Gold Cup day has arrived, bringing the Cheltenham Festival to its big finish. After four days of top-class racing, it all builds to the moment everyone has been waiting for, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
It’s the race every owner, trainer and jockey wants to win, the blue riband of jump racing and the headline act on the final day of the Festival. Run over three miles and two and a half furlongs, it demands class, stamina and flawless jumping from start to finish.
A lot of eyes will be on The Jukebox Man (7/2), not just because of his form but because he is owned by Harry Redknapp, which would make him one of the most popular winners of the week. Trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by Ben Jones, he has already shown he belongs at the top level and arrives here as one of the leading contenders for the biggest prize in jumps racing.
Haiti Couleurs (6/1) is another who makes plenty of appeal. The Rebecca Curtis-trained nine-year-old has put together a tremendous staying record, winning the 2025 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham by four and a half lengths, the 2025 Irish Grand National by three and a quarter lengths, and the 2025 Welsh Grand National carrying 11st 13lb, the highest weight ever carried to victory in that race. On form and proven stamina, he has to be taken very seriously.
With the likes of Gaelic Warrior (3/1), Jango Baie (4/1) and last year’s winner Inothewayurthinkin (9/1) also in the field, this looks a high-class renewal. Still, The Jukebox Man would be a hugely popular winner, Haiti Couleurs brings outstanding staying form, and Spillane’s Tower (16/1) could be the one to outrun his odds.
Big races this week
Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase: 4:00 Cheltenham 13 Mar (iTV)
Midlands Grand National: 3:00 Uttoxeter 14 Mar (iTV)
Coolmore Classic: 5:35 Rosehill (Aus) 14 Mar (SKY)
Irish Lincolnshire: 4:20 Curragh 15 Mar (RTV)
Race Notes
4:00 Gold Cup 13 Mar, Cheltenham
At around 9/1 in the betting, Inothewayurthinkin could be slightly overlooked in the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup market. Much of the attention has focused on The Jukebox Man, Gaelic Warrior and Haiti Couleurs, but last year’s winner still has a strong case if he returns to the form that saw him win this race by six lengths twelve months ago.
His disappointing runs this season have clearly cooled enthusiasm, yet Cheltenham has a habit of bringing out the best in certain horses. Inothewayurthinkin has already won at the Festival in each of the last two seasons, which suggests the track and the occasion suit him perfectly.
If the first-time cheekpieces help him rediscover that level of form, 9/1 may start to look a very fair price, and he could prove a smart each-way play for punters who believe another big Cheltenham performance is possible.
Weekend Nap
DINOBLUE (2/1) – 2.40 Friday, Cheltenham (Mares’ Chase):
She has a strong chance of landing the Mares’ Chase for the second time. Willie Mullins’ star mare has an excellent record at Cheltenham. She finished second in this race two years ago before going one better twelve months later, and she appears to be finding her best form again at the right time.
Her return at Navan was not completely smooth as she made a couple of jumping mistakes, but that outing should have brought her on and she is likely to be much sharper here.
Antepost Watch
Johnnywho has quickly entered the Grand National picture after a strong win in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
The JP McManus-owned runner finished with real determination under Richie McLernon to beat stablemate Jagwar by half a length, giving McManus a one-two in the race. Johnnywho travelled well throughout before producing a powerful run up the Cheltenham hill to secure the victory.
The performance immediately caught the attention of bookmakers. Before the race he was widely available at around 50/1 for the Grand National, but that impressive display saw his odds quickly shorten to around 16/1.
With proven stamina and the ability to handle a big-field handicap, Johnnywho has suddenly become one of the more interesting horses to follow in the build-up to Aintree.
Racing Syndicates
Pompey Ventures is a small UK racehorse syndicate focused on real share ownership, direct contact with the team, and a friendly social feel.
It is run by a young, hands-on group who are visible on race days and active in owner chats, helping owners feel involved.
Pompey Ventures have taken a clear step into new territory by sending their latest recruit Kingmaker to Willie Mullins. The move signals the syndicate’s first full push into jumps racing and reflects a growing ambition behind the operation.
If you want to know more about Pompey Ventures, click here.
Betting Offers
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Racing News
Here are a few racing updates that caught the eye this week.
Racing Legends - Annie Power
Annie Power wasn’t just a brilliant hurdler; she was the kind of mare who made you sit up and believe in the magic of National Hunt racing all over again.
A chestnut with a narrow white blaze, she combined power, fluency and a touch of class that set her apart in a golden era for Mullins and Ruby Walsh.
Her story is one of dominance, heartbreak, and a glorious redemption
Thanks for reading! Let’s catch up again next week.
Regards
The Newsletter Team
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