Login
WATCH FREE
Mullins and Townend are the kings of Cheltenham once again
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Fri 13 Mar 2026
Willie Mullins was crowned the leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival for the 13th time and the eighth year in succession.
The Irishman sends over a veritable army of horses from his base in Closutton, County Carlow, and has dominated the key meeting of the National Hunt season for many years.
Some expected him to possibly loosen his grip on the fixture this year – even if just a little – as his string had not been quite so all-conquering in the lead-up.
But his eight winners showed his horses were clearly primed to peak at the right moment and he had plenty of cause for celebration – including winning the biggest race of the week when Gaelic Warrior took the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
He said: “I hadn’t realised we were leading the standings. It’s fantastic. It’s great to have a winner here never mind be leading trainer for the Festival.
“I’m delighted for the yard. This one means a lot, they all do, but especially for our team this year. I’m so pleased.”
Paul Towend is Mullins’ stable jockey and the two combined to great effect as usual throughout the week, with Townend leading rider at the end of four days with four victories.
What was significantly closer this year was the battle for the Prestbury Cup, which Irish trainers again won – but this only by a margin of two, 15-13.
Related posts
Under The Radar: Paddy Magee nominates three to follow
Ross Millar's Monday tips: "he is undeniably well handicapped"
Bond Thoroughbreds: the inside track on their top team
Trustyourinstinct flies home to land Curragh Cup
William Buick set to be reunited with Touleen at Ascot
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved