As the Cheltenham Festival approaches, trainer Gordon Elliott is poised for a significant turnaround from last year's challenging campaign. In March 2025, Elliott had to endure a tense wait until the final race of the 28-event festival to secure a victory, a scenario far removed from his usual success as a 41-time Festival-winning trainer.
Reflecting on Past Challenges and Looking Ahead
"As hard as it was for me, for all my staff that were putting in all the hours, it was harder for them," Elliott reflected on the previous season. "The horses ran brilliantly, we just didn't get the bounce of the ball." This year, however, the momentum appears to have shifted dramatically. With his stable in superb form, Elliott arrives at Cheltenham with what he describes as his strongest team in nearly a decade, brimming with live chances across multiple races.
Key Contenders and Stable Confidence
Elliott's squad includes standout performers such as Brighterdaysahead, El Cairos, and Romeo Coolio, among others. Hopes are soaring at his Cullentra base just four weeks out from the Festival. A major boost this season is the fitness of stable jockey Jack Kennedy, who enters the event injury-free, unlike last year when he was recovering from a broken leg. "I'm in a very lucky position that I get the pick of all these good horses," Kennedy remarked. "It's in a different league [Cheltenham], it's not like anywhere else. You grow up dreaming of riding winners there and I've been lucky enough to experience it a few times. When you get one, you just want more."
Detailed Analysis of Elliott's Festival Hopefuls
Elliott provided insights into several key horses, highlighting their strengths and prospects for the upcoming races:
El Cairos (Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle)
Described as a very fast horse, El Cairos showed promise despite a fall at Leopardstown. He performed well at Thurles under challenging conditions, and Elliott believes the Supreme race will suit him perfectly, noting his careful management to avoid overexertion before Cheltenham.
Ballyfad (Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle/Turners Novices' Hurdle)
This horse demonstrates remarkable grit, often appearing beaten in races but consistently rallying to finish strong. Elliott anticipates that longer distances will bring out his best performances.
Romeo Coolio (Singer Arkle Novices' Chase / Brown Advisory Novices' Chase)
With two Grade One wins over two miles, Romeo Coolio has proven his ability through heart and determination. While three miles might not be an issue, Elliott expresses some concern about how he will handle the demanding Cheltenham course, particularly the downhill sections.
Brighterdaysahead (Unibet Champion Hurdle)
After a disappointing run last year due to an undisclosed issue that has since been rectified, Brighterdaysahead is in excellent form. Elliott is considering stabling her outside Cheltenham this year to optimise her performance and is highly optimistic about her chances.
Other Notable Entries
Skylight Hustle (Turners Novices' Hurdle) is expected to thrive over two-mile-five, having shown class at shorter distances. Western Fold (Brown Advisory Novices Chase), with extensive experience over fences, is seen as a dark horse for the three-mile race. Favori De Champdou (Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase) impressed in recent outings and is being prepared for both the Cross Country and the National, benefiting from strategic weight considerations.
Additional contenders include Oldschool Outlaw (Mares' Novices' Hurdle), who is showing steady improvement, and Wodhooh (Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle), a consistent winner aiming to reverse form against top competition. In the staying division, Teahupoo (Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle) sets a high standard as a seasoned warrior, while Honesty Policy (Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle) has demonstrated class and suitability for the Cheltenham track. Mange Tout (JCB Triumph Hurdle/ Mares' Novices' Hurdle) remains unraced with flexible plans pending further assessment.
Final Thoughts and Festival Dreams
Elliott summed up the team's aspirations succinctly: "Hopefully we can go to Cheltenham and get a few winners – that's what we're all dreaming about." If Elliott and Kennedy can translate this season's form into Festival success, the memories of last year's near misses will quickly fade into the background, replaced by the thrill of victory at one of horse racing's most prestigious events.
