Tom Cooper: Shuttle Diplomacy will head back to Cheltenham

January 26, 2026

Tom Cooper has confirmed Shuttle Diplomacy will head back to the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The six-year-old broke his duck over obstacles in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at Naas on Sunday under a cool ride from Dan King who never had a moment’s worry.

He had looked a winner in waiting following a promising effort at Limerick over Christmas, runner-up when conceding 8lbs to Willie Mullins’ King Rasko Grey, expected to be a live contender in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Shuttle Diplomacy’s first two starts over hurdles were nothing short of disappointing, pulled up at Galway in October and seventh of 15 at Cork a month later, but since the addition of a tongue tie he has proved a revelation.

The son of Dschingis Secret, bought for €12,000 as a two-year-old, sprung a 66/1 surprise in the Champion Bumper last year to finish third and Cooper is looking forward to another assignment at Prestbury Park.

“We did every test under the sun after Cork. We thought he just didn’t jump well enough the first day at Galway but now I don’t think it was the jumping either.

“The tests came up with nothing. We just said we’d put a tongue strap on him he’s turned a corner.

“Why not (go back to Cheltenham)? He’s entitled to. He didn’t come off the snaff today. There’s a great blend of speed and stamina in his pedigree. You’d have to look at the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

“One of the handicaps is another option as well.”

🗣️”He’ll definitely go back.”

Tom Cooper confirms impressive @NaasRacecourse maiden hurdle winner Shuttle Diplomacy will form part of a strong Cheltenham Festival squad for the Co Kerry handler ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/f1YJcoZoXm

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 25, 2026

Tom Cooper bids to boost strong Cheltenham Festival record

Cooper’s love affair with the Cheltenham Festival began in 2004 when Total Enjoyment won the Champion Bumper at 7/1.

Five years later he doubled his tally with his biggest success as a trainer, landing the Arkle with Forpadydeplasterer who won by a short head in the hands of Barry Geraghty.

The Kerry handler’s runners must always be feared at the Festival and Shuttle Diplomacy isn’t the only one poised to make the trip over the Irish Sea this spring.

Celestial Tune was an impressive Listed bumper winner at Cheltenham’s November meeting and if successful in the Grade 2 Mares contest at the Dublin Racing Festival, there’s every chance she’ll take her place.

Saint Clovis, also a Listed bumper winner at the same meeting, will make a Festival appearance as well as potentially Amen Kate, currently 40/1 for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle after winning a Listed race at Thurles in December.