Every March the Cheltenham Festival brings the racing world’s attention to Gloucestershire. For four days, the best show jumpers from Great Britain and Ireland compete at the highest level, with results that often determine the reputation of trainers and jockeys for years to come. This meeting also makes for one of the busiest times for betting on horse racing while bookmakers monitor performance and create odds based on the likelihood of certain outcomes. In recent years, both the media and horse racing fans have started to focus less on the individual winners themselves and more on trying to understand the broader trend of the growing dominance of the Irish at this prestigious event.
A shift in power
Irish dominance is not a vague impression, but a matter of determination. Just five years ago in 2021, Irish-trained horses won 23 of the 28 races at the Festival, which is one of the most dominant performances we have seen from the Irish at Cheltenham, indicating the extent of the power shift. In several recent renewals, Ireland have delivered more than half of all winners, showing they have no intention of slowing down any time soon. At Cheltenham Racecourse we have seen a huge movement towards a more balanced rivalry between the British and the Irish, which turned into a battering by the Irish.
Willie Mullins
No discussion can begin without Willie Mullins, who has been the leading trainer at the Festival many times and has saddled more than 100 Cheltenham winners. His Closutton yard is home to a huge range of high quality horses, both beginner and championship. That depth allows him to target multiple races with serious contenders each year, increasing the likelihood of success throughout the week rather than relying on one standout performer.
The new Irish era
Ireland’s advantage is reinforced by a cluster of elite rivals. Gordon Elliott continues to field major festival teams, while Henry de Bromhead remains a consistent force in championship racing. More recently, trainers such as Gavin Cromwell have developed Class 1 performers. That concentration of talent creates domestic competition, making horses sharper before they travel to Britain.
Superior breeding
Ireland has placed itself in a position at the center of the world National hunting breeding industrywhich produces some of the most powerful horses that continue to attract strong international investment. French-bred show jumpers are often sent to Irish yards for training, highlighting the confidence that other countries have in Irish stables. This steady recruitment of well-related young stock ensures that the pipeline that feeds large stables remains deep and resilient.
Targeting Cheltenham as the ultimate goal
Campaign planning has also played a role. Many Irish trainers set the seasons around the peak in March, sometimes restricting a horse’s running movements to maintain freshness. It is common for leading contenders to arrive with complicated preparations, rather than the tougher winter campaigns. Many trainers have come out and spoken about their training regimes, which are designed with Cheltenham in mind, reflecting a single-minded focus on this event as one of their most important.
The power of Irish ownership
Financial support supports that strategy. Owners such as JP McManus maintain a sizeable stable at several of Ireland’s top yards, spreading investment across entry-level and open company horses. Strong syndicate models have also broadened participation, allowing groups to compete at the highest levels. Reliable financing and investments. Supports patient campaigns and the purchase of high-priced prospects at public auction.
Momentum and mental edge
The festival week has taken on a distinctly Irish flavour, with thousands of people making the journey across the Irish Sea every March. Continued success boosts confidence on training grounds and among jockeys riding horses used to winning on home soil. Faith isn’t something that comes in the form book, but consistent wins create a sense of anticipation; when races are decided late over demanding obstacles, that quiet certainty can make a marginal difference.
The Golden Generation
By 2026, it will feel less like a short form and more like an established trend. Major stud farms and seasonal trainers are at the heart of Ireland’s horse racing culture, with steady financial support providing a strong foundation for the future. The British continue to produce top class horses and many memorable winners; However, the Irish have a lineup that can continue to produce results season after season, as they have done over the past decade. Unless the wider disparities in funding and organization are addressed, Cheltenham’s lead appears unlikely to change in the near future.
The future for Irish horse racing
Looking ahead, Irish horse racing looks set to maintain its strong position on the international stage. Continuous investments in breeding, training facilities and young talent ensure a steady stream of competition horses every season. Emerging trainers and jockeys benefit from the experience alongside established stars, while ownership groups remain committed to long-term campaigns. Provided these structures remain in place and evolve with the sport, Ireland is likely to continue producing top class National Hunt horses and maintain its dominance at Cheltenham and beyond.
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