St Patrick's Thursday proved another profitable day for those following Paddy Brennan's tips, as the former Festival-winning jockey delivered two winners and a place on what was a memorable afternoon at Prestbury Park.

Paddy's each-way double in the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase paid out handsomely, with Meetmebythesea landing the race at 9/1 and stablemate selection Regent's Stroll filling third at 5/1. He then rounded off the day in style when Supremely West — his pick of the week in the Pertemps Network Final — justified favouritism at 10/3 under Harry Skelton, travelling supremely well throughout to score with plenty in hand.

Now Paddy turns his attention to the biggest day in jump racing. Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham is always the most anticipated afternoon of the Festival calendar. And this year's renewal promises to be one of the most open in years. With the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup headline act, supported by a full card of Grade 1 action including the JCB Triumph Hurdle and Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, there is no shortage of betting opportunities.

Here are Paddy's selections for every race on Gold Cup Day at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival — read on and see if you fancy joining him.

IN FULL: Paddy Brennan's Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Tips

1:20 – JCB Triumph Hurdle

The horse they're raving about in this one is Proactif — JP McManus's runner for Willie Mullins. Big price, around 7/2. Willie Mullins is very positive about him and I like him over the others. I also like Maestro Conti — number nine in the race, Dan Skelton's horse ridden by Harry Skelton — as the second option.

2:00 – William Hill County Handicap Hurdle

In the County Handicap, look, I need a rest. I don't want to be looking at this one too hard — we've had quite enough excitement already this week. I'm going to stick with Sinnatra. Big hopes for him at the start of the season, and he bumped into Act Of Innocence on his first run over hurdles at Newbury. That form is strong and he's a horse I really like.

2:40 – Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase

Get away from Dinoblue — I know she's the strong favourite — but Panic Attack is the most improved mare in training this season. She's won both the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Coral Gold Cup. It's incredible form, and I think she's going to take some beating tomorrow. When you get a mare improving at this rate, she's going to take a fair performance to beat.

3:20 – Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

I don't like the favourite Doctor Steinberg. I just think he's a keen horse and this race doesn't suit horses that race as keenly as he does. I'm going to go for Espresso Milan — number three in the race at 16/1. In a race like this, it always throws up a big-price winner.

4:00 – Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup

Haiti Couleurs has been my pick for a couple of months now, and the closer I get to the race, the more confident I am — especially with the rain that's coming in. It could get up to 10mm and the more rain that falls, the better for him. He won the Irish Grand National and the Welsh Grand National last year in December — an incredible horse. I just think he's made for this. Horses like The Jukebox Man and Jango Baie have got to get up that hill, and we know Haiti Couleurs will get up it. He also won at the Cheltenham Festival last year. He's a winner, and I think this race is absolutely made for him. He's a good price at 7/1.

4:40 – St James's Place Festival Hunters' Chase

I'm going to go with Stattler — Willie Mullins training, Patrick Mullins riding. He got beaten when he probably should have won previously, but this track is more what he wants and he has a massive chance in a race I know can throw up a surprise. Stattler at 12/1 is very good value.

5:20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

The one I really liked didn't get in — the favourite was scratched. But I'm going to go with East India Express. I like the fact Nicky Henderson's yard is in top form, and I think this horse has actually won at Cheltenham before. At 9/1 to 10/1 — look, this race is a lottery, and if you're dependent on the last race to save your week, you need to go home. But out of a very tricky race, East India Express is my pick.

Make the most of Paddy Brenna's selections by checking out the Free Bet selections on offer.

Paddy Brennan

Paddy Brennan is a retired National Hunt jockey and six-time Cheltenham Festival winner, best known for his 2010 Gold Cup victory aboard Imperial Commander. Since retiring in 2024, he has remained influential through punditry and racing analysis.

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