Amateur jockey Patrick Mullins has selected Gaelic Warrior as his choice to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2026. The horse, trained by his father Willie Mullins, is among nine entries from the stable for the prestigious race. Mullins, who won last year's Grand National, praises the eight-year-old's exceptional strength and racing record.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins has entered nine horses for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026, with his son Patrick Mullins, a record-breaking amateur jockey, highlighting Gaelic Warrior as his top pick. Patrick, who rode Nick Rockett to victory in the Grand National last year, expressed enthusiasm for partnering the horse in the big race. "I’d love to ride Gaelic Warrior, I think he’d win the Gold Cup," he said. He described the horse's qualities, noting, "I’ve ridden a lot of horses in my life, the feeling he gives is pure strength, and it’s that strength that makes me think he could win. It’s a cliché but he’d run through a brick wall – he’s like a tank."
Gaelic Warrior, an eight-year-old with a strong record, has finished out of the first three only once—in fifth place—in 21 races. He enjoyed an unbeaten streak of eight wins, ending last spring, and secured the Arkle Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival by 8½ lengths. Recently, he placed third in the Boxing Day King George VI Chase and second to stablemate Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown's Dublin Racing Festival.
Patrick, who rides Gaelic Warrior at home, called him "complicated" but engaging: "He’s always leaning on you, always wants to be in conversation." He explained the horse's preference for tighter tracks like Cheltenham, where an inside running rail helps him relax, unlike the more open layout at Leopardstown that makes him keen to accelerate.
With Willie Mullins submitting 87 entries across various races, decisions on riders and targets remain fluid. Gaelic Warrior is entered in both the Ryanair Chase and the Gold Cup, where Fact To File is the favorite despite not yet being entered. Patrick aims to emulate Sam Waley-Cohen by achieving a Grand National-Gold Cup double.
