Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026: Inothewayurthinkin Faces 10 Rivals in 11-Horse Field
Reigning champion Inothewayurthinkin will don first-time cheekpieces among a field of 11 contenders in the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup this Friday. The eight-year-old, aiming for a repeat victory, has produced three uninspiring races so far this season, but recent reports of impressive training sessions have reignited optimism for his chances.
Trainer Gavin Cromwell initially voiced doubts about his participation after a heavy fall at the Dublin Racing Festival, but there has been significant market support in the lead-up to the event. The team, including owner JP McManus and jockey Mark Walsh, is focused on securing another success.
Top Contenders and Rivalries
Three of the top four finishers from the King George at Christmas will once again compete, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch. Harry Redknapp's winner The Jukebox Man meets Willie Mullins' Gaelic Warrior and the Nicky Henderson-trained Jango Baie after their close finish at Kempton.
Other notable entrants include:
- Haiti Couleurs, aiming to add the Gold Cup to the Irish and Welsh Nationals he has already won.
- Grey Dawning, representing the Dan and Harry Skelton team.
- Festival regular Envoi Allen, along with Firefox, Gold Tweet for France, L'Homme Presse, and Spillane's Tower.
Affordale Fury has not been declared for the race.
Supporting Races at Cheltenham Festival
Beyond the Gold Cup, the Cheltenham Festival features several other highly anticipated races:
- Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle: A full field of 22 will line up, led by Mullins' Doctor Steinberg. Ireland has strong representation with Paul Nolan's Thedeviluno, Gordon Elliott's Spinningayarn, and Cromwell's The Passing Wife. The home team includes Pauling's Mondoui'boy, Joe Tizzard's Kripticjim, and Skelton's Moneygarrow, among others.
- Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase: Dinoblue will face eight competitors as she tries to win, with Panic Attack also participating.
- JCB Triumph Hurdle: A field of 20 will line up, with market favourites Proactif, Macho Man, Maestro Conti, and Minella Study all confirmed.
- William Hill County Hurdle: This race has attracted a maximum field of 24 runners, with Ndaawi at the head of the weights.
- Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle and the Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase: Both events are also at capacity, ensuring a packed schedule of competitive racing.
The Cheltenham Festival continues to deliver excitement and high-stakes competition, with the Gold Cup as its centerpiece. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting Friday's showdown to see if Inothewayurthinkin can defend his title against a formidable lineup of rivals.
