Ireland’s Success in the Big Era at Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival has undergone several changes over the years to maintain competitive racing. However, one constant remains. The overwhelming success of Irish trainers. As the 2025 Cheltenham Festival marks the tenth anniversary since British trainers last secured more winners than their Irish counterparts, the odds remain heavily in favor of another strong performance from Ireland.

The Cheltenham Festival’s transformation into an annual showcase of Irish racing excellence is now as established as global St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This dominance was not always the case. At the turn of the century, Ireland securing just three wins in what was then a 19-race event was considered the norm. Today, Irish-trained horses not only claim the majority of wins but also form the largest portion of overall entries.

The trend of Irish racing establishments dominating British racing contestants has been continuing for the past three years, and even in 2025 looks set to be following suit. With two major British trainer Nicky Henderson’s favorites for the Championship-Hurdle and Championship-Chase in Constitution Hill and Jonbon respectively, it does not paint a rosy picture for British horse racing in general.

One of the key factors driving Ireland’s success is financial investment in acquiring and maintaining top-class racehorses. Bloodstock agent Tom Malone, who sourced Gold Cup winner Native River and Grand National victor One For Arthur, acknowledges the difficulty British trainers face in competing for the best horses.

“We just can’t afford to buy them,” Malone explains. “Thirty years ago, the Irish didn’t have the money to keep the horses, so they ended up in England. Now, the Irish have the financial muscle to retain the best prospects.”

Compared to the Kingdom, where many affluent people reside, there are fewer who participate in investing in National Hunt racing. Participation in National Hunt racing in Ireland is passionate, and some of the top Irish horse trainers have owners who are not just focused on the financial returns. The wealthy in Ireland have a belief that National Hunt racing is more of a worthy dedication than financial returns. The richest owners in Ireland would see National Hunt racing as something worth investing a huge amount of money in, and thus the top Irish horse trainers would gain access to a flow of high-quality horses, which further consolidates the dominance of Ireland on the racing circuit.

“If you look at the top 20 on Ireland’s rich list, ten are deeply involved in racing,” Malone adds. “For them, it’s not about making a profit; it’s about the competition and finding the fastest horse.”

Irish owners’ willingness to invest ensures that they consistently acquire the highest-rated young horses. Malone points out that last season, out of the top 25 prospects in Ireland, 20 remained within the country.

“Even if only five or six of those horses go on to be stars, that still puts British horse racing at a disadvantage,” he says. “When only three or four of the best young prospects make their way to Britain, the numbers are simply against us.”

Another factor behind Ireland’s success is the professionalization of National Hunt racing. From enthusiasts and small-batch operations, it has transformed into a high-flying, ultra-professional industry where megabucks made by elite trainers, owners, and bloodstock agents govern the day.

The Irish model embraces this shift, with powerhouse operations such as Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott managing large strings of high-quality horses. Their dominance has reshaped the festival, turning Cheltenham Festival into a proving ground for the best Irish horses rather than a balanced Anglo-Irish contest.

The long-term question remains: Can British racing close the gap? While individual wins by standout British-trained horses may occur, systemic changes are needed to challenge Ireland’s stronghold at the Cheltenham Festival. Increased financial backing from British owners is essential to competing in the bloodstock market. A more structured development system in Britain, similar to Ireland’s thriving point-to-point circuit, could help identify and nurture top talent earlier. Raising prize money in British National Hunt racing could also attract more investment and encourage owners to keep top horses in the UK. For now, Ireland’s supremacy at the Cheltenham Festival seems set to continue. Unless British racing undergoes fundamental changes in investment and development, the trend of Irish dominance looks likely to extend beyond the next decade.