Cheltenham Top Jockey Betting Odds 2026: Who Will Have The Most Winners?
The battle to be crowned Top Jockey at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is already taking shape after an eventful opening day at Prestbury Park.
Several leading riders made an immediate impact on Tuesday, with Nico de Boinville setting the early pace while Paul Townend, Danny Mullins, Mark Walsh and Harry Skelton also got on the scoresheet.
With 21 races still to come across the remaining three days, however, the standings and odds on betting sites can change very quickly.
The strength of the books of rides for the Festival’s biggest stables means the jockey title race remains wide open heading into Day 2.
Townend The Top Contender
Townend added another headline Cheltenham success to his CV when Lossiemouth stormed to Champion Hurdle glory on Tuesday.
As Willie Mullins’ stable jockey, he continues to benefit from one of the strongest overall books of rides at the Festival.
Wednesday offers further opportunities, including King Rasko Grey in the Turners, Final Demand in the Brown Advisory and Il Etait Temps in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
With Mullins’ runners spread throughout the card, Townend still has plenty of chances to quickly climb the leaderboard.
Walsh Remains Right In The Mix
Walsh wasted no time getting involved in the Top Jockey battle by landing the Fred Winter aboard Saratoga on the opening day, and he is now favourite with some betting apps.
His partnership with leading owner JP McManus and links to a few trainers consistently provide him with quality mounts throughout the Festival.
On Wednesday, he has another strong set of rides, including Kaid d’Authie in the Brown Advisory and Champion Chase favourite Majborough.
That combination of graded contenders and competitive handicap chances means Walsh remains one of the most serious challengers for the title.
Kennedy Has Strong Opportunities Ahead
Jack Kennedy didn’t register a winner on Day 1, but he was still prominent in several races and remains a key figure in the jockey market.
His association with Gordon Elliott ensures he will continue to have a busy week with competitive rides in many of the remaining contests.
Day 2 gives him several notable chances, including Ballyfad in the Turners and Romeo Coolio in the Brown Advisory.
If Elliott’s team starts firing, Kennedy could quickly become a major player in the race for Cheltenham leading jockey.
Skelton Leading The British Challenge
Skelton ensured Britain was represented among the Day 1 winners when Madara scored in the Plate Handicap Chase.
The victory keeps him firmly in the conversation as the leading home-based rider heading into the rest of the Festival.
His Day 2 rides include Bossman Jack in the Turners, Kateira in the BetMGM Cup and L’Eau du Sud in the Champion Chase.
With several competitive mounts across the card, another winner would keep him firmly in touch with the Irish contingent.
Other Riders Worth Watching
Several other jockeys have already made an impact or look capable of doing so as the week progresses.
Danny Mullins struck in the Arkle with Kargese on Tuesday and has further opportunities on the Mullins team throughout the meeting.
De Boinville is the early leader after his Day 1 double, and he still has strong rides to come, including Act Of Innocence in the Turners.
Riders such as Harry Cobden can still influence the standings if their key mounts deliver later in the week.
Who do you think will have the most winners at Cheltenham 2026? Let us know in the comments!
