Gordon Elliott marked a significant milestone at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival by securing his first win with Wodhooh, who triumphed in the Mares’ Hurdle. This victory not only represents Elliott’s 42nd winner at the prestigious festival but also Wodhooh’s first Grade 1 victory.

Wodhooh, the 5-6 favorite for the Mares’ Hurdle, demonstrated her prowess by achieving a remarkable record of 10 wins out of 11 races over hurdles. Elliott expressed his delight at the win, stating, “I’m absolutely delighted. She was idling halfway up the run in but picked up again. She’s some mare. It’s hard to know how good she is and we’re lucky to have her.” This victory comes after a challenging year for Elliott, who had only one winner at the previous year’s festival.

Jack Kennedy, who rode Wodhooh to victory, celebrated his 12th festival win with this race. He remarked, “It’s been a frustrating couple of days, but when you have a mare like her you are waiting on.” Kennedy’s experience and skill were evident as he guided Wodhooh through the competition, showcasing her exceptional talent.

Elliott’s journey in horse training has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. He first tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival in 2011 with Chicago Grey. Since then, he has trained notable horses, including the legendary Tiger Roll, who won at the festival five times. Elliott’s ability to adapt and overcome difficulties has been a hallmark of his career.

In recent years, Elliott has faced tough times, but he remains optimistic about the future. He mentioned, “I love horse racing, it’s my life. I’m lucky enough to have 42 Cheltenham winners. We’ve been through a few tough years.” His resilience and dedication to the sport continue to shine through as he restocks his stable with promising horses.

Wodhooh’s victory is a testament to Elliott’s training capabilities and the potential of his horses. As he looks ahead, the anticipation builds for what other talents may emerge from his stable. Observers are keen to see how Elliott’s team will perform in the upcoming races and whether they can maintain this momentum.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding Elliott’s future plans and the next steps for Wodhooh. However, the excitement surrounding this victory at the Cheltenham Festival has reignited interest in Elliott’s training methods and the horses he nurtures.

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