Cheltenham Festival 2026 Race Results

Our Top 5 Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners

Golden Miller

The greatest Cheltenham Gold Cup winner of all time, Golden Miller’s achievements eclipse those of any other horse to have run at the Cheltenham Festival. The legendary racehorse won the Cheltenham Gold Cup five consecutive times from 1932 - 1936 and is the only horse in history to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National.

Arkle

One of the most successful Cheltenham Gold Cup winners in history, having landed the coveted prize for three consecutive years from 1964 - 1966, winning the 1965 running by twenty lengths. Trained by Tom Dreaper, he was one of the highest-rated horses in history. His career sadly came to an end when he fractured his pedal bone in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.

Desert Orchid

Racing’s most popular grey won the hearts of the public thanks to his will to win and exuberant jumping style. The household legend will always be remembered for his Cheltenham Gold Cup victory in 1989. Tough and talented, ‘Dessie’ as he became affectionately known, ploughed through the deep ground to reel in Yahoo on his way to Gold Cup glory. The crowd roared him home as he returned victorious for trainer David Elsworth and jockey Simon Sherwood.

Best Mate

Three-time winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup from 2002 - 2004, Best Mate was the first horse to achieve this remarkable feat since Arkle. Trained by Henrietta Knight, this legendary chaser came home to rapturous applause in 2004 when he dug deep up the Cheltenham hill to hold off strong challenges from Harbour Pilot and Sir Rembrandt.

Kauto Star

Kauto Star, trained by Paul Nicholls, achieved what no other horse has done by regaining the Cheltenham Gold Cup. His first victory in the race came in 2007 before he was beaten by stablemate Denman in 2008. He gained his revenge in 2009, reversing that form and beating Denman by 13 lengths and he will be remembered as one of the greatest chasers of all time.

Our Top 5 Champion Hurdle Winners

Persian War

Persian War was a three-time Champion Hurdle winner, landing the prestigious prize from 1968 - 1970 for trainer Colin Davies. One of the greatest two-mile hurdlers of all time, Persian War’s winning Champion Hurdle streak was brought to an end by Bula in 1971.

See You Then

A lightly-raced champion who struggled with tendon problems, this talented Cheltenham hero won the Champion Hurdle three times for trainer Nicky Henderson from 1985 - 1987. He was bidding to become the first horse to win the race four times but sadly his career was cut short due to his injury issues.

Istabraq

One of Ireland’s most magnificent hurdlers, Istabraq notched up a hat-trick of Champion Hurdle wins from 1998 - 2000. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Istabraq will be remembered for his blistering turn of foot and shrugging off his rivals with ease. His attempt to land a 4th victory in the Champion Hurdle was brought to an end when the Cheltenham Festival was cancelled due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

Hurricane Fly

Hurricane Fly was a winning machine for trainer Willie Mullins, notching up an incredible 22 Grade 1 wins throughout a remarkable career. He achieved the fine feat of regaining the Champion Hurdle, winning the coveted prize in 2011 and 2013.

Honeysuckle

The wonder mare has won the last two runnings of the Champion Hurdle in 2021 and 2022. She was seemingly unbeatable until her winning streak was brought to an end by Teahupoo in the 2022 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle. Nonetheless her achievements have been spectacular and the bay mare is Ireland’s sweetheart.