Gordon Elliott Celebrates First Win at 2026 Cheltenham Festival
Gordon Elliott marked a significant milestone by securing his first victory at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival with Wodhooh, who triumphed in the Mares’ Hurdle. This win not only highlights Elliott’s resilience but also adds to his impressive tally of 42 winners at the prestigious event.
Wodhooh, the 5-6 favorite for the Mares’ Hurdle, achieved her first Grade 1 victory, solidifying her status as a formidable competitor. With a remarkable record of 10 wins out of 11 races over hurdles, she has quickly become a standout horse in Elliott’s stable. Elliott expressed his delight, stating, “I’m absolutely delighted. She was idling halfway up the run in but picked up again. She’s some mare. It’s hard to know how good she is and we’re lucky to have her.”
This victory comes after a challenging period for Elliott, who noted that his stable had only one winner at the previous year’s festival. Reflecting on the ups and downs of his career, he remarked, “I love horse racing, it’s my life. I’m lucky enough to have 42 Cheltenham winners. We’ve been through a few tough years.” His first Cheltenham winner was Chicago Grey in 2011, and since then, he has established himself as one of the most successful trainers in the festival’s history.
Jack Kennedy, the jockey aboard Wodhooh, celebrated his 12th festival win with this latest success. He acknowledged the pressure leading up to the race, stating, “It’s been a frustrating couple of days, but when you have a mare like her you are waiting on.” Kennedy’s confidence in Wodhooh was evident, as he noted her ability to recover from a flat spot during the race.
The victory of Wodhooh not only signifies a return to form for Elliott but also showcases the potential of his current roster of horses. He has been actively restocking his stable, aiming to build a competitive team for future races. The trainer’s notable horse, Tiger Roll, famously won at the Cheltenham Festival five times, setting a high bar for his other competitors.
As the festival progresses, observers are keen to see how Elliott’s team will perform in the upcoming races. With Wodhooh’s impressive win, expectations are high for further successes. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional entries Elliott may have for the remainder of the festival.
In summary, Gordon Elliott’s first win at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival with Wodhooh marks a pivotal moment in his training career, showcasing both his ability to rebound from setbacks and the potential of his horses. As the festival continues, the racing community will be watching closely for what comes next from this renowned trainer.
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