Johnny Ward and Tommy Lyons select a Cheltenham Lucky 15: 'He’s the best of Paul Byrne’s runners'

Johnny Ward and Tommy Lyons discussed their Lucky 15 selections for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival on our most recent episode of the Irish Edge.

Johnny Ward’s each-way Lucky 15

Anzadam - Champion Hurdle

Visually this horse wants a strong pace, and in a run-of-the-mill Champion Hurdle he has plenty of ability to get involved.

Saratoga - Fred Winter

Saratoga has everything going for him except the fact that he hasn’t been missed by the bookmaker or the handicapper.

Backmersackme - National Hunt Novices’ Chase

He’s the best of Paul Byrne’s runners and he’s a judge I respect, he likes him a lot, so I’m happy to side with him.

I Started A Joke - BetMGM Cup

Trip will help and he was extremely well backed last time, finishing second to a good horse.

Tommy Lyons' Lucky 15

Bambino Fever - Mares’ Novice Hurdle

I think she’s the banker of the week.

Backmersackme - National Hunt Novices’ Chase

Stepping back up in trip again, I think he’ll take a fair bit of beating off a handy weight.

Favouri De Champdou - Cross Country

He looked like he absolutely loved it and there was an unmistakable quality about him.

Talk The Talk - Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

He has the ability, the grit, and the pace to win a race like that. I like the horse a lot.

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