Every Willie Mullins runner entered for this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup

Willie Mullins has once again made a big statement ahead of the Cheltenham Festival by entering nine horses in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, keeping punters and pundits buzzing with ante-post chatter for Cheltenham. 

It’s a remarkable squad from one of the most successful National Hunt trainers of all time, and Mullins will be aiming to add to his impressive tally of four Gold Cup victories.

Gaelic Warrior

Gaelic Warrior currently holds the best odds of Willie Mullins’ entries, sitting just one place ahead of Galopin Des Champs in the ante-post market. He has already shown his class at the highest level with Grade 1 wins, and although he has not yet secured a Gold Cup, his strong finishes in high-grade races and versatility over varying distances mean he looks a major player, particularly if the pace is strong and the ground does not cut up too much.

Galopin Des Champs

Galopin Des Champs is the headline act of the Mullins contingent and the biggest name in the race. He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice (2023, 2024) and has been one of the leading staying chasers for several seasons. His jumping, stamina and course record make him a firm favourite again, with many bookmakers listing him near the top of the ante-post market for the 2026 renewal.

I Am Maximus

Another Grand National winner from Mullins’ stable, I Am Maximus scored at Aintree in 2024, showing a strong finishing kick over a marathon trip. While he is not as proven over the classic Gold Cup trip of 3m2½f at Cheltenham, his credentials and festival experience make him an interesting contender.

Banbridge

Banbridge won the King George VI Chase in 2024, showcasing strong jumping and the ability to travel comfortably at a high level. That performance confirmed his class against elite opposition, and while Cheltenham’s stamina test poses a different challenge, his quality and big-race experience mean he should not be dismissed.

Nick Rockett

Nick Rockett won the 2025 Grand National, showing his stamina and toughness over extreme distances. That National form does not always translate perfectly to Cheltenham’s unique demands, and only one horse in history has ever won the prestigious double, Golden Miller. However, Nick Rockett’s staying power and experience in big fields give him each-way appeal if he makes the cut.

Impaire Et Passe

Impaire Et Passe is an unusual entry for the Gold Cup as he has previously been campaigned over shorter trips. However, his raw ability and jumping have turned heads, and Mullins may be exploring whether stepping him up in trip unlocks more potential. If he arrives fit and well, he might get overlooked in the early betting.

Grangeclare West

Grangeclare West is a seasoned chaser with solid performances in marquee races. While he has not yet reached the very top tier, his consistency and ability suggest he warrants a crack at the Blue Riband. He looks like a dark horse if his jumping and stamina hold up on the Cheltenham New Course.

Lecky Watson

Lecky Watson is a less familiar name compared with his stablemates, but has shown enough to warrant inclusion among the entries. Horses like him can relish the bigger test Cheltenham offers, especially if their prep races have taken them forward. His price in the market reflects that lack of name recognition early on.

Spindleberry

Spindleberry rounds out Mullins’ entries as his longest-priced runner but remains another chaser with enough credentials to be entered. He has not yet hit the same level as some of Mullins’ other entries, but the Gold Cup throws up surprise performances from progressive types who relish the unique demands of Cheltenham’s ultimate test.