Most Successful Trainers at Cheltenham

The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of National Hunt Racing, attracting the finest trainers, jockeys, and horses to compete on one of the sport’s grandest stages. Success at Cheltenham is a mark of excellence, and a select group of trainers have consistently produced winners at this prestigious event. Their ability to prepare horses for the unique demands of the festival has cemented their reputations and secured their places in racing history. Here at BoyleSports , we are going to take a closer look at the most successful trainers in Cheltenham Festival history, highlighting their victories, standout performances, and the horses that helped them reach the top.

Willie Mullins

First up there is Willie Mullins, the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, with over 100 winners to his name. He became the first trainer to reach this milestone in 2024, cementing his dominance at the festival. Mullins has won almost every major race at Cheltenham, including four Gold Cups with Al Boum Photo (2019, 2020) and Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024). His success also includes multiple Champion Hurdle victories with stars like Faugheen and Annie Power, as well as numerous wins in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Stayers' Hurdle. He continues to train at the highest level, regularly bringing a strong team of contenders to the festival each year, making him a safe option for those interested in Cheltenham betting . His record-breaking ten wins in 2022 remain the most by any trainer in a single festival.

Nicky Henderson

Nicky Henderson is the most successful British trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, with 73 winners. His victories span some of the biggest races, including two Cheltenham Gold Cups with Long Run (2011) and Bobs Worth (2013). Henderson has also won the Champion Hurdle a record nine times, training legendary hurdlers like See You Then, Buveur d’Air, and Epatante. His dominance extends to the Queen Mother Champion Chase, with iconic winners such as Sprinter Sacre and Altior. He has been the leading trainer at the festival multiple times and remains one of the sport’s top figures. Still actively training, Henderson continues to bring high-quality contenders to Cheltenham each year.

Paul Nicholls

Paul Nicholls has trained 49 Cheltenham Festival winners, making him one of the most successful trainers in the event’s history. Best known for his dominance in the 2000s, he has won the Cheltenham Gold Cup four times with See More Business (1999), Kauto Star (2007, 2009), and Denman (2008). Kauto Star remains one of the festival’s most celebrated horses, becoming the first to reclaim the Gold Cup after losing it. Nicholls has also secured victories in other major races, including the Champion Chase with Master Minded and Politologue and the Stayers’ Hurdle with Big Buck’s.

Faulke Walwyn

Fulke Walwyn was one of the most successful trainers in Cheltenham Festival history, saddling 40 winners over a career spanning four decades (1946–1986). His festival record was remarkable for an era with fewer races, and his achievements remain highly respected. Walwyn won the Cheltenham Gold Cup four times with horses such as Mont Tremblant (1952) and The Dikler (1973). He also trained two Champion Hurdle winners and secured multiple victories in the National Hunt Chase and RSA Chase. One of his most famous horses, Mill House, won the Gold Cup in 1963 but was later overshadowed by the great Arkle. Walwyn retired in 1986 and passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain’s finest National Hunt trainers, particularly for his festival success.

Gordon Elliot

Finally, Gordon Elliott has quickly established himself as one of the leading trainers at the Cheltenham Festival, with 40 winners to date. He has twice been the festival’s top trainer, recording six wins in 2017 and eight in 2018. Elliott has enjoyed major victories across multiple races, including a Cheltenham Gold Cup with Don Cossack (2016) and the Stayers Hurdle with Teahupoo (2024). His success also includes three wins in the Triumph Hurdle and multiple victories in the National Hunt Chase. Still actively training, Elliott continues to bring strong contenders to the festival each year, with each horse being available for horse racing betting . With his consistent results and growing tally of winners, he is well on track to surpass Fulke Walwyn’s total of 40 festival victories in the near future, further cementing his place among the most successful trainers in Cheltenham history.