Nicky Henderson Can Expect to Continue Excellent Record at Cheltenham Festival

Few things are more coveted by trainers than a victory at The Festival at Cheltenham and no current handler has enjoyed more success than Nicky Henderson, who can boast 31 winners at jump racing’s premier event and holds a strong hand this year, spearheaded by current Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite Binocular.

Indeed Henderson, whose first Festival victory came in 1985, is the third most successful trainer of all time at The Festival, behind Fulke Walwyn, who sent out 40 winners over 40 years and Martin Pipe (34 wins). Britain ’s champion trainer Paul Nicholls continues to rapidly build on his record and is now up to 20 winners while Ireland ’s most successful current trainer is Edward O’Grady with 18 victories.

Local trainer Jonjo O’Neill is on 15 winners with Ireland ’s Willie Mullins has enjoyed a dozen successes. Three wins for Alan King in 2008 saw his total move up to 10.

Most successful Current Trainers at the Festival

31 Nicky Henderson 20 Paul Nicholls 18 Edward O'Grady IRE 15 Jonjo O’Neill 12 Willie Mullins IRE 11 Philip Hobbs 10 Alan King 9 David Elsworth 8 Ferdy Murphy 8 Nigel Twiston-Davies 7 Howard Johnson 7 Henrietta Knight 7 Arthur Moore IRE 6 Francois Doumen FR 6 Jessica Harrington IRE 6 Mouse Morris IRE 6 Oliver Sherwood 5 Dessie Hughes IRE 5 Aidan O’Brien IRE

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