Cheltenham News: Henry de Bromhead’s Best Horses, Entries & Festival Chances

An Irish horse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing, Henry de Bromhead has trained countless champion horses, including Sizing Europe, A Plus Yard and Captain Guinness.

De Bromhead is perhaps best known for Honeysuckle, the hugely successful thoroughbred racehorse with an extraordinary record. The mare won 17 of the 19 races she entered, including both the Hatton's Grace Hurdle and the Irish Champion Hurdle three times.

Since training his first Festival winner in 2010, Henry de Bromhead has amassed 25 Cheltenham victories – including Honeysuckle’s triumphs in both the Champion Hurdle and David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle. Other Cheltenham achievements include four Queen Mother Champion Chase titles and two Gold Cup wins in consecutive years.

This year, de Bromhead has 63 entries in the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, including notable runners in “The Big Westener”, “Koktail Divin”, “Bob Olinger” and “Heart Wood”. 

Here’s a race-by-race overview of Henry de Bromhead’s Cheltenham prospects and how his stable is shaping up as Festival week approaches.

Henry de Bromhead Seeks His First Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Title 

Despite regular entries, Henry de Bromhead has never had the luck on his side to claim a win in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham. 

De Bromhead’s “Gorgeous Tom” (11/) may have beaten Ballyburn (4/7), the favourite in last year's race, but the runner still placed fourth. 20/1 Lecky Watson (Willie Mullins) took the win with 22/1 Stellar Story (Gordon Elliott) placing second. 

This year, de Bromhead’s best chance in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase is “The Big Westerner”, but “Koktail Divin” is another fantastic entry of his in the race. 

The Big Westerner’s Second Festival – Henry de Bromhead’s Best Shot?

The Big Westerner, a 7-year-old mare owned by Coolmara Stables Limited, is one of the top Henry de Bromhead Cheltenham entries. 

Table: The Big Westerner Recent Runs 

Her recent form is strong, with a win in December at Limerik and a second place (losing only to Jimmy Du Seuil) in November. 

The Brown Advisory Novices' Chase will be her second Festival – she earned second place in the 2025 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle to Jasmin De Vaux.

Table: The Big Westerner Cheltenham Form

The Big Westener is currently entered in both this, the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase and the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase. 

She’s up there with the favourites of the current entries, but Willie Mullins has some strong contenders. The likes of Final Demand and Kaid d’Authie will prove a challenge for this mare. 

Henry de Bromhead’s Entry in the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

The Golden Miller Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (known as the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase for sponsorship reasons) was last won by Henry de Bromhead in 2022 with “Bob Olinger”, ridden by Rachael Blackmore. 

This year, it’s Koktail Divin tipped as the early favourite for the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. But Henry de Bromhead has five other initial entries with Slade Steel, Waterford Whispers, Downmexicoway, Zurich and Beckett Rock. 

Koktail Divin Celebrations for Henry de Bromhead? 

Of the top Henry de Bromhead Cheltenham runners, Koktail Divin might just offer the best chance of some silverware. 

Table: Koktail Divin Recent Runs 

A 5-year-old Bay Gelding owned by Barry Maloney, Koktail Divin has consistently improved throughout the last 12 months, culminating in a win at Leopardstown, beating Kiss Will in December.  

Although a Cheltenham novice, the horse is the early favourite in the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. The young horse will go up against Ben Pauling’s “Meetmebythesea” and Paul Nicholls’ “Regent’s Stroll”.

Koktail Divin is currently entered in this, the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle – Henry de Bromhead Defends His Title

A race that historically hasn’t been his main hunting ground – the Stayers’ Hurdle title was one of the few things missing from de Bromhead’s list of achievements. 

But all that changed in 2025 when Bob Olinger delivered a memorable victory over Gordon Elliot’s “Teahupoo”. This year, the pair are back to defend their title as Stayers' Hurdle champions. 

De Bromhead will be looking to achieve a second win in the event with full focus on Bob Olinger – he’s not trained any other horses ready for the event. 

Can Bob Olinger Make It Back-to-Back Stayers’ Hurdle Wins for Henry de Bromhead?

An 11-year-old Bay Gelding with plenty of experience at the Cheltenham Festival, Bob Olinger is a top contender for making it back-to-back Stayers’ Hurdle Wins for Henry de Bromhead.

Table: Bob Olinger Recent Runs 

He’s only run once since last year’s Cheltenham festival, but was beaten to the post by Gordon Elliott’s “Teahupoo”. The two have consistently come to metaphorical blows, chopping and changing results over the last few races. But Teahupoo is the early favourite for the 2026 Stayers’ Hurdle – what kind of answer can Bob Olinger come up with? 

The answer may lie in his history – it’s Bob Olinger’s fourth time running at the Festival and fifth time running at Cheltenham.

Table: Bob Olinger Cheltenham Form

Bob Olinger is Henry de Bromhead’s only entry in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle – but it’s going to take a big effort to beat the competition. Alongside Teahupoo, Gordon Elliott’s “Honesty Policy” and Dan Skelton’s “Kabral Du Mathan” are preferred by the bookies.

It might be a dream for Henry de Bromhead – but making it a reality is a different story.

Can Henry de Bromhead Strike Again in the Ryanair Chase?

Henry de Bromhead has a strong record at the Ryanair Chase, winning twice — first with Balko des Flos in 2018 and then with Envoi Allen in 2023.

This year, it’s “Heart Wood” that offers Henry de Bromhead’s best chances in the Ryanair Chase. He’s entered alongside “Envoi Allen”, aiming to secure a third title. 

Is Heart Wood Henry de Bromhead’s Next Cheltenham Star?

An 8-year-old Bay Gelding owned by Robcour, Heart Wood, is an exciting horse for Henry de Bromhead at this year’s Festival. 

Table: Heart Wood Recent Runs 

He’s in good form, winning last time out at Tramore on New Year’s Day alongside a victory at Punchestown back in October. This isn’t Heart Wood’s first Festival, nor is it his first Ryanair Chase. He ran last year, in 2025, but finished in second place behind Willie Mullins’ Fact To File. 

Table: Heart Wood Cheltenham Form

History is in danger of repeating itself once more with Fact To File entered to defend his title, but Nicky Henderson’s “Jonbon” – currently on a two-win streak – could quite easily upset the pair. 

Heart Wood is currently entered in this, the Ryanair Chase and the big one – the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Which Runners Could Shine for Henry de Bromhead This Festival? 

Although he has fewer entries than his rival trainers, it’s his precision targeting that has earned De Bromhead a reputation at the Festival. 

Among the best Henry de Bromhead horses at Cheltenham, Bob Olinger arguably stands out as the yard’s top contender. If he returns to peak form, especially considering his proven Festival record, he’ll be the one to watch in the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.

The Big Westener, Koktail Divin and Heart Wood are all exciting prospects – but it’s unlikely all four will make the headlines. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott may prove too strong for the relative underdog.  

Those tracking the Festival can browse the latest Cheltenham betting deals and free bet specials in the build-up and be sure to revisit for updates once the final runners are confirmed.

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• Nicky Henderson's Best Horses, Entries & Festival Chance

• Cheltenham Festival 2026: Dates, dress code, race times and more

• Cheltenham Festival 2026: An in-depth look at the Championship races