{"id":215916,"date":"2025-10-21T17:17:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T17:17:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/215916\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T17:17:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T17:17:19","slug":"alice-plunketts-guide-to-the-british-jump-racing-season-2025-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/215916\/","title":{"rendered":"Alice Plunkett\u2019s Guide To The British Jump Racing Season 2025\/26"},"content":{"rendered":"

ITV\u2019s popular horse racing series Champions: Full Gallop takes us behind the scenes of one of the nation\u2019s most popular sports, from the \u00a3500,000 David Power Jockeys\u2019 Cup to the iconic Cheltenham Festival. Back for series 2, the stakes are just as high as the nation\u2019s very best jockeys battle it out, with trophies, reputations and millions of pounds on the line. Flashing back to the 2024\/25 season, fan favourites including Harry Cobden, Sean Bowen, Harry and Dan Skelton, and Paul Nicholls will all star, as will teenage sensation Freddie Gingell.<\/p>\n

And on the commentating side, broadcaster and riding extraordinaire Alice Plunkett is on the scene, giving viewers an unparalleled insight into the action. \u2018Southshore production company and Flutter have done an amazing job creating the second series of Champions: Full Gallop,\u2019 Alice tells C&TH. \u2018I\u2019m personally passionate about the people, the horses and the stories in racing, and I think this show communicates the stories brilliantly.<\/p>\n

\u2018There is no other sport that is so broad and exciting, whether it\u2019s trainers, owners, punters \u2013 everybody looks at a race in a different way, and I think they\u2019ve captured that in the series,\u2019 Alice adds. \u2018In this season particularly, the Freddie Gingell story: he had such a great start in his career through his mum Kim, who sadly passed away very quickly, but Freddie continues to proudly carry on her legacy.<\/p>\n

\"Freddie<\/p>\n

Freddie Gingell celebrates a win in the 2024 Paddy Power Gold Cup in Champions: Full Gallop. (\u00a9 South Shore\/ITV)<\/p>\n

\u2018What continues to shine throughout the series is the amazing family emotion and connection that the horses provide,\u2019 Alice adds. With series 2 streaming now on ITVX<\/a>, we can\u2019t wait for a binge-watch to look back on the 2024\/25 season and all of its highlights \u2013 both on the course and behind the scenes. \u2018I would have to say the Champion Hurdle would be my ultimate highlight from the previous season,\u2019 Alice reminisces. \u2018It was a race that presented drama and excitement. As it unfolded you just could not believe what was happening in front of you. It was the most extraordinary race and the winner in the end was very much deserved.\u2019<\/p>\n

While we may be looking backwards at the 2024\/25 season, we are also looking forwards to 2025\/26 \u2013 and so is Alice. \u2018I\u2019ve been busy with my four children over the summer and now I can\u2019t wait for the jump racing to get going,\u2019 she tells us. \u2018My season kicks off at the Cheltenham Showcase with ITV, and I couldn\u2019t be more excited.\u2019<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re new to the sport or looking to make the most of the season, we picked Alice\u2019s brain for the insider\u2019s guide to the British jump racing season. These are the top races to see (and be seen at) in 2025\/26.<\/p>\n

\"ITV<\/p>\n

Alice on set with camera man Damo Watson (\u00a9 Dan Abraham)<\/p>\n

Alice Plunkett\u2019s Guide To The British Jumps Season 2025\/26<\/p>\n

Where better to start than the beginning? \u2018The jump racing season officially begins at Chepstow in October,\u2019 Alice says. \u2018From that point onwards, the months leading up to Christmas are peppered with fantastic events to get everyone in the spirit. From the New Year we have the Cheltenham Festival on the horizon in March, Aintree and the Grand National in April and then the season finale at Sandown [at the end of April].\u2019<\/p>\n

What can we expect going into 2025\/26? It\u2019s simple: \u2018More drama and the joint shared emotion of the crowds, jockeys, owners, trainers and punters at home,\u2019 Alice says.<\/p>\n

