Irish-trained horses won 20 of the 28 races at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025
There have been more Irish winners than British winners in nine of the last 10 years
The Gold Cup winner has been Irish-trained nine times in the last decade
Ireland's domination at the Cheltenham Festival has now reached a decade-long stretch, with the raiding party outscoring their British hosts nine times in 10 years — with a draw in 2019 when each side tallied 14 winners at the spring extravaganza in the Cotswolds.
The balance of power sits with Ireland currently, though all things in sport tend to be cyclical and no doubt the wheel will turn in the future.
For now, with record-breaking Willie Mullins spearheading Ireland's assault on the 'greatest show on turf', further glory seems assured at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.
Here is an early season look at five Irish horses that may shine at Cheltenham in March, with an acca paying 2148/1 with LiveScore Bet.
Romeo Coolio – Arkle Novices' Chase @ 11/2
The latest Cheltenham Festival odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Gordon Elliott has an exciting team of novices and none more so than Romeo Coolio, a Grade 1-winner over hurdles seemingly destined for big things now jumping fences.
He won the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday and did so in very easy fashion.
He was third in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last season and while a rematch with Kopek Des Bordes may ensue if they both make the Arkle, this Cullentra inmate could overtake his old rival in this new discipline.
Final Demand – Brown Advisory Novices Chase @ 5/4
The latest Cheltenham Festival odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The Mullins-trained Final Demand was also third as a novice hurdler here last season but already looks destined for superstardom as a chaser.
He romped to victory in a Punchestown Grade 1 on his final start over the smaller obstacles and was foot-perfect at Navan on chasing debut in November, as he left a good horse in Wingmen trailing in his wake.
The three mile Brown Advisory Novices' Chase is the spring target and he could be Ireland's banker come the time.
Only By Night – Mares' Chase @ 6/1
The latest Cheltenham Festival odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Only By Night was second in the Arkle here last season, headed late on by Jango Baie. That Nicky Henderson runner looked very good in his comeback win at Ascot recently and the Arkle form from last season could be very strong, with Majborough (third) taking a Punchestown Grade 1 afterwards and L'eau Du Sud (fourth) impressive when thumping Jonbon in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November.
Gavin Cromwell is plotting backwards from the Mares' Chase with Only By Night, who was bought by owners Robcour in the summer, and she won a Grade 3 against the boys in Ireland on seasonal bow.
The intermediate trip, taking on her own sex, could be absolutely perfect come March.
Ballyburn – Stayers' Hurdle @ 5/2
The latest Cheltenham Festival odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Things went a bit sour for Ballyburn last season over fences but, typically, Mullins has quickly got him on track by sending him over hurdles.
He was edged out in the 2m3f Hatton's Grace Hurdle by Teahupoo on their respective comebacks but it was a head-bob and Ballyburn closed fast after they jumped the final obstacle.
On that evidence, he may be set for a second career success at the Cheltenham Festival if they meet again over three miles in the Stayers' Hurdle.
Galopin Des Champs – Gold Cup @ 5/1
The latest Cheltenham Festival odds are available on LiveScore Bet
He surrendered his crown last time out, denied a Gold Cup hat-trick by Inothewayurthinkin, but do not discount Galopin Des Champs hopes of regaining top spot in 2026.
He will be a 10-year-old by then and not since Cool Dawn in 1998 has a horse of that age landed the Blue Riband.
His trainer retains a great amount of faith in this generational talent and while he takes his racing well, he does not have major miles on the clock.
Inothewayurthinkin was a meritorious winner back in March but he still has a way to go to prove he has the class of Galopin Des Champs over a sustained time.
Only Kauto Star has won a Gold Cup at Cheltenham, lost one and then won it back again. This equine star could emulate him.
