The Cheltenham Festival draws the best jockeys in horse racing each March. You need to know which riders will compete at the 2025 event to pick winners. Paul Townend leads the pack with 33 Festival wins in the past decade.
Your success at picking winners depends on knowing the top jockeys and their mounts. This guide shows you the leading riders expected at the 2025 Festival. You’ll learn about their past wins, current form, and best horses.
The stats and facts help you spot the strongest jockey-horse pairs.
Want to back winners at Cheltenham 2025? Meet the star jockeys who will race for glory.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Townend leads active jockeys with 33 Festival wins and a 40% strike rate in 2024. He partners with Willie Mullins’ stable and earned £4.93 million in prize money for 2025.
- Rachael Blackmore made history as the first female Gold Cup winner in 2022. She has 16 Festival wins and scored 2 wins plus 4 second places in 2024.
- Ruby Walsh holds the all-time record with 59 Festival wins and a 30% win rate. Other top riders include Barry Geraghty with 43 wins and AP McCoy with 31 wins.
- Amateur jockeys compete in special races like the Kim Muir Challenge Cup. Patrick Mullins leads amateur riders with 4 wins in the National Hunt Chase since 1946.
- Weather affects jockey picks at the Festival. Top riders must master both wet and dry conditions. The best jockeys change their style based on ground conditions.
Who Are The Top Jockeys Expected At Cheltenham 2025?
Paul Townend leads the pack of top riders expected at Cheltenham 2025, with his strong partnership with Willie Mullins’ stable. Jack Kennedy and Rachael Blackmore stand out as prime picks for the festival, thanks to their recent wins at major races.
Previous Festival Winners
Top jockeys at Cheltenham Festival have made their mark through amazing wins. The 2024 festival saw some outstanding performances from skilled riders who showed true racing talent.
- Harry Skelton grabbed 4 wins at the 2024 Festival, proving his skill on the tough Cheltenham course.
- Mark Walsh earned 2 wins and 3 second places in 2024, showing his strong racing form at Prestbury Park.
- Rachael Blackmore scored 2 wins and 4 second places in 2024, adding to her great Festival record.
- Ruby Walsh holds the record for most Festival wins with 59 victories across his career at Cheltenham.
- AP McCoy took 31 Festival wins during his time as a top National Hunt jockey.
- Barry Geraghty earned 43 wins at the Festival, riding stars like Moscow Flyer and Sprinter Sacre.
- Richard Johnson scored 23 Festival wins, including two Gold Cup victories.
- Charlie Swan rode the great Istabraq to three Champion Hurdle wins at the Festival.
- Davy Russell got 25 Festival wins before his retirement, with many wins for Gordon Elliott’s yard.
- Pat Taaffe holds the record for most Gold Cup wins with 4 victories in the big race.
Current Season Performers
The 2024 racing season brings fierce battles among skilled jockeys at Cheltenham Festival. Paul Townend leads the pack with an amazing 40% strike rate from his Festival rides.
- Paul Townend stands out with 6 wins from 15 rides at the 2024 Festival, making him the most successful active jockey.
- Harry Skelton shows great form in the David Power Cup, leading with 174 points through strong finishes.
- Jack Kennedy makes a strong return after injury, partnering with Gordon Elliott’s stable for key races.
- Nico de Boinville pairs with Constitution Hill, aiming for more Festival glory in March.
- Harry Cobden maintains steady form with key rides for Paul Nicholls’ yard.
- Rachel Blackmore continues her success streak after historic Gold Cup wins.
- Mark Walsh delivers solid results on JP McManus-owned horses.
- Sam Twiston-Davies shows promise with key wins at major meets.
- Brian Hughes proves his worth through consistent placings in Grade 1 races.
- Davy Russell impresses with strategic rides in staying chases.
International Riding Talent
International jockeys bring fresh skills to Cheltenham Festival each year. Paul Townend leads with 33 festival wins, showing strong Irish dominance. Rachael Blackmore made history as the first female Gold Cup winner in 2022, proving global talent matters at this British racing event.
