Joe Tizzard Cheltenham Festival 2026 stable tour

Ahead of Cheltenham Festival 2026 next week, the highlight of the horse racing calendar, Coral ambassador Joe Tizzard shares an in-depth stable tour.

Rock My Way – Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase

This fellow was second in the NH Chase at last year’s Festival, and although we’ve kept him running over those longer trips this season, including a win in the Berkshire National at Ascot, I think the pace they will go in this 3m 1f race will suit him and of the three we have in the race he’s the one we want to run.

Alexei – Champion Hurdle

He’ll be our first runner in the race, and with Constitution Hill out, I think it’s a wide open race.  He’s kept surprising us this year, and won the Greatwood in really taking style, so we know he acts on the course.  I wasn’t too disappointed by his third place at Ascot before Christmas as he was lumping a big weight that day, and he booked his place here winning the Kingwell Hurdle.  I’m sure he’s got an each-way chance and am really looking forward to this.

First Confession - National Hunt Chase 

It was great to get a confidence boosting win with him at Carlisle last time, he put his Exeter fall behind him nicely.  I think the marathon trip will suit, Brendan [Powell} can ride him in this race now, and I really think he can outrun his odds.