The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, where the finest Irish-trained horses compete against elite contenders from Britain and beyond. While the Gold Cup is the contest which everyone is eager to win, there are many eagerly awaited races across the four days of the prestigious meeting, such as the Cross Country Chase, Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Champion Hurdle and the Stayers' Hurdle.

There is every reason to believe that Ireland's rich and enviable history of success at Cheltenham will continue in 2025, several standout horses expected to make a significant impact across various races, while there are a great many betting sites for Irish customers with some excellent bonus offers available throughout the meeting. We look at some notable contenders who might make a big impression at Prestbury Park this year and the races in which they might dominate:

Mares' Hurdle - 3:20pm, Tuesday 11th March

Brighterdaysahead

Another Gordon Elliott inmate, Brighterdaysahead delivered a dominant performance in the Neville Hotels Hurdle, decisively defeating State Man in that contest. Despite this, her owners are reportedly leaning towards the Mares' Hurdle as her festival target, a decision that has sparked debate among racing enthusiasts.

Lossiemouth

A talented mare from Willie Mullins' stable, Lossiemouth has been a subject of discussion regarding her most suitable festival target. After a solid performance when chasing Constitution Hill at Kempton, connections are contemplating the Mares' Hurdle as her primary objective, though some believe she has the credentials to contest the Champion Hurdle. We’ll soon find out either way.

Brown Advisory Novices' Chase - 2pm, Wednesday 12th March

Ballyburn

Emerging as a promising novice chaser, Ballyburn is currently favoured for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase. His progression through the ranks has been impressive, and he is anticipated to make a significant impact at the festival

Queen Mother Champion Chase - 4pm, Wednesday 12th March

Energumene

Trained by Willie Mullins, the two-time Champion Chase winner is aiming for a third title, having finished first past the post in 2022 and 2023. Despite facing strong competition from the likes of Jonbon, Energumene's proven track record at Cheltenham makes him a key player in the two-mile chasing division.

Jonbon

Although trained in Britain by Nicky Henderson, Jonbon's Irish breeding and connections warrant mention. After being withdrawn from the previous year's festival, he is anticipated to make a significant impact in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, aiming to challenge the established order in the two-mile chase division.

El Fabiolo

After a stellar novice chase season, including a victory over Jonbon in the Arkle two years ago, El Fabiolo has faced challenges in open company. Trainer Willie Mullins has expressed concerns about his recent form, but a return to his best would make him a significant contender in the Champion Chase.

Mares' Novices Hurdle - 1:20pm, Thursday 13th March

Maughreen

A six-year-old mare from Willie Mullins' yard, Maughreen was highly regarded for the Champion Bumper in 2024 before a setback. Her impressive debut at Punchestown and esteemed lineage suggest she could excel in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Ryanair Chase - 3:20pm, Thursday, 13th March

Fact To File

Also under the tutelage of handler Willie Mullins, Fact To File has emerged as a formidable contender in middle-distance chases. As the current favourite for the Ryanair Chase, his impressive performances, including a notable win in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase in November 2024, highlight his readiness for Cheltenham.

Banbridge

Trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, Banbridge is a prominent figure in the two-and-a-half-mile chase category. With a commendable Racing Post Rating of 174, he is a key player in the Ryanair Chase lineup and certainly a one to watch in the contest.

Gaelic Warrior

Another notable entry from Willie Mullins, Gaelic Warrior has demonstrated versatility across distances ranging from two to three miles. His adaptability makes him a formidable contender in various races, including the Ryanair Chase.

Stayers' Hurdle - 4pm, Thursday, 13th March

Teahupoo

Representing Gordon Elliott's stable, Teahupoo is a leading candidate for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. His consistent displays over three-mile hurdles have positioned him as a top contender in the staying hurdle division.

Triumph Hurdle - 1:20pm, Friday 14th March

Lulamba

Trained by Nicky Henderson, Lulamba has made a seamless transition from French racing to the UK scene. His victory in a three-year-old hurdle in France and subsequent acquisition by Henderson highlight his potential in the Triumph Hurdle where he currently leads the market.

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle - 3:20pm, Friday 14th March

The Yellow Clay

Gordon Elliott's The Yellow Clay has shown promise in novice hurdle events, marking him as a horse to watch in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. His progression through the ranks indicates potential for a strong performance at Cheltenham in 2025.

The Big Westerner

Under the guidance of Henry De Bromhead, The Big Westerner is another emerging talent in the novice hurdle division. His recent performances suggest he could be a significant contender in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Cheltenham Gold Cup - 4pm, Friday 14th March

Galopin Des Champs

Trained by Willie Mullins, Galopin Des Champs has solidified his status as a premier chaser. With consecutive victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in each of the last two renewals, the handler will be aiming for an unprecedented third successive win for this contender in 2025. His recent triumph in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in December 2024 underscores his exceptional form and stamina over extended distances and there is little doubt that he is the one to beat in the 2025 renewal of the Gold Cup.

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival once again promises to be a showcase of exceptional talent from Ireland with established stars and emerging prospects set to captivate racing enthusiasts over the four days of the prestigious meeting. As the festival approaches, the anticipation builds for these top Irish horses to etch their names into the annals of racing history.

Indeed, these horses represent the pinnacle of Irish equine talent heading into the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and with their performances set to be closely watched by racing fans and analysts alike, now is an excellent time to claim the numerous Cheltenham free bets which are on offer from the leading UK and Irish bookmakers.