Madara

The headline achievement arrived on 10 March 2026, when Madara won a Class 1 