The spring racing season is heating up as trainers and enthusiasts look forward to some of the most anticipated races, including the Punchestown Gold Cup and the Randox Grand National at Aintree. The recent Cheltenham Festival brought together some of the best performances, with trainers and jockeys highlighting their contenders for the upcoming events. This year's festival was particularly memorable, not only for the stunning runs but also for the stakes surrounding the horses competing.
One horse making waves is Fact To File, who has garnered attention for the Punchestown Gold Cup, poised to make a significant impact. As noted in the latest Sporting Life podcast, Racing Podcast team member David Johnson highlighted, “The one that stands out to me is Fact To File going to Punchestown. We were talking about how much better he's potentially going to be going right-handed and I think you know he'll be at least as effective there.” His previous success at Punchestown includes a win at the John Durkan on his reappearance, and Johnson expressed confidence that Fact To File would come out on top even against the Gold Cup winner.
Two more horses to watch out for following their performances at Cheltenham are Ethical Diamond and Nurburgring. Billy Nash from the podcast discussed Ethical Diamond, who delivered a robust finish in the County Hurdle, ultimately coming in fourth. Nash emphasized, “He came from an awful long way back to finish fourth doing his best work at the finish and there's definitely a big handicap hurdle in him.” He believes that with the right conditions, Ethical Diamond could certainly secure a major victory in upcoming two-mile handicap hurdles.
Nurburgring also displayed his capabilities by finishing fourth in the Jack Richards race at Cheltenham. Nash suggested that Nurburgring showed so much potential that a return to the Galway Plate might be on the cards, stating, “I certainly think there's a big race in both of them hopefully before the year is out.” Both Ethical Diamond and Nurburgring have shown promise that they could make headlines in the following months.
Meanwhile, trainer Gordon Elliott has a notable competitor in Wodhooh, a horse he suggests has a crazy flat mark, managing a rating of 71 after her recent victory in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham. “Keep an eye on her when Gordon lets Wodhooh loose in the Flat season,” cautioned Racing Podcast team member Graham Cunningham. Given her current momentum, she could be a force to reckon with this coming Flat season.
As for the Grand National at Aintree, the recent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin has been ruled out, leading many to look toward other Cromwell-trained horses, particularly Vanillier. Cromwell's stable has seen significant success, with Vanillier expected to run a huge race after a strong performance in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, where he finished third. Trainer Gavin Cromwell recognizes the potential of Vanillier, who is currently seen at 11/1 odds by bookmakers. “His six possible arrows for the world’s most famous steeplechase include three of our top six in the market,” said Paddy Power spokesperson Paul Binfield.
Stumptown, who recently won the Cross Country, is also considered a strong candidate for the National and is priced at 10/1. Cromwell's other entries include Perceval Legallois and Velvet Elvis, attracting varying odds of 14/1 and 100/1 respectively. Yet with some horses like Yeah Man and Malina Girl appearing unlikely to make the cut, it is clear Cromwell remains a trainer to watch.
Looking back at the Cheltenham Festival, Paul Nicholls enjoyed a successful outing, achieving a two-pronged victory at Sedgefield on Tuesday, 2025-03-18. The momentum continues as the sneaking pace of the racing community continues into the Go North finals weekend, which promises attractive prize earnings across various events. The preparations for the upcoming Grand National are generating buzz among horse owners and fans alike.
Other runners to keep an eye on include Rockola Vogue, who showed a promising performance against Our Bill’s Aunt at Wetherby. The racing community is also optimistic about Heads Or Harps, trained by Lucinda Russell, who fresh off a big win at Ayr could surprise punters next week.
Meanwhile, Myretown made a significant impact by winning the Ultima at Cheltenham, gambled into 13/2 favoritism. Derryhassen Paddy also impressed by finishing third in the Albert Bartlett at the festival, solidifying the importance of these races for gauging future performances.
In a sport that consistently offers surprise surprises and excitement, the upcoming races promise to deliver more thrilling moments for horse racing enthusiasts.
As fans and punters making their bets, they remain mindful of the importance of responsible gambling. The National Gambling Helpline services are available for individuals needing support as they engage in the thrilling yet risky experience of horse racing betting.
