The Grand National entries for the 2024 race, which takes place at Aintree Racecourse on 13 April, have been announced.

Among the 94 entries is 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler, trained by Lucinda Russell and owned by The Ramblers.

Noble Yeats, who won in 2022 and finished fourth last year, is also engaged again as is Vanillier, the runner-up 12 months ago.

There is a 26-strong entry from Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, which beats the record total of 22 he put in the Grand National in 2019. He has won the race three times; once with Silver Birch and twice with Tiger Roll.

The total number of horses accepted to run in the Grand National has been reduced from 40 to 34 for 2024, and the final runners will be confirmed 48 hours before the race, which starts at a revised time of 4pm, moved from the later 5.15pm off time, which had been in place since 2016.

Of the 94 Grand National entries, 61 are Irish-trained, which beats the previous highest number of 54, set last year when Ireland provided 25 of the 39 runners on the day.

The deadline for trainers to enter their horses was on 6 February and the next staging post is 20 February, when the British Horseracing Authority will announce the weight that each horse will be required to carry in the race.

Grand National entries for 2024

Adamantly Chosen (IRE), seven years old, owned by the Watch This Space Syndicate and trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Ain’t That A Shame (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Robcour, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Amirite (IRE), eight years old, owned by Patrick Hale, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Angels Dawn (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Alfred Sweetnam, trained by S. Curling (Ireland).

Annual Invictus (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Thomas Michael Smith, trained by Chris Gordon.

Ashtown Lad (IRE), 10 year sold, owned by Darren & Annaley Yates, trained by Dan Skelton.

Ash Tree Meadow (FR), eight years old, owned by Alymer Stud Ltd, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Asterion Forlonge (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mrs J. Donnelly, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Battleoverdoyen (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Pioneer Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Bronn (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Busselton (FR), seven years old, owned by Mr Michael Hilary Burke, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland).

Capodanno (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Celebre d’Allen (FR), 12 years old, owned by Mr Allan Stennett, trained by Philip Hobbs & Johnson White.

Cepage (FR), 12 years old, owned by The Bellamy Partnership, trained by Venetia Williams.

Chambard (FR), 12 years old, owned by David & Carol Shaw, trained by Venetia Williams.

Chemical Energy (IRE), eight years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Classic Getaway (IRE), eight years old, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Coko Beach (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Conflated (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Corach Rambler (IRE), 10 years old, owned by The Ramblers, trained by Lucinda Russell.

Delta Work (FR), 11 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Desertmore House (IRE), nine years old, owned by O.B.P Carroll/Anthony Vaughan, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Diol Ker (FR), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Dunboyne (IRE), nine years old, owned by S.P O’Connor, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Dusart (IRE), nine years old, owned by Bartlett & Carthy, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Eklat de Rire (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mr P. Davies, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Eldorado Allen (FR), 10 years old, owned by J P Romans & Terry Warner, trained by Joe Tizzard.

Embittered (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Empire Steel (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Alan Wight, trained by Sandy Thomson.

Fakiera (FR), nine years old, owned by Mrs Martina Griffin, trained by Eoin Griffin (Ireland).

Fakir d’Alene (FR), nine years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Fakir d’Oudairies (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland).

Famous Bridge (IRE), eight years old, owned by Hemmings Racing, trained by Nicky Richards.

Fantastic Lady (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr E. R Hanbury, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Farouk d’Alene (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Favori de Champdou (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Fiddlerontheroof (IRE), 10 years old, owned by The Minions, trained by Jim Boyle.

Foxy Jacks (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Ms Rachel Carthy, trained by M. F Morris (Ireland).

Frontal Assault (IRE), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Full Back (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr Ashley Head, trained by Gary Moore.

Fury Road (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Sierra Pacific & Pioneer Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Galia des Liteaux (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr Michael Ariss, trained by Dan Skelton.

