Cheltenham Festival 2026: Richard Johnson gives his thoughts on the main races

Four-time Champion Jump jockey Richard Johnson has shared his thoughts on some of the major races ahead of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival next week.

Speaking at a Cheltenham Festival preview night at Rawdon Cricket Club, multiple Festival-winning jockey Johnson provided some expert insight on how he thinks some of the races will pan out.

Cheltenham Gold Cup – Friday, March 13

Johnson has won the Gold Cup twice with Looks Like Trouble in 2000 and Native River in 2019 – and he is certainly a voice that should warrant intrigue.

He gave a good run-down of the showpiece race, saying: “The Gold Cup is a truly-run race, the turn-in for home is a true test for any horse.

“The Jukebox Man is the best of the British hopes and he has a very good chance.

“Last year’s winner [Iknowthewayurthinkin] is interesting, he was impressive last year but has been below-par since.

“I can’t see Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie staying, I thought that the Ryanair would have been a better option.

“Galopin Des Champs will obviously stay and it would be good to see him win his third, it is a hell of a training performance to come back – nevermind four times.

“Haiti Couleurs will definitely stay, after carrying such a weight in the Welsh National but maybe a fast pace could find him out.”

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Champion Hurdle – Tuesday, March 10

Johnson has also won the Champion Hurdle, aboard Rooster Booster in 2003, so he knows how to land the big race.

“There is no such thing as a bad Champion Hurdle, you try winning one,” said Johnson. “I’m a big fan of Golden Ace, I can’t believe she is the price she is.

“I have a feeling that Harry [Skelton] might struggle to settle The New Lion, he is very talented but I think he could be a better chaser.

“I do wonder whether Willie Mullins and co would be tempted by sticking with Lossiemouth in that race, over the mares.”

Champion Chase – Wednesday, March 11

Another championship race which Johnson has been victorious in is the Champion Chase, winning the 2002 renewal with Flagship Uberalles for JP McManus.

Johnson believes the race is built around another McManus star in Majborough, saying: “It will be a fast race, the two-mile races often are.

“It will be interesting to see if Dan Skelton runs Thistle Ask, especially with Marine Nationale’s withdrawal, and if they do then that could complicate things for Majborough.

“Majborough was impressive at Leopardstown last time but he had an uncontested lead, if Thistle Ask was to run then he could challenge Majborough and make life difficult for him.”

Johnson was also keen to highlight JPR One’s chances, for the Tizzard yard which he knows well, saying: “He’s a massive price, especially if they go hard.

“He could be hard pressed to win but he certainly could make the frame.”

Ryanair Chase – Thursday, March 12

The one championship race that evaded Johnson in his career, the Ryanair Chase looks to be a one-sided affair and Johnson does not think otherwise.

“It should be easy for Fact to File,” said Johnson.

“He is a great horse who travels well and this is the right trip for him.

“As for his stablemate, Jonbon, I think they should be running him in the Gold Cup after his performance in the Ascot Chase.”

Johnson is also tempted by the novice Romeo Coolio, should he take his place on Thursday.

“This is the right trip for him also, he is a smart individual and with many potentially not turning up, he has a chance at coming second,” said Johnson.

Stayers’ Hurdle – Thursday, March 12

Johnson’s first success at the Cheltenham Festival came in this race aboard Anzum in 1999, at the massive odds of 40/1.

Twenty seven years later, Johnson has a strong feeling towards one horse in the field, the Emma Lavelle-trained Ma Shantou.

“He [Ma Shantou] is progressive, he is guaranteed to stay and he will be relaxed,” said Johnson.

“I’d be worried about Dan Skelton’s horse, Kabral Du Mathan.

“Three miles in the Stayers’ Hurdle is a long three miles and that would be a worry.

“He is a right pull and that would waste energy, which you need every ounce of to win this race.”

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