With the 2026 Cheltenham Festival around the corner, Betfair Ambassador and 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls has shared a comprehensive preview of his Festival team, offering candid assessments of each contender’s form, targets, and chances.
“Touch wood, everything is going well ahead of the Festival. We did our final bits of work last Tuesday at Kempton and I’m very happy with everything. A couple of horses will have a little school this week, but we’re where we want to be.”
— Paul Nicholls, speaking to Betfair (Betfair Horse Racing)
Tuesday: Juvenile Hurdles and Handicaps
- Minella Yoga: Impressive recent form, well-handicapped on 128, and expected to progress further with experience.
- Pourquoi Pas Papa: Improving with every run; the trainer feels the handicapper has been harsh but expects a strong showing.
- Bibe Mus: New to the yard; solid Irish form, ground-dependent, and connections hope he gets a run.
- Falls Of Acharn: Likely to struggle to get into the race off 119.
Handicaps and Chases
- Insurrection: Entered for the Ultima and Kim Muir; prefers cut in the ground, with owners looking forward to the day.
- Quebecois: Multiple entries, ground-dependent, with the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase a strong option if conditions suit.
Champion Hurdle and County Hurdle
- Tutti Quanti: Potential to run in either the Champion Hurdle or County Hurdle, depending on final decisions and weights.
Wednesday: Main Hopes
- No Drama This End: The stable’s leading hope for the week in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, unbeaten and in top form after strong work at Kempton.
- Sans Bruit: Aiming for the Grand Annual, ground and entry permitting, described as a “dark horse” if he gets in.
Thursday: Novices and Stayers
- Regent’s Stroll: Targeted at the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase, likened to Caldwell Potter and considered a major player if ground remains decent.
- Absolutely Doyen: In the Pertemps Final, continues to climb the ratings and stays strongly.
Friday: Outsiders and Each-Way Chances
- Jubilee Alpha: The “dark horse” for the County Hurdle, expected to relish a fast-run two miles.
- Shearer & Golden Son: Both set for the Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase, with Golden Son described as a “solid jumper” and Shearer requiring a clear run.
- Sonigino: Needs everything to fall right but could run well in the Martin Pipe if conditions suit.
“No Drama This End is one we’ve prepared for this and he’s done the talking really. He’s won two Grade Two’s and a Grade One in three starts over hurdles and is still unbeaten. Let’s hope that continues.”
— Paul Nicholls, Betfair
Nicholls also highlights Regent’s Stroll as his next best and Jubilee Alpha as the stable’s dark horse for the handicaps. His preview underscores the importance of ground conditions and the depth of his team’s preparation.
