Gordon Elliott Celebrates Wodhooh’s Victory
Gordon Elliott has marked his return to form at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, securing his first win with Wodhooh in the Mares’ Hurdle. This victory is particularly significant as it represents Elliott’s 42nd winner at the prestigious event, a testament to his enduring success as a trainer.
Wodhooh, who was the 5-6 favorite, delivered an impressive performance, achieving her first Grade 1 victory. With a remarkable record of 10 wins out of 11 races over hurdles, she has quickly established herself as a formidable competitor in the field. 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.”
Jack Kennedy, the jockey who rode Wodhooh to victory, celebrated his 12th festival win with this race. Reflecting on the experience, he noted, “It’s been a frustrating couple of days, but when you have a mare like her you are waiting on.” This win comes after a challenging previous year for Elliott, where his stable managed only one winner at the festival, highlighting the significance of this triumph.
Elliott’s journey in horse racing has been marked by both highs and lows. He first made his mark at the Cheltenham Festival in 2011 with Chicago Grey, and since then, he has trained numerous winners, including the legendary Tiger Roll, who won five times at the festival. This history underscores Elliott’s status as one of the most successful trainers in the event’s history.
Wodhooh’s victory not only adds to Elliott’s impressive tally but also signals a potential resurgence for his stable, which has faced difficulties in recent years. Elliott has openly discussed the challenges he has encountered, stating, “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 commitment to restocking his horses suggests a strategic approach to reclaiming his position among the top trainers.
As the festival progresses, observers will be watching closely to see if Elliott can maintain this momentum and secure further victories. The excitement surrounding Wodhooh’s performance has reignited interest in Elliott’s training capabilities, and many are eager to see how he will build on this success.
With Wodhooh’s win, the atmosphere at the Cheltenham Festival has been electrified, and the anticipation for the remaining races continues to grow. Details remain unconfirmed regarding Elliott’s plans for the rest of the festival, but the spotlight is firmly on his stable as they aim to capitalize on this significant win.