsider Golden Ace who took the title, with Ireland’s 66-1 Burdett Rose taking second.
Here’s how things are looking this year.
Lossiemouth
Lossiemouth is the first Willie Mullins-trained horse on our list today, but rest assured it won’t be the last.
Lossiemouth has a stellar record when it comes to the hurdles, and after dominating last year, and a very impressive 2nd place display at the Leopardstown 2m Grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdles earlier this year, she’ll be looking to keep that up.
Lossiemouth is currently 10/3 with bet365 and 11/4 with Ladbrokes, so is well worth a punt.
The New Lion
J.P McManus’ The New Lion is currently the favourite to win the Champion Hurdles, with odds of 5/2 from Ladbrokes and 9/4 from bet365. This will surely bode well, as previously, the favourite had won the Hurdle for five consecutive years before Golden Ace caused one of the most exciting upsets in recent memory.
With a recent Grade 2 Unibet Internation Hurdle win under his belt, it’s easy to see why the bookies are backing this Dan Skelton-trained bay gelding.
Brighterdaysahead
Finally, looking to give the Mullins entourage a real run for its money will be Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead.
Brighterdaysahead was actually a favourite to win last year, but ultimately placed 4th. A recent win at the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown however, has helped tip the odds in her favour.
Currently, the horse is second-favourite to win, with both Ladbrokes and bet365 offering 5/2 odds.
Gold Cup Favourites
With Willie Mullins having dominated the Gold Cup in recent years, it’s fair to say that the smart money is on the Irish.
Here are a few favs as of Feb 2026.
Fact to File
Currently, Willie Mullins trained Fact to File is the favourite to take the title with bet365 providing 4/1 odds and Ladbrokes giving 5/2 odds.
Having recently won at Leopardstown, he’ll have momentum on his side and will be looking to seal another win.
Gaelic Warrior
Gaelic Warrior is another horse to watch closely on the final day of action. With Patrick Mullins recently stating he’d love to ride his father’s horse (yes, another Willie Mullins racer) bet365 are offering 11/2 odds, while Ladbrokes are providing 6/2 odds.
Gaelic Warrior narrowly missed out at Leopardstown, coming in 2nd place behind Fact to File, so there are scores to settle there.
Galopin Des Champs
Finally, completing the Mullins hat trick we have Galopin Des Champs, who came in 3rd at Leopardstown earlier this month, after taking the win the previous year.
After placing 2nd at the event last year, you can currently enjoy odds of 8/1 from both bet365 and Ladbrokes