The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, held from March 11 to March 14, delivered another thrilling spectacle of world-class horse racing. Over the four days, racing fans were treated to dramatic finishes, emotional victories, and heartbreaking losses, making this year’s festival one of the most memorable in recent history.
Day 1: A Shocking Start to the Festival
The festival kicked off with the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, renamed in honor of the late jockey Michael O’Sullivan. In a poignant moment, Kopek des Bordes, trained by Charlie McCarthy and ridden by Paul Townend, claimed victory. McCarthy, who had recently undergone surgery for kidney cancer, dedicated the win to O’Sullivan’s memory.
One of the biggest shocks of the festival came in the Champion Hurdle, where two of the top contenders, Constitution Hill and defending champion State Man, both fell. Their dramatic exits paved the way for 25-1 outsider Golden Ace to secure an unexpected victory, ridden by Lorcan Williams and trained by Jeremy Scott.
Day 2: Queen Mother Champion Chase Steals the Show
Day two was highlighted by the Queen Mother Champion Chase, where Marine Nationale, the horse that had defined Michael O’Sullivan’s career, emerged victorious. The race was especially emotional as Queen Camilla, in attendance, comforted O’Sullivan’s partner, Charlotte Giles, reflecting the close-knit nature of the racing community.
Keith Donoghue continued his dominance in the Cross Country Chase, riding Stumptown to victory. The race added to his impressive track record in this discipline, proving his mastery of the challenging course.
Day 3: Rachael Blackmore and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Celebrations
The third day of the festival belonged to Rachael Blackmore, who rode Air Of Entitlement to victory in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. Later, she completed a double win, guiding Bob Olinger to triumph in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s top jockeys.
Sir Alex Ferguson also enjoyed success as his horse, Caldwell Potter, co-owned with the late John Hales, triumphed in the Jack Richards Novices’ Chase. Jockey Harry Cobden donned Hales’ colors in tribute, making the victory an especially emotional moment for the legendary football manager.
Day 4: Gold Cup Drama and an Historic Upset
The final day of the festival saw an incredible upset in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, where Poniros, a 100/1 outsider owned by Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom, secured a shock victory. Jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr. seized the unexpected opportunity, delivering one of the festival’s most unforgettable moments.
The most anticipated race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, saw Galopin Des Champs denied a historic third consecutive win, finishing second to Inothewayurthinkin, ridden by Mark Walsh and owned by J.P. McManus. However, the race was marred by tragedy as Corbetts Cross suffered a fatal fall, casting a shadow over the event.
Gordon Elliott closed the festival on a high note, securing victory in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle with Wodhooh. It was an emotional win for the trainer, who had endured a challenging week with several near misses.
A Festival to Remember
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival will be remembered for its mix of triumphs, surprises, and heartbreak. From Marine Nationale’s emotional win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase to Poniros’ stunning upset and the drama of the Gold Cup, this week provided fans with unforgettable racing moments. As the dust settles, the racing world now looks forward to the rest of the season, with new champions emerging and legacies being forged on the track.