Cheltenham Festival 2026: Key Horses to Watch

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is prompt approaching, and several horses are generating significant buzz among punters and racing experts. Here’s a look at five horses attracting considerable attention, with insights into their form and chances at Prestbury Park.

Ultima Handicap Chase – Hyland

Nicky Henderson’s Hyland is a strong contender for the Ultima Handicap Chase on Tuesday. The nine-year-old boasts a solid record at Cheltenham, with three victories from five outings Paddy Power. Despite not securing a win this season in three starts, Hyland recently finished a close second to Deep Cave in the Howden Silver Cup at Ascot. His handicap mark of 143 appears competitive, especially considering his previous performance at Kempton Paddy Power.

BetMGM Cup – Kateira

Dan Skelton’s Kateira is a classy mare poised to make an impact in the BetMGM Cup on Wednesday. Skelton has a proven track record in this race, having won it twice previously with Langer Dan Paddy Power. Kateira demonstrated her capabilities with a dominant 28-length victory over Golden Ace at Wetherby earlier in the season. While her recent form has been less consistent, including a ninth-place finish at Ascot, her potential remains high Paddy Power.

Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle – Hewick

Trainer Shark Hanlon is targeting the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday with his stable star, Hewick, and his teenage son Paddy will be in the saddle Irish Racing. Hewick’s remarkable career includes victories in the King George, Galway Plate, and American Grand National Paddy Power. Despite a fifth-place finish in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, Hewick rebounded with a strong win over Moon D’Orange at Thurles, showcasing his enduring quality Paddy Power. Hanlon is hoping for a fairytale outcome with his son riding Irish Racing.

Triumph Hurdle – Mon Creuset

Willie Mullins’ Mon Creuset is a leading contender for Friday’s Triumph Hurdle. The four-year-old has impressed in his early career, winning his first start in a French bumper before being purchased by Gigginstown House Stud Paddy Power. Although he encountered a setback in his Irish debut at Naas, finishing fourth after hitting the second last, his potential remains evident, particularly given that the third-place finisher subsequently performed well Paddy Power.

County Hurdle – Karbau

Likewise trained by Willie Mullins, Karbau is a noteworthy entrant in Friday’s County Hurdle. This will be Karbau’s first foray into handicap company, following promising performances in Grade 1 novice hurdles at Aintree and Punchestown Paddy Power. Despite a creditable effort in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, the money suggests connections believe he is capable of performing well off his current handicap mark of 150 Paddy Power.