The countdown to the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is on, with less than two months to go until hundreds of thousands of eager jumps racing enthusiasts flock to the iconic Prestbury Park in the picturesque rolling Gloucestershire countryside for the prestigious four-day extravaganza.
Experienced punters will already be scouring the internet for horse racing tips and intensively studying the form lines. However, novice bettors may rely heavily on factors like a horse’s name that could have a personal meaning or even an attraction to the silks worn by a jockey.
When it comes to silks, there are several that have become synonymous with the Cheltenham Festival thanks to being carried to glory in some of the meeting’s biggest races—including the lucrative Gold Cup.
In this article, we look at the unmistakable colours that are worth keeping an eye out for over the course of the week. Read on to find out more.
JP McManus – Green and gold hoops
The iconic green and gold-hooped silks of JP McManus are not only linked with success at the Cheltenham Festival but National Hunt racing as a whole, as the Irish billionaire is the most accomplished owner in the sport’s storied history.
A regular recipient of the Leading Owner accolade, McManus has enjoyed a remarkable 78 triumphs at the Cheltenham Festival—including a Gold Cup success with the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Synchronised in 2012.
The businessman will be seeking his fifth Leading Owner title at this year’s Festival and will have big chances with his strong contingent of runners, including new purchase The New Lion, fan favourite Jonbon, and exciting chaser Fact To File.
The Donnellys – Yellow and black checks
Husband-and-wife duo Joe and Marie Donnelly made their presence felt at the Cheltenham Festival back in 2019—entering the Prestbury Park winner’s enclosure for the first time with a maiden Festival victory in the Gold Cup.
Al Boum Photo’s success in the showpiece race was not only a landmark moment for the Cork couple but also for esteemed handler Willie Mullins, who also enjoyed a much-needed first win in the Gold Cup after years of trying.
Al Boum Photo won the feature race again 12 months later, while the Donnellys have since enjoyed Festival success with the likes of State Man in the County Handicap Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle and Shishkin in both the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle.
Gigginstown House Stud – Purple with white star
Another owner who announced themselves at the Cheltenham Festival when their first winner came in the 2006 Gold Cup with War of Attrition, Gigginstown House Stud have racked up over 30 winners in the last two decades.
Perhaps best known for the legendary Tiger Roll, who won five times at the Festival on top of his two Grand National triumphs, Gigginstown House Stud landed a second Gold Cup with Don Cossack in 2016 and relished seven wins in 2018.
Ryanair and Gigginstown boss, Michael O’Leary, will be looking ahead to this year’s Festival, as Brighterdaysahead looks set to land the Mares’ Hurdle on the opening day. Kalupso’chance is also the favourite for the Champion Bumper.
Robcour’s pink, white, and black silks have started to garner attention in recent years, with Bob Olinger, Teahupoo, and Slade Steel picking up Grade 1 wins, while the Double Green of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede have also made the headlines.
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