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When it comes to the Cheltenham Festival, no trainer has more horses in the spotlight than Willie Mullins.

Rightly so. The Irish powerhouse has accumulated a sensational 113 winners at the Festival, and has taken home the Leading Trainer award for the last seven years in a row.

Things might be different this year, though. At the time of writing, Mullins is lacking a single ante-post favourite on the first day of the meeting.

You can probably count his market leaders on betting exchange sites like Betdaq across the four days at this stage on one hand.

That’s not to say he’s set to have a quiet Cheltenham Festival. The likes of Final Demand, Dinoblue, Lossiemouth, Kopek Des Bordes and Galopin Des Champs can certainly be headline acts.

However, it is out of the ordinary, and one thing that is glaring at this stage is his lack of a standout novice hurdler.

Mullins won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, and Triumph Hurdle last year. But, it’s worth noting that his top prospects for these races tend to come out of the woodwork late.

That said, we’ve done some digging to uncover three potential horses that could yet throw their hat in the ring for a crack at one of the novice hurdle contests. Read on to find out more.

Fou De Toi

Few ante-post markets fluctuated more over the busy festive period than that of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Mydaddypaddy was disappointing at Aintree, and two of the chief Irish contenders—El Cairos and Talk The Talk—both fell with their respective races at their peril.

The door looks open for a late bloomer, and it’s a big shout to say that could come in the form of Fou De Toi.

Why? Because the five-year-old is yet to even make his stable debut for Mullins. However, he showed promise in his one race in France when third of 10.

Not only that, but the Donnellys have a fantastic record when recruiting horses from across the Channel—including Sir Gino and State Man.

Mullins said at the start of the season, this is a horse that can go to the top, and should he impress when he does finally run, expect him to shorten drastically for this contest.

King Rasko Grey

One that’s even an even bigger price than his stablemate, King Rasko Grey, recently won on his hurdle debut at Limerick without making much of a fuss.

The six-year-old, who shares ownership under Audrey Turley with elite stablemate Galopin Des Champs, was fourth then second in a couple of bumpers at Punchestown late last season.

However, he went one better on his seasonal reappearance when switched to timber, comfortably scoring in a Maiden Hurdle at Limerick by almost three lengths.

It feels like that win, especially in the manner he did, has gone somewhat unnoticed—perhaps lost amongst the Grade 1 action across the board over Christmas.

King Rasko Grey has his options at Cheltenham laid out, with entries in the Supreme, Turners and Albert Bartlett. Who knows where he’ll go, but he could have a chance wherever he ends up.

Doctor Steinberg

A winner of one of his four bumpers last season, Doctor Steinberg has improved for the switch to hurdles this campaign.

The six-year-old is two for two over the smaller obstacles, winning a maiden by over five lengths on debut at Galway in October.

He took another big step forward at Navan last month, kicking on for an almost five-length win in a Grade 2 Novice Hurdle.

Those wins have come over two miles, five-and-a-half furlongs and two miles, four furlongs, so he’s proven to be an out-and-out stayer.

That leaves the door open for the Turners (2m5f) or the Albert Bartlett over three miles, and we’d side with the latter at this stage.

Liking to have a ‘flutter’ and making it work for you financially, is all a matter of knowing your strengths and weaknesses. There are many sports I wouldn’t touch with a bargepole betting wise as I’m just not drawn to them. The knock on effect of that is that it’s hard to dedicate enough time and consideration to them to make it pay. However, that hasn’t ever been the case with horse racing. I’ve been betting on racing for as long as I’ve been able and have analysed form, yards, trainers, jockeys you name it to the nth degree, to give me an edge and help me recognise a value bet when I see it.

Where AI steps in though, is that it easily and instantly collects and analyses everything it can like a sponge, and is happy to also consider anything else plugged into it (questions, further data etc). This streamlines the racing predictions process no end and so can be a real time saver. It’s also possible to use AI to find new angles that you may not have even considered before, and build more and more on existing foundations of knowledge. It can essentially be used to cross reference and validate thoughts you’ve had and conclusions you’ve reached. A valuable tool in the right hands.

