Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Latest news and updates with late addition entering Friday’s Gold Cup race

Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
The Cheltenham Festival is back. It’s that time of year again when the sporting world turns its eyes on horse racing as the best jockeys, trainers and horses prepare for four days of intense and gruelling competition.
The festival starts with Champion Day on Tuesday 11 before Style Wednesday, St Patrick’s Thursday, and Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday this week.
Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs took the honours last year and, with jockey Paul Townend, won the Gold Cup for a second consecutive year. He’s the overwhelming favourite to do so again this week but a late addition to the field may throw a spanner in the works. [CONFIRM Inothewayurthinkin has been added to Gold Cup race]
Elsewhere, the battle between the Irish and British trainers will be renewed as near 250,000 spectators descend on the racecourse for a festival of skill, class and showmanship.
Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips and the latest odds from the Cheltenham Festival with our live blog below:
Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle declarations
Casa No Mento Sam Twiston-Davies
Dysart Enos Jonathan Burke
Gala Marceau Brian Hughes
Jade De Grugy Danny Mullins
Joyeuse Nico de Boinville
July Flower Rachael Blackmore
Queens Gamble Paul O’Brien
Take No Chances Harry Skelton
Jack Rathborn10 March 2025 08:40
Trainer Gordon Elliott on the gallops at Cheltenham Racecourse


Jack Rathborn10 March 2025 08:35
Arkle Challenge Trophy declarations
Jango Baie Nico De Boinville
L’Eau Du Sud Harry Skelton
Touch Me Not Jack Kennedy
Only By Night Keith Donoghue
Jack Rathborn10 March 2025 08:30
Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle declarations
Funiculi Funicula Brian Hayes
Kopek Des Bordes Paul Townend
Romeo Coolio Jack Kennedy
Salvator Mundi Patrick Mullins
Sky Lord Darragh O’Keeffe
Tripoli Flyer Jonathan Burke
Tutti Quanti Harry Cobden
William Munny Sean Flanagan
Workahead Rachael Blackmore
Jack Rathborn10 March 2025 08:25
Unibet Champion Hurdle declarations
Burdett Road Sam Twiston-Davies
Constitution Hill Nico de Boinville
King Of Kingsfield Danny Gilligan
Brighterdaysahead Jack Kennedy
Golden Ace Lorcan Williams
Jack Rathborn10 March 2025 08:20
Lossiemouth makes late switch at Cheltenham Festival 2025
In the early news surrounding the confirmed runners and riders, Lossiemouth will avoid a mouthwatering showdown with Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead in Tuesday’s Unibet Champion Hurdle by racing the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle on the same day instead.
Lossiemouth has made the late switch despite appearing to target the Champion Hurdle trail, after banking wins last year in the Mares’ Hurdle and the Triumph Hurdle in 2023.
Willie Mullins’ decision appears to have been influenced by the preparation, which saw a heavy fall in the Irish Champion Hurdle in February, with the move to defend the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle title.
Jack Rathborn10 March 2025 08:16