For racing fans across the UK and Ireland, there’s no better way to shake off the New Year’s Eve cobwebs than with a trip to Cheltenham Racecourse. As the calendar turns to 2026, the iconic venue is once again hosting its much-anticipated New Year’s Day Raceday, promising a blend of high-quality racing and free family entertainment. With seven competitive contests, including both Graded and Listed races, the event not only serves as a thrilling curtain-raiser for the new season but also offers a tantalizing preview of the Cheltenham Festival looming just a few months ahead.
While the excitement is building for January 1, the recent festive period has already provided plenty of drama and clues for what’s to come in March. Legendary jockey Davy Russell, reflecting on a whirlwind of holiday racing action, offered insights into the horses and trainers making waves on both sides of the Irish Sea. Russell, who spent the festive days working TV coverage in Ireland, was quick to applaud the blistering form of Gordon Elliott’s stable. "He has his horses in some form. And, his riders are riding out of their skin too – Jack (Kennedy), Sam (Ewing) and Jordan (Gainford), all take a bow," Russell observed, highlighting the depth of talent propelling Elliott’s team.
One name on everyone’s lips after St Stephen’s Day was El Cairos. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contender caught Russell’s eye with a dazzling turn of foot in the Maiden Hurdle, only to tumble at the last when the race seemed in hand. "That was some acceleration he showed to put the race to bed approaching the final flight and he has some future ahead. I can see why he’s nearly favourite for the Supreme Novices’ and he’s exciting," Russell said. El Cairos’s blend of speed and resilience marks him as a major player for March, with fans and punters alike eager to see if he can fulfill his burgeoning promise on the grandest stage.
Romeo Coolio is another name stirring debate after his workmanlike victory over Irish Panther. Elliott’s post-race comments hinted at a possible step up in trip for the Brown Advisory Chase, but Russell isn’t convinced. "I wouldn’t be so sure as that’s one hell of a jump and when the dust settles, I expect to see him back in the Arkle picture," he explained. The intrigue over Romeo Coolio’s Festival target only adds to the anticipation, as connections weigh up whether to chase three-mile glory or stick to the tried-and-tested two-mile route.
On the other side of the Irish Sea, Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino produced a training masterclass by bouncing back to form and capturing the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. The Champion Hurdle market, wide open as it stands, may have found its new favorite. "Don’t underestimate the training performance by Nicky Henderson to get Sir Gino back to anywhere near the form he showed to win the Christmas Hurdle in Kempton. The Champion Hurdle market looks wide-open, but I’d say Sir Gino is the one to beat now with plenty more improvement to come," Russell declared. With Henderson’s charge seemingly on the upward curve, the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham is shaping up to be a mouthwatering clash of established stars and rising talents.
Meanwhile, the Mares Hurdle division boasts a standout in Wodhooh, who recently made it nine wins from ten starts over hurdles with a determined display at Leopardstown. Even a minor equipment malfunction couldn’t stop her. "She made it 9 out of 10 over hurdles in Leopardstown despite the tape on a bandage coming loose in the straight. She will head to Cheltenham now and it will be interesting to see her against either Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead (or both) should they turn up in the Mares race too," Russell noted. The prospect of a showdown between these top-class mares is sure to set pulses racing come Festival week.
Final Demand is another to watch after an easy win at Limerick. Despite the straightforward victory, Russell believes there’s much more to come. "He looks to be an absolute monster of a horse and won pretty easy in Limerick. That said, I wasn’t overly impressed with his performance but there is way more to come from him and he will continue to improve," he said, tipping Final Demand as a major contender for the Brown Advisory Chase.
Marine Nationale, despite suffering an unlucky defeat to Solness, remains Russell’s pick as the best two-miler in training. "There is no doubt in my mind that Marine Nationale is the best two-miler around after his unlucky defeat at the hands of Solness. He did extremely well to overcome what happened to him halfway through the race and he will be the one to beat in Cheltenham again," Russell insisted. The Champion Chase at Cheltenham is set to be a highlight, with Marine Nationale aiming to regain his crown against a deep field.
For Gold Cup watchers, Jango Baie delivered a statement performance in the King George, finishing fourth but crucially proving his stamina for three miles. "He was the big stand out for me in the King George despite the fact that he only finished fourth. We know he has plenty of speed and the fact that he proved he stays three miles now is a huge plus. Last year’s Arkle winner will surely now go down this route. Gaelic Warrior won’t be far away now either, nor will the winner The Jukebox Man. It promises to be one of the races of the Festival," Russell commented. The Gold Cup picture is as competitive as ever, with several heavyweights lining up for a shot at glory.
All this festive form and speculation only heightens the sense of anticipation for Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day Raceday. The event, with its seven-race card, is not just a celebration of racing tradition but also a vital stepping stone for horses and connections eyeing Festival success. With tickets available at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets, fans have the perfect excuse to shake off the holiday lethargy and immerse themselves in the action, atmosphere, and family-friendly fun that only Cheltenham can deliver.
As the racing world turns its gaze to Prestbury Park, all eyes will be on the form horses, the rising stars, and the seasoned campaigners hoping to lay down an early marker for Festival glory. With Davy Russell’s expert analysis and a slew of storylines already unfolding, 2026 is shaping up to be another unforgettable year at the home of jump racing. The countdown to Cheltenham Festival has well and truly begun, and the road starts right here on New Year’s Day.