On the flipside, AI in the world of sports can also even be a game changer for those new to the world of sport betting. All of the aforementioned happens algorithmically behind the scenes, so AI predictions for today’s races, tomorrows and the big races (think Royal Ascot, Grand National, Cheltenham Festival) can be displayed front and centre with easy to understand stats placed front and centre, along with win rates , value bets, jockey stats and more. Algorithmically analysing form to put you in the best position possible to place that winning bet.

It’s not just racing either. As I say, I’m very much a layperson with other sports, but essentially with AI football tips, that doesn’t even matter. The analysing, the number crunching, the consideration of endless variables all happens out or sight and inthe moment, and the result is as assessment of what that means in terms of placing your bet. Goals and performance analysis, win rate, player info, it all factors in at the press of a button.

The future is clearly AI and as such, it’s either a technology you use and embrace, or one that ends up with you getting left behind through not realising the value of it. Personally I’d say that the first option makes far more sense!

We are still months out from the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, but the form lines are starting to take shape, the ante-post markets are shifting, and the sport’s biggest names are laying down their early-season markers. And when it comes to owners, none are bigger or more influential than JP McManus.

The Irish billionaire is the most successful Cheltenham owner in history, with his famous green-and-gold hoops carried to victory 80 times at the prestigious Prestbury Park meeting. He’s been crowned Leading Owner for the last three Festivals, and with punters already exploring Cheltenham free bets, his squad for March is beginning to look typically formidable.

With that in mind, here are some of his standout potential runners for the spring.

The New Lion – Champion Hurdle

Purchased shortly before last year’s Festival, The New Lion had already made waves with impressive wins at Chepstow and Newbury—including a commanding success in the Challow Hurdle—before joining the McManus empire.

His first test in open Grade 1 company came in last month’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, where he locked horns with Constitution Hill. The race, however, unravelled in dramatic fashion: The New Lion fell at the second last when coming under pressure, while Constitution Hill had already exited earlier in the contest.

Despite the mishap, his profile remains that of a top-class performer, and it’s far too soon to dismiss his Champion Hurdle credentials—particularly with question marks lingering over several rivals. Lossiemouth currently sets a formidable standard for Willie Mullins, but a polished return from The New Lion would firmly re-establish him among the leading contenders.

Fact To File – Ryanair Chase

Another one of four McManus winners at the 2025 Festival, Fact To File returns with an excellent chance of defending his Ryanair Chase crown on Day Three.

Initially earmarked as a potential Cheltenham Gold Cup horse, he twice found Galopin Des Champs too strong at Leopardstown, prompting connections to reroute him to the Ryanair. It proved an inspired decision. He travelled powerfully throughout before storming nine lengths clear of Heart Wood to provide one of the most impressive performances of the week.

His reappearance defeat to Gaelic Warrior at Punchestown last month—going down by just a neck—did little to dent his reputation. With conditions and trip firmly in his favour, Fact To File looks every inch a major player as he targets back-to-back Ryanair titles.

Inothewayurthinkin – Cheltenham Gold Cup

You don’t become the greatest owner in Cheltenham history without making bold, decisive calls—and Inothewayurthinkin was the perfect example last season. Supplemented for the Gold Cup at a cost of £25,000, the Gavin Cromwell-trained star produced one of the shocks of the meeting by defeating Galopin Des Champs and denying him a historic treble.

Still only seven, he heads the ante-post market for the 2026 renewal and enters the campaign with the look of a horse still on the rise. His stamina, jumping accuracy, and ability to handle the unique demands of the Cheltenham hill make him a leading candidate to defend his crown in March.

