Last Updated on 03/03/2026 by Andy Clark
With the 2026 Cheltenham Festival just one week away, Paddy Power gathered four of the sharpest minds in racing for their Ultimate Preview Night on Monday 2nd March. Ruby Walsh — the most successful jockey in Cheltenham Festival history — was joined by Racing TV presenter Lydia Hislop, Upping The Ante co-host Johnny Dineen and trainer Tony Mullins to work through every race on the card from the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday 10th March to the Martin Pipe on Friday 13th.
Below you’ll find their full race-by-race tips and NAPs for all four days. For Ruby Walsh’s broader ante-post Cheltenham analysis, see our Ruby Walsh Cheltenham tips page. For our own selections across all 28 races, see the Cheltenham Festival tips hub.
Day 1 – Champion Day, Tuesday 10th March
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “There’s great strength in it. I’d want something bigger than 2/1.”
Lydia Hislop: “There’s plenty of pace on. It’s going to be well run, and that’ll put some pressure on Talk The Talk’s jumping.”
Tony Mullins: “If you worry about anything jumping, El Cairos hasn’t shown any indication that he learned anything from day one to day two. Leader d’Allier was massively impressive the last day at Punchestown. He’s run eight times in his life and he’s only been beaten twice — and that was the twice he didn’t wear a tongue-tie.”
Johnny Dineen: “It’s a deep race and at least one or more will be better than Old Park Star.”
OFFER: Bet on the first race each day with BOYLE Sports and if your bet loses, get a refund – CLAIM HERE (new sign-ups get a £40 free bet, too).
Arkle Chase
Ruby Walsh: “Kopek Des Bordes is the best horse in the race. I think he’ll win.”
Lydia Hislop: “At the prices, I’d back Kopek Des Bordes. He’s a good enough horse to win the Arkle off the back of one race. We know it’s not impossible and we know this is a good horse. The four quick early fences in pairs of two could get Lulamba and Romeo Coolio on the back foot. Steel Ally could hit the frame.”
Tony Mullins: “Kargese is a favourite of mine. She’s very good and tough. She’s not just a pacemaker; she stays there.”
Johnny Dineen: “I’d slightly favour Lulamba. He has that bit more experience. He’s a percentage call. Kopek Des Bordes has had a few niggles.”
Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “The handicapper hasn’t missed Saratoga. He could well win it, but I’d want better odds. Winston Junior has a chance, but there’s talk of him running in the Triumph. La Luna Artista absolutely bolted up in the Adonis, and she’d be the one for me.”
Johnny Dineen: “Mustang Du Breuil finished third against older horses in a Grade 2 at Kempton. He ran really well and finished off nicely. It’s in off 129 and has every bit as good a chance as those at shorter prices.”
Ultima Handicap Chase
Ruby Walsh: “I’ll be with Iroko. It’ll effectively be a limited handicap so he’s not going to be giving too much weight away.”
Lydia Hislop: “We know Iroko handles Cheltenham. It’ll be an ideal test. We know he’s a good horse, and we haven’t always seen what he’s capable of. He’s going to win it, isn’t he?”
Johnny Dineen: “Jagwar and Iroko are smart horses. It’s a weak race, and one of these two will win. If they both run, I’d go for Iroko.”
Champion Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “I always saw Lossiemouth as a two-and-a-half-mile mare. Brighterdaysahead will be reliant on the ground. She’ll want a good cut in the ground. There’s the odd issue jumping-wise with The New Lion, but he could be the best horse.”
Lydia Hislop: “I’d probably be inclined towards Brighterdaysahead because she’s the best horse in the race given the mares’ allowance. The horse that will run her race is Golden Ace. If you fancy a horse to finish in the first three, surely she does?”
Tony Mullins: “I don’t think Lossiemouth will win. I’ve never seen her as a champion hurdler. Golden Ace is the reliable one, but I think Brighterdaysahead will win.”
Johnny Dineen: “If I had to back one horse at the meeting at 2/1 or bigger, I’d go for The New Lion. If he avoids bad luck, I think he’s a good thing in this race. He’s probably my best bet of the meeting.”
Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase
Lydia Hislop: “Madara has the form from last season. He’s caught the eye both times this term, but he’s found in the market. Waterford Whispers still has potential to fulfil over fences so I think he’s better than his mark.”
Tony Mullins: “I’m hearing about Waterford Whispers coming back into form.”
Johnny Dineen: “Madara and Mclaurey are a cut above these. I’ll take a chance on Mclaurey.”
National Hunt Chase
Ruby Walsh: “Wade Out’s crying out for a trip. I’ve no worries about him staying. He’d be the one for me.”
Day 1 NAPs
| Tipster | Selection | Race |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Walsh | Kopek Des Bordes | Arkle Chase |
| Lydia Hislop | Iroko | Ultima Handicap Chase |
| Tony Mullins | Brighterdaysahead | Champion Hurdle |
| Johnny Dineen | The New Lion | Champion Hurdle |
Day 2 – Ladies Day, Wednesday 11th March
Turners Novices’ Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “I’d put Mighty Park in this instead of the Supreme. I like No Drama This End. He looked a fabulous specimen in the parade ring at Cheltenham. I could see him winning a Gold Cup down the line, but I’m not sure about this. King Rasko Grey could be a big runner if he went here. Talk The Talk would also be a massive runner here.”
Tony Mullins: “Willie has a bunch of beautiful horses without having a real one so No Drama This End would look quite a good thing.”
Johnny Dineen: “If Mighty Park doesn’t run in this, I still think No Drama This End could be vulnerable and something will beat him.”
Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Ruby Walsh: “It depends what Final Demand you get. The horse that was in Navan looked a good horse, the one we’ve seen the twice since hasn’t. I like Kaid d’Authie. The penny’s starting to drop.”
Lydia Hislop: “I like The Big Westerner. I love the way she attacks her fences. A proper test of stamina will see improved form from her. I can also see Wendigo running well.”
Johnny Dineen: “The Big Westerner’s ground dependent. She’s a very good horse. I’d go with Wendigo each-way. He’s a solid horse. It’s competitive, but I’m not sure there’s a Gold Cup horse in it. I couldn’t have Final Demand.”
BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “Storm Heart’s a massive chance if he runs here. He’s a cracking little horse.”
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase
Lydia Hislop: “Favori De Champdou’s likely to win it. If Stumpton does run then he’ll force a lot of horses out of the handicap.”
Queen Mother Champion Chase
Ruby Walsh: “Majborough will be very hard to follow.”
Lydia Hislop: “I put up Majborough at 6s, and I think he’s the likeliest winner of the race. I suspect Quilixios is overpriced.”
Tony Mullins: “I think Majborough is going to come out on top.”
Johnny Dineen: “I fancy Majborough pretty strongly.”
Grand Annual
Ruby Walsh: “Downmexicoway was good at Gowran Park earlier in the season.”
Lydia Hislop: “I’m just warily looking at Libberty Hunter. I’m going to make my mind up on the day based on whether he’s there or not.”
Johnny Dineen: “I’d nearly always go for one that’s on the way up, and I’d go for Vanderpoel. He’s definitely a smart horse.”
Champion Bumper
Ruby Walsh: “Keep Him Company’s overpriced.”
Tony Mullins: “Love Sign d’Aunou was massively impressive. I’d imagine this lad is the one.”
Johnny Dineen: “It’s Only A Game is a good horse. I think he’ll run well here. He has to behave better than at the DRF.”
Day 2 NAPs
| Tipster | Selection | Race |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Walsh | Majborough | Champion Chase |
| Lydia Hislop | The Big Westerner | Brown Advisory |
| Tony Mullins | Majborough | Champion Chase |
| Johnny Dineen | Majborough | Champion Chase |
Day 3 – St Patrick’s Thursday, 12th March
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “Bambino Fever has improved a good bit fitness-wise and that should see her turning the tables with Oldschool Outlaw.”