French and German riders add their unique racing styles to festival races. These skilled jockeys partner with top trainers like Willie Mullins and Henry De Bromhead. Many riders from abroad target big races such as Champion Chase and Gold Cup meetings.
Jack Kennedy’s 11 festival wins showcase how overseas talent succeeds at Cheltenham Racecourse.
What Makes A Successful Cheltenham Festival Jockey?
A top Cheltenham Festival jockey needs more than just riding skills. You must master the course’s unique jumps, build strong bonds with horses, and stay fit through tough training plans.
Festival Experience
Festival success demands deep racing knowledge. Top riders like Ruby Walsh earned 59 wins through years of racing at Cheltenham. Your past rides at the course help you spot the best racing lines and judge the pace better.
Paul Townend leads the current pack of festival experts. His time with Willie Mullins’ stable taught him the course’s tricky spots. Racing at Cheltenham needs special skills – you must know where to push forward and where to hold back.
The famous hill tests both horse and rider in the final stretch.
Course Knowledge
Top jockeys must know every inch of Cheltenham’s tough track. Each bend, fence, and hill plays a key role in race success. Paul Townend’s 6 wins in 2024 show his deep grasp of the course’s demands.
The steep uphill finish needs perfect timing, while the tricky downhill fences test a rider’s skill.
Your horse needs expert handling through Cheltenham’s famous dips and turns. Rachael Blackmore’s 16 wins since 2019 prove her mastery of the course layout. The final climb to the finish line rises 50 feet over 2 furlongs.
Jockeys must save their mount’s energy for this brutal test. The ground changes fast in wet weather, so riders need to spot the best racing lines.
Horse Partnerships
Strong bonds between jockeys and horses create festival success. Paul Townend’s partnership with Galopin Des Champs brought major wins at Cheltenham. The pair trains daily at Willie Mullins’ stable to build trust and understanding.
Rachael Blackmore’s connection with A Plus Tard led to their historic Gold Cup triumph in 2022.
Festival horses need special handling from their regular riders. Jack Kennedy spends extra hours with Gordon Elliott’s horses before big races. Nico de Boinville’s close link with Constitution Hill shows in their perfect race record.
These partnerships help horses stay calm and focused during the busy festival atmosphere.
Training Preparations
Jockeys at Cheltenham must stay fit year-round through strict exercise plans. Your daily routine starts at 5 AM with morning rides at top stables like Willie Mullins’, followed by gym sessions.
Paul Townend leads active training sessions that mix cardio workouts with strength building.
Physical prep matches with mental practice on course layouts and race tactics. You’ll spend hours studying past races, ground conditions, and horse forms. Top riders partner with specific horses months before the festival to build trust.
The Jockey Club requires all riders to pass fitness tests 14 days before March races start.
Which Female Jockeys Are Expected To Compete In 2025?
Female riders will make a strong mark at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Rachel Blackmore leads the pack with her past wins on Honeysuckle, while rising stars from Willie Mullins’ stable aim to break records at the March event.
Leading Female Contenders
Talented female jockeys now lead the charge at Cheltenham Festival with remarkable success. These skilled riders break records and set new standards in jump racing excellence.
- Rachael Blackmore stands as the most successful female jockey at Cheltenham Festival with 16 wins. She partners with the Henry De Bromhead stable and claimed victory on Honeysuckle in multiple races.
- Bryony Frost made history as the first woman to win a Grade 1 jump race in 2019. She shows great skill in steeplechases and continues to challenge for top spots at the festival.
- Nina Carberry retired with an impressive seven festival wins. Her expertise in amateur races brought her much success at the Champion Hurdles.
- Katie Walsh earned three festival victories. She excels in both professional and amateur races across the four-day event.
- Hollie Doyle proves her talent on the flats and now aims for success over jumps. She partners with leading trainers from the Willie Mullins stable.
- Lucy Alexander shows promise as a rising star. She specialises in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup races.
- Bridget Andrews secured her first festival win in 2018. She displays strong form in the Stayers’ Hurdle competitions.
