Arkle Entries 2026 - 23 Entered for Cheltenham's Opening Grade 1 Chase

23 entries have been made for the 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 10 March. They include the three horses who have been vying for favouritism sine the start of the season, with the current hotpot being Lulamba, trained by Nicky Henderson.

The five-year-old, who runs in the colours of the Donnellys, which have been carried with such distinction by a variety of horses in recent seasons, gained a facile first Grade 1 success over fences when running away with the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown. He is likely to have a prep run in open company to test his mettle in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in February.

However, though Henderson so excels with his two-milers, he may face stern opposition from across the Irish Sea. Last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Kopek Des Bordes was so impressive on his chase debut in November, but despite not being seen since, he is still likely to make a big impression at Cheltenham if fit. He will be joined by a horse from Willie Mullins’ main rival in Ireland, as Romeo Coolio is already a dual Grade 1 winner over fences for Gordon Elliott and is a slick-jumping staying type for the distance.

Further interest from the Emerald Isle comes from Kargese, who is given an entry here as well as a likely one in the Mares’ Chase when entries for that race open, while Irish Panther ran Romeo Coolio close at Leopardstown and is learning his trade quickly over fences. Another Mullins inmate in Kappa Jy Pyke has won both his chase starts so far too.

Other strong British contenders include Mambonumberfive, a strapping five-year-old unbeaten in three chasing runs for Ben Pauling, while Steel Ally’s form continues to look better by the week. In what could be a deep contest, Arkle Trial winner July Flower is also in contention for Henry De Bromhead, who won this with an Arkle Trial heroine in Put The Kettle On in 2020.

2026 Arkle Entries