Cheltenham Festival’s Top Trainers

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious events in horse racing, attracting the best trainers, jockeys, and horses from across the UK and Ireland. Over the years, several trainers have dominated the festival, showcasing their expertise and ability to prepare horses for success on the biggest stage. Here’s a look at some of the top trainers who have left their mark on Cheltenham, with many of them expected to feature prominently again in 2025.

• Willie Mullins

Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, having surpassed previous records with an incredible tally of winners. Since claiming his first Festival victory in 1995, the Irish trainer has consistently dominated, producing top-class horses that have excelled in races such as the Champion Hurdle, Stayers’ Hurdle, and the Gold Cup. His dominance is further highlighted by his numerous victories in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle. With decades of success and an ever-growing list of winners, Mullins remains a formidable force at Cheltenham.

• Nicky Henderson

A true legend of British racing, Nicky Henderson has been one of the standout trainers at the Cheltenham Festival for decades. Since securing his first Festival winner in 1985, he has amassed an impressive tally of victories, including multiple Champion Hurdle wins and a strong record in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Henderson has trained some of the sport’s greatest horses, such as Sprinter Sacre, Altior, and Buveur d’Air. With over 70 Festival winners to his name, his expertise in training hurdlers and chasers ensures he remains a key player at the festival every year.

• Paul Nicholls

With over 45 Festival winners, Paul Nicholls is another Cheltenham Festival great. With his first victory in 1999, he has since built an impressive record, including multiple Cheltenham Gold Cup wins with legendary horses like Kauto Star, who claimed victory in 2007 and 2009, and Denman, who triumphed in 2008. Nicholls has also dominated races such as the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the RSA Chase. 

• Fulke Walwyn

A historical figure in National Hunt racing, Fulke Walwyn was a dominant trainer in the mid-20th century. From his first Cheltenham Festival winner in 1946 to his final triumph in 1986, he amassed a remarkable 40 festival victories. His standout successes include four Cheltenham Gold Cup wins, notably with Mill House in 1963. Renowned for his expertise in long-distance chases and hurdle races, Walwyn’s legacy lives on as one of the all-time great trainers in Cheltenham history.

• Gordon Elliott

Gordon Elliott has established himself as one of the leading trainers in recent years, consistently challenging the dominance of Willie Mullins. Since claiming his first Cheltenham Festival winner in 2011 with Chicago Grey in the National Hunt Chase, he has gone on to train multiple festival champions. His standout successes include Tiger Roll, who won the Cross Country Chase in 2018 and 2019 before securing back-to-back Grand National victories. Elliott’s ability to bring horses to peak form for the festival makes him a serious contender year after year.

Current Top Cheltenham Trainers

As we approach the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, the landscape of top trainers remains competitive. Willie Mullins continues to dominate the standings, but trainers like Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, and Gordon Elliott remain strong challengers. Other emerging names in the training ranks, such as Dan Skelton and Henry de Bromhead, are also making significant strides in major Cheltenham races.

Looking ahead to the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, the favourite trainers to watch include:

• Willie Mullins: the festival’s most successful trainer, likely to extend his record with a formidable team. Expect Al Boum Photo (two-time Gold Cup winner), Gaillard du Mesnil in the staying chase, and Facile Vega in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
• Gordon Elliott: likely to bring another well-prepared string of runners. Galvin is a Gold Cup contender, and Fakiera could compete in staying chases or novice hurdles.
• Nicky Henderson: a master of hurdlers and chasers, always a key player in championship races. Constitution Hill is a favourite for the Champion Hurdle, and Shishkin might feature in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
• Paul Nicholls: a powerhouse in staying chases. Bravemansgame is a strong Gold Cup contender, and Greaneteen could challenge in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
• Henry de Bromhead: known for success in the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle. Minella Indo aims for another Gold Cup win, and Honeysuckle will defend her Champion Hurdle title.
• Dan Skelton: a rising force at Cheltenham. Protektorat is a Gold Cup contender, and Roksana could be a key challenger in the Mares’ Hurdle.

With a host of talented trainers gearing up their horses for one of the year’s biggest racing events, Cheltenham 2025 is set to deliver an exciting showdown. From the seasoned veterans to the emerging stars, the competition for festival glory will be intense.