Gaelic Warrior won the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup by eight lengths, giving jockey Paul Townend his fifth win and trainer Willie Mullins his fifth title.

Gaelic Warrior, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, won the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup by eight lengths, marking Townend’s fifth victory in the race and making him the most successful jockey in its history. The win also gave Mullins his fifth Gold Cup triumph, tying the record held by Tom Dreaper. Owner Rich Ricci celebrated a historic double, having also won the Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth earlier in the festival. The victory came amid a day of high drama, including the tragic collapse of veteran chaser Envoi Allen after the race, sparking renewed debate over horse welfare.