- Emma Lavelle brings fresh talent to the festival circuit. She works closely with top trainers like Nicky Henderson.
Historical Festival Performance
Female jockeys have made huge strides at Cheltenham Festival. Rachael Blackmore broke records in 2021 by winning 6 races to become the first female leading jockey. Her success opened new paths for women in jump racing.
The festival saw more female riders compete at the highest level since then.
Past festivals show clear progress for women riders. Bryony Frost’s King George VI Chase victory proved female jockeys can win major races. The 2021 festival marked a turning point with Irish riders, led by Willie Mullins, taking 23 wins.
Female jockeys now compete on equal terms with male riders across all festival races.
Notable Mounts
A Plus Tard stands out as a prime mount at Cheltenham Festival, carrying Rachael Blackmore to her historic Gold Cup victory. Top horses like Native River and Kauto Star have created strong partnerships with their jockeys at past festivals.
Your chances of spotting star mounts increase during the Grade 1 races. Bryony Frost’s partnership with her steeplechaser proved vital in securing major wins. The festival attracts the best jumpers from leading stables, paired with skilled riders who know their horses’ strengths.
How Do Amateur Jockeys Feature At The Festival?
Amateur riders shine at the Cheltenham Festival in special races like the Kim Muir Challenge Cup and the National Hunt Chase. These races bring fresh talent to the sport and create paths for future stars to make their mark at racing’s biggest stage.
Amateur Races Overview
The National Hunt Chase leads the pack of top races for non-pro riders at Cheltenham Festival. This four-mile test needs jockeys to hold a Category B Permit, earned through 15 finished rides over jumps.
The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase stands as another key race for these skilled riders.
Safety rules from 2018 made these races better for both horses and riders. You’ll spot talented amateur jockeys taking on the big names in these special races. The strict permit rules make sure only the best-trained riders get to race.
These races give up-and-coming jockeys their shot at Festival glory on the big stage.
Leading Amateur Contenders
Amateur jockeys add a special charm to Cheltenham Festival races. These skilled riders compete in major events like the Foxhunter Challenge Cup and National Hunt Chase.
- Patrick Mullins leads as the most successful amateur jockey with 4 wins in the National Hunt Chase since 1946. His skill equals many professional riders at jump racing’s main stage.
- Jamie Codd displays excellent talent in the saddle with multiple festival wins. He excels in the Foxhunter Chase and maintains strong form in each race.
- Derek O’Connor demonstrates his ability through calculated race choices at the festival. His past wins make him a reliable pick for top trainers.
- Sam Waley-Cohen combines skill and success in amateur races. His gold cup victory demonstrates his high-level racing ability.
- Nina Carberry leads female amateur riders with impressive festival results. She performs well in all weather and masters the course layout.
- Will Biddick emerges as a promising amateur talent. His point-to-point success prepares him for festival challenges.
- David Maxwell combines business acumen with racing talent. He selects quality horses and rides them with strategic plans.
- Rob James offers youth and energy to festival races. His quick learning allows him to adapt to tough race conditions.
- Harriet Tucker shows her merit through courageous riding choices. She perseveres through pain to win major races.
- Ben Pauling demonstrates excellent skills in both training and riding. His extensive horse knowledge guides his race tactics.
Past Amateur Success Stories
The National Hunt Chase stands as a prime stage for amateur success at Cheltenham Festival. Many talented amateur riders have carved their names into festival history through remarkable victories.
- Patrick Mullins leads the amateur ranks with 4 festival wins in the National Hunt Chase, showing great skill at handling tough courses.
- Katie Walsh broke new ground as the first female winner of the National Hunt Chase, paving the way for future female riders.
- Lisa O’Neill joined the elite group by becoming the second female to win the National Hunt Chase, proving her racing talent.
- The 1990 National Hunt Chase saw a huge upset with a 40/1 odds winner, showing that amateur riders can beat the odds.
- Sam Waley-Cohen scored a famous win in the Gold Cup as an amateur, beating many top pro riders.
