Cheltenham Festival 2026: Ridiculously Early Fancies For Next Year's Festival

It’s the Monday after the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and Willie Mullins is probably still nursing a hangover after notching 10 winners last week – matching the record set by the Closutton master in 2022. The focus now turns to the likes of Aintree, Fairyhouse and Punchestown in the coming weeks and months but it’s never too early to look ahead to Cheltenham. I’ve picked out five to consider for the 2026 Festival and hopefully there’s a winner or two here...

Arkle Challenge Trophy

Regarded by many as one of the most talented novice hurdlers at Closutton this year, KAWABOOMGA was ruled out of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival after suffering a setback. If he retains his ability and connections decide to go novice chasing, the 33/1 won’t be around for long as his form has worked out superbly well.

Just a few lengths behind stablemate and Supreme Novices Hurdle winner Kopek Des Bordes at Christmas, Kawaboomga was much the best when defeating William Munny last time out. Barry Connell’s horse finished second in the Supreme so that form looks rock solid to me. Hopefully Kawaboomga can be a top notcher.

Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

We learned that THE YELLOW CLAY is a serious horse, with Gordon Elliott’s mount pushing The New Lion all the way in the Turners Novices Hurdle. He was unbeaten in four starts over hurdles going into Cheltenham and he’s done nothing wrong all year – and he looks to be the yard’s number one prospect going novice chasing in 2026.

I suppose you’d have to respect the likes of Jasmin De Vaux and Final Demand, though the latter had few excuses when behind The Yellow Clay at Cheltenham. He looks to be a chaser all over but I’d rather side with the Elliott horse if truth be told.

Mares' Novices' Hurdle

PLACE DE LA NATION isn’t priced up for this race just yet, but I’d make her one of the leading contenders following a decent run in the Triumph Hurdle. She was bang there with the market principles in Lulamba, East India Dock and Hello Neighbour and stayed on well to finish ahead of the Gavin Cromwell runner.

She’s had three runs over hurdles but is yet to taste victory and I’m expecting Mullins to throw her in the deep end at Fairyhouse. If she wins a Grade 1, fantastic. If she doesn’t, she will remain a novice for next season but will benefit for the experience. She’s a good mare.

Stayers' Hurdle

I was surprised to see ROCKY'S DIAMOND available at 33/1 and that could turn out to be a huge price come Cheltenham week next year. If he was housed at one of Ireland’s bigger yards, he’d surely be around half that price but I’ll happily take the 33/1 on offer.

He’s a 5-year-old and is entitled to improve for another summer, he’ll undoubtedly grow into a stronger, more complete unit. The concern – as it is often is with such types – is that connections may go novice chasing but I’m hopeful he’ll be aimed at the Stayers Hurdle after running well in this year’s race.

Mares' Chase

While JADE DE GRUGY had no answer for Lossiemouth in the Mares Hurdle, she still ran a big race – finishing best of the rest to secure a 1-2 for Willie Mullins. Considering she was turned out just 19 days after making her seasonal debut, there was no bounce factor and that bodes well going forward.

The plan was for Jade De Grugy to go novice chasing before her setback last season and I wonder if they’ll go down that route in the autumn. She’s a big price if connections opt to go over fences and she’s certainly no 20/1 shot on all known form.