Nestled in the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham Racecourse transforms into a festive wonderland every December, and for racing fans, this is very much their Christmas.
The Cheltenham Christmas Meeting, which runs over two action-packed days on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th, combines thrilling races where some of the best horses lock horns – often for the first time this season.
Racing fans are treated to a stellar line-up of Class 1 and Class 2 contests, featuring rising stars and proven champions from both sides of the Irish Sea. Ireland, with its deep-rooted racing culture and exceptional, heavyweight trainers including Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead, always brings fierce competition to the Cheltenham turf.
For many, the meeting is more than a day at the races during the festive period. It’s also a chance to witness future festival stars, place those all-important ante-post bets when something catches the eye, and also enjoy the camaraderie of fellow racing enthusiasts.
So, stick with us as we take a closer look at the key races, explore the Irish trainers’ dominance, and revel in the festive magic that makes Cheltenham so unique.
Friday 13th December: lucky for some?
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase is a fan favourite, showcasing horses and jockeys tackling Cheltenham’s most unusual course, which features banks, turns and natural obstacles.
Irish trainer Gordon Elliott is set to bring veteran Delta Work, who is very much a proven force over this terrain. Delta Work’s impressive victory in last year’s Cheltenham Festival’s Cross Country Chase demonstrated his adaptability, and he might be the one to beat despite entering the final races of his career.
Elliott’s hopes don’t stop there though. He has also entered Coko Beach, though the nine-year-old has struck out in both races to date this season.
However, neither of the Irish trainer’s horses are favourites to win the race. That title goes to David Cottin’s French star Iceo Madrik, who heads into this race off the back of two impressive victories at Compiègne on heavy ground over 2m 7f and 3m 3f. The six-year-old pulled up on his sole start at Cheltenham, and conditions might need to be in his favour if he is to justify his price in the market.
Either way, with eight previous course winners currently entered, we’re in for a cracking spectacle – and there’s the chance to potentially spot a winner for the March edition.
December Novices’ Chase
Friday also features the highly competitive December Novices’ Chase, a race that many young chasers with festival aspirations enter.
Gordon Elliott is also heavily involved in this race, as he looks to rack up the winners before Christmas. Better Days Ahead and Jigoro are both entered, with the former having previously won over course and distances in the Martin Pipe at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
Jigoro has only had a handful of races for Elliott since switching yards at the end of 2023, but has already established a relationship with Irish jockey Jack Kennedy.
Of the British contenders, Harry Cobden will be on board Caldwell Potter for Paul Nicholls, while Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten Peaky Boy partnered with Nico de Boinville will certainly be attracting plenty of attention.
As we have already stated, this is a race that more often than not produces good horses for other festivals in the season – we advise making notes of any eye-catching performances.
Saturday 14th December: Festival Saturday
December Handicap Chase (Gold Cup)
The December Handicap Chase, which is often referred to as the ‘Christmas Gold Cup’, is the main attraction of the Cheltenham Christmas Meeting. This fiercely contested handicap pits seasoned chasers against each other, and Ireland’s trainers are well-placed to shine once more.
Last year’s winner Fugitif, trained by Richard Hobson, heads the market once again, with French horses often dominating the race.
However, that being said, there’s plenty of noise coming from Dan Skelton’s camp as five-year-old Madara is a close second favourite to topple the current champion. The five-year-old is a course winner and has plenty of experience around Cheltenham’s famous track. This French horse has the potential to be in the winners’ enclosure once more.
Irish trainer Willie Mullins has an outside chance with James Du Berlais, who is in the middle of the pack when you look at the betting. The eight-year-old has only won one chase from 11 attempts, though he has been on the podium a further three times. Perhaps there’s a little too much class in this particular race for him.
International Hurdle
Saturday’s International Hurdle is an important stepping stone for the Champion Hurdle in March, and it regularly attracts top-class two-mile hurdlers. Willie Mullins’ impressive Lossiemouth won this race comfortably at skinny odds – a rare win for the Irish, who have only won this race three times. Three times more than the French, mind you. Sadly, it doesn’t seem likely that we’ll see Lossiemouth return to defend her crown.
However, this race has been dominated by the British, who have won it no less than 17 times. It has often been fought out between Nicky Henderson and Nigel Twiston-Davies. Both trainers have won this particular race five times, and their entries may be the key to exchanging a betslip for some hard-earned cash.
Irish trainers and Cheltenham’s legacy
Irish trainers have long viewed Cheltenham as a proving ground for their finest horses, and the Christmas Meeting is no exception. If anything, it only strengthens their claim for the rest of the season.
Willie Mullins, the all-time leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival, has built a legacy of early-season dominance. By testing his horses at this meeting to see if they can rise to the challenge, Mullins identifies stars capable of excelling in March. Huge fan favourites over the years such as Faugheen, Douvan and Annie Power spring to mind – and, of course, Lossiemouth, who everyone can’t wait to see in action once again.
Gordon Elliott shares this philosophy, using Cheltenham’s December races to fine-tune his stable stars. Horses such as Delta Work and Better Days Ahead benefit from Elliott’s strategic approach, arriving at the meeting in peak condition. Henry de Bromhead, another Irish powerhouse, balances festival preparation with developing new talent, ensuring a pipeline of stars for future success.
The consistent success of Irish trainers at Cheltenham highlights their deep understanding of the course, their expert preparation and their ability to adapt to its unique challenges.
Festive magic at Cheltenham
Irish-trained runners made their mark with notable victories, including Marine Nationale storming to success in the Class 1 Ryman Novices’ Chase. This victory only reinforced the strength of Irish trainers on the Cheltenham stage – and we expect more of the same.
However, the Gold Cup December Handicap Chase was a different story as the French horses dominated the field, claiming the top spots with superior jumping and stamina.
Richard Robson’s Fugitif, ridden to perfection by Gavin Sheehan, nailed Il Ridito on the line in a spectacular finish. Frero Banbou completed the podium, finishing third, just under 10 lengths behind the front two. Irish hopeful Fakir D’Oudairies was back in fifth.
Once again, this year, French trainers are expected to send formidable contenders, setting up an exciting clash with Irish and British hopefuls. Perhaps make sure that the horse you’re backing is French in this particular Gold Cup.
Looking ahead to the festive season
As the Cheltenham Christmas Meeting concludes, attention turns to the season’s next major events. The King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day is always one to mark in the diary, as is the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, which offers more opportunities for Irish-trained stars to pick up trophies.
Leopardstown, in particular, serves as a showcase for Ireland’s finest, with the Savills Chase and the Matheson Hurdle providing critical insights into the form of potential festival contenders. Expect to see Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead continue their dominance, shaping the landscape for the months ahead.
Conclusion
The Cheltenham Christmas Meeting encapsulates everything that’s magical about National Hunt racing: the thrill of the competition and the festive spirit of the season. With Irish trainers, horses and jockeys taking centre stage, the meeting is once again a glorious opportunity to see some of the best in the game.
There’s no doubt that Cheltenham offers an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the chance to witness racing history in the making – and remember to follow the latest odds and tips on Tonybet to enhance your festive enjoyment and punting.
