Willie Mullins Horses at Cheltenham Festival
A former jockey, Irish racehorse trainer Willie Mullins has earned the title of the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival.
In this article, we’ll introduce Willie Mullins, cover all of his 2026 Cheltenham entries and discuss his triumphant history in the sport. We’ll talk about some of the most successful horses in his career and highlight our expert picks from Mullins’ top runners.
Find everything you need to know about Willie Mullins for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival below.
An Introduction to Willie Mullins and His Horses
With a record-breaking 113 wins in the Cheltenham Festival from 1995 to 2025, Mullins really needs no introduction to the sport. The trainer is often regarded as the best of all time, achieving over 3,000 career wins.
Mullins is the Champion National Hurdle trainer, a title he has retained for the last sixteen years. He has held the title a total of seventeen times. The 2025 Cheltenham Festival was one of Mullins' best to date, as he trained 10 winners, which equaled his previous record from 2022 and set him on his way to collecting the Leading Trainer Award for the 12th time.
In addition to his achievements at the Cheltenham Festival, Mullins has prevailed in the Grand National, training the winner in 2005 (Hedgehunter) and 2024 (I Am Maximus). In 2019, Mullins won the Irish Grand National with Burrows Saint, ridden by Ruby Walsh.
Willie Mullins at Cheltenham Festival: The Key Highlights
Mullins holds the record as the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, with 113 winners spanning from 1995 to 2025.
He has achieved the first-place finish in the Gold Cup four times, in 2019 and 2020 with Al Boum Photo and in 2023 and 2024 with Galopin Des Champs. He aims to win a fifth time with Galopin Des Champs in 2026 and is the current sixth favourite.
Additional Cheltenham Festival achievements include winning the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle 11 times, the Champion Bumper 14 times, and the Supreme Novices' Hurdle a record 8 times. A full breakdown of his wins at the Festival are listed below:
1995
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Tourist Attraction
1996
- Champion Bumper – Wither Or Which
1997
- Champion Bumper – Florida Pearl
1998
- Royal & Sun Alliance Chase – Florida Pearl
- Champion Bumper – Alexander Banquet
1998
- Royal & Sun Alliance Chase – Florida Pearl
- Champion Bumper – Alexander Banquet
2000
- Champion Bumper – Joe Cullen
2002
- JCB Triumph Hurdle – Scolardy
2004
- Royal & Sun Alliance Chase – Rule Supreme
2005
- Champion Bumper – Missed That
2007
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Ebaziyan
2008
- Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle – Fiveforthree
- Champion Bumper – Cousin Vinny
2009
- Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Mikael D’Haguenet
- RSA Chase – Cooldine
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Quevega
2010
- County Handicap Hurdle – Thousand Stars
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Quevega
2011
- County Handicap Hurdle – Final Approach
- Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Sir Des Champs
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Quevega
- Champion Hurdle – Hurricane Fly
2012
- Jewson Novices’ Chase – Sir Des Champs
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Quevega
- Champion Bumper – Champagne Fever
2013
- Champion Bumper – Briar Hill
- National Hunt Chase – Back In Focus
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Quevega
- Champion Hurdle – Hurricane Fly
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Champagne Fever
2014
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Vautour
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Quevega
- Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle – Faugheen
- Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Don Poli
2015
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Douvan
- Arkle Chase – Un De Sceaux
- Champion Hurdle – Faugheen
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Glens Melody
- RSA Chase – Don Poli
- JLT Novice Chase – Vautour
- County Handicap Hurdle – Wicklow Brave
- Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Killultagh Vic
2016
- Arkle Chase – Douvan
- Champion Hurdle – Annie Power
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Vroum Vroum Mag
- Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle – Yorkhill
- JLT Novices’ Chase – Black Hercules
- Ryanair Chase – Vautour
- Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Limini
2017
- JLT Novices’ Chase – Yorkhill
- Ryanair Chase – Un De Sceaux
- Stayers’ Hurdle – Nichols Canyon
- Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Let’s Dance
- County Handicap Hurdle – Arctic Fire
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Penhill
2018
- Arkle Chase – Footpad
- David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – Benie Des Dieux
- National Hunt Chase – Rathvinden
- Coral Cup – Bleu Berry
- Champion Bumper – Relegate
- Stayers’ Hurdle – Penhill
- Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Laurina
2019
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Klassical Dream
- Arkle Chase – Duc Des Genievres
- Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Eglantine Du Seuil
- Cheltenham Gold Cup – Al Boum Photo
2020
- Champion Bumper – Ferny Hollow
- Ryanair Chase – Min
- Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Concertista
- JCB Triumph Hurdle – Burning Victory
- County Handicap Hurdle – Saint Roi
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Monkfish
- Cheltenham Gold Cup – Al Boum Photo
2021
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Appreciate It
- Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – Monkfish
- Champion Bumper – Sir Gerhard
- Ryanair Chase – Allaho
- Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – Colreevy
- Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Galopin Des Champs
2022
- National Hunt Chase – Stattler
- Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Sir Gerhard
- Queen Mother Champion Chase – Energumene
- Champion Bumper – Facile Vega
- Ryanair Chase – Allaho
- JCB Triumph Hurdle – Vauban
- County Handicap Hurdle – State Man
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – The Nice Guy
- St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase – Billaway
- Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – Elimay
2023
- Arkle Chase – El Fabiolo
- National Hunt Chase – Gaillard Du Mesnil
- Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Impaire Et Passe
- Champion Chase – Energumene
- Triumph Hurdle – Lossiemouth
- Gold Cup – Galopin Des Champs
2024
- Arkle Chase – Gaelic Warrior
- Champion Hurdle – State Man
- Mares’ Hurdle – Lossiemouth
- Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle – Ballyburn
- Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – Fact To File
- Champion Bumper – Jasmin De Vaux
2025
- Supreme Novices' Hurdle - Kopek Des Bordes
- Mares' Hurdle - Lossiemouth
- Brown Advisory Novices' Chase - Lecky Watson
- Coral Cup - Jimmy Du Seuil
- Champion Bumper - Bambino Fever
- Ryanair Chase - Fact To File
- Triumph Hurdle - Poniros
- County Hurdle - Kargese
- Mares' Chase - Dinoblue
- Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle - Jasmin De Vaux
Horses Owned by Willie Mullins Competing at Cheltenham Festival
Mullins had the most significant number of entries in the 2025 Cheltenham Festival of any trainer and this theme has certainly continued into 2026.
In early February, Mullins announced 87 total entries which includes 54 individual horses, for Cheltenham Festival 2026. This total also sees 9 entries for the showpiece Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Below you can see a day-by-day breakdown of the horses entered by Mullins, along with their latest odds. However, please note that this information is subject to change.
Day 1: Champion Day - Tuesday, 10th March 2026
Mullins has split his entries on Day 1, Champion Day, across the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase and Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy.
The 69-year-old trainer is set to have a total of 14 entries on the opening day, with Kopek Des Bordes, Lossiemouth and Ballyburn the key names in action.
Take a look at Mullins' Day 1 entries for Cheltenham Festival 2026, as it stands:
| Race | Horse | Best Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Novices Hurdle | Mighty Park | 16/1 |
| Supreme Novices Hurdle | King Rasko Grey | 16/1 |
| Supreme Novices Hurdle | Sober | 20/1 |
| Supreme Novices Hurdle | The Reverend | 33/1 |
| Arkle Chase | Kopek Des Bordes | 11/4 |
| Arkle Chase | Kargese | 5/1 |
| Arkle Chase | Kappa Jy Pyke | 16/1 |
| Arkle Chase | Salvator Mundi | 25/1 |
| Arkle Chase | Port Joulain | 66/1 |
| Champion Hurdle | Poniros | 18/1 |
| Champion Hurdle | Lossiemouth | 6/1 |
| Champion Hurdle | Anzadam | 20/1 |
| Champion Hurdle | Ballyburn | 20/1 |
| Champion Hurdle | El Fabiolo | 100/1 |
Day 2: Style Wednesday - Wednesday, 11th March 2026
Style Wednesday is looking like another busy day for Mullins, with multiple horses entered into the Turner's Novices' Hurdle, Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase and Weatherbys Champion Bumper.The horses to keep an eye on in these races will be Final Demand (4/1), Majborough (13/8) and Il Etait Temps (7/1).
