Gordon Elliott Celebrates Wodhooh’s Victory at Cheltenham Festival
Gordon Elliott secured his first win at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival with Wodhooh, who triumphed in the Mares’ Hurdle. This victory not only marked a significant moment for Elliott but also represented Wodhooh’s first Grade 1 win, solidifying her status as a formidable competitor in the racing world.
Wodhooh’s impressive record over hurdles now stands at 10 wins out of 11 races, showcasing her exceptional talent and consistency. The horse was the 5-6 favorite for the Mares’ Hurdle, and her performance did not disappoint. Elliott expressed his delight, 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 also marked a pivotal moment for Elliott, who has trained a total of 42 winners at the Cheltenham Festival since his first win with Chicago Grey in 2011. Last year, Elliott’s stable had only one winner at the festival, making this year’s triumph particularly significant as he aims to rebuild his reputation in the sport.
Jack Kennedy, who rode Wodhooh to victory, achieved his 12th festival win with this race. Reflecting on the experience, Kennedy noted, “It’s been a frustrating couple of days, but when you have a mare like her you are waiting on.” His comments underline the anticipation and pressure that come with competing at such a prestigious event.
Elliott’s journey in recent years has been challenging, 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.” This sentiment resonates with many in the racing community who have witnessed the ups and downs of Elliott’s career.
Among Elliott’s notable horses is Tiger Roll, who has won at the Cheltenham Festival five times, further establishing Elliott’s legacy as one of the most successful trainers in the event’s history. The success of Wodhooh adds another chapter to this legacy, highlighting Elliott’s ability to train top-tier horses.
As the festival progresses, observers are keen to see how Elliott’s stable will perform in the remaining races. With Wodhooh’s victory, there is renewed hope and excitement for the trainer and his team. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future entries, but the momentum from this win could signal a strong showing in the days to come.
