Gordon Elliott

Gordon Elliott is one of the most successful trainers in the history of the Cheltenham Festival.

His first Festival winner came in 2011 when Chicago Grey landed the National Hunt Chase. Since then, the County Meath handler has built an impressive record, reaching 41 winners heading into the 2026 meeting. That total has been achieved in little more than a decade, underlining how quickly he has climbed the all-time rankings.

Among his standout performers is Tiger Roll, one of the most recognisable names in modern jump racing. Tiger Roll won five times at Cheltenham across three different races, including the Triumph Hurdle, the National Hunt Chase and the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase. Elliott has also tasted success in championship contests such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Don Cossack in 2016 and the Stayers’ Hurdle with Sire Du Berlais and Teahupoo.

As we head into the 2026 Festival, Gordon Elliott stands on a total of 41 Cheltenham winners, dating back to 2011. You can watch Gordon Elliott Cheltenham Preview here.

That tally makes him the second most successful Irish trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, with only Willie Mullins ahead of him in the standings.

When Elliott landed the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle with Wodhooh last year, he moved past the long-standing mark of Fulke Walwyn’s 40 Festival wins. That success also elevated him to fourth in the all-time Cheltenham trainer rankings, with Paul Nicholls next in his sights on 50 winners.

Champion Hurdle – Brighterdaysahead

Brighterdaysahead disappointed in last season’s Champion Hurdle, but her emphatic victory at the Dublin Racing Festival has propelled her back into contention.

Elliott recently said the race looks open, with three or four at the head of the market capable of winning, but he could not be happier with her condition heading into March.

Stayers’ Hurdle – Teahupoo

Teahupoo underlined his dominance in the staying division with a commanding display in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. He now bids to regain the Stayers’ Hurdle crown he won in 2024.

The Robcour-owned gelding has established himself as one of the premier three-mile hurdlers in training and will be aiming to secure his place among multiple Festival winners.

Cross Country Chase – Favori De Champdou

Elliott has long excelled in the Cross Country sphere, with stars such as Tiger Roll and Delta Work dominating in previous years.

His latest specialist, Favori De Champdou, bolstered his claims with a decisive victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in January. With the right weight conditions, he could prove tough to beat once again.

Arkle or Brown Advisory – Romeo Coolio

Romeo Coolio finished third in last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and has taken well to fences, winning all four of his starts over the larger obstacles, including three Grade 1 successes.

He holds entries in both the Arkle Challenge Trophy and the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Elliott has indicated that the team will keep their options open, with stamina unlikely to be an issue, but the timing of a step up to three miles still under consideration.

Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) – Oldschool Outlaw

Oldschool Outlaw could represent one of Elliott’s strongest chances of the week in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Elliott has spoken positively about her attitude and finishing kick, noting how well she quickened from the final hurdle to the line on her latest start. Having already beaten Bambino Fever and continuing to improve at home, she looks a mare on the rise.

With proven Festival pedigree and a squad packed with genuine Grade 1 contenders, Elliott once again looks set to play a major role at Cheltenham in 2026.

How many winners has Gordon Elliott had at Cheltenham?

Elliott has trained 41 Cheltenham Festival winners since 2011. His most prolific years include 2018, when he saddled eight winners, and 2020, when he struck seven times. Those tallies cemented his status as the leading challenger to Willie Mullins.

With 41 wins, Elliott ranks as the second most successful Irish trainer in Festival history behind Mullins. He has also moved ahead of Fulke Walwyn in the all-time standings and now sits fourth overall, within touching distance of Paul Nicholls. Only Mullins, Nicky Henderson and Nicholls have trained more Festival winners.

Notable Cheltenham victories

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2016
Don Cossack provided Elliott with the ultimate prize when winning the Gold Cup in 2016. It was a landmark success for the yard and remains one of the highlights of his career.

Stayers’ Hurdle 2023 and 2024
Sire Du Berlais caused a surprise when landing the 2023 Stayers’ Hurdle at big odds. A year later, Teahupoo returned to win the same race after finishing second the previous season, giving Elliott back-to-back victories in one of the Festival’s championship events.

Tiger Roll’s Festival record
Tiger Roll’s victories spanned multiple seasons and disciplines, from the Triumph Hurdle to cross-country success. His achievements at Cheltenham form a major part of Elliott’s Festival legacy.

Could Elliott add to his tally in 2026?

Looking ahead, Elliott is set to field another competitive team.

Brighterdaysahead has an excellent strike rate and is expected to target a major hurdle contest. King Of Kingsfield could feature in one of the novice hurdle events, while Better Days Ahead may aim to defend his crown in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

With depth across divisions and a proven Festival record, Elliott will once again arrive at Cheltenham with realistic hopes of adding to his 41 winners.