As the sun rises over Cleeve Hill, the opening day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is not merely about the first race, but about the convergence of powerful narratives: a titan of the sport celebrating a milestone, a champion jockey running for a cause born from tragedy, and a battalion of horses primed to define the week. The air is thick with anticipation, whispers, and the formidable presence of one man in particular: JP McManus.
All eyes are on the legendary owner, who turns 75 today. The bookmakers, according to William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps, are “braced for the money to arrive in spades” for his runners, offering odds of 3/1 that he will saddle seven winners across the four-day meeting. This confidence stems from what his former retained rider, Sir Anthony McCoy, believes is “the best team of horses JP has ever had for the Festival.”
The McManus Machine
McManus’s famous green-and-gold silks will be a constant presence. His defending Gold Cup champion, Inothewayurthinkin, awaits Friday, but today’s assault is formidable. In the day’s feature, the Unibet Champion Hurdle (4.00pm), his charge The New Lion is a leading contender. Trainer Dan Skelton believes he is “a very fair price at around 11-4,” a sentiment echoed by McCoy, who compares him to past champions.
The strength in depth is staggering. McManus has Mighty Park, an “exciting novice” with a 38-length maiden hurdle win, in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm). The handicaps are a particular focus: Mustang Du Breuil and Saratoga carry his hopes in the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2.40pm), while Johnnywho and Jagwar join the well-fancied Iroko in the Ultima Handicap Chase (3.20pm). Iroko, a previous festival winner, is a strong fancy for many, with pundits Ruby Walsh and Lydia Hislop both highlighting his suitability for the test.
McCoy’s Marathon Mission
Amid the equine glory, a story of human resilience and friendship runs parallel. Sir Anthony McCoy, present and in good spirits at the track, is channeling his legendary toughness into a new challenge: next month’s London Marathon. He is running for the Matt Hampson Foundation, which supports those with life-changing injuries.
His motivation is profoundly personal, stemming from the catastrophic injury to his close friend and former colleague, Graham Lee. The former Grand National and Gold Cup-winning jockey was paralysed from the neck down after a fall at Newcastle in November 2023 and requires 24-hour care. Lee has spoken candidly about his ordeal, stating his body “ain’t healing,” but clinging to a “glimmer of light.” McCoy has been at his side ever since, and his marathon effort is a direct tribute, following a JustGiving page set up by Lee’s daughter Amy which raised over £100,000.
Challenging the Dominance
While McManus’s colours and the vast squad of leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins – who has 113 career Festival wins – command attention, the Festival often thrives on surprise. Trainer Anthony Honeyball, who has enjoyed a “brilliant year,” is noted for always preparing his handicap chasers to run to their best and could spring a result.
All eyes are also on rookie trainer Faye Bramley, who operates out of Sir Anthony McCoy’s pre-training yard. Her runner Winston Junior, in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, has attracted strong support, with the booking of reigning Irish champion jockey Jack Kennedy a significant plus. Kennedy himself, praised by Ruby Walsh as having “one of the greatest minds in sport,” has an enviable book of rides on day one, including El Cairos in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The Day’s Racing Landscape
The opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle sets a high standard. Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star brings “rock-solid form” reminiscent of the trainer’s past winners, while Gordon Elliott’s El Cairos, with Kennedy aboard, is considered a leading contender. Joseph O’Brien’s Talk The Talk holds the distinction of being the only Grade One winner in the field.
The Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase (2.00pm) presents a clash of opinions. Ruby Walsh believes Kopek Des Bordes is “the best horse in the race,” despite limited experience. Harry Cobden favours the more experienced Lulamba, while Tony Mullins suggests the mare Kargese could offer value, describing her as “very good and tough.”
Later, the Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase (4.40pm) sees McManus represented by Mclaurey and Down Memory Lane. Madara brings strong form from last season, while there are positive whispers about the revival of Waterford Whispers. The day concludes with the National Hunt Chase (5.20pm), where Wade Out is tipped by some as one who will relish the extreme distance.
As the festival begins, it does so under the shadow of Graham Lee’s struggle and the light of the support it has inspired, alongside the relentless pursuit of victory that defines Cheltenham. Whether the week belongs to the McManus battalion, a breakthrough trainer, or a story yet unwritten, the opening day promises a powerful blend of sport, sentiment, and sheer spectacle.
