Irish raiders at Cheltenham: Ireland’s best hopes on Trials Day

Plenty of interesting Irish raiders are making their way over to Prestbury Park for Trials Day on Saturday.

Cheltenham has been nothing short of a very happy hunting ground for Ireland in recent years and there’s every reason to believe the Emerald Isle can enjoy more success today.

The Grade 2 Betfair Cotswold Chase takes centre stage and the Irish will be hoping to get on the board with Spillane’s Tower.

Best Irish raiders at Cheltenham on Trials Day

Hardy Stuff – 12:40 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

The first Irish raider in action is Gordon Elliott’s HARDY STUFF in the Grade 2 Triumph Trial.

The four-year-old got off the mark in fine style with a surprise victory at Leopardstown over Christmas, getting the better of Gavin Cromwell’s Ole Ole in the final strides to win by a head.

He showed a good attitude that day, certainly improving for the application of a hood on his last two starts after running much too freely on debut at Cork in October.

Ole Ole is a decent yardstick, runner-up in all three starts in Ireland to some useful types but there is an expectation Hardy Stuff is in too deep here with the likes of Maestro Conti and Minella Yoga to deal with.

He is getting better with experience and should take another step forward but he’s probably vulnerable for win purposes.

A yard that can do little wrong

Seven winners and counting this Christmas already for @gelliott_racing as Hardy Stuff proves well-named in an exciting finish to the opener at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/B1n5UEOSxS

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2025

J’arrive De L’est – 1:50 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

Emmet Mullins and Paul Byrne is a combination to be feared and the pair’s gamble on J’ARRIVE DE L’EST was narrowly foiled at the December meeting here.

They return for another poke at glory and with the addition of cheekpieces it’s hard not to see the seven-year-old making a similarly bold bid.

J’arrive De L’est enjoys a 6lb pull in the weights with last month’s winner, Gavin Cromwell’s Final Orders and that should be enough to turn the tables.

He was a useful chaser in France for Daniela Mele and won two cross country events, both on slow ground which will see him in a great light today, during his time there.

The son of hot sire It’s Gino is a younger, fresher and more attractive proposition than all of his rivals and he should prove a very tough nut to crack.

He’ll most certainly come on for his reappearance effort and will rate as many’s banker of the day.

Make that SIX Cross Country wins for Keith Donoghue!

Final Orders does the business in the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase #ITVRacing | @gavincromwell1 | @donoghue_keith pic.twitter.com/9YbnxxUPuT

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 12, 2025

Spillane’s Tower – 2:25 Betfair Cotswold Chase (Grade 2)

SPILLANE’S TOWER is going to provide the biggest opposition to hot favourite Grey Dawning in the Cotswold Chase in receipt of 6lbs.

Jimmy Mangan’s eight-year-old has failed to live up to the initial promise shown in late 2024 when a neck runner-up to Fact To in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown.

It’s been a rocky road since, a beaten favourite in the King George and without a win in nearly two years.

He disappointed on reappearance when ninth in the Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle at Naas but enjoyed a step in the right direction at Punchestown behind El Fabiolo on New Year’s Eve.

Now, back over fences, stepped up in trip and on his favoured soft ground, this former two-time Grade 1 novice chase winner could be ready to get firmly back on track.

Jack Kennedy is on board for the first time since the John Durkan but the son of Walk In The Park remains a risky type, with attitude concerns voiced by many in recent times.

This should give us a better idea of where he’s at and what the future will look like.

The ⬜️ show

holds off Spillane’s Tower to lead home a JP McManus one-two in a brilliant edition of the Grade 1 John Durkan Chase.

The new kids on the block in the staying chase division!@punchestownrace | @WillieMullinsNH pic.twitter.com/pFqV5lTQyv

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 24, 2024

Heads Up – 4:10 AIS Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

John McConnell returns to Cheltenham with HEADS UP who doesn’t mind this place at all, runner-up to Bambino Fever in the Champion Bumper and again second behind Turners Novices’ Hurdle favourite No Drama This End at the November meeting.

He was sent off favourite that day but ran too keen to do himself justice, storming clear of the field after the third flight and he did well in the circumstances to hold onto second place from King’s Bucks.

The form of his Listowel maiden hurdle win has worked out nicely and he’s a definite player if settling better. It’s a very strong contest with Act Of Innocence and Taurus Bay heading the market and it’ll take a decent one to land this prize.

Patience is key

No Drama This End times it perfectly to storm home and win the @albert_bartlett Novices’ Hurdle pic.twitter.com/Bop7W1KumZ

— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 14, 2025