Galvin (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr R. A Bartlett, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Gevrey (FR), eight years old, owned by Denis Gallagher Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Glengouly (FR), eight years old, owned by Roaringwater Syndicate, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Good Boy Bobby (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Dash Grange Stud, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Hewick (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr T. J McDonald, trained by John Joseph Hanlon (Ireland).

Highland Hunter (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Nic Brereton & Lindsey Brennan, trained by Fergal O’Brien.

I Am Maximus (FR), eight years ole, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Iron Bridge (IRE), eight years old, owned by Hemmings Racing, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

Its On The Line (IRE), seven years old, owned by C. C. R. Racing Syndicate, trained by Emmet Mullins (Ireland).

James du Berlais (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Janidil (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Kinondo Kwetu, eight years old, owned by Gunalt Partnership, trained by Sam England.

Kitty’s Light, eight years old, owned by R J Bedford & All Stars Sports Racing, trained by Christian Williams.

Latenightpass, 11 years old, owned by Mrs P. A. Ellis, trained by Dan Skelton.

Le Milos, nine years old, owned by The Jolly Good Partnership, trained by Dan Skelton.

Letsbeclearaboutit (IRE), nine years old, owned by Alymer Stud Ltd, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Limerick Lace (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Longhouse Poet (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Sean & Bernardine Mulryan, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Macs Charm (IRE), nine years old, owned by Macs Charm Syndicate, trained by Colm A. Murphy (Ireland).

Mac Tottie, 11 years old, owned by Steve & Jackie Fleetham, trained by Peter Bowen.

Mahler Mission (IRE), eight years old, owned by Colm Herron & Rockview Racing Syndicate, trained by John McConnell (Ireland).

Malina Girl (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mrs J. M. Russell, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Meetingofthewaters (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr P. Byrne, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Minella Crooner (IRE), eight years ole, owned by KTDA Racing/Nick Courtney/Cillian Moran, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Minella Indo (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Mr Barry Maloney, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Minella Trump (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr T. G. Leslie, trained by Donald McCain.

Mister Coffey (FR), nine years old, owned by Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Monbeg Genius (IRE), eight years old, owned by Barrowman Racing Limited, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

Moroder (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mrs Ann Leftley, trained by Seamus Mullins.

Mr Incredible (IRE), eight years old, owned by Paul Byrne & J. Carthy, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Nassalam (FR), seven years old, owned by John and Yvonne Stone, trained by Gary Moore.

Noble Yeats (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Robert Waley-Cohen, trained by Emmet Mullins (Ireland).

Ontheropes (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Panda Boy (IRE), eight years old, owned by Old Pals Partnership, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Placenet (FR), seven years old, owned by Prof C Tisdall & G Thompson, trained by David Pipe.

Revels Hill (IRE), nine years old, owned by Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates-Revels Hil, trained by Harry Fry.

Riaan (IRE), seven years old, owned by Philip J. Reynolds, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Roi Mage (FR), 12 years old, owned by Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont, trained by Patrick Griffin (Ireland).

Royal Thief (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Run Wild Fred (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Sail Away (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr and Mrs J. D. Cotton, trained by Dan Skelton.

Salvador Ziggy (IRE), eight years old, owned by William Hurley/Mrs Aisling Hurley, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Samcro (IRE), 12 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Shakem Up’arry (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr Harry Redknapp, trained by Ben Pauling.

So des Flos (FR), seven years old, trained Mr David Lestrange, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Stattler (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr R. A. Bartlett, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

The Goffer (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr Allan Snow, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Threeunderthrufive (IRE), nine years old, owned by the McNeill Family, trained by Paul Nicholls.

Tommie Beau (IRE), nine years old, owned by Simon & Christine Prout, trained by Seamus Mullins.

Tullybeg (IRE), nine years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Vanillier (FR), nine years old, owned by Mrs H. M. Keaveney, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Where It All Began (IRE), eight years old, owned by Patrick & Scott Bryceland, and the McNeill Family, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

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After 13 months on the sidelines, the most welcome sight of Lingfield Park’s Winter Million Festival (19-21 January) was the triumphant return of the Venetia Williams-trained L’Homme Presse.