Take a look at Mullins predicted entries for Day 2 at Cheltenham Festival 2026, however this is subject to change:
| Race | Horse | Best Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Turners Novices Hurdle | Love Me Tender | 33/1 |
| Turners Novices Hurdle | Doctor Du Mesnil | 66/1 |
| Brown Advisory Novice Chase | Final Demand | 4/1 |
| Brown Advisory Novice Chase | Gold Dancer | 80/1 |
| Brown Advisory Novice Chase | Ballygunner Castle | 150/1 |
| Brown Advisory Novice Chase | Funiculi Funicula | 150/1 |
| Brown Advisory Novice Chase | King Alexander | 150/1 |
| Champion Chase | Majborough | 13/8 |
| Champion Chase | Il Etait Temps | 7/1 |
| Champion Bumper | Love Sign d’Aunou | 7/1 |
| Champion Bumper | Our Trigger | 14/1 |
| Champion Bumper | Bentraghhill | 14/1 |
Day 3: St. Patrick’s Thursday - Thursday, 12th March 2026
St. Patrick’s Thursday is next on the list, and Mullins has entries in the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.
Looking ahead at Mullins' 22 entries on Day 3, there are so many to keep an eye on such as Bambino Fever (15/8), Lossiemouth (5/4), Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File (both 9/4).
A full breakdown of Mullins’ entries for day 3 at Cheltenham Festival 2026 can be found in the table below:
| Race | Horse | Best Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Bambino Fever | 15/8 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Venusienne | 20/1 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Larinka | 20/1 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Future Prospect | 20/1 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Wonderful Everyday | 33/1 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Diamond De Berlais | 33/1 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Place De La Nation | 33/1 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Aqua Force | 50/1 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Ellen Kelly | 50/1 |
| Mares Novices Hurdle | Poeista | 80/1 |
| Mares Hurdle | Lossiemouth | 5/4 |
| Mares Hurdle | Jade De Grugy | 10/1 |
| Mares Hurdle | Kargese | 25/1 |
| Mares Hurdle | Murcia | 50/1 |
| Mares Hurdle | Baby Kate | 66/1 |
| Stayers Hurdle | Ballyburn | 16/1 |
| Stayers Hurdle | Mystical Power | 66/1 |
| Ryanair Chase | Gaelic Warrior | 9/4 |
| Ryanair Chase | Fact to File | 9/4 |
| Ryanair Chase | Impaire Et Passe | 12/1 |
| Ryanair Chase | Il Etait Temps | 20/1 |
| Ryanair Chase | Energumene | 100/1 |
Day 4: Gold Cup Day - Friday, 13th March 2026
On the final day of the Festival is where true champions are made, with the JCB Triumph Hurdle, Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup and St. James's Place Festival all taking place.
