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The Cheltenham Festival has long been the battleground where Irish and British-trained horses vie for supremacy, and in 2025, the Irish contingent once again reigned supreme. While Willie Mullins led the charge with a record-levelling 10 winners, he was ably supported by fellow Irish trainers—including a strong showing from County Meath.
With renowned racing venues such as Navan, Fairyhouse, Bellewstown, and Laytown, the Royal County has long been a breeding ground for success. This year, trainers from Meath contributed significantly to Ireland’s impressive 20 Festival victories.
As punters eagerly assessed horse racing odds, it became clear that Meath-based handlers were making a serious impact. With the Grand National antepost markets now opening, many will be keeping a keen eye on how these trainers’ successes at Prestbury Park translate to future triumphs.
Gavin Cromwell: A career-defining Festival
Gavin Cromwell has steadily built his reputation as one of Ireland’s top trainers, but the 2025 Cheltenham Festival saw him reach new heights. The Danestown-based handler secured the biggest win of his career as Inothewayurthinkin stunned the field to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Supplemented for the race at a cost of £25,000 just days prior, the JP McManus-owned gelding justified the gamble by denying Galopin Des Champs a historic hat-trick.
Cromwell’s week wasn’t just about Gold Cup glory. His charge Stumptown delivered another winner for the yard in the Cross Country Chase, underlining his versatility across different Festival races. With five second-place finishes and four thirds also to his name, Cromwell left Presbury Park with his reputation further enhanced.
Gordon Elliott: A Festival win at the death
Gordon Elliott arrived at the 2025 Festival with high hopes, having saddled 40 previous winners at Cheltenham, including the 2016 Gold Cup champion Don Cossack. However, despite sending out several fancied contenders, including Brighterdayahead in the Champion Hurdle and Teahupoo in the Stayers’ Hurdle, winners proved elusive for much of the week.
Elliott endured a frustrating run with 10 placings—including four runner-up finishes and six third-place results—before finally breaking his duck in the very last race of the meeting. Wodhooh provided a timely boost, storming to victory in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle and ensuring Elliott did not leave Cheltenham empty-handed.
Cian Collins: A breakthrough success
One of the lesser-known names to make a mark at the Festival, Cian Collins, emerged as another County Meath trainer to taste success. His charge, Jazzy Matty, won the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase, securing a first Festival victory under Collins’ name.
Previously trained by Gordon Elliott, Jazzy Matty had already proven his ability at Prestbury Park by winning the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle in 2023.
After switching to Collins’ yard in May 2024 following a €50,000 purchase, the six-year-old continued his upward trajectory with a hard-fought success. This victory not only solidified Collins’ credentials but also highlighted Meath’s growing influence on the Irish Festival contingent.
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The 2025 Cheltenham Festival reaffirmed Ireland’s stranglehold on the meeting, and while Willie Mullins’ dominance remained undisputed, County Meath’s trainers played a crucial role in the overall success.
With Cromwell capturing the Gold Cup, Elliott adding to his Cheltenham tally, and Collins breaking through on the big stage, the Royal County was at the forefront of Ireland’s Prestbury Cup triumph.
As the focus shifts towards upcoming major events, including Aintree and Punchestown, punters and racing enthusiasts alike will be watching County Meath’s trainers closely, eager to see if they can build on their Festival heroics.