\"Cheltenham<\/p>\n

The Cheltenham Festival<\/p>\n

Taking place every March, The Cheltenham Festival<\/a> marks the start of the social season<\/a>, bringing around 260,000 spectators to The Jockey Club for \u2018a fantastic four days,\u2019 Alice says. The racing itself is high stakes: reputations are lost and made while limelights are basked in and stolen. Off the course, expect live music, shopping and plenty of food and drink options. \u2018A gem of Cheltenham is the Guinness Village,\u2019 Alice recommends. \u2018That\u2019s where to go if you want to feel the buzz of Cheltenham and hear live music and have fun!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Fashion-wise I love to wear brands like Fairfax & Favor and Holland Cooper that feel smart and stylish but appropriate for British weather,\u2019 Alice adds.<\/p>\n

Next On: 10\u201313 March 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse (Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH).<\/p>\n

BOOK IT<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay: There\u2019s no Cheltenham hotel more stylish than Jade Holland Cooper\u2019s own No. 131, spread across three Georgian townhouses. no131.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Horses<\/p>\n

The Grand National<\/p>\n

Another one of the nation\u2019s most prestigious jump events, \u2018Aintree is phenomenal,\u2019 Alice says, home to the annual Grand National<\/a>. \u2018Walking around, you pick up the Liverpool vibe and the pride that the city feels for the festival. It\u2019s a smaller course so you can cover lots of ground and explore and feel really part of it all.\u2019<\/p>\n

This is one of the season\u2019s most historic events, dating back to 1839. On the racing side, expect high-stakes, all-to-play-for showings across three days, including the world\u2019s greatest Steeplechase. And on the social side, there\u2019s plenty of fun to be had. \u2018There\u2019s always live music in the big tents below the paddock and that seems to be the place to go after racing,\u2019 Alice says. \u2018And I\u2019d make sure that I go with Chris Hughes: he\u2019s my access-all-areas pass and knowledgeable colleague.\u2019<\/p>\n

Next On: 9\u201311 April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse (Ormskirk Rd, Aintree, Liverpool L9 5AS).<\/p>\n

BOOK IT<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay: Embrace the Liverpool magic and check in to the Hard Days Night Hotel in the aptly named Beatles Quarter, the world\u2019s only Beatles-inspired hotel and one of northern England\u2019s hidden gems<\/a>. millenniumhotels.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Jockey<\/p>\n

Jockey Harry Cobden walking the track at Cheltenham Racecourse, ahead of the November Meeting in Champions: Full Gallop. (\u00a9 South Shore\/ITV)<\/p>\n

Cheltenham\u2019s November Meeting<\/p>\n

Back to the Cotswolds we go: Cheltenham\u2019s three-day November Meeting \u2018feels special\u2019, Alice says, \u2018because it feels like we\u2019re really getting going with the jumps season and the winter fashion has begun\u2019. Running Friday to Sunday, expect an electric atmosphere, plus talented jockeys taking centre stage.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s our beloved British countryside in the spotlight on the opening day, otherwise known as Countryside Day, which celebrates rural life and all of its manyfold traditions while the races get underway on the course, all backdropped by the stunning Cotswold hills. Super Saturday sees the racing (and afterparty celebrations) peak while Carnival Sunday is all about community spirit.<\/p>\n

Next On: 14\u201316 November 2025 at Cheltenham Racecourse (Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH).<\/p>\n

BOOK IT<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay: Ellenborough Park<\/a> is a countryside lover\u2019s dream, and just moments away from Cheltenham Racecourse. ellenboroughpark.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Tingle Creek Festival<\/p>\n

Jump racing? For Christmas? \u2018Festive fixtures are perfect for family days out and getting everyone in the spirit,\u2019 Alice says. She picks out the annual pre-Christmas Tingle Creek Festival at Sandown and the Boxing Day Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempton as her favourites. The former offers two days jam-packed with jump racing action, culminating in the famous Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase. And with plenty of festive food and free-flowing drinks on offer, it\u2019s a unique way to celebrate Christmas in style.<\/p>\n

Next On: 5\u20136 December 2025 at Sandown Park Racecourse (Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9AJ).<\/p>\n

BOOK IT<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay: Treat yourself to a festive night at the utterly spectacular<\/a> Beaverbrook, just a 25 minute car ride from Sandown and bedecked with glorious Christmas decorations (including an ice skating rink<\/a>) come December. beaverbrook.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Trainer<\/p>\n

Trainer Nicky Henderson with jockey Nico de Boinville ahead of the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle in Champions: Full Gallop. (\u00a9 South Shore\/ITV)<\/p>\n

