Coral’s Cheltenham Trials Day horse racing review

With Cheltenham Festival 2026 right around the corner, Trials Day took place this past weekend, and Coral reviews all of the action.

12.05 - Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase

Winner: Jordans Cross 7/1

With the winner tipped here in the Coral Cheltenham Trials Day Preview, Anthony Honeyball’s Jordan’s Cross (7/1), the first race started the day off as it would continue, with the favourite, Kdeaux Saint Fray, beaten.

12.40 - JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle 

Winner: Maestro Conti 5/2

Race two saw the first of two winners of the day for Team Skelton, as 5/2 shot Maestro Conti crossed the line two lengths ahead of One Horse Town. Favourite Minella Yoga (2/1F) was beaten three lengths.   

1.15 - Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase

Winner: Donnacha 12/1

JP McManus’ well-fancied Jagwar ran to his credit, but could not get past 12/1 Donnacha, who beat the market leader by just a head, in a duel to the finishing line. The pair were 10 lengths clear of the rest.

1.50 - Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

Winner: Favori De Champdou 9/1

The first of two Irish raiders to win at Cheltenham on Saturday, this Gordon Elliott-trained 11-year-old went clear in the final stages to win over eight lengths ahead of the favourite, J’Arrive De L’Est, at a price of 9/1. 

Favouri De Champdou is now 6/1 second favourite for the Cheltenham Festival Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase. 

2.25 - Cotswold Chase

Winner: Spillane’s Tower 11/4

The second Irish winner on the day, Spillane’s Tower returned to chasing in strong enough style to beat Evens favourite Grey Dawning by five lengths. 

He is now 14/1 from 66/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, while Grey Dawning is 10/1 out to 20/1.