2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup Tips - Willie's outsider to return to form at Fairyhouse
The 2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse is set to be an exciting race, featuring promising novice chasers. Among the lineup, Sixmilebridge stands out with top-level form, but our value bet is Jimmy Du Seuil from Willie Mullins' stable, who is poised to make a strong comeback. After skipping the Cheltenham Festival, Jimmy Du Seuil, with Brian Hayes riding, aims to recapture his former glory, especially after an impressive chasing debut at this venue. The race promises a thrilling showdown amidst seasoned trainers like Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup
- This Grade One takes place at Fairyhouse on Sunday 5th April
- Jimmy Du Seuil is our each-way selection at 16/1
The WillowWarm Gold Cup headlines the card at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday. This two-and-a-half-mile Grade One for novice chasers was first staged back in 1960 and has been won by legends like Arkle, Captain Christy and Galopin Des Champs.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup, including our best betting tips.
2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kappa Jy Pyke | 10/3 |
| Sixmilebridge | 7/2 |
| Predators Gold | 13/2 |
| Pure Steel | 7/1 |
| Jacob's Ladder | 12/1 |
| Western Fold | 12/1 |
| Bar | 16/1 |
2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup Runners
Despite sitting prominently in the betting for the Arkle, Kappa Jy Pyke skipped Cheltenham to focus on Fairyhouse. Another who missed the Cheltenham Festival was Sixmilebridge, who came out of the Jack Richards on account of the fast ground, and Fergal O'Brien looks set to send his Grade One winner to Ireland.
Paul Townend has opted to retain his partnership with Predators Gold, despite their defeat to Kappa Jy Pyke and Danny Mullins at Punchestown. Former Cheltenham Festival winner, Jimmy Du Seuill will also represent Ireland's Champion Trainer.
Gordon Elliott still leads the Champion Trainer standings, and fields three against Willie Mullins' battalion. Jacob's Ladder skipped Cheltenham to focus on this Grade One. As did Scilly Isles runner-up Kala Conti. Western Fold also represented Elliott, on the back of a disappointing finish in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
Gordon Elliott still leads the Champion Trainer standings, and fields three against Willie Mullins' battalion. Jacob's Ladder skipped Cheltenham to focus on this Grade One. As did Scilly Isles runner-up Kala Conti. Western Fold also represented Elliott, on the back of a disappointing finish in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
Jimmy Mangan will be represented by Pure Steel on Sunday at the Irish Grand National Festival. Andrew Slattery's Fleur In The Park completes Sunday's line-up.
2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup Tips
This really is a wide-open Grade One. The only horse with real top-level form is Sixmilebridge, and I'm never keen to back British raiders at Fairyhouse, especially at such a short price.
I do think that there's a good chance we could see JIMMY DU SEUIL (16/1) bounce back to top form. Willie Mullins' Coral Cup winner was hugely impressive on his chasing debut at this venue, seeing off The Big Westerner with one of today's rivals, Jacob's Ladder some 22 lengths adrift in third.
Jimmy Du Seuil was then held up at the rear in twqo small-field Grade Ones, and his jumping went completely to pot. Mullins' seven-year-old finished last of the four as Final Demand won at Limerick, and fell when well beaten off at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Willie decided against running Jimmy Du Seuil at the Cheltenham Festival, despite his victory at the meeting 12 months previous. The team have opted to focus on this Grade One, and I'm hoping to see Brian Hayes give this talented young horse a more confident ride, as his jumping at this track in November was excellent.
Visit our WillowWarm Gold Cup Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Sunday's races at Fairyhouse via a mobile or tablet.
Live Stream
Visit our WillowWarm Gold Cup Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Sunday's races at Fairyhouse via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Jimmy Du Seuil is our value bet in the 2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup.
Jimmy Du Seuil E/W
2026 WillowWarm Gold Cup Tips
@16/1 - 5 Units
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