Trainers and Jockeys for Cheltenham 2020

Leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins has dominated in this category in recent years having finished as leading trainer in six of the last eight Cheltenham Festivals, winning it in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019. Nicky Henderson has won the title twice in recent years taking the title in 2010 and 2012. However, both Mullins and Henderson had to take a back seat in 2017 and 2018 as another Irishman Gordon Elliott dominated at the meeting.

Looking at the quality of the horses these three trainers have available, it’s almost impossible to see any other taking the title in 2020, so who will it be?.

Willie Mullins (6/4)

ASTERION FORLONGE should get the week off to the best possible start for Mullins in the Supreme Novices hurdle and it is expected to snowball from there onwards. While his Champion Hurdle hopes were dealt a blow when KLASSICAL DREAM and SADIER were ruled out of the festival I fully expect him to hit the target a couple more times on day 1 alone. Days two and three may be quieter for him but JANDILI looks like a cracker in the Coral Cup. I also expect him to bag at least a pair on Gold Cup day, he saddles last year’s winner AL BOUM PHOTO in the big one but MONKFISH in the Albert Bartlett could be his nap of the day.

Gordon Elliott (15/8)

Insight would be a great gift to my mind ENVOI ALLEN looks a great prospect for the Champion Hurdle but he is just as likely to run in the Ballymore, either way he will likely win. While Elliott will be saddling DELTA WORK in the Gold Cup he is also likely to pick up some of the festival handicaps an area where he has often had an edge in the past horses such as BEN DUNDEE, SIRE DU BELAIS and COLUMN OF FIRE all have great credentials.

Nicky Henderson (4/1)

British hopes for the trainer’s title again are pinned on Nicky Henderson and ALTIOR should bag another Champion Chase but there doesn’t appear to be any depth to his team this year PENTLAND HILLS and EPANTE being the exception as they have a massive chance in the Champion Hurdle especially if ENVOI ALLEN doesn’t run. If the going is soft his SANTINI could well run a big race in the Gold Cup. 

Others

Paul Nicholls (33/1)  and Henry De Bromhead (8/1)  both are likely to be among the winning trainers this year but are unlikely to be anywhere near the leaders.

Summary

While Gordon Elliott will undoubtedly enjoy a good Cheltenham, and pick up his fair share of races, 2020 looks to me to be Willie Mullins’ year again he has an excellent team and is undoubtedly the King of Cheltenham.

My selection Willie Mullins 6/4

The Leading Jockeys Title at the festival is more open this year since the retirement of Ruby Walsh who won it 11 times between 2004 and 2017.

Paul Townend (2/1)

Now the number one jockey for Willie Mullins he will be getting all the best rides for that stable and the fire power is second to none.

Davy Russell (3/1)

With Jack Kennedy injured Russell, who landed the title in 2018,  is the go to man for the Gigginstown operation and will be getting the leg up on most of their leading fancies.

Rachael Blackmore (5/1)

Riding out of her skin this year and picking up plenty of rides as second jockey for Gigginstown and is likely to be riding a couple of other leading fancies thanks to trainer Henry De Bromhead.

Barry Geraghty (5/1)

Retained jockey for owner JP McManus who was leading jockey in 2012. When you see those familiar yellow and green stripes leading the charge up the Cheltenham hill it is likely to be Geraghty in the saddle.

Summary

My selection Paul Townend 2/1 who will get the pick of a strong Willie Mullins team. 

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