Rachael Blackmore Unveils Expert Betting Insights for Cheltenham Festival 2026
Horse racing icon Rachael Blackmore has exclusively disclosed her predictions and betting selections for the premier events at this year's Cheltenham Festival. The celebrated jockey, who retired from professional racing in May 2025, offered her expert analysis on the five marquee races, providing invaluable guidance for punters ahead of the four-day spectacle in Gloucestershire.
The Festival Landscape and Notable Absences
The Cheltenham Festival, often dubbed The Greatest Show on Turf, returns with 28 thrilling races scheduled across four days, each featuring seven contests. Fans can watch all action live on television or via online streaming services. However, the event will proceed without several high-profile names, including the late withdrawals of Constitution Hill and Marine Nationale, which have disappointed many racing enthusiasts.
Additionally, the absence of fan-favorite Rachael Blackmore herself marks a significant change. The 36-year-old Irish jockey, who amassed 18 winners at Cheltenham including a memorable Gold Cup victory aboard A Plus Tard in 2022, retired last year. Despite her retirement, Blackmore remains deeply connected to the sport as a Betfair Ambassador, offering her seasoned perspective.
Blackmore's Race-by-Race Betting Picks
In an exclusive interview, Blackmore detailed her top selections for the Festival's highlight races:
- Champion Hurdle (Tuesday, 4pm): "If I were riding, I'd want to be riding The New Lion."
- Champion Chase (Wednesday, 4pm): "I'm going to pick the favourite again, but Majborough, with the cheek pieces on, looked incredible in his last outing. It was a very powerful performance."
- Stayers' Hurdle (Thursday, 3:20pm): "Definitely Bob Olinger. He's such an incredibly talented horse. Henry de Bromhead does an unbelievable job peaking his horses for Cheltenham week." Blackmore recalled the exceptional feeling she experienced riding him last year, emphasizing his potential.
- Ryanair Chase (Thursday, 4pm): "You'd have to go with whichever Willie Mullins runs—Gaelic Warrior or Fact To File. Both would be very hard to beat." She noted uncertainty about both horses competing in this race.
- Gold Cup (Friday, 4pm): "I still think Gallopin Des Champs. He's a powerhouse of a horse, and the positivity from Willie Mullins about him in recent days is convincing."
Key Contenders and Festival Schedule
Irish trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend aim to maintain their dominant form at the Festival, while Mark Walsh seeks to defend the Gold Cup title with Inothewayurthinkin. The full schedule spans from Champion Day on Tuesday through Gold Cup Day on Friday, featuring Grade 1 races like the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Arkle Novices' Chase, and the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Blackmore's insights blend tactical analysis with personal experience, offering a unique vantage point for bettors navigating the unpredictable world of jump racing. Her picks highlight both established favorites and under-the-radar contenders, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Festival.
