Cheltenham Festival 2026 Anticipation Builds for Dan Skelton’s Team

CHELTENHAM (Azat TV) – Anticipation is building for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, scheduled to run from March 10-13, as top trainer Dan Skelton prepares to unleash a formidable contingent of horses at Prestbury Park. With just under two weeks until the prestigious event, Skelton, who is also on track to secure his first National Hunt trainers’ title this season, has revealed his intentions to send between 30 and 35 horses, each with a perceived chance, to compete across the four-day festival.

Dan Skelton’s Festival Ambitions and Key Contenders

Dan Skelton, a trainer with 11 previous Cheltenham Festival victories, expressed confidence in his squad during a media morning organized by The Jockey Club. His team includes several prominent entries in the ante-post markets for the festival’s four championship races, signaling a serious bid for further Graded success. Among the leading lights are The New Lion, Grey Dawning, Kabral Du Mathan, and L’eau du Sud.

Skelton’s stable tour provided insights into his meticulous preparations. For the coveted Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, Skelton will saddle Grey Dawning, a horse he proudly calls his Gold Cup runner. Skelton emphasized Grey Dawning’s current peak form, noting that the horse’s patient preparation over the past year was specifically designed for this race. Despite a third-place finish in the Betfair Cotswold Chase, Skelton highlighted the horse’s strong finish and suitability for the course, stating, “We’re going there the best we can be.”

In the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, Skelton plans to run Kabral Du Mathan, provided the ground conditions are not too severe. Skelton and jockey Harry Skelton believe the three-mile trip will suit Kabral Du Mathan, who will be “played late and used for speed,” offering an “interesting twist on the race.” Skelton has managed the horse’s spring approach cautiously to ensure longevity, expressing confidence in his potential if he stays the distance.

Championship Races and Notable Entries

The betMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase will see L’eau du Sud represent the Skelton yard. L’eau du Sud made a “fantastic start to the year,” winning the Shloer Chase, and Skelton believes he has learned from past mistakes in preparation, ensuring the horse will be “in at least Shloer form” for the Champion Chase. His course form and ability when fresh are significant advantages.

In the JCB Triumph Hurdle, Skelton views Maestro Conti as “one of our best chances of the whole week.” This talented juvenile has demonstrated versatility, winning on both decent ground at Kempton and soft ground at Cheltenham, a quality Skelton believes is rare. His improving work at home suggests he is poised for a strong performance.

Strong Contenders in Handicap and Novice Races at Cheltenham

Beyond the championship races, Dan Skelton has numerous promising horses targeting various handicaps and novice events. In the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, A Pai De Nom, currently the favorite, is expected to thrive on the Cheltenham track after a successful year. Skelton also mentioned Nurse Susan as a potential runner in either this race or the Mares’.

The Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle will feature Ace Of Spades and Supremely West. Ace Of Spades, who has “learnt to stay three miles properly,” is in career-best form, while Supremely West has confirmed his preference for the three-mile distance.

For the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase, Be Aware is in “great form” and considered a high-class contender for the race, with Skelton hoping for a strong pace to sit off. Calico, another entry, is praised for his tenacity and experience in big races.

In the Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase, Skelton will run Madara, who he believes has a “massive chance” due to being a fresher, less exposed horse after an injury. Other potential runners include Boombawn and Riskintheground.

Novice races also feature heavily in Skelton’s plans. Bossman Jack and Soldier Reeves are set for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, with Bossman Jack described as “very high class.” In the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, Skelton plans to run three, possibly four, horses including The Sketcher, Vango Can Go, and Mets Ta Ceinture, a French filly with a significant weight allowance and strong reputation. Moneygarrow is a contender for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, while Mydaddypaddy is expected to deliver a career-best performance in the Skybet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on the opening day.

The depth and quality of Dan Skelton’s stable entries for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival underscore the ongoing competitive evolution within National Hunt racing, positioning his team as a central narrative in the pursuit of both individual race glory and a potential trainers’ title.