Dinoblue – Mares’ Chase

Rounding out this list is another of McManus’s 2025 Festival heroes. Dinoblue enjoyed a spectacular spring last season, beginning with a Listed Mares’ Chase victory at Naas, followed by a polished triumph in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham. She then delivered a devastating 35-length demolition job in the Grade 2 Mares’ Chase at Punchestown.

Her reappearance run at Navan last month—when beaten in mixed company—should be viewed as a satisfactory return rather than a setback. Back among mares and with her trademark sharpness likely to improve for the outing, she will take a world of beating in her bid for a second Mares’ Chase title.

Getting to know the jockey can make all the difference at the track: a savvy insight that often gets overlooked by casual bettors. Used wisely, jockey knowledge can sharpen horse betting tactics and improve your chances of success.

When you place a bet on a horse race, most people focus on the horse’s form, the track conditions, or the odds. But the rider, the jockey, plays a critical role in shaping how a race unfolds and informed bettors know that paying attention to who sits in the saddle can provide real value. This guide explores how jockey factors influence race outcomes and how you can turn that knowledge into a smarter betting strategy.

Why the Rider Can Influence Race Outcomes

A top jockey doesn’t just sit on the horse:  they guide it, pace it and adapt strategy in real time. A skilled rider can make split‑second decisions: when to push, when to hold back, or which part of the track to use.

Studies of jockey performance show that posture, balance and rhythm matter: riders who maintain an aerodynamic, balanced position help horses conserve energy and maintain speed more efficiently.

Moreover, experienced jockeys familiar with particular tracks often know the quirks: how certain turns run, where the ground gets softer and how the race is likely to unfold depending on the weather. This kind of “inside knowledge” can tilt the odds in favour of a horse even if its past form isn’t spectacular.

Combining Jockey Insight with Smart Betting

Horse betting platforms are increasingly flexible. They offer markets beyond win/lose, such as place bets, each-way bets and multiples. If you spot a horse with a strong jockey and favourable conditions, an each-way or place bet can offer valuable upside without requiring a full win. This kind of strategy reduces risk but keeps potential reward alive.

Moreover, sportsbooks such as NetBet Sport provide comprehensive coverage of UK and Irish horse races, offering markets with jockey stats and race conditions clearly listed alongside odds.

Using those tools, a bettor can combine data:  jockey history, horse form and conditions to build a more informed wager, rather than betting purely on reputation or hype. Over time, this disciplined approach tends to be more rewarding and far more satisfying.

Understanding Form, Stats and Riding History

Before placing a bet, it’s worth checking a few jockey‑specific data points: win rate, recent performance, course history and trainer partnerships. A jockey with consistent results, especially at certain racecourses or under challenging conditions, often delivers better returns than a random draw.

Even when horses look evenly matched on paper, differences in rider quality can affect the outcome. For instance, a strong jockey riding a mid-range horse may outperform a weaker rider on a “better” horse, because riding skill can influence pace, stamina and positioning.

It’s also smart to consider whether a jockey has previously ridden the horse. Familiarity can help. Some jockeys and horses form a rhythm together, understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses. That rapport can matter when the race is tight or the track conditions are tricky.

When & How to Spot Value:

Some race conditions favour jockey influence more than others. For example:

• Changing or soft ground — A skilled jockey who knows how to manage a horse on slippery or heavy turf can gain a considerable edge.
• Long-distance races — Endurance counts. A rider’s pacing ability and experience in navigating distance races often matter more than raw sprint speed.
• Tight or tricky courses — Circuits with sharp turns or unpredictable terrain reward jockeys familiar with their nuances. A good jockey knows where to ride for safety and speed.

In these situations, a horse with “good but not stellar” form but backed by a reliable jockey can offer more value than a top-rated horse ridden by an untested rider. As with any betting, the key is to mix insight with discipline. Avoid piling on too many guesses: instead, build a few considered bets where the jockey’s advantage is real.

 

When you place your next bet, remember: the rider matters as much as the horse.