Chelteham Festival 2026: Watch Paul Nicholls and Rachael Blackmore exclusives

• Watch Betfair ambassadors in the build-up to Cheltenham

• Paul Nicholls and Rachael Blackmore share pre-Festival insight 

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• Click here for more racing tips

• We are now Non-Runner No Bet on all 28 Festival races

• Now read our Mega Guide to the Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is the highlight of the National Hunt season and Betfair have an unbeatable stable of experts to get you ready for four fabulous days of racing - 10-13 March 2026 - at Prestbury Park. 

Watch below as Betfair ambassadors Paul Nicholls and Rachael Blackmore, both of whom know what it takes to win the biggest races at the Festival, provide their expert insight.

Paul Nicholls' most challenging winner 

We asked Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls if there was a horse who was a challenge to train but went on to achieve great success. As you'll see, Paul didn't need to think about his answer as there was one horse who fit the bill beyond all others.

We also asked Paul if there was a horse he wished he had run over a different trip, which Cheltenham Festival win was the most surprising and which jockey produce the best ride for Team Ditcheat.

Who is the most challenging horse @PFNicholls has trained during his career? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ZT3QT1KjoC

-- Betfair Racing (@BetfairRacing) February 18, 2026

Rachael Blackmore's jockey myths and facts

Betfair ambassador Rachael Blackmore, who made history by becoming the first woman jockey to win the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, talks horses, race plans, silks and more as she sorts the facts from the myths about horse racing.  

Watch Rachael reveal what goes into preparing for a big race and what it's really like to ride at Cheltenham. 

Myth or Fact with Rachael Blackmore 🤔 pic.twitter.com/alMXneLvqj

-- Betfair Racing (@BetfairRacing) February 20, 2026

Paul Nicholls' greatest Gold Cup

When it comes to picking his greatest Cheltenham moment, Paul Nicholls has a lot of options to choose from. 

Watch the video to find out what makes a Gold Cup winner and which Festival memory stands out above all others for the Betfair ambassador.

What is @PFNicholls' best moment at the Cheltenham Festival? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/5gms9j3I6K

-- Betfair Racing (@BetfairRacing) February 24, 2026

Paul Nicholls on working with his daughters

Both Megan and Olive Nicholls are part of the team at Ditcheat. While Megan fits buying horses for her dad around her media career on ITV Racing, Olive is riding winners for the Nicholls yard and hopes to add a few more soon.

Watch the video to hear Paul talk about the pleasure of working with his daughters and reveal a name to look out for in the future.

"It's brilliant" 🥰@PFNicholls reveals what it's like to work alongside his daughters... pic.twitter.com/ZvdUVDjSlP

-- Betfair Racing (@BetfairRacing) March 1, 2026

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