Michael Verney: Four factors that will decide Ireland’s battle with the British at the Cheltenham FestivalHosts are bullish but they need to start actually winning again to reignite Prestbury Cup rivalryWinning jockey Mark Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins after Fact To File won the Ryanair Chase on day three of last year's Cheltenham Festival at Prestbury Park. Photo: Harry Murphy/SportsfileMichael Verney Today at 06:30Odds of 1/6 for the Irish to retain the Prestbury Cup for the sixth year in succession may suggest otherwise, but plenty of those at racing’s coalface are convinced the British are finally ready to bite back.

Source: Irish Independent March 09, 2026 13:02 UTC