Cheltenham 2025: Ruby Walsh airs 26 Festival insights as Willie Mullins aims to banish himself of a surprising hex

Are we there yet?

Well, almost, as horse racing lovers experience their own personal Christmas Eve once more. Presents come in the form of winners for punters and hundreds of thousands of them will descend on the Cheltenham Festival in the search or glory. But it's not all about victory, the craic remains unbeaten as race-mad fans seek out more than the thrill of winning amid a swarm of tips and predictions.

Fans are itching for intel and Ruby Walsh is the man to provide it – the man who rode a record-breaking 59 winners at Prestbury Park before his retirement. And he is going through the alphabet to offer pearls of wisdom ahead of the four-day extravaganza getting underway. Here is what Ruby reckons punters must keep a close eye on.

A is for Arkle Chase. The second race of the festival and one we hope Majborough will win for Willie Mullins.

B is for Ballyburn. He has got the most natural ability in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

C is for Constitution Hill. Still unbeaten, all eyes will be on him as he bids to regain the Champion Hurdle.

D is for Dinoblue. She is certainly the one to beat this year in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase.

E is for Ethical Diamond. Looks one of the Willie Mullins ones to watch.

F is for Final Demand. He has shown a lot of promise and will be a strong contender in the Turners Novices’ Chase.

G is for Galopin Des Champs. The Cheltenham Gold Cup champion will be going for a third successive crown this Friday.

H is for Harry Cobden. The number one jockey for Paul Nicholls, and Paddy Power’s newest ambassador, I know he’ll be after a successful festival.

I is for Ireland. The nation has claimed victory in the Prestbury Cup since 2019, with this year looking no different.

J