The 2026 Cheltenham Festival draws to a close on 13th March, with the final day headlined by a red-hot renewal of the Gold Cup.
Racing expert Alex has gone through the races televised at Cheltenham on Friday and picked out his ITV horse racing tips, including an accumulator for ITV racing.
The final day of the Cheltenham Festival gets underway with the Grade One Triumph Hurdle.
At the prices, it could be worth chancing Willie Mullins-trained Minella Academy. The yard won this with a massive outsider 12 months ago, and this four-year-old is highly regarded after being purchased for £370,000 following an eye-catching win over hurdles at Cork.
Plenty of promise, and this son of Sea The Moon could be a value each-way selection.
The County Handicap Hurdle has a wide-open feel to it, and the runners at the top of the betting are easy to take on.
Gavin Cromwell-trained Sixandahalf was second in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 12 months ago, beaten just under a length. However, she has shown relatively little since.
The Irish-trained runner is now on an eye-catching mark, and a return to Cheltenham could reignite her form.
A high-class renewal of the Grade Two Mares’ Chase sees plenty have leading chances.
However, there could be a first British-trained winner of the race, as Diva Luna has shown plenty of ability since being sent over fences.
The Ben Pauling yard have been in excellent form over the last two weeks, and the selection was in fine form last time out when making the step up to two miles and four in her stride at Warwick.
Goes well at Cheltenham after winning on New Year’s Day last year, and finishing third in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
The Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle typically throws up a big-priced winner.
Therefore, it could be tempting to take an each-way swing at one at a price on Friday. King’s Bucks finished second in a competitive maiden hurdle at Limerick in December, finishing within two lengths of the incredibly progressive You Proof.
He also has experience at Cheltenham, finishing third and three lengths behind No Drama This End in a Grade Two in November. Yard won this race with a maiden in 2019 (Minella Indo).
The big race of the entire week is set for Friday, as a high-class field contests the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The first three in the King George dominate the betting, and cases can be made for each of Gaelic Warrior, Jango Baie, and The Jukebox Man.
However, the preference is for the former. Gaelic Warrior is Willie Mullins’ only entry in the race, and has been in top form since winning the Grade One Bowl at Aintree last April.
Has proven stamina and was last seen finishing second when racing too freely in the Irish Gold Cup. Demands major respect back at Cheltenham after winning the Grade One Arkle in 2024.
Sam Curling has an excellent chance to record back-to-back wins in the Hunters’ Chase, with Wrappedupinmay showing plenty in points since leaving the Paul Nicholls yard.
Was a two-time winner over the winter, including when cruising last time out to win by an eleven-length margin.
Has more upside than most in this race due to being slightly younger, and should give bettors interest at an each-way price.
Gordon Elliott rounded off the Festival with a win in the Martin Pipe 12 months ago, and history could repeat itself.
Wendrock looks laid out for this race, finishing an eye-catching fifth on his only previous start over an extended two miles and four.
The manner in which he finished that race bodes well for this challenge, and he has previous form at the Festival after finishing a credible sixth of 22 in last year’s Fred Winter.
