Cheltenham Gold Cup riders confirmed with 11 horses set to contest jump racing's most prestigious prize

Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 11/03/2026

- 11:33

Two notable contenders failed to make the final cut for Friday's showpiece

The field for Friday's Cheltenham Gold Cup has been finalised, with 11 horses set to contest jump racing's most prestigious prize.

Inothewayurthinkin will attempt to retain his crown despite enduring a miserable campaign since his triumph at last year's Festival.


Trainer Gavin Cromwell has confirmed the defending champion among the declarations, though his recent performances have fallen well short of the standard that saw him claim victory 12 months ago.

The reigning champion faces a formidable challenge from rivals, including the first, third and fourth-placed finishers from this season's thrilling King George VI Chase renewal.

Willie Mullins will place his hopes entirely on Gaelic Warrior, owned by Rich Ricci, as his sole representative in the blue riband event.

The Jukebox Man, carrying the colours of former football manager Harry Redknapp, arrives with an unblemished record over fences.

Ben Jones takes the ride on the King George winner, who remains undefeated in steeplechases.

Jango Baie, trained by Nicky Henderson, adds further quality to the field, having captured the Arkle Trophy at last year's meeting.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

The field for Friday's Cheltenham Gold Cup has been finalised

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The French-bred will be partnered by Nico de Boitille as he steps up in trip for this ultimate test of stamina.

Envoi Allen, now 12 years old, bids for a fairytale conclusion to his distinguished career.

Henry de Bromhead's veteran seeks a fourth Cheltenham Festival triumph, with Darragh O'Keeffe in the saddle.

Spillane's Tower demonstrated his aptitude for the course and distance when landing the Cotswold Chase earlier this year.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

Mark Walsh riding Inothewayurthinkin clears the last fence on the way to winning last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase

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The JP McManus-owned runner holds strong claims based on that performance.

Gordon Elliott's Firefox also features among the declarations, though a jockey is yet to be confirmed.

Gold Tweet, rated 144, represents French interests under Clement Lefebvre, adding an international dimension to the contest.

Two notable contenders failed to make the final cut for Friday's showpiece.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

Trainer Gavin Cromwell has confirmed the defending champion among the declarations

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Gordon Elliott's Stellar Story and Noel Meade's Affordale Fury, who had impressed in recent outings, were both absent from the declarations.

The British contingent is completed by Grey Dawning from Dan Skelton's yard, with Harry Skelton taking the ride. Rebecca Curtis saddles Haiti Couleurs, a dual winner of the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals, under Sean Bowen.

Venetia Williams rounds out the home challenge with L'Homme Presse, partnered by Charlie Deutsch, ensuring strong domestic representation in the eleven-runner field.