The French-bred son of Diamond Boy was last seen parting company with jockey Charlie Deutsch at the last fence in the 2022 King George at Kempton Park and it’s been a lengthy recovery since, involving careful rehab and plenty of patience from the owners.

However, sent off favourite for Sunday’s (21 January) Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield, L’Homme Presse brushed off any ring rustiness to win impressively, cementing his place among the entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Herefordshire-based Venetia Williams of her 2022 Brown Advisory winner at the Festival.

She plans to give the nine-year-old L’Homme Presse one more run before they head to the Cheltenham Gold Cup as a leading British fancy against the might of the Irish. The Gold Cup market is currently headed by the Willie Mullins-trained defending champion Galopin Des Champs.

L’Homme Presse: “He’s got some gears”

L’Homme Presse missed his final schooling session due to last week’s frozen ground and jockey Charlie Deutsch described him as “rusty” in the early stages of Lingfield’s 2m6f race, even “headbutting” the first fence. But the gelding’s class showed as they fended off the challenge of dual Gold Cup-contender Protektorat for Harry and Dan Skelton, with former Welsh National winner Iwilldoit third for trainer Sam Thomas with Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle.

L’Homme Presse’s co-owner Andy Edwards described the horse’s winning comeback as “Christmas Day”, while the jockey punched the air on his way back to the winner’s enclosure.

“It took some time to wind him up, but he’s shown his class and he’s got some gears at the end,” said Charlie Deutsch of his seventh chasing success aboard L’Homme Presse, having also won the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown and Ascot’s Graduation Chase since they first teamed up together at the end of 2021.

Lingfield Park was the sole jumps survivor of the recent Arctic blast, so hats off to Lingfield Park’s clerk of the course Stephanie Wethered and her team for salvaging Sunday’s card. You can read the full report in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops on Thursday 25 January.

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Amateur National Hunt jockey Lucy Turner, 30, made history at Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside, on Saturday (9 December) as the first female jockey to win the BoyleSports Becher Handicap Chase over the world-famous Grand National fences.

Lucy has worked at Venetia Williams’ Herefordshire stables since she left school – her father worked there before her – and she triumphed on the yard’s 18/1 shot Chambard, an 11-year-old gelding owned by David and Carol Shaw. The yard favourite often races with his teeth out looking like a big grin, and this was his fifth win over fences since Lucy took the reins at the start of last year.

One of Lucy’s career highlights was winning the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival last year on the same brilliant horse.

However, this was their first attempt at Aintree’s unique obstacles together and the pair quickly found a beautiful rhythm and looked to be loving the experience. They lobbed along with the front runners for much of the 3m2f race, effortlessly clearing the famous Grand National jumps including Becher’s Brook, Foinavon and The Chair.

When the underfoot conditions, combined with driving wind and rain, started to take is toll on much of the field – only five of the 12 starters crossed the line, separated by 137 lengths – Lucy and the son of Gris De Gris took up the running and soared across the line some 13 lengths clear of their nearest challenger, the Gordon Elliott-trained top weight Coko Beach, with Danny Gilligan in the saddle.

Finishing third was Percussion for trainer Laura Morgan and jockey Harry Reed, while the champion jockey Brian Hughes finished fourth on Celebre D’Allen for trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White.

Winning the Becher Chase “means the world”

Lucy’s sheer delight at winning the prestigious Becher Chase was clear to see.

“Chambard has been fantastic for me, and I am so pleased for owners David and Carol Shaw, who have been great supporters of mine over the last few years, so it is nice to get another big one for them. He hasn’t jumped these fences before, so we said we’d see how he takes to them, but that was the best spin I’ve ever had round there and he just loved it and kept galloping,” she said.

“As soon as they came to him, he quickened again. I could hear the others coming, but he’d gone again, and at the last he was like a fresh horse.

