The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar, and over the years, a number of Irish trainers have established themselves as dominant forces at the meeting. These trainers have brought a unique style and approach to the Festival, and their achievements have helped to cement Ireland’s reputation as a powerhouse in National Hunt racing.
Throughout the years there have been a number of Irish trainers that have cemented a legacy that continues to inspire a new generation of Irish trainers to this day. Heading into this year’s event, there are several in contention for the coveted leading trainer award and when checking the horse race betting odds for the Festival, expect a few of these names to crop up come the end of the week.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best Irish trainers in the recent history of the Cheltenham Festival, and explore the key factors that have contributed to their success. Read on to find out more.
Willie Mullins
Even at the age of 66, Willie Mullins is continuing to make history at the Cheltenham Festival. Having picked up 10 winners last year, he cemented his legacy at the very pinnacle of racing, and extended his total winners to a whopping 88. The leading trainer at Prestbury Park last year, you would be foolish to put it past him winning successive times when you consider the sheer talent he has amongst his stables, most notably Elimay and Energumene, racing in the Champion Chase. After a lifetime in racing, Mullins will go down as one of the best but still has plenty more in the tank for the time being.
Henry de Bromhead
After a fantastic 2021 Festival in which he reaped the rewards of his County Waterford stable’s work, Henry de Bromhead managed to pick up the Gold Cup at last year’s event with A Plus Tard, and will be hoping for more of the same success this time around. While Honeysuckle is less imperious than in previous years, the likes of Minella Indo and Bravemansgame ensure the 50-year-old can build on his 10 Cheltenham victories so far.
Gordon Elliott
Gordon Elliott was back from his ban at last year’s Cheltenham and enjoyed a successful Festival, with the Meath based trainer saddling 32 winners throughout his time at Prestbury Park. He’ll want to challenge for the leading trainer award this year, with Zanahiyr tipped by Elliott to compete for the Champion Hurdle.
“We’ll probably confirm him for the Champion Hurdle and see what numbers are left in.” he said. “If there are five or six runners, there is every chance he will take his chance in the Champion and we’ll ride him for a place.
“Obviously it looks a very hot race, with Constitution Hill and State Man and a few others, but our idea is we are going to go.
“We will get a look at all the weights (in other races) and see what’s what. It will probably be by the end of the week before we confirm what is going where.”
