Cheltenham Festival 2026: Richard Johnson and co give their Gold Cup fancies and best selections
After being allowed out on day release for a preview night, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh has reported back with all the Cheltenham Festival expert opinions.
Kieran McHugh’s Cheltenham clues
It was a pleasure to be let out into the big, wide world to attend a Cheltenham Preview night at Rawdon Cricket Club.
It was even better to be given the call-up by the gaffer, Gandalf in disguise, Lord Simon Wilkes.
The night started off very well with a distinguished panel hosted by Jonathan Doidge and consisting of: Joel Parkinson, David Carr, Michael Shinners and Richard Johnson.
There was a major shock as in near soap opera fashion, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing aficionado Jeff Mexico burst through the doors.
Sadly for him, he had got his dates mixed up, thinking it was World Book Day and now Harry Potter’s close chum Hagrid was also present.
Our trio was affectionately named: the good, the bad and the ugly.
I will let you decide for yourselves who was labelled who.
On a serious note, the night was good and to have the esteemed company of Lord Wilkes and Mr Mexico made it even better.
So, without further ado, what Cheltenham clues did we uncover?
Richard Johnson
A dual Gold Cup winner, four-time Champion Jump jockey - when Richard Johnson speaks, you listen.
His NAP (best chance of a winner) comes in the form of No Drama This End in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle on Wednesday, March 11.
“He is talented and uncomplicated, Paul [Nicholls, trainer] has one for the future,” said Johnson.
In the Gold Cup, Johnson is hoping to see a first British-trained winner since Native River, who he rode.
“I am hoping The Jukebox Man can improve, he was good at Kempton and he is definitely the best British bet,” said Johnson.
He will also be taking a keen eye on the Arkle Chase, saying: “There will be a lot of stars to come out of this.
“Kopek Des Bordes is talented but he cannot afford to make a mistake.
“If he does, that could suit Romeo Coolio, should he run.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: T20 World Cup betting tips: India vs New Zealand – Fireworks expected at Narendra Modi Stadium
David Carr
With over 30 years’ experience in racing, award-winning journalist David Carr is another who provided key insight.
His NAP is King’s Threshold in the Kim Muir, the last race on Thursday, March 12.
Sticking with the handicaps, he was also quite keen on the chances of Newton Tornado in the National Hunt Cup, the final race on Tuesday, March 10.
He is also sticking with the ‘pantomime villain’ Inothewayurthinkin for the Gold Cup.
“The Gold Cup is not about who is the best horse, just who is the best horse around course and distance at Cheltenham,” said Carr.
“Aside from Galopin Des Champs, the other horse is Inothewayurthinkin and could be coming back to form.”
Carr also had strong opinions on the Stayers’ Hurdle which takes place on Thursday, March 12.
“I think it will go to one of the younger horses,” said Carr.
“Bob Olinger and Teahupoo have been good but they’re older now and there are a good number of youngsters snapping at their heels.
“I personally like the look of Honesty Policy of Gordon Elliott’s, or Ma Shantou - the Cleeve Hurdle winner.”
Joel Parkinson
Unsurprisingly, Parkinson’s NAP was one of his own horses, Grand Geste in the National Hunt Cup on Tuesday, March 10.
Grand Geste favours this race rather than an attempt at the Midlands Grand National, the following Saturday.
“He is a super easy horse, I ride him out myself,” said Parkinson.
“We have opted to go here instead of the Midlands and we think he will run well.
“The Grand National could be on the cards, for him, next year.”
Parkinson also runs the popular Konfusion in the Ultima Handicap Chase on Tuesday, March 10.
“Konfusion is a pleasure to train, what a horse,” said Parkinson.
“We were not quite right last time at Haydock and we will improve for Cheltenham.
“I was not best pleased to see Jagwar confirmed but it is a gamble, going up in trip with him.
“I think it will be a similar run race to the Gold Cup.”
Parkinson’s selection for the Gold Cup is the same as Johnson’s, The Jukebox Man.
“He is tough and gritty, which is exactly what you need for the Gold Cup.”
Michael Shinners
Sky Bet’s racing guru, Michael Shinners always has his ear to the ground.
His NAP is Jump Allen in the Bet MGM (Coral) Cup on Wednesday, March 11.
“He is pretty well handicapped and I think he can outrun his odds,” said Shinners.
He also offered his thoughts on some of the other races, including the Triumph Hurdle on Friday, March 13.
“There has been a big move for Gordon Elliott’s Mon Crueset but it is a wide open renewal,” said Shinners.
He also gave his thoughts on one of the festival ‘bankers’ - Bambino Fever in the Mares’ Novices Hurdle on Thursday, March 12.
“Thursday could be a bad day for the bookies, with Fact To File also in the Ryanair,” said Shinners.
“The Mullins camp would be amazed should Bambino Fever not reverse the placings with Oldschool Outlaw.”
He finished with his thoughts on the Gold Cup, saying: “Fact To File looks unlikely to run.
“Willie Mullins’ camp are confident in Gaelic Warrior, he did a good piece of work leading up to this.
“I Am Maximus could run a big race and I also feel like people are forgetting about Fastorslow.
“I can’t be bullish about any particular one though.”
READ NEXT: FA Cup fifth round news: Betting tips, predictions and preview for televised games