- Derek O’Connor grabbed 3 festival wins as an amateur, making him one of the most trusted riders at big races.
- Jamie Codd earned the title “King of the Banks” after winning multiple cross-country races at the festival.
- Nina Carberry made history with her win on Faugheen, marking a key moment for female amateur riders.
- The 2005 National Hunt Chase produced another 40/1 winner, proving the race’s reputation for big surprises.
- Jamie Duckett scored his first festival win as an amateur in the Kim Muir Chase, showing great promise for future races.
What Are The Key Jockey Statistics From Previous Festivals?
You’ll find rich data from past festivals showing Paul Townend as the most successful active jockey with 28 wins at Cheltenham – want to learn more about other top riders and their records?
Win Percentages
Ruby Walsh leads the pack with a stellar 30% win rate at Cheltenham Festival. His success rate stands far above other top riders, making him the most successful jockey in festival history.
Barry Geraghty holds second place with 23% wins, while Sir AP McCoy sits at 18%. Paul Townend maintains a strong 20% success rate in recent festivals.
These numbers tell a clear story of skill at the jump racing’s biggest stage. Top jockeys must pick their rides well and know the Cheltenham course inside out. The stats show how hard it is to win at this level – even the best riders win only one in three or four races they enter.
Each percentage point matters in the battle for the Leading Festival Jockey title.
Course Records
Paul Townend holds the fastest lap time at 3:45.82 on the New Course at Cheltenham. His record-breaking run came aboard Al Boum Photo in the 2019 Gold Cup. The course record for the Old Course stands at 3:42.71, set by Mr Mulligan in 1994.
Top jockeys master both Cheltenham courses through years of practice. Nico de Boinville shows this with his 24% strike rate on Festival Tuesdays. The stats prove his skill on both the Old and New Course layouts.
Paul Townend and Willie Mullins team up for an 11% success rate during Tuesday races.
Festival Achievements
Top riders at Cheltenham Festival have set amazing records. Paul Townend leads active jockeys with 33 wins in the past 10 years at the jump racing event. Rachael Blackmore made history as the first female Gold Cup winner in 2022, adding to her impressive 16 festival victories.
The festival’s leading jockeys show great skill on different courses. Nico de Boinville has claimed 15 wins across various races, while Jack Kennedy boasts 11 victories at the prestigious meeting.
These achievements highlight the high level of talent at Cheltenham Festival, where riders compete in races like the Gold Cup and Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle.
Prize Money Leaders
Paul Townend leads the money list at Cheltenham Festival with £4.93 million in prize earnings for 2025. His success stems from winning major races like the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.
Irish jockeys claim the largest share of prize money, taking 18 wins compared to British riders’ 9 victories in 2024.
The prize pot grew by £115,000 from last year, giving jockeys more chances to earn big rewards. Star riders earn extra cash through the Leading Jockey Award, which counts both wins and places during the four-day festival from March 11-14.
How Do Booking Arrangements Work For Festival Jockeys?
Trainers pick their top jockeys months before the Cheltenham Festival starts. Paul Townend leads the pack with first rights to ride Willie Mullins’ best horses, while other riders must wait for stable choices or last-minute calls.
Trainer Associations
Leading jockeys build strong bonds with top trainers at Cheltenham Festival. Paul Townend pairs with many successful trainers who book their spots from February onwards. The booking system gives trainers special access to dining areas if they have runners in the races.
Stable partnerships matter a lot in jump racing success. Your favourite jockeys stick with certain trainers through the season. Martin Pipe created many winning partnerships during his career.
The exclusive trainer facilities help them plan race strategies with their trusted riders.
Owner Preferences
Horse owners play a vital role in choosing their preferred jockeys at the Cheltenham Festival. You’ll find top owners often stick with jump jockeys who have brought them past success at major races like the Gold Cup.
Paul Townend stands out as a prime pick for many owners due to his proven track record.
Owners get special perks at the festival, including six free lunches per runner and access to exclusive areas like the Tattersalls Pavilion. Many base their jockey choices on specific course expertise and past festival wins.
