Gaelic Warrior stormed to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the final day of the 2026 Festival, with jockey Paul Townend becoming the most successful rider in the race's history. Trained by Willie Mullins, the 11/4 joint-favourite won by eight lengths, ahead of Jango Baie in second and 2025 winner Inothewayurthinkin in third. Harry Redknapp's The Jukebox Man started strongly but finished last after a late mistake.
Earlier on Friday, Dinoblue successfully defended her crown in the Mares Chase, while Johnny's Jury surprised at 20/1 in the Albert Bartlett Novices Chase. The biggest shock came in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, where Apolon De Charnie crossed the post at 50/1, just ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson's Maestro Conti.
The victory capped another successful Festival for Mullins, who also won the Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth and the Champion Chase with Il Etait Temps. Townend's win made him the most successful jockey in Gold Cup history, surpassing previous record holders.
The Cheltenham Festival has seen a push to boost attendance, including reducing the price of Guinness by 30p and bringing back Ladies Day. However, the main draw remains the quality of racing, with Mullins' dominance a key talking point.
