As anticipation mounts for the highly anticipated 2025 Cheltenham Festival, racing enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the clash of titans on the prestigious track. With a plethora of talent poised to showcase their speed, agility, and stamina, the festival promises unparalleled excitement and drama. Here's a glimpse at some of the main contenders vying for glory:
KOPEK DES BORDES ran out an impressive winner of the 2025 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, putting two useful rivals, William Munny and Romeo Coolio, in their place. He’s an exciting prospect who looks sure to progress further, going chasing and stepping up in trip.
The Brown Advisory Chase looks like the perfect race for the Willie Mullins trained son of No Risk At All, a race in which the Closutton handler has had great success, winning three of the last five renewals.
The way he stayed on up the Cheltenham Hill in the Supreme, the step up in trip should be ideal.
SIR GINO had his campaign cut short through injury after being a hot favourite for the Arkle Chase. He produced a very smart success when winning the G1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle before blowing Ballyburn away in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton. Nicky Henderson is the king at bringing horses back from setbacks, and he looks the one to beat in the 2026 Champion Chase at this stage.
