2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy Entries - Only 23 entered at first stage
The 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy is expected to have a small field with only 23 entries. Among the top contenders is Nicky Henderson's horse, Lulamba, who has recently shone in races despite a previous loss in the Triumph Hurdle. Willie Mullins has five entries, including last year's Supreme winner Kopek Des Bordes, and other potential champions like Kargese and Salvator Mundi. Gordon Elliott, Henry de Bromhead, and other notable trainers have also submitted strong contenders, promising an exciting competition at the Cheltenham Festival.
- 23 entrants for the 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy, hinting at a smaller field
- Top contenders include Nicky Henderson's Lulamba and Willie Mullins' Kopek Des Bordes
- Other notable entries include Gordon Elliott's Romeo Coolio and July Flower by Henry de Bromhead
The 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy has attracted only 23 entrants at the opening stage, almost guaranteeing a small field at the Festival.
Nicky Henderson's Lulamba suffered the only defeat of his career in the Triumph Hurdle last term, and he tops the early betting after two wins over fences. Last year's Supreme winner, Kopek Des Bordes is one of five entrants for Willie Mullins, who could also be represented by another Cheltenham Festival winner in Kargese, Grade One winner Salvator Mundi, and recent Grade Three winner Kappa Jy Pyke.
Gordon Elliott has entered Romeo Coolio here, as well as the Brown Advisory and the Ryanair Chase against his elders. Irish Panther could represent the team of Eddie and Patrick Harty. Arkle Trial winner, July Flower will run for Henry de Bromhead. Kala Conti, Downmexicoway and Break My Soul could also represent Irish connections.
Ben Pauling has entered both of his Grade Two winners, Mambonumberfive and No Questions Asked. Sam Thomas could be represented by runaway Noel Novices' Chase winner Steel Ally. Other notable entries include Dan Skelton's Be Aware, Sixmilebridge for Fergal O'Brien, Gary and Josh Moore's eight-year-old Hansard, and Jax Junior for Lucy Wadham.
Arkle Challenge Trophy 2026 Entries
- Be Aware (Dan Skelton)
- Break My Soul (Ian Patrick Donoghue)
- Diva Luna (Ben Pauling)
- Downmexicoway (Henry de Bromhead)
- Hansard (Gary Moore & Josh Moore)
- Irish Panther (Eddie Harty & Patrick Harty)
- Jax Junior (Lucy Wadham)
- July Flower (Henry de Bromhead)
- Kala Conti (Gordon Elliott)
- Kappa Jy Pyke (Willie Mullins)
- Kargese (Willie Mullins)
- King of Kingsfield (Gordon Elliott)
- Kopek des Bordes (Willie Mullins)
- Lulamba (Nicky Henderson)
- Mambonumberfive (Ben Pauling)
- Mirabad (Dan Skelton)
- No Questions Asked (Ben Pauling)
- Port Joulain (Willie Mullins)
- Relieved of Duties (Gordon Elliott)
- Romeo Coolio (Gordon Elliott)
- Salvator Mundi (Willie Mullins)
- Sixmilebridge (Fergal O'Brien)
- Steel Ally (Sam Thomas)
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