This is set to be a huge day for Mullins with a predicted 45 entries, including nine in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
A full breakdown of Mullins’ potential entries for day 4 at Cheltenham Festival 2026 can be found in the table below:
| Race | Horse | Best Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Triumph Hurdle | Narciso Has | 13/8 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Selma De Vary | 7/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Proactif | 7/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Charme De Faust | 14/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Macho Man | 16/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Kai Lung | 40/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Minella Academy | 40/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Majolique | 40/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Apolon De Charnie | 50/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Quinteplus | 50/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Forty Fifty | 50/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Mon Creuest | 50/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Noemie De La Vis | 66/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Madness d'Elle | 66/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Portnahapple | 66/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Moulin Labbe | 100/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Bertutea | 100/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Beauvallon | 100/1 |
| Triumph Hurdle | Dschingis Desire | 100/1 |
| Mares Chase | Dinoblue | 7/4 |
| Mares Chase | Spindleberry | 4/1 |
| Mares Chase | Jade De Grugy | 12/1 |
| Mares Chase | Kargese | 20/1 |
| Mares Chase | Fun Fun Fun | 66/1 |
| Mares Chase | Jalila Moriviere | 66/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Doctor Steinberg | 11/4 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Sortudo | 14/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Espresso Milan | 14/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | You Proof | 20/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Saint Baco | 40/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Doctor Du Mesnil | 40/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Love Me Tender | 40/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Leader d'Allier | 50/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Hipop De Loire | 66/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Bon Viveur | 66/1 |
| Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Laurets d'Estruval | 66/1 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Fact To File | 4/1 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Gaelic Warrior | 15/2 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Galopin Des Champs | 9/1 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | I Am Maximus | 28/1 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Nick Rockett | 50/1 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Impaire Et Passe | 66/1 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Grangeclare West | 100/1 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Lecky Watson | 100/1 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Spindleberry | 100/1 |
Notable Horses from Willie Mullins's History
Mullins’ historic stable is the stuff of legend, from the Grand National Winners of Hedgehunter (2005) and I Am Maximus (2024) to the Gold Cup winners Al Boum Photo (2019, 2020) and Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024).
Galopin des Champs
It’s hard to talk about Mullins without mentioning Galopin des Champs in the same breath.
The 9-year-old French-bred thoroughbred is arguably the top horse in Mullins’ stable, with a career high Timeform rating of 181. It's been another successful year in the build up to Cheltenham Festival 2026, with Galopin des Champs being victorious in the Irish Gold Cup for the third successive year, while adding the Punchestown Gold Cup to his illustrious list of career honours.
The horse is best known for winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in both 2023 and 2024, but he’s achieved so much more in his racing career. Galopin Des Champs has won in the following major events:
- Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2021)
- Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle (2021)
- Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase (2022)
- Boylesports Gold Cup (2022)
- John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (2022)
- Savills Chase (2023, 2024)
- Irish Gold Cup (2023, 2024 and 2025)
- Punchestown Gold Cup (2025)
Hurricane Fly
The career of Mullins may not have been as impressive as it has been without Hurricane Fly.
Hurricane Fly previously held the record for the number of Grade 1 races won by any horse. His record was eventually beaten by Winx in 2019. The thoroughbred is best known as the two-time Champion Hurdle winner, but the following major wins were also achieved:
- Prix de Longchamp Hurdle (2008)
- Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (2008)
- Future Champions Novice Hurdle (2008)
- Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (2009)
- Punchestown Champion Hurdle (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
- Hatton's Grace Hurdle (2010)
- December Festival Hurdle (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014)
- Irish Champion Hurdle (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
- Morgiana Hurdle (2012, 2013, 2014)
Willie Mullins Performance at Cheltenham Festival
At the Cheltenham Festival, Mullins is the single most successful trainer - accruing 113 wins over his career.
Over the last five years at Cheltenham (including events outside of the festival), Mullins’ has amassed the following record:
| Wins | Runs | % | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 347 | 13.26 | 25 | 34 | 32 | £6,105,412 |
From 347 runners, Mullins has a 13.26% success rate with 46 wins and a further 91 horses racing 2nd to 4th (26.2%). In this year’s IRE Jumps Season (May 2024 - May 2025), Mullins has the following record:
| Race Type | Runs | Wins | % | Placed | Winners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurdle | 353 | 94 | 27 | 88 | 77/151 |
| Chase | 252 | 50 | 20 | 61 | 36/97 |
Willie Mullins' Cheltenham Festival 2026 Prospects
Galopin Des Champs - Our Top Pick
Come Gold Cup Day, there’s one horse on everyone’s mind - Galopin Des Champs. Mullins’ current top horse is no stranger to success at Cheltenham. He’s going for his third Gold Cup in the last four years.
Once again in 2026, Galopin Des Champs will be one to follow closely, as he continues to showcase consistency throughout the backend of 2024 and 2025, having finished in the top three in his last five races, winning two, finishing second once and third twice. Despite losing to Inothewayurthinkin in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham last year, there's no doubt he and Mullins will be aiming to reclaim their crown come March.
