Gordon Elliott, a prominent figure in the world of horse racing, has secured 41 previous Cheltenham wins. He is currently fourth among all-time Cheltenham trainers, behind Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson, and Paul Nicholls.
Elliott will be aiming to climb the list and repeat his golden years at the 2026 Festival.
Elliott’s Cheltenham Record
Elliott’s golden years spanned 2017 and 2018, when he secured 14 wins and earned the title of leading trainer. He was the last holder of the title before Willie Mullins’s dominance.
Last year, Gordon Elliott secured one Cheltenham victory with Wodhooh in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. This year, he’s bringing her back along with a substantial team across the Irish Sea – including “Brighterdaysahead”, “Favori De Champdou” and “Teahupoo”. He has an enormous total of 146 early entries.
Champion Hurdle Challenge
The Unibet Champion Hurdle is the premier race for speed horses. Elliott has never claimed victory in the Champion Hurdle. He finished fourth last year with Brighterdaysahead and will be aiming for redemption at the 2026 Festival.
This year, he’s got one other runner entered in the Champion Hurdle – Casheldale Lad. All eyes are on Brighterdaysahead for Elliot’s first day at the Festival.
Brighterdaysahead’s Prospects
Brighterdaysahead is a 7-year-old mare owned by Gigginstown House Stud.
Brighterdaysahead has shown good form in the last few months, most recently winning against Mullins’ “Lossiemouth” at Leopardstown in early February.
This will be her third Cheltenham Festival, previously competing in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle in 2024 and the Champion Hurdle Challenge in 2025. She’ll be looking to capitalise on her experience coming into this year’s running of the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy.
Brighterdaysahead is entered into two races in this year’s Festival – the Unibet Champion Hurdle and the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle. With Elliott’s “Wodhooh” running the Mares’ Hurdle, her best chance of a win lies in the Champion Hurdle.
Dan Skelton’s “The New Lion” and Willie Mullins’ “Lossiemouth” will prove difficult to beat. Jeremy Scott’s “Golden Ace”, also entered in the Champion Hurdle, is the defending champion and has won both of Brighterdaysahead’s previous Cheltenham entries.
Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
Gordon Elliot is no stranger to the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase. He’s earned five wins in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, sharing the record as the event’s most successful trainer alongside Enda Bolger.
Elliot’s Previous winners include “Cause of Causes” in 2
As the Festival week approaches, Elliott and his team will be looking to make their mark and add to his impressive Cheltenham record.