The Cheltenham Festival 2025 wrapped up in spectacular fashion, delivering thrilling performances, unexpected upsets, and unforgettable moments. The festival, renowned as the pinnacle of jump racing, drew a total attendance of 218,839, with 68,026 racegoers witnessing the grand finale on Gold Cup Day. Reflecting on the success of this year’s event, Guy Lavender, Chief Executive of Cheltenham Racecourse, expressed his excitement, stating, “Personally, I will never forget my first ‘Cheltenham Roar’ in this job and the feeling that gave me. I’m now excited about what we can all do to build on this year’s success and ensure that the Cheltenham Festival remains the jewel in the crown of Jump racing.”
With a week of top-class racing featuring dramatic finishes and history-making performances, the festival once again lived up to its reputation. From PONIROS’ stunning triumph in the JCB Triumph Hurdle to INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN’s victory in the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, the event provided plenty of moments to savor. PONIROS delivered a stunning upset in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1), handing trainer Willie Mullins yet another festival victory. Making his debut over hurdles, PONIROS defied the odds to defeat LULAMBA, becoming the longest-priced winner in the race’s history.
Jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr, expressing his confidence in the horse, said, “The fact that he hadn’t run over hurdles didn’t bother me—Willie wouldn’t have had him in the Triumph if he couldn’t jump. He’d been well schooled, and everyone I spoke to reassured me he’d be fine. It’s some training performance.” Mullins added, “He’s by Golden Horn, who I think is going to make a very good sire over jumps.” KARGESE secured another festival triumph for jockey Paul Townend in the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle, making him the most successful jockey in the race’s history.
Mullins praised his runner, saying, “She is tough. You saw her here last year, then she went on to Aintree. Usually, four-year-olds aren’t able to do that sort of thing.” Meanwhile, runner-up NDAAWI’s trainer, Gordon Elliott, commented, “Another second! They’re running really well, but we’re just not getting the rub of the green.”
DINOBLUE claimed victory in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase, ridden to success by Mark Walsh and trained by Willie Mullins. Winning owner J.P. McManus remarked, “She’s a much better mare on good ground. Mark said she loved it out there, whereas last year, she found it tough. Her jumping should be good at this stage.”
JASMIN DE VAUX secured his second festival win in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, guided by Paul Townend. The jockey acknowledged the horse’s quirks, saying, “This lad takes a bit of warming up—he’s not the most straightforward, but he’s a classy individual.” Trainer Willie Mullins credited the horse’s schooling for the performance.
The festival’s most prestigious race, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, was won by first-time supplementary entry INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN. Winning jockey Mark Walsh was ecstatic, saying, “I’m dancing inside! Brilliant, I can’t believe it. They went a nice gallop, and he jumped well overall, though he just missed the ditch on the last circuit.” Trainer Gavin Cromwell celebrated his first-ever Gold Cup victory.
The St. James’s Place Festival Hunters’ Chase, often called the “amateurs’ Gold Cup,” saw WONDERWALL emerge victorious in a hard-fought battle against ITS ON THE LINE. Winning jockey Rob James described the moment as a dream come true, stating, “It’s the biggest race for amateurs—the one you always want to win. I can’t thank Sam and the owners enough, and Sam’s team at home have done a wonderful job with this lad. It’s just top-class. Absolutely brilliant.” Trainer Sam Curling praised the horse’s resilience.
The festival concluded with the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, won by WODHOOH. Jockey Danny Gilligan commended his mount, saying, “She’s improving with every run and becoming unbeatable.” Trainer Gordon Elliott expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the roaring support from the crowd.
As the final day drew to a close, racegoers, trainers, jockeys, and owners departed with cherished memories and celebrations. However, the festival was not without its somber moments, as the racing world mourned the loss of several horses. As the excitement settles, anticipation for next year has already begun. The Cheltenham Festival 2026 will once again commence with the famous Cheltenham Roar, promising thrilling victories and unforgettable moments.
