The countdown is on to the most eagerly anticipated meeting of the year. At precisely 1.20pm on Tuesday, the starter will raise the tape, the famous roar will echo across the Gloucestershire countryside and the Cheltenham Festival 2025 will be under way.
Four days of elite horse racing, enhanced by a carnival atmosphere as punters from around the United Kingdom and Ireland gather for the ‘Greatest Show on Turf’.
The stars are, of course, the horses. Constitution Hill, Jonbon and Teahupoo are all scheduled to run before the climax comes on Friday with Galopin Des Champs going for his third successive Gold Cup.
Around the races come the narratives relating to the trainers: can Willie Mullins continue his dominance; how will Nicky Henderson fare after his 2024 nightmare; will Gordon Elliott trump them both?
Add in the many intricacies of this particular sport, the going, the weather, the form, and there will undoubtedly be countless storylines that emerge over the course of an absorbing week.
Racing simply doesn’t get any better… 🤯
4pm, Tuesday 11th March – DO NOT MISS IT 💥 pic.twitter.com/Kz06Paic8p
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 5, 2025
Day One led by Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill is the first of the big-hitters to perform, going in the Champion Hurdle, the feature race on Tuesday. Henderson’s star turn missed out last year due to poor health but was expected to return with a bang. That was, however, until Elliott opted to enter Brighterdaysahead after a hugely impressive display at Leopardstown in December. It ought to be a battle royale.
Day two, or Style Wednesday as it has rebranded, sees Jonbon in action in the Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase. Henderson may have more confidence in this one, although don’t rule out Gaelic Warrior, Energumene or Marine Nationale.
Can anyone stop Jonbon? 👀
Some of the leading current contenders in the @betMGM Champion Chase 💪 pic.twitter.com/52hRUYT7zc
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 5, 2025
Thursday is St Patrick’s Day where the emphasis is as much on the ‘craic’ as it is the racing. That’s not to say there won’t be plenty of excitement on the track with two feature races, including the Stayers’ Hurdle in which Elliott’s Teahupoo ought to have enough to repeat last year’s triumph.
Gold Cup Friday
And then it’s the big one as Galopin Des Champs attempts to make history by joining the likes of Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate and go back-to-back-to-back.
The star of the Mullins stable clinched a third successive Irish Gold Cup last month and will be heavily backed to repeat the feat at Cheltenham.
“It’s huge,” Mullins said.
“It’s unbelievable that we have a horse going for a third Gold Cup, [he] could be in Arkle, Best Mate category.
“To be associated with a horse like this, it’s a huge honour to be involved. We’re all delighted and we hope the dream stays alive.”
Nothing feels like Cheltenham… 🤩
This time next week the ROAR returns 🔊 pic.twitter.com/AyE8nesOjt
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 4, 2025
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It would be a fitting end to what is sure to be another thrilling festival if Galopin Des Champs can get it done.
But if he doesn’t, it simply creates another headline, another horse thrust into stardom.
And come what may, the fans will enjoy themselves: the Guinness will be drunk; the stories will be told; the laughs will be long and loud.
Bring it on.
