The Cheltenham Festival once again highlighted Ireland’s dominance in jump racing, with top trainers, jockeys, and horses producing unforgettable performances. From impressive front-running displays to thrilling finishes, Irish runners were at the heart of the action throughout the four-day meeting.
With many punters keeping a close eye on the horse racing odds, Irish stables delivered in style, landing some of the biggest prizes on offer. As the jumps season continues, attention will soon turn to the Grand National, where you can check out the latest Aintree National odds. But first, we reflect on the standout Irish performances from Cheltenham 2025.
Willie Mullins
Prestbury Park was once again a happy hunting ground for Willie Mullins. The master of Closutton was crowned the Leading Trainer for the 12th time while taking home the personal accolade for the seventh year in a row, as he matched his own previous record of 10 victories across the four days.
Big wins for Mullins included Kopek Des Bordes in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Lossiemouth in the Mares’ Hurdle, Fact To File in the Ryanair Chase, and four-straight victories in the first four races on Gold Cup Day.
However, history didn’t beckon for the trainer in the Gold Cup. Bidding to complete a historic hat-trick with Galopin Des Champs, the dual winner could fare no better than runner-up to Inothewayurthinkin in the showpiece race.
Gavin Cromwell
That leads us nicely to Gavin Cromwell. The Co. Meath-based handler and esteemed owner JP McManus decided to supplement Inothewayurthinkin for the Gold Cup at a cost of £25,000 just days before the race, and it proved to be a stroke of genius.
Galopin Des Champs hit the front two out and had a third Gold Cup in his sights, but Inothewayurthinkin was hot on his tail and nosed in front before the last—jumping into the lead and hosing up the hill for a landmark win.
Cromwell also won the Cross Country Chase with Stumptown and boasted five second-place and three third-place finishers.
Paul Townend
As the stable jockey at Closutton, Paul Townend has arguably the best job in racing—and that’s reflected in the fact the Irish rider took home the Top Jockey title for the fourth year in a row with four winners.
Townend steered the aforementioned Kopek Des Bordes and Lossiemouth to glory, while also completing a double on Gold Cup Day with Kargese in the County Handicap Hurdle and former Champion Bumper winner Jasmin De Vaux in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
It was, however, a rare year in which Townend failed to win any of the five championship races. So, he’ll be keen to get his hands on one or two of those again next year.
Mark Walsh
While he may have been just pipped to the Top Jockey title by Townend on the basis of placings, Mark Walsh also picked up four wins over the four days and arguably had a better week than his Irish counterpart.
Retained rider for the aforementioned McManus, Walsh delivered on Fact To File, Inothewayurthinkin, Dinoblue in the Grade 2 Mares’ Chase, and Puturhandstogether in the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle in the iconic green and gold silks of the Irish billionaire.
Honorary mentions
- Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore: This trainer-jockey duo is a fan favourite, and delivered a double on St. Patrick’s Thursday with Air Of Entitlement in the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and Bob Olinger in the Stayers’ Hurdle.
- Danny Gilligan: Young Irish rider Danny Gilligan saw his stock rise with two further victories at the Cheltenham Festival. After opening his account in the Martin Pipe last year, Gilligan retained his title in that contest and won the Grand Annual Challenge Cup with Jazzy Matty.