Check out his form form the last five races in the table below:
| Event | Date | Distance | Position | Going |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leopardstown (IRE) - Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup Chase | 2nd February 2026 | 3m 100y | 3/12 | S |
| Leopardstown (IRE) - Savills Chase | 28th December 2025 | 3m 100y | 3/11 | Y |
| Punchestown (IRE) – Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup | 30th April 2025 | 3m 213y | 1/4 | Y |
| Cheltenham – Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup | 14th March 2025 | 3m 2f 70y | 2/9 | Gd/S |
| Leopardstown (IRE) - Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup Chase | 1st February 2025 | 3m 70y | 1/10 | Gd/Y |
Fact To File - One to Watch
Fact To File is another exciting horse in Mullins’ stable. He had a strong Cheltenham Festival 2025, having been victorious in the Ryanair Chase on day three. This result made it two wins from his last five, with a second, third and fourth-placed finish as well.
Fact To File is running in good form and you can see the last five races shown in the table below:
| Event | Date | Distance | Position | Going |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leopardstown – Irish Gold Cup Chase | 02 Feb 2026 | 3m 100y | 1/12 | Soft |
| Kempton Park – King George VI Chase | 26 Dec 2025 | 3m | 6/8 | Good (Good to Soft) |
| Punchestown Chase | 23 Nov 2025 | 2m 3f 150y | 2/10 | Soft to Heavy |
| Punchestown – Drogheda Chase | 29 Apr 2025 | 2m 98y | 4/6 | Good to Yielding |
| Cheltenham Festival – Festival Trophy Chase | 13 Mar 2025 | 2m 4f 127y | 1/9 | Good to Soft |
Gaelic Warrior - One to Watch
Gaelic Warrior is another versatile prospect in Mullins' stable, who will certainly be one to watch heading into the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Having won the 2024 Arkle, he is expected to be entered into the Champion Chase or Gold Cup next year, and is in fine form leading up to the big occasion.
Check out the table below to see Gaelic Warrior's last five races:
| Event | Date | Distance | Position | Going |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leopardstown – Irish Gold Cup Chase | 02 Feb 2026 | 3m 100y | 2/12 | Soft |
| Kempton Park – King George VI Chase | 26 Dec 2025 | 3m | 3/8 | Good (Good to Soft) |
| Punchestown Chase | 23 Nov 2025 | 2m 3f 150y | 1/10 | Soft to Heavy |
| Sandown Park Chase | 26 Apr 2025 | 2m 6f 164y | 1/9 | Good |
| Aintree Chase | 03 Apr 2025 | 3m 210y | 1/7 | Good to Soft |
Willie Mullins at Cheltenham Festival 2022 and 2025
Mullins has experienced so much success at the Cheltenham Festival that it can be hard to pinpoint just one year.
However, if we look at the numbers, it’s hard to beat his performance in the 2022 and 2025 Cheltenham Festival. A breakdown of the two best years of Mullins' distinguished career is bulleted below:
2022
- National Hunt Chase – Stattler
- Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Sir Gerhard
- Queen Mother Champion Chase – Energumene
- Champion Bumper – Facile Vega
- Ryanair Chase – Allaho
- JCB Triumph Hurdle – Vauban
- County Handicap Hurdle – State Man
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – The Nice Guy
- St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase – Billaway
- Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – Elimay
2025
- Supreme Novices' Hurdle – Kopek Des Bordes
- Mares' Hurdle – Lossiemouth
- Brown Advisory Novices' Chase – Lecky Watson
- Coral Cup – Jimmy Du Seuil
- Champion Bumper – Bambino Fever
- Ryanair Chase – Fact To File
- Triumph Hurdle – Poniros
- County Hurdle – Kargese
- Mares' Chase – Dinoblue
- Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle – Jasmin De Vaux
Popular Cheltenham Trainers and Owners
You can find out everything you need to know including more information on a selection of the biggest trainers and owners ahead of Cheltenham Festival 2026:
- Nicky Henderson
- Paul Nicholls
- Sir Alex Ferguson
- Harry Redknapp
