Cheltenham Festival 2026 Day Two: Majborough Leads Champion Chase Contenders
The Cheltenham Festival 2026 is underway, promising four days of thrilling racing action culminating in Friday's Gold Cup. Wednesday, traditionally known as Ladies Day, sees spectators donning their finest attire to match the spectacle on the track. Following Lossiemouth's victory in Tuesday's Champion Hurdle, attention turns to the Queen Mother Champion Chase, where Irish trainer Willie Mullins aims to continue his impressive form with Majborough.
Queen Mother Champion Chase: Majborough's Dominance
Majborough headlines the day's feature race, the Grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase, as the clear favourite. His closest rival appears to be Dan Skelton's L'Eau du Sud, currently priced at 9/2 on betting sites. Racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge and former jockey Ruby Walsh offer contrasting perspectives on this marquee event.
Ruby Walsh's tip: Majborough. "This is Majborough's to lose. He's the best horse in the race and the cheekpieces worked wonders for him at the Dublin Racing Festival. He really concentrated and attacked his fences, and a repeat of that should be enough. He's my strongest fancy on day two."
Jonathan Doidge's tip: Il Etait Temps (each-way). "I've previously advised backing Il Etait Temps for this race before his disappointing run at Ascot. While confidence is slightly lower, he jumped superbly when winning the Tingle Creek. With Majborough odds-on and L'Eau du Sud shorter priced despite inferior ratings, I'll stick with my original selection."
Full Day Two Race Card and Expert Analysis
1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
Ruby Walsh tips Saint Baco each-way, noting the race looks wide open with value opportunities. Jonathan Doidge prefers Skylight Hustle each-way, highlighting Gordon Elliott's charge's improvement at Leopardstown.
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
Ruby Walsh selects Romeo Coolio, believing the move to this race is correct despite previous shorter campaigns. Jonathan Doidge acknowledges Romeo Coolio's quality but suggests Wendigo each-way as an alternative for those concerned about distance.
2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
Ruby Walsh sides with Kopeck De Mee over stablemate Storm Heart, citing improvement and a favorable mark. Jonathan Doidge tips Storm Heart directly, noting his form level and potential adaptability beyond testing ground.
3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase
Ruby Walsh recommends Fakir d'Oudairies each-way at a big price, despite Favori De Champdou's impressive Trials Day performance. Jonathan Doidge prefers Favori De Champdou, the ante-post favourite with previous course success.
4.40: Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase (Premier Handicap)
Ruby Walsh tips Break My Soul each-way, emphasizing the importance of early positioning on the Old Course. Jonathan Doidge selects Relieved Of Duties each-way, noting Gordon Elliott's seven-year-old's improvement over course and distance.
5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1)
Ruby Walsh chooses Keep Him Company each-way based on strong reports from the Gordon Elliott camp. Jonathan Doidge tips Bass Hunter each-way, highlighting trainer Chris Gordon's confidence and the horse's Listed success at Ascot.
Festival Atmosphere and Coverage
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival maintains its reputation for unpredictability and excitement, with Inothewayurthinkin attempting to win the Gold Cup for a second successive year on Friday. Independent Sport provides daily coverage, offering the latest tips and betting insights. Gambling responsibly is emphasized, with tools available through deposit limits and time outs, and support resources like BeGambleAware and Gamcare recommended for those needing assistance.
All odds and offers are subject to change, and terms and conditions apply to promotions. The festival continues through Friday with anticipation building for the climax of racing's premier jumps meeting.