“I’ve always wanted to ride a winner over these fences, so to do it on him means the world. It was a bit hard trying to see coming into the home straight with all the rain coming down and the headwind, but he was a total professional. I think he surprises people; they think, ‘Can he go and do that?’ but then he shows them he can. I thought the way he jumped round Cheltenham last time, if he jumped like that round here he’d be absolutely fine, and as soon as he was over the first couple I knew he was loving it.”

Cheshire-based owner David Shaw said: “We’ve been lucky enough to have a few winners with Venetia – we thought Cheltenham was the pinnacle, but this gets pretty close to that. We love having Lucy on board!”

Lucy said she had a moment of disbelief, even after crossing the line.

“In the final furlong you just want to keep kicking until you are over the line, but I had a little look at the big screen and I could see we were clear,” she said. “After the line, I was thinking, ‘Has that actually just happened?’”

Lucy described the win as “probably the best day I’ve ever had in racing” and the Randox Grand National itself could be the target in April.

“Aintree is such a marvellous place, so to have a winner here is fantastic,” she said. “April is a long way away and we will think about that when the time comes, but this is a dream.

“If I can inspire someone from the next generation by winning here today, that’s wonderful.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

L’Homme Presse was an impressive winner of the Grade One Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase under Charlie Deutsch at the Cheltenham Festival today (16 March). But what makes that win all the more remarkable is that not only has he come back from a tendon injury, he has had to recover from standing on a four-inch long nail along the way.

Owned by DFA Racing; Andy Edwards, his wife Pam, and Peter and Patricia Pink, this seven-year-old by Diamond Boy who is trained by Venetia Williams, was bought by Andy out of a field in France after the gelding had just picked up a tendon injury.

“This morning at breakfast I got the video out when I picked him out in Normandy – he was gangly and didn’t know where he was,” said Andy. “He had two months’ box rest and I picked him up to bring him back to England – it has been one emotional journey. I can’t explain how emotional it has been.

“[Jockey] Felix de Giles did tell me he was very good and that they thought the world of him [when he was in France], then he got his leg and it allowed me to step in and nab him. It has been a long road, hence why I took him to Venetia as she was going to be as patient as I am. She is the best trainer of chasers in this country for a long time.”

L’Homme Presse also trod on a four-inch long nail in January 2021, which meant from his last run in France, in February 2019, he did not run again until April 2021.

“I burst into tears when he went over the line – I’ve always believed in him – he’s fabulous,” said Andy.

Today’s race made it five wins from as many starts over fences for L’Homme Presse, who was last seen winning the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown at the beginning of February, and it was a first Festival victory for jockey Charlie Deutsch.

“He just makes everything very easy. It didn’t feel like we were going quick – he got into a nice rhythm,” said Charlie. “He’s done it all quite easily – he’s a wonderful horse and I’m very lucky.”

It is a seventh Festival victory for Venetia, who said: “He’s been fantastic. All credit to Andy who picked him out, and I’m thrilled and honoured to be the custodian of him.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news and updates from the Cheltenham Festival via the Horse & Hound website and read the full report in the 24 March issue of the magazine

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Charlie Deutsch is a talented young jockey rising through the professional National Hunt ranks, but 2018 was a rollercoaster year for the rider after he found himself, regretfully, on the wrong side of the law and convicted of dangerous driving. Following a spell in prison, Charlie has his life — and career — back on track and has some notable victories to his name.

A top job

The 25-year-old lives in Gloucestershire with his girlfriend Meg Jones and rides predominantly for National Hunt trainer Venetia Williams, who is based in Kings Caple, Herefordshire.

His spell in prison

His route through the professional jockey ranks has so far been rather unorthodox following a spell in prison in 2018.

In May 2018, Charlie pleaded guilty to dangerous driving while over the drink-drive limit and escaping police custody, something he “deeply regrets”.

