Cheltenham Festival 2026: Golden Ace coach Jeremy Scott plans to defend champion

Scott was unable to return to his stables at Brompton Regis that night, so he had to stay at Cheltenham and miss his team’s celebrations that night.

“I think they had a good party in my absence,” he said. “But the win strengthened our position and we certainly gained a few nice horses on his back as well.

“It also gives you more confidence. I’ve been to the festival a few times and I haven’t done fantastically well, and it makes you realize you have to keep pushing away.”

“Yes, we needed a little luck, but maybe that gave us the confidence to face the big players more often.”

All roads lead to Cheltenham and defending the Golden Ice title this season.

She disappointed at Wetherby in November but got Fighting Fifth at Newcastle after Champion Hurdle favorite The New Lion fell two places.

She then finished second to Sir Geno at Kempton at Christmas.

Senior jockey Lorcan Williams said the Champion Hurdle looks wide open but he is confident he will be in the right saddle on Tuesday.

“If you ask five trainers in the race they will probably tell you they will win it but we are very optimistic,” he said.

“I wouldn’t trade her for any other horse in the race and I think she has a great chance.”