Bookmakers are preparing for a potentially costly Cheltenham Festival as trainer Willie Mullins and owner JP McManus combine forces. Mullins, the all-time leading trainer at the meeting with 113 winners, has a strong hand on the opening day, with three hotly fancied runners: Might Park, Kopek Des Bordes, and Lossiemouth.
Might Park, owned by McManus, is the joint favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, while Kopek Des Bordes leads the Arkle market at 6-4, and Lossiemouth is joint favourite for the Champion Hurdle. Coral's David Stevens noted that a treble on these three currently pays around 30-1, warning of a potential 'bloodbath' if they all win.
JP McManus has been leading owner in five of the last seven years, with 84 winners at the Festival, including six in 2025. Boyle Sports reported strong support for his horses across the four days, with Majborough, Fact to File, and Dinoblue heavily backed in singles and multiples. Spokesperson Lawrence Lyons said: 'Mighty Park could put us on the ropes from the off.'
