The tapestry of Cheltenham Festival history is woven with tales of the unexpected, where rank outsiders have risen to challenge the established order at this cathedral of National Hunt racing. While Irish dominance has become the prevailing narrative of recent years, with their runners claiming the lion's share of victories, the (anchor) has always maintained its capacity to surprise and delight in equal measure.
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As we approach the 2025 Festival, the landscape appears ripe for such moments of sporting theatre. While the emerging stars command the headlines – Constitution Hill's potential coronation, Galopin Des Champs' pursuit of history, and Brighterdaysahead's meteoric rise – there lies beneath this gleaming surface a deeper layer of intrigue. Here, among the longer prices and less-heralded names, we find horses whose previous Festival experiences and latent talent suggest they might just author the next chapter in Cheltenham's storied history of unexpected triumphs.
Let's examine three compelling outsiders to consider when assessing the Cheltenham tips 2025 has to offer. These horses could outrun their odds and remind us why the Festival remains racing's most captivating spectacle.
Protektorat (10/1 – Ryanair Chase)
Protektorat’s win in last year’s Ryanair Chase was a landmark moment for Dan and Harry Skelton, giving them their first Championship race victory at the Cheltenham Festival. The 7/1 shot edged out favourite Envoi Allen by four lengths, showcasing his grit up the famous hill.
The 10-year-old thrives with more racing, and his commanding 23-length win in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor this season only reinforces his claims. Now seventh favourite at 10/1, Protektorat could easily defy his odds once again if he brings that form back to Cheltenham.
Langer Dan (33/1 - Stayers' Hurdle)
Dan Skelton's progressive stayer brings a compelling blend of Festival experience and unexplored potential to the staying hurdle division. His previous Festival appearances have shown flashes of brilliance, suggesting that his current odds might significantly underestimate his chances.
The Stayers' Hurdle, while appearing at first glance to be at Teahupoo's mercy, has a habit of rewarding those horses who can combine stamina with tactical versatility. Langer Dan's strong spring form historically, coupled with his trainer's expert touch with staying hurdlers, makes him an intriguing each-way proposition.
His ability to travel strongly through his races while conserving energy for the crucial climbing finish marks him as exactly the type who could surprise the established order. In a division crying out for new blood, his progression curve suggests the best may yet be to come.
Corbetts Cross (20/1 - Gold Cup)
When Ruby Walsh speaks, the racing world listens. His identification of Corbetts Cross as a potential Gold Cup dark horse carries significant weight, particularly given the legendary jockey's intimate understanding of what it takes to triumph in steeplechasing's blue riband event.
This progressive chaser's stamina-laden profile aligns perfectly with the demands of the Gold Cup. While Galopin Des Champs' bid for a historic treble dominates discussion, history teaches us that the Championship races often produce results that confound expectations.
Corbetts Cross possesses that crucial combination of stamina and speed that Gold Cup winners require. His tendency to finish his races strongly suggests the demanding uphill finish at Cheltenham could play to his strengths, making him a fascinating each-way prospect at current odds.
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The very essence of the Cheltenham Festival lies in its capacity to produce moments that defy conventional wisdom. While the spotlight naturally falls upon the favourites, these three seasoned campaigners remind us that Festival glory often arrives from unexpected quarters.