He served two-and-a-half months of a 10-month sentence in Bristol prison, during which he had time to “think about things”.

While inside, Charlie landed a job within the prison gym, which helped him maintain a good level of fitness. He was also allowed a copy of Racing Post each Saturday.

Childhood dreams

Charlie spent his childhood hunting with the Heythrop and was also a keen member of the Pony Club. Growing up he dreamed of being either a jockey or a huntsman.

Keeping faith

The young jockey left school aged 16 and worked for trainer Charlie Longsdon, before starting under the tutelage of Venetia Williams. Despite falling in his first ride, Venetia maintained faith in Charlie’s ability in the saddle and continued to put him up on her horses, boosting him up the ranks, and the pair have enjoyed plenty of success since.

Success in the saddle

Some of Charlie’s biggest successes in the saddle have come aboard Venetia Williams-trained horses, including the Listed Lanzarote Hurdle on Yala Enki in 2016, with whom he also won the 2018 Grand National Trial Chase, and the Ladbrokes Handicap Chase at Newbury also in 2018 on Aso. But his biggest career victory to-date came in February 2022 when he landed his first Grade One in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown riding L’Homme Presse. This seven-year-old, who is another to be trained by Venetia Williams is one of the favourites to win the Turners’ Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Grand National-winning trainer Venetia Williams has been named the winner of Cheltenham Racecourse’s award for Ladies’ Day.

Venetia will receive the “outstanding contribution made by a lady to jump racing” award on Ladies’ Day at the Cheltenham Festival, Thursday 18 March.

Last year Venetia took the Grand National with Mon Mome, and also had two Cheltenham Festival victories among her tally of winners.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen to receive this award, which owes much to the fantastic team that I work with at home and the loyal owners who have supported me over the years since I began training,” said Venetia.

Edward Gillespie, managing director of Cheltenham racecourse added: “I am delighted that after a stellar year in a wonderful career Venetia Williams has been recognised in this way.

“The victory of Mon Mome in last year’s Grand National did as much as anything in the last 12 months to highlight the contribution that women make to the wonderful sport of jump racing and it would be fitting if Venetia was able to add to her Festival tally this week.”

Other ladies on the shortlist were trainers Jessica Harrington and Sally Alner, presenter Clare Balding, Irish racing stalwart Joan Moore and equine therapist Belinda Cullen.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Grand National winning-trainer Venetia Williams and broadcaster Clare Balding are among six women up for the Cheltenham Ladies’ Award this year.

The award recognises “the outstanding contribution made by a lady to jump racing”.

Trainers Sally Alner and Jessica Harrington are also up for the award as is Belinda Cullen, an equine physiotherapist, and Irish racing stalwart Joan Moore, who is grandmother to last year’s winner, Nina Carberry.

Nominations from the public have been whittled down to the final six and the winner will be decided by an all female panel from the racing world, which will be announced on Friday 12 March.

The successful lady will then be presented with her award at Ladies’ Day at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday 18 March.

“We were delighted to receive so many nominations covering a wide cross-section of the industry and the make up of the final six sums up the hugely significant contribution ladies make across the whole spectrum of jump racing,” said Cheltenham’s managing director Edward Gillespie.

“The judges do not face an easy task.”

Previous winners include Heather Atkinson, who has been the senior nurse in the jockeys’ hospital at the racecourse for over 30 years, Lady Chicky Oaksey, from the Injured Jockeys Fund, Ann Saunders from the Professional Jockeys Association and Nina Carberry, leading female jump jockey.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Michelle Bentham, a work rider with racehorse trainer Venetia Williams, is recovering following an accident on the gallops yesterday (Thursday, 30 October).

Ms Bentham was riding Blencathra Bay when he collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack.

The six-year-old hurdler, who won at Uttoxeter last season, fell to the floor before rolling over Ms Bentham.

The rider was taken to Hereford Hospital with injuries to her ribs, back, shoulder and lung but has been allowed to return home. She will be off work for several weeks.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now