The roars of the Cheltenham crowd echoed once more as the 2026 Arkle Novices' Chase delivered high drama and a surprise twist that few saw coming. The focus ahead of Tuesday’s race had been firmly on the much-hyped duel between Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba, but it was Kargese, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden with ice-cool confidence by Danny Mullins, who stormed to victory in a contest that will be replayed in racing fans’ minds for years to come.
For the McCarthy family of Fermoy, the build-up to this year’s Arkle was as emotional as it was hopeful. Their beloved Kopek Des Bordes, a six-year-old gelding with a growing reputation, had already etched his name into Cheltenham folklore by winning the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2025. That win was laden with meaning, not just for its sporting significance but for the personal battles fought and won off the track. Charlie McCarthy, the horse’s owner, underwent surgery to remove a cancerous kidney in the lead-up to last year’s festival. Reflecting on that time, Charlie recalled, “Thanks be to God, I've been given a clean bill of health. I was back in January and my surgeon told me he doesn't want to see me until May.” The family’s journey to Cheltenham last year was a story of resilience and dreams realized, and they hoped 2026 would bring more glory.
After an injury-disrupted season, Kopek Des Bordes returned to Cheltenham for the Arkle, fresh from positive schooling sessions at Punchestown and Fairyhouse. Paul Townend, one of the best in the business, was booked for the ride, and the McCarthys believed their horse was ready to “put on a show.” CJ McCarthy, one of Charlie’s sons, summed up the family’s hopes: “Winning would be an unbelievable training performance but there's no better man to get a horse ready than Willie Mullins. We go there with a live chance and that's all we can ask for really.”
The anticipation was heightened by a flurry of betting offers. Bet365, one of the leading bookmakers for the festival, rolled out a bet £10 get £30 welcome bonus for new customers, alongside a Super Boost for the Arkle Chase: punters could back either Kopek Des Bordes or Lulamba to win at evens (1/1), up to a maximum stake of £10. “It’s a simple promotion for new customers signing up to one of the best betting sites for Cheltenham 2026,” noted one review. The introduction of Bet365’s new Position Payout market also gave punters more clarity on potential returns, showing fixed payouts for each finishing position—no more fiddling with fractions or place terms. For those with a keen eye on value, Best Odds Guaranteed and daily Bet Boosts added extra spice to the betting action.
As the runners lined up for the Arkle at 2pm GMT, the stage was set for a classic. Kargese, though respected, was not the headline act on most preview panels. Yet as the race unfolded, it was clear she meant business. From the outset, Kargese was prominent, galloping with purpose and jumping each fence with precision. Kopek Des Bordes, too, traveled well, shadowing the leaders and biding his time under Townend.
Willie Mullins, overseeing both Kargese and Kopek Des Bordes, watched with a mixture of pride and nerves. “Coming to the last I was thinking of Annie Power times two – my glass was half empty,” Mullins admitted, referencing the infamous fall of Annie Power at the final flight in 2015. “You’ve never won until it’s won. We’ve had our fair share of different luck here over the years – good and bad.”
As the field thundered toward the last fence, the drama reached fever pitch. Kargese, still in front, faced a late surge from Kopek Des Bordes. But fate intervened: Kopek Des Bordes made a crucial mistake on the landing side of the last, losing momentum at the worst possible moment. Kargese seized her opportunity, staying on resolutely to the line and securing victory for Danny Mullins, who later said, “Turning in I’d plenty left. I knew Nico [De Boinville] and Paul [Townend] were still on my tail and when Paul made the mistake at the last I knew I’d be difficult to catch. You need to jump to win an Arkle and she’s delivered as she always does.”
The win marked Willie Mullins’ astonishing 114th Cheltenham Festival triumph, a tally that cements his status as the meeting’s most successful trainer. “I’m delighted for both horses. Kargese is tough and she’s done everything right. She jumped and galloped – what more can you ask for?” Mullins said. “I thought Kopek Des Bordes jumped fantastic and raced great. There was just that one little genuflection after landing over the last that cost him whatever chance he had. When it happens at the last it’s over, it’s too late.”
For the McCarthy family, there was disappointment but no bitterness. Charlie McCarthy was the epitome of sportsmanship in defeat: “You have to be as gracious in defeat as in victory. He gave it his all and he was beaten on the day, but I can promise you he's a right horse and we're going to hear an awful lot more of him. He's back in one piece and that's the most important thing today. If he jumped the last he might have won but that's ifs and maybes. Let the people who won today enjoy it.”
Lulamba, for his part, ran with credit but could not reel in the leaders. Nicky Henderson, his trainer, reflected, “He told us what we already knew.” The consensus was that Lulamba would be better suited by a greater test of stamina in the future.
For punters, the result was a reminder that there are no certainties at Cheltenham. The much-touted Super Boosts and betting offers might have sweetened the odds, but as ever, it’s what happens on the turf that counts. Bet365’s Position Payout market, along with features like Best Odds Guaranteed and Each Way Extra, provided value and transparency for those who backed a place or anticipated a shock result.
Behind the scenes, responsible gambling remained a key message. With the excitement of Cheltenham comes the need for caution, and bookmakers like Bet365 encouraged punters to set deposit limits and use tools like reality checks and time-outs to stay in control. For those needing help, organizations such as BeGambleAware and GamCare were on hand to provide support.
Kargese’s triumph in the Arkle Novices’ Chase was a testament to the unpredictability and thrill of jump racing at its best. For Willie Mullins, Danny Mullins, and owner Kenny Alexander, it was a day to savor. For the McCarthy family and Kopek Des Bordes, the journey continues, with the promise of more great days ahead. At Cheltenham, dreams are made and broken in a heartbeat—but the passion, hope, and drama never fade.