Tony Mullins: “Bambino Fever is the bet of the meeting.”
Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase
Ruby Walsh: “I think this race is made for Koktail Divin. I don’t think he’ll get the trip in the Brown Advisory.”
Lydia Hislop: “Meetmebythesea will win this. This is my strongest opinion of the entire meeting.”
Tony Mullins: “One I fancy here is Sixmilebridge. He looks to me to be nicely handicapped for a Grade One winner already and he’s reliable. Three runs over fences and he’s won all three of them.”
Johnny Dineen: “Meetmebythesea might be a 150-rated horse himself. I think he’s a great chance.”
Mares’ Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “I think it’s the right race for Lossiemouth. If you’re thinking Lossiemouth might go to the Champion, I could see Jade de Grugy coming back here then and she’s maybe the play non-runner no bet. I think she’d be shorter than 9/2 if she runs here with no Lossiemouth or Brighterdaysahead. Lossiemouth would win if she runs here.”
Tony Mullins: “Gordon is very bullish about Wodhooh. She’s obviously better than what I seem to be seeing, because I think Lossiemouth is the best of these.”
Johnny Dineen: “It’ll be close if Lossiemouth and Wodhooh face off. Lossiemouth’s every bit as good as Brighterdaysahead, but whether she’s right after a really hard race at the DRF is another thing. I’d just about favour Wodhooh, but it would be little or nothing in it.”
Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “I think Teahupoo will have to commit early and that will leave him a little bit vulnerable to something coming at him. Honesty Policy could mug him. Ma Shantou is a big runner as well.”
Tony Mullins: “I can’t see anything getting near Teahupoo.”
Ryanair Chase
Ruby Walsh: “Fact To File or Gaelic Warrior, whichever one of the two runs here will be way shorter than 4/7.”
Tony Mullins: “They’ve danced Fact To File up and down in distances. This horse’s head is wrecked.”
Johnny Dineen: “I think Banbridge has a bit of a chance if he turns up here, especially on better ground.”
Pertemps Network Final
Tony Mullins: “I’ve told the owners that Letos is definitely running in this. We’ve freshened him up since Naas and we think he’s good. It’s very competitive as 90 per cent of the field are between 136 and 130. He’ll definitely be competitive.”
Kim Muir
Lydia Hislop: “I like Uhavemeinstitches. I thought that she ran really well behind The Big Westerner and Jade De Grugy at Limerick and shaped as though she wanted a trip.”
Johnny Dineen: “I have a feeling Waterford Whispers is running here. If he does get the trip, he’s a great chance.”
Day 3 NAPs
| Tipster | Selection | Race |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Walsh | Fact To File or Gaelic Warrior | Ryanair Chase |
| Lydia Hislop | Meetmebythesea | Jack Richards |
| Tony Mullins | Letos | Pertemps Network Final |
| Johnny Dineen | Meetmebythesea | Jack Richards |
Day 4 – Gold Cup Friday, 13th March
JCB Triumph Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “Willie could run numerous horses, but one of Proactif and Macho Man will do me!”
Tony Mullins: “I was very impressed with Majolique’s win at Naas. She’s the potential improver.”
Johnny Dineen: “The form line between Proactif and Macho Man at Fairyhouse could be crucial. I’d be interested in either of those, but I’ll say Proactif for now.”
William Hill County Handicap Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “Karbau impressed when qualifying for this by finishing second at Naas. Murcia has a chance but she wants drier ground.”
Lydia Hislop: “Karbau shaped very well when second at Naas last time out. I can see the argument for Karbau and Murcia.”
Tony Mullins: “I’ll side with Workahead at a bigger price.”
Johnny Dineen: “If the ground is dry on the Friday, I can see Murcia going off around 7/2.”
Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase
Ruby Walsh: “Dinoblue is rock solid.”
Lydia Hislop: “Dinoblue is too short and I like Diva Luna. She’ll be fresh and she’s got Cheltenham Festival form.”
Tony Mullins: “I’m with Spindleberry if they’ve fixed her after pulling up in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup last time.”