Ladbrokes Christmas Festival<\/p>\n

Last on the agenda every year should be the Christmas Festival, keeping the festivities going at Kempton park every Boxing Day and 27 December. Twelve top quality races are spread over the two-day meeting, including the world-famous Ladbrokes King George VI Chase. It\u2019s the perfect way to keep the festive fun going and stave off reality for a little while longer.<\/p>\n

Next On: 26\u201327 December 2025 at Kempton Park Racecourse (Staines Rd E, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 5AQ).<\/p>\n

BOOK IT<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay: Extend the festive escapism at the ivy-clad Pennyhill Park, one of Surrey\u2019s top spa hotels just a 25 minute car ride away from Kempton Park. exclusive.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ITV<\/p>\n

ITV Racing Presenters Chris Hughes and Alice Plunkett at Cheltenham Festival 2024. (\u00a9 Hattie Austin)<\/p>\n

Who Is Alice Plunkett?<\/p>\n

Alice Plunkett is a presenter for ITV Racing, bringing her experience as a former eventer and National Hunt jockey to the table. Boasting a varied career, Alice is the only woman to have ridden at both the Grand National and Badminton Horse Trials \u2013 but when I ask her about this she says: \u2018Oh gosh, that\u2019s all a long time ago!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I was lucky enough to start off point-to-pointing on a horse that my Grandad had bred,\u2019 the horserider explains. \u2018Before he died, he said, \u201cI can see this horse\u2019s white face coming up the hill at Cheltenham or landing over beaches\u201d. And extraordinarily the stars aligned in that there was a chance to ride him at Aintree when I was just 19 years old.\u2019 The horse was Bold King\u2019s Hussar, and Alice\u2019s Aintree debut in 1993 was just the fifth time she had ever ridden on a racecourse. \u2018I\u2019m so grateful to my grandad and to the horse as they gave me an experience I\u2019d never forget,\u2019 Alice says. \u2018And for my parents for allowing me to take on the challenge!\u2019 She would go on to compete on the flat and over hurdles and fences, riding winners across each.<\/p>\n

\u2018Badminton Horse Trials came later and took place in 2000,\u2019 Alice adds. \u2018The trials presented different challenges in getting qualified and the necessary experience to tackle arguably the biggest course in the world.<\/p>\n

\u2018I never set out to be the only woman, but I just always enjoyed the challenge of horses, whether that was young ones and learning the ropes with them or whether it\u2019s reaching the top stages at eventing or racing,\u2019 Alice says.<\/p>\n

\"Patrick<\/p>\n

Patrick Mullins speaks to Alice Plunkett after winning The Randox Grand National. (\u00a9 Matthew Wright)<\/p>\n

Rising Female Jockeys To Look Out For In 2025\/26<\/p>\n

Alice Plunkett may not have intended to fly the flag for women riders, but it\u2019s a happy consequence of her storied career. But Alice herself looks to Irish former National Hunt Jockey Rachael Blackmore for inspiration: \u2018What she accomplished is beyond words and for young girls the pathway has been laid,\u2019 Alice says. In 2021, Rachael became the very first female jockey to win the Grand National in the race\u2019s 182-year history. \u2018We\u2019ll never again say \u201cthis is the first female jockey to win the National or the Champion Hurdle or the Stayers Hurdle\u201d,\u2019 Alice notes. \u2018Rachael set the bar and has shown what\u2019s possible. Long may it continue.\u2019<\/p>\n

As for up-and-comers on Alice\u2019s radar, \u2018Charlotte Jones is a really good rider,\u2019 she says. \u2018She\u2019s proved herself in the north and I really hope she starts to get more opportunities from the biggest names. She\u2019s a very good rider and a very bright, interesting person who has really taken the opportunities that have come her way. I\u2019ve put her up on ITV as one to follow in previous years, but I think 2025\/26 could be her breakthrough season.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d also keep an eye on Lilly Pinchin, riding for Charlie Longston,\u2019 Alice adds. \u2018She is also doing really well \u2013 certainly one to watch.\u2019<\/p>\n

All episodes of Champions: Full Gallop are streaming now on ITVX.<\/p>\n

WATCH<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"ITV\u2019s popular horse racing series Champions: Full Gallop takes us behind the scenes of one of the nation\u2019s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":215917,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[3004,101,56,54,55,4667],"class_list":["post-215916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-racing","tag-racing","tag-sports","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom","tag-what"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=215916"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215916\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/215917"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=215916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=215916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}