Key Horses and Jockeys to Follow for the 2025/2026 Jump Season and Cheltenham 2026
As the new National Hunt season bursts into life, excitement and optimism fill the air across racecourses in Britain and Ireland.
After a thrilling 2024/2025 campaign that delivered unforgettable finishes and emerging stars, all eyes now turn to the key players who could shape the road to Cheltenham 2026.
From proven Gold Cup champions to promising young chasers, and from title-winning jockeys to consistent big-race riders, the 2025/2026 jump season promises to be a captivating journey for fans and punters alike.
With early betting prices on hurdle contests and novice chases already beginning to form, enthusiasts are studying the form closely and preparing for a season full of opportunity and excitement.
For those already studying the form and planning early horse racing bets, three standout horses and three leading jockeys are set to define the winter campaign and the Cheltenham Festival in March 2026.
Three horses to watch for Cheltenham 2026
1. Inothewayurthinkin
The reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, Inothewayurthinkin, heads into the new season with all the credentials of a modern-day great. Trained in Ireland and blessed with both stamina and class, his powerful victory in the 2025 Gold Cup confirmed his status as the top staying chaser in training. His ability to travel strongly and finish his races with authority makes him the benchmark for others to aim at.
Connections have made it clear that another Gold Cup defence is the ultimate goal, although early-season appearances in traditional trials, such as the Savills Chase or the Irish Gold Cup, are expected. His name already dominates horse racing bets for the 2026 renewal, and rightly so, he’s the horse they all have to beat.
2. Galopin Des Champs
Few horses have captured the public imagination in recent years quite like Galopin Des Champs. A dual Gold Cup winner, he narrowly missed out on a historic third consecutive triumph in 2025, finishing a gallant second to Inothewayurthinkin. Despite now being slightly older, his class and resilience remain undimmed.
Trainer Willie Mullins has hinted that Galopin will be campaigned selectively, focusing on prime targets to keep him fresh for Cheltenham. Fans can expect him to reappear in key Grade 1s over the winter, and another mouth-watering clash with Inothewayurthinkin seems inevitable. Whether or not he can reclaim his crown, Galopin Des Champs will be one of the major talking points of the season.
3. Fact To File
Every new season brings a horse on the rise, and Fact To File looks perfectly placed to make the leap from top-class novice to established Grade 1 chaser. His emphatic Ryanair Chase victory at Cheltenham in 2025 showcased not only his ability but also his versatility. The talk from the Mullins yard suggests that a step up in trip to challenge for the Gold Cup may well be on the cards.
Still relatively unexposed compared to his seasoned rivals, Fact To File’s campaign will be closely watched, particularly in early-season contests like the John Durkan Memorial and the Irish Gold Cup. Should he handle the extra distance, he could easily emerge as the next great staying chaser in Ireland.
Three jockeys set to dominate the jump scene
1. Sean Bowen
Having captured his first British Jump Jockeys’ Championship last season, Sean Bowen returns with even greater momentum. His maturity, patience, and tactical awareness in the saddle have earned widespread praise, while his partnerships with leading trainers give him a formidable book of rides. Expect Bowen to be prominent in all the major Saturday meetings and a consistent contender for top honours come Cheltenham.
2. Harry Skelton
A former Champion Jockey and one of the most polished riders in the weighing room, Harry Skelton continues to thrive under the powerful Dan Skelton stable. Their team is bursting with exciting horses, including Grey Dawning, who looks set for a major festival campaign. Harry’s strength in the finish and excellent timing make him one of the most reliable jockeys for punters, especially when placing early horse racing bets on the big races.
3. Harry Cobden
Few riders combine composure and aggression as effectively as Harry Cobden, the retained jockey for Paul Nicholls. Cobden enjoyed a stellar 2024/2025 season and is once again expected to be in the thick of the championship battle. His partnerships with top-class chasers such as Cauldwell Potter and a promising crop of novices give him a strong platform for success. When Cheltenham comes around, his cool head under pressure will be a key asset.
The 2025/2026 jump racing season promises a thrilling blend of established champions and emerging stars. Inothewayurthinkin seeks to cement his Gold Cup dominance, Galopin Des Champs bids for redemption, and Fact To File looks to join the elite. Among jockeys, Sean Bowen, Harry Skelton, and Harry Cobden represent the pinnacle of riding talent, each with the drive, partnerships, and tactical nous to shape the season’s biggest moments.
As the countdown to Cheltenham 2026 gathers pace, punters and fans alike can look forward to a season packed with drama, rivalries, and unforgettable performances. Whether following the sport for passion or placing the occasional horse racing bet, one thing is certain, this National Hunt season is set to be one to remember.