Johnny Dineen: “Dinoblue is the one to beat and Jade de Grugy could be a bigger priced option. She could be the biggest danger.”
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “Doctor Steinberg could be vulnerable at a short price. Doctor Du Mesnil is better than he’s shown but if he lines up, this should suit him. The one I’d really fancy if he runs is Ill Sort That as he’s tailor made for the Albert Bartlett.”
Lydia Hislop: “King’s Bucks is a big price and he’s got Cheltenham form. Klimt Madrik is another at a price.”
Johnny Dineen: “You have to take on Doctor Steinberg and Thedeviluno. I’ll be doing that with Espresso Milan.”
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup
Ruby Walsh: “Galopin Des Champs looks great but the same can be said about Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior. I’ll side with the latter of the three.”
Lydia Hislop: “Jango Baie and The Jukebox Man both have huge chances. If Gaelic Warrior settles, he’s also got a big chance.”
Tony Mullins: “I’m hearing that Galopin Des Champs is back to his best… if he is, he wins!”
Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase
Ruby Walsh: “I’ve been very impressed with Panda Boy. I’ve heard quite a bit about Wrappedupinmay too.”
Johnny Dineen: “If Its On The Line doesn’t win, he’ll place. He’s a good each-way bet.”
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Ruby Walsh: “Roc Dino has a chance.”
Johnny Dineen: “I like Jump Allen. He’s fresh and he has a chance at a big price.”
Day 4 NAPs
| Tipster | Selection | Race |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Walsh | Dinoblue | Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase |
| Lydia Hislop | Diva Luna | Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase |
| Tony Mullins | Galopin Des Champs | Cheltenham Gold Cup |
| Johnny Dineen | Its On The Line | Hunters’ Chase |
Full Festival NAP Summary
To make it easy to follow each tipster across the week, here are all 16 NAPs in one place.
| Day | Ruby Walsh | Lydia Hislop | Tony Mullins | Johnny Dineen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kopek Des Bordes (Arkle) | Iroko (Ultima) | Brighterdaysahead (Champion Hurdle) | The New Lion (Champion Hurdle) |
| Day 2 | Majborough (Champion Chase) | The Big Westerner (Brown Advisory) | Majborough (Champion Chase) | Majborough (Champion Chase) |
| Day 3 | Fact To File / Gaelic Warrior (Ryanair) | Meetmebythesea (Jack Richards) | Letos (Pertemps) | Meetmebythesea (Jack Richards) |
| Day 4 | Dinoblue (Mares’ Chase) | Diva Luna (Mares’ Chase) | Galopin Des Champs (Gold Cup) | Its On The Line (Hunters’) |
Back These Selections
For free bets to back any of the above selections, see our Cheltenham Festival free bets guide for every new customer offer available for 2026. For ante-post bets on horses whose targets are still uncertain — particularly relevant for Lossiemouth, Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File — use our non-runner no bet guide to make sure your stake is protected if your selection doesn’t line up in the race you backed them for.
For our own ante-post tips across all four days, see the Cheltenham Festival tips hub.
More Cheltenham 2026 Pundit Tips
Ruby Walsh Cheltenham Tips – Full ante-post analysis and daily selections from Ruby throughout the Festival.
Tom Segal Pricewise Cheltenham Tips – Pricewise Gold Cup selection and ante-post picks.
Mick Fitzgerald Cheltenham Tips – ITV Racing analysis across all four days.
Willie Mullins Cheltenham 2026 – Full preview of the Closutton team’s Festival hopes race by race.
Cheltenham Festival Tips Hub – Our own ante-post selections across all 28 races.
Odds correct at time of writing. Prices will move — always check current quotes before betting. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.
Andy is the founder, owner and editor of thatsagoal.com, with over 20 years of experience in betting on sports. He has a keen eye for stats, particularly when looking at players to be carded, and these form a large part of the bet builder tips you see on the site. As well as creating daily football tips, Andy also keeps thatsagoal updated with all the best bookmaker promotions and offers for our readers.