RacingBetter News
	Thursday 26th February 2026

Cheltenham Certainties That Delivered — and Those That Didn't

Every March, the racing world turns its eyes to Gloucestershire. The Cheltenham Festival is the absolute pinnacle of the National Hunt season. Punters spend months studying form and deciding which horses are absolute bankers. But as any seasoned racegoer knows, there is no such thing as a guaranteed win in jump racing.

Sometimes the favourites romp home without breaking a sweat. Other times, the unthinkable happens. Let's look back at some of the most memorable results.

When Arkle Ruled the World

You cannot talk about Cheltenham bankers without mentioning Arkle. In the mid-1960s, this horse was so dominant that Irish handicappers had to create two sets of weights: one for when Arkle ran, and one for when he didn't.

He won three consecutive Gold Cups. In 1966, his starting price was 1/10. Backing him wasn't about making a fortune; it was about collecting a souvenir ticket to say you were there when "Himself" won. He delivered every single time.

The Annie Power Heartbreak

If Arkle represents joy, Annie Power represents absolute agony. The 2015 Mares' Hurdle was supposed to be a coronation. She was the final leg of a massive accumulator, with bookies reportedly staring down a £50 million payout. She approached the final hurdle lengths clear of the field. Then, disaster struck. She clipped the top and fell. It saved the bookmakers a fortune, but for the average punter, it was a brutal reminder that nothing is over until they cross the line.

Altior the Unstoppable

For a few glorious years, Nicky Henderson's superstar was simply unbeatable. He went on a record-breaking 19-race winning streak over jumps. At Cheltenham, he was a machine:

• 2016 Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner

• 2017 Arkle Challenge Trophy winner

• Back-to-back Queen Mother Champion Chase victor (2018 & 2019)

He often hit a "flat spot" that gave supporters a scare, but his engine was unmatched. When he powered up that famous hill, nobody could compete with him.

Douvan's Shock Defeat

Before the 2017 Champion Chase, Douvan looked invincible. He had won all 13 of his starts for Willie Mullins and was sent off as the 2/9 favourite. It seemed a formality. However, he jumped poorly and finished a lame seventh. A stress fracture was later revealed. It proved that even the best are flesh and blood, not machines.

A Bit of Fun Away from the Turf

While the drama on the track is intense, many racing fans enjoy a flutter elsewhere during the festival week. With so many promotions flying around, it is common to see offers for sports betting alongside casino deals. You might spot an advertisement for free spins no wagering while checking the odds for the next race. Whether it is slots or a cheeky accumulator, the variety of entertainment options has grown massively.

Cheltenham will always be a mix of euphoria and despair. For every Arkle that sends the crowd home happy, there is an Annie Power to remind everyone of the unpredictability of sport. That uncertainty is exactly why the festival is so loved. Punters will be back next March, studying the form guide, convinced they have found the next banker.