Irish trainers have dominated Cheltenham in recent seasons, with Willie Mullins leading the charge and setting a formidable standard each March. British yards have struggled to match that strength in depth, but Dan Skelton continues to prove there’s life in the home challenge yet.

For those following racing odds, his runners are attracting serious support in the early markets for 2026, and he heads to the Festival with what looks like his strongest team in years. Genuine contenders capable of taking on the Irish powerhouses.

Festival record

Skelton’s Festival record is now firmly established. He has trained 11 Cheltenham winners in total, a return that places him among the most successful British trainers of the modern era. What’s remarkable is both the number of wins and the variety of races he has targeted successfully, ranging from championship contests to some of the toughest handicaps of the week.

His key wins include Protektorat in the 2024 Ryanair Chase, Langer Dan with back-to-back Coral Cup victories in 2023 and 2024, Grey Dawning in the 2024 Golden Miller Novices’ Chase, and The New Lion in the 2025 Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

The New Lion and the Champion Hurdle

One of Skelton’s leading hopes for this year comes in the Champion Hurdle division through The New Lion. Having already shown his ability at Cheltenham in novice company, he is now the market leader for the Champion Hurdle.

His strength lies in his jumping and his willingness to battle, which are essential qualities in a race that often turns into a test of nerve as much as speed.

The task ahead is far from easy, though. The New Lion faces serious opposition from established stars and rising contenders. Golden Ace continues to progress at the highest level, and Brighterdaysahead adds another strong Irish-trained challenge to the mix.

Mydaddypaddy and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

In the novice hurdle ranks, Mydaddypaddy looks likely to play a major role. He has impressed with his consistency and composure this season, and his performances suggest he could be suited to the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Speed, slick jumping, and the ability to travel are all required in that race, and he has shown those qualities.

Keeping the faith!

Dan Skelton is confident Supreme Novices’ Hurdle dreams are still alive for Mydaddypaddy…

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 30, 2025

He faces a tough group of rivals, with Old Park Star, Talk The Talk and El Cairos leading the ante-post market.

Panic Attack and the Mares’ Chase

Panic Attack offers another solid chance, and she looks suited to the Grade 2 Mares’ Chase. She has enjoyed a consistent campaign, showing toughness in a competitive handicap company. That combination is what the Mares’ Chase often demands, and already being a two-time winner at Cheltenham, she could be hard to keep out of the frame.

A genuine British threat

While Irish influence remains powerful, Skelton’s focused team ensures he will again be a key British trainer to watch. With 11 Festival wins already on his record and credible contenders in both major races and competitive handicaps, he arrives with realistic hopes of adding to that total this year.