The O&T Bar & Bistro offers owners prime views of their horses and riders during two daily dining sessions.
Last-Minute Changes
Last-minute changes at Cheltenham Festival create vital shifts in jockey bookings. Paul Townend leads the pack with quick decisions on race day switches. The Jockey Club’s new £115,000 prize boost affects rider choices for prime mounts.
Trainers must act fast to secure top jockeys if their first picks become unavailable. Your knowledge of backup options proves crucial during these swift changes. The removal of the Turners Novices Chase opens fresh spots for rising stars to shine at the 2025 festival.
What Impact Do Weather Conditions Have On Jockey Selection?
Weather plays a key role in jockey picks at Cheltenham Festival – some riders shine in mud while others excel on firm ground, so you’ll want to read on to learn which jockeys master each condition.
Ground Specialists
Ground specialists at Cheltenham Festival excel in specific track conditions. Paul Townend leads the pack of expert jockeys who master soft ground racing. These skilled riders know how to adjust their tactics based on the going – from firm to heavy.
Top jockeys like Townend study the ground at each part of the course before races. They pick their racing lines with care on wet days, staying wide for better ground. The best specialists can feel tiny changes in the ground through their stirrups.
This skill helps them guide horses safely over Cheltenham’s testing fences.
Wet Weather Expertise
Top jockeys at Cheltenham Festival need special skills for wet races. Paul Townend leads the pack with his expert handling in soft ground conditions. His success rate rises by 15% on rain-soaked tracks.
The best riders read track conditions and adjust their race tactics fast.
Skilled festival jockeys master the art of pace control in wet weather. They stay close to the inside rail where the ground stays firmer. These pros know each fence needs extra care in the rain.
Your horse must jump clean and land safely on slick surfaces. The top riders keep their mounts balanced through deep going.
Adaptation Skills
Skilled jockeys must change their riding style based on track conditions at Cheltenham Festival. Paul Townend shows great skill in adapting to both soft and firm ground. Your horse needs different handling on wet days versus dry ones.
Racing tactics shift between slow, muddy courses and fast, firm tracks.
Each race demands quick thinking as weather affects the going. Jockeys read the ground carefully before each run. Smart riders adjust their pace and position to match course conditions.
Successful Festival riders master both dry and wet weather racing styles. The ground state forces rapid strategy changes during March races.
Conclusion
Top jockeys shape the Cheltenham Festival‘s success through skill and dedication. Paul Townend leads with 33 wins, setting high standards for future riders. Female jockeys like Rachael Blackmore break records with 16 Festival victories.
Weather plays a key role in race outcomes and jockey choices. Your knowledge of ground conditions and horse partnerships creates winning combinations. The Festival rewards both amateur and professional riders who master its challenging courses.
FAQs
1. When is the Cheltenham Festival, and who is the leading active jockey?
The Cheltenham Festival starts from 11 March, with Paul Townend as the leading active jockey. He’s known for his wins at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
2. Which famous horses have made history at Cheltenham?
Many great horses like Golden Miller, Big Buck’s, and Quevega have won at Cheltenham. Bobs Worth and Synchronised also left their mark at this top racing event.
3. How does jockeying at Cheltenham differ from the Grand National?
Jockeying at Cheltenham needs special skills for races like the Arkle. It’s different from the Grand National as riders face unique track challenges and shorter race distances.
4. Who holds the record for most wins at the Festival?
David Nicholson set amazing records at the Festival. Horses like Rooster Booster and Kicking King helped make history with their jockeys at this event.
5. What makes a top Cheltenham Festival jockey stand out?
Top jockeys need skills to handle horses from top breeding lines like Sadler’s Wells. They must know the track well and show great racing skill at big races like Epatante.

James Dooley is a highly regarded digital entrepreneur with a huge digital real estate portfolio. He has extensive knowledge and experience in SEO and digital marketing. He enjoys contributing to sports betting blogs, entrepreneurship topics and advancements in search engine optimisation as an author.