Gordon Elliott marked a significant milestone at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival by securing his first victory with Wodhooh, who triumphed in the Mares’ Hurdle. This win not only highlights Elliott’s resilience but also adds to his impressive tally of 42 winners at the prestigious event.

Wodhooh’s victory was particularly noteworthy as it was her first Grade 1 win, further solidifying her status in the racing world. The mare has demonstrated remarkable consistency, boasting a record of 10 wins out of 11 races over hurdles. Elliott expressed his delight, stating, “I’m absolutely delighted. She was idling halfway up the run in but picked up again. She’s some mare. It’s hard to know how good she is and we’re lucky to have her.”

Jack Kennedy, who rode Wodhooh, celebrated his 12th festival win with this latest success. Reflecting on the race, he noted, “It’s been a frustrating couple of days, but when you have a mare like her you are waiting on.” This victory comes after a challenging year for Elliott, who had only one winner at the previous year’s festival, making this win all the more significant.

Elliott’s journey in the world of horse racing has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. His first Cheltenham winner was Chicago Grey in 2011, and since then, he has become one of the most successful trainers in the festival’s history. His notable horse, Tiger Roll, has won at the Cheltenham Festival five times, showcasing Elliott’s ability to train top-tier competitors.

Despite the ups and downs, Elliott remains optimistic about the future. He mentioned that he has been through tough years and is currently restocking his horses, indicating a renewed focus on building a strong stable. His commitment to the sport is evident as he stated, “I love horse racing, it’s my life. I’m lucky enough to have 42 Cheltenham winners. We’ve been through a few tough years.”

Wodhooh was the 5-6 favorite for the Mares’ Hurdle, and her performance did not disappoint. The excitement surrounding her win has left fans and observers eager to see how she will perform in future races. As the festival progresses, all eyes will be on Elliott and his team to see if they can continue their winning streak.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future plans for Wodhooh and other horses in Elliott’s stable. However, the victory at the Cheltenham Festival has undoubtedly reignited hope and enthusiasm for both the trainer and his supporters.

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Cheltenham Day 3, taking place on March 11, 2026, is set to feature several high-stakes races, including the prestigious Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase. With a maximum runner field of 22, the competition is expected to be fierce, showcasing some of the best talent in horse racing.

Key Contenders

Among the horses to watch, The Bluesman, trained by Olly Murphy and ridden by Sean Bowen, stands out as a promising competitor. Carl Evans noted, “The Bluesman is a handsome chap, and his chasing career is coming along nicely.” Another notable entry is Wodhooh, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy. Kim Bailey commented, “With Lossiemouth going for the Champion Hurdle, this race looks set up for Wodhooh. She’s tough, consistent and a winning machine.” This positions Wodhooh as a strong favorite in the Stayers’ Hurdle.

Recent Performances

The Stayers’ Hurdle will feature 11 runners, with Teahupoo and Bob Olinger as the past two winners, adding historical significance to the race. Teahupoo notably beat Bob Olinger by 7 lengths in the Grade One Christmas Hurdle, showcasing his capabilities on this stage. Ma Shantou, trained by Emma Lavelle and ridden by Harry Cobden, is also a contender, with Tom Peacock stating, “There are a lot of old hands who might be past their best in this race but Ma Shantou has a younger set of legs.” This highlights the dynamic nature of the competition.

Other Noteworthy Horses

In addition to the favorites, Kabral Du Mathan, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton, and Banbridge, trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Sean Bowen, are also expected to make an impact. Banbridge was unplaced in this race two years ago but showed his wellbeing when narrowly beaten by The Jukebox Man at Kempton on Boxing Day, according to Carl Evans. This suggests that Banbridge may be poised for a better performance this year.

Expectations for the Day

As the day unfolds, observers will be keen to see how the young, progressive stayers perform, with three horses highlighted in this category. Fact To File, who was untouchable in the previous year’s race, is another horse to keep an eye on. Additionally, Gericault Roque, trained by David Pipe and boasting a racing mark of 129, could surprise many in the field.

Final Thoughts

With the excitement building for Cheltenham Day 3, the anticipation surrounding the Stayers’ Hurdle and Ryanair Chase is palpable. As the horses prepare to race, details remain unconfirmed regarding the final line-up and any last-minute changes. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see how the day unfolds and which horses rise to the occasion.

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