Four horses who could head to Aintree following the Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival may be the pinnacle of jumps racing, but for many top horses, the season doesn’t end there.
Just a few weeks later, Aintree offers another opportunity for glory, with several Festival contenders likely to be in action once again. From potential Grand National runners to Grade 1 stars looking to confirm their class, the major April race at Aintree provides a different test to the undulating demands of Cheltenham.
For those interested in horse racing betting, keeping track of which Festival performers are heading to Merseyside could provide valuable insights.
Here, we look at four horses who could take on the challenge at Aintree following their Cheltenham exploits.
Jonbon
One of the biggest disappointments of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, Jonbon was largely expected to break his duck at the sport’s biggest meeting in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
However, things went horribly wrong for the Nicky Henderson-trained horse from the moment the tapes were raised—and he was ultimately well-beaten by Marine Nationale.
Considering he’ll be 10 by the time next year’s Cheltenham comes around, Jonbon might have missed his crowning moment at Prestbury Park, which is costly for his reputation.
Nevertheless, Jonbon will head to Aintree for the defence of his Melling Chase crown, and it would be a landmark 10th Grade 1 for the JP McManus-owned horse should he prevail.
Wendigo
An exciting prospect for Jamie Snowden this season, former point-to-point winner and dual Bumper scorer Wendigo has had a decent year to this point.
Second on his hurdle debut, the six-year-old bolted up at Ludlow next time before finishing second to the highly-regarded The New Lion in the prestigious Challow at Newbury.
Another game win followed at Wetherby in February, and his fifth-place finish in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is better than it looks on paper.
Wendigo was making headway up the inside two out when badly hampered and almost losing rider Gavin Sheehan—ultimately doing extremely well to even stay on for fifth.
The Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree could be right up his street, and this could be his chance for a high-profile win.
Brighterdaysahead
Another horse who put on a lacklustre showing at Cheltenham, Brighterdaysahead, was tipped to bring the fight to Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle.
When Henderson’s stable star crashed out at the fourth last, she was expected to kick on and win the championship contest.
However, the six-year-old weakened late on and made no impression when finishing back in fourth and over 19 lengths behind 25/1 shock winner Golden Ace.
There’s clearly something about Prestbury Park that Gordon Elliott’s classy mare doesn’t like, and the flatter track in Merseyside could suit her better as connections are weighing up the Aintree Hurdle.
Stumptown
With Gavin Cromwell opting not to send Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin to Aintree, Stumptown could now be the Co. Meath-based handler’s best chance in the Grand National.
The eight-year-old has been in remarkable form this season, winning at Punchestown before landing back-to-back Cross Country Chases at Cheltenham—including at the Festival.
Tiger Roll famously won the Cross Country before his dual Grand National victories, and Stumptown could follow suit.
