The electric atmosphere of Champion Day still hung in the air as Cheltenham prepared for its second act. Day Two of the 2026 Festival promised another thrilling spectacle, building on the momentum ignited by Lossiemouth’s dominant victory in the Champion Hurdle.
All eyes turned to the Queen Mother Champion Chase, where Majborough sought redemption. A year prior, a disappointing performance at Cheltenham left a shadow over this star horse, fueling both anticipation and apprehension among onlookers. The challenge was set to be formidable, with Dan Skelton’s Leau Du Sud poised to push Majborough to his absolute limit.
Beyond the headline race, the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase featured Romeo Coolio, a strong contender for Gordon Elliott. The Turner’s Novices’ Hurdle, kicking off the day’s events, was shaping up to be a captivatingly unpredictable contest, a true test of emerging talent.
Seven races comprised the day’s schedule, a carefully curated sequence of speed, stamina, and skill. The Novices’ Hurdle at 1:20pm would set the tone, followed by the Novices’ Chase and the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle, each promising unique narratives and dramatic finishes.
The afternoon’s crescendo would build with the Cross Country Handicap Chase, a test of both athleticism and courage. Then, the spotlight would return to the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 4:00pm, the pivotal moment of the day. The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase and the Weatherbys Champion Bumper would bring the day to a close.
In the Turner’s Novices’ Hurdle, No Drama This End led the betting at 3/1, closely followed by King Rasko Grey at 11/2. A crowded field of hopefuls, including Act of Innocence and Bossman Jack, prepared to battle for supremacy.
The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase saw Romeo Coolio favored at 9/4, with Final Demand and Wendigo close behind at 6/1. A compelling mix of experience and potential defined this race, promising a thrilling chase to the finish.
The BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle presented a wide-open contest, with Kopeck De Mee leading the pack at 5/1. Storm Heart and The Yellow Clay were also strongly positioned, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive hurdle race.
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase featured Stumptown as the frontrunner at 5/2, with Favori De Champdou and Desertmore House challenging for position. This unique race demanded both endurance and precision, testing the limits of horse and rider.
The Queen Mother Champion Chase was dominated by Majborough at 10/11, but Leau Du Sud loomed as a serious threat at 4/1. The clash between these two titans promised a captivating spectacle of speed and skill.
The Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase showcased Be Aware, Jazzy Matty, and Vanderpoel as leading contenders, all at 11/2, 13/2, and 13/2 respectively. A large field and challenging course guaranteed a thrilling chase.
Finally, the Weatherbys Champion Bumper featured Love Sign Daunou as the favorite at 9/2, with Quiryn and Keep Him Company closely following. This race, a showcase of future stars, promised a glimpse into the next generation of champions.
ITV1 and ITVX would broadcast the day’s action live, beginning at 12:45pm, while Racing TV would cover the final two races. Expert analysis and insightful commentary would accompany every moment of the day’s thrilling competition.
Sky Bet ambassadors Oli Bell and Ed Chamberlin offered their expert insights, pinpointing Wendigo in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at 6/1 as a strong each-way bet. They favored Leau Du Sud at 4/1 to challenge Majborough in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and highlighted Ballysax Hank at 12/1 as a promising contender in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase.
