Rishi Persad, presenter for ITV Racing and Racing Weekly, shares his ITV7 Prediction for Gold Cup Day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Get yourself ready for the for Gold Cup day at Cheltenhamw with dozens of offers on our Cheltenham Free Bets page.
ITV Racing's very own, Rishi Persad, has cast his eye over the races on the final day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival and gives us his ITV7 Prediction!
Check out who he's backing plus Thursday's ITV Racing schedule for Friday here.
1.20 Cheltenham: Triumph Hurdle
Rishi Persad's Selection: SELMA DE VARY
Very talented filly who produced a smart performance to win her final start in France back in November. She made a hugely encouraging start to life with Willie Mullins when second to Narciso Has at the Dublin Racing Festival and with the latter sidelined, she looks to have a great chance in this race.
1.42 Doncaster
Rishi Persad's Selection: COUNT OF VENDOME
Won over course and distance two starts ago and although beaten at odds on last time out, he was second to a smart horse in Harry Lowes. There is almost certainly more to come after three starts over hurdles and he is expected to continue his progression here.
betkwiff
2.00 Cheltenham - County Hurdle
Rishi Persad's Selection: SINNATRA
The Skeltons managed to get the fifth qualifying run in for this novice with three days to spare and he is an intriguing contender from near the bottom of the weights. His form when second to Act Of Innocence at Newbury in November was given a big boost in Wednesday’s Turners Novice at the Festival and he should be suited by the demands of the County.
2.40 Cheltenham - Mares' Chase
Rishi Persad's Selection: ONLY BY NIGHT
Finished a very good second in the Arkle last year. Began this season with a smooth win against the boys at Naas before being badly hampered in the Grade One Chase at Christmas. She has not run since, but has a good record fresh and is serious opponent for Dinoblue
3.20 Cheltenham - Albert Barlett Novices' Hurdle
Rishi Persad's Selection: SPINNINGAYARN
Won his last two starts in promising fashion over shorter distances than today, making the running on both occasions and looking as though a step up in trip to three miles would not be a problem. In addition his dam is a half-sister to Stayers Hurdle runner-up Sam Spinner, so he could be even better than he has already shown.
4.00 Cheltenham - Gold Cup
Rishi Persad's Selection: JANGO BAIE
Last year’s Arkle winner who has looked as if he’s needed further on each of his last four starts. He stayed on strongly to win the 1965 Chase at Ascot in November and was finishing best of all in a bunch finish to the King George at Kempton. He has been kept fresh since but his record after a break is excellent and he can give Nicky Henderson his third Gold Cup win.
4.40 Cheltenham - Hunters' Chase
Rishi Persad's Selection: CON'S ROC
One of the least exposed runners in this field. Ran a fine race to be third to Its On The Line at Down Royal in December where he seemed to get a little outpaced before staying on strongly. He will have an extra two and a half furlongs to bring his stamina into play today as well as the addition of cheek pieces and looks sure to play a significant part.
More Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Tips
Andy Holding's Premium Tips for Cheltenham Day 4
Racing Lee's Premium Tips for Cheltenham Gold Cup Day
Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Tips: Road to Cheltenham's Best Best for Friday
Jake Price's Free Cheltenham Festival Tips for Gold Cup Day
