Cheltenham Festival 2025: A Week of Thunder, History, and Heartbreak

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival roared to life last week, blending the thunder of hooves with the roar of a crowd that refused to let rain, odds, or history dampen its spirit. Over four electrifying days, Prestbury Park became a stage for legends, underdogs, and moments that will echo through racing lore. From Rachael Blackmore’s relentless brilliance to a Gold Cup shocker that left jaws on the floor, this year’s festival proved once again why it’s the crown jewel of National Hunt racing.

Day 1: A Champion’s Upset

The curtain rose with a dramatic Unibet Champion Hurdle that saw two former winners fall. Constitution Hill, the reigning king and odds-on favorite, shockingly fell at the fifth flight, ending his unbeaten run of 10 under Rules. Last year’s winner, State Man, appeared to have the contest at his mercy until a final flight fall when five lengths clear. In a stunning turn of events, Golden Ace, a 25/1 shot ridden by Lorcan Williams, became just the seventh mare to win the race since 1927.

Elsewhere, the festival’s poignant opening race was renamed the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in honor of the late jockey who tragically passed away a month before the festival.

Day 2: Marine Nationale’s Dominant Display

Style Wednesday delivered chaos dressed in silk. Marine Nationale, last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner, exploded back to form in the Queen Mother Champion Chase with a dominant 18-length victory over Jonbon. Jockey Sean Flanagan, filling in for the late Michael O’Sullivan, paid tribute to his fallen colleague in an emotional post-race interview.

Day 3: Blackmore etches her name in stone

St. Patrick’s Thursday belonged to Rachael Blackmore. The Tipperary tornado first piloted Air Of Entitlement to victory in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle before scripting history hours later. Partnering Bob Olinger in the Stayers’ Hurdle, she surged clear up the famous hill, completing her set of all five open Grade One Cheltenham victories—a remarkable feat for both jockey and trainer Henry de Bromhead.

Not to be overshadowed, Paul Nicholls hit a career milestone when Caldwell Potter, under a tactical Harry Cobden ride, secured the trainer’s 50th festival victory in the Pertemps Final. The win was particularly poignant as it came in the colors of the late John Hales.

Day 4: Gold Cup Carnage and Mullins’ Masterclass

All week, the question loomed: Could Galopin Des Champs defend his Gold Cup crown? In a twist fit for Hollywood, JP McManus’ Inothewayurthinkin—a 15-2 shot—mowed down the champ in the shadow of the post. Galopin Des Champs finished second, with Gentlemansgame in third.

But the week belonged to Willie Mullins. The Irish maestro trained 10 winners at the festival, equaling his own record from 2022. “I’ve run out of adjectives for Willie,” rival trainers might have sighed, as Mullins casually collected trophies like grocery items.

The Verdict: Ireland’s Playground

With Irish-trained horses claiming 20 of 28 races, the Prestbury Cup wasn’t a contest—it was a coronation. Yet beyond the stats, the festival pulsed with life. Fans braved capricious March weather to witness heart-stopping finishes, tear-jerking farewells, and a reminder that in this corner of Gloucestershire, even the surest bets can’t outrun fate. Roll on 2026.

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