Gaelic Warrior will fly the Closutton flag in the Gold Cup as the only Willie Mullins-trained runner confirmed.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup confirmations were released on Saturday. News that Galopin Des Champs would miss the contest broke on Friday, but Mullins has nevertheless surprised the racing world by relying solely on Gaelic Warrior.
The eight-year-old lost on his first two visits to Cheltenham. He was infamously beaten off a handicap mark of 129 in the Fred Winter Juvenile handicap Hurdle in 2022. However, he recorded a first Festival victory two seasons ago when an impressive winner of the Arkle.
Having missed the meeting last season, he is suddenly the team captain for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Not only was Galopin Des Champs an absentee, but I Am Maximus was also a surprise omission for Mullins. The mare Spindleberry only has the option of the contest against her own sex, while Grangeclare West, Lecky Watson and Nick Rockett will head straight to the Grand National
No supplements means no Fact To File in Gold Cup
The ante-post favourite for the Gold Cup had been a horse not even entered. Fact To File leapt to that position in the market after winning the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown,
However, he had not been entered for the Cheltenham equivalent back in January. Many believed the supplementary cost would be a price worth paying, but he will now contest the Ryanair Chase. He is the defending champion in that race after an impressive success 12 months ago.
Inothewayurthinkin to defend crown
It has not been a season to remember for Inothewayurthinkin to this point. The defending Gold Cup champion has been well-beaten on all three starts.
Gavin Cromwell’s charge won very well last season though and has been reported to be back near his best. It is a show of faith in the horse that Fact To File, owned like Inothewayurthinkin by JP McManus, was not supplemented while I Am Maximus was pulled out.
Spillane’s Tower is the only other McManus representative. Jimmy Mangan’s charge took the Cotswold Chase on Trials Day at Prestbury Park.
Leading British hopefuls all confirmed
The leading contingent of British contenders for the Gold Cup have all been confirmed. Haiti Couleurs‘ rise to prominence has been stellar and will give Champion Jockey Sean Bowen a mount in the race.
The King George principles will also feature. The Jukebox Man will carry Harry Redknapp’s colours while Jango Baie has been challenging for favouritism for the race for some time. He will represent Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville.
Dan Skelton’s hopes of a first Gold Cup en route to a trainers’ title hinges on Grey Dawning. France could also be represented, as Gold Tweet, a former Cleeve Hurdle winner, adds some continental flavour to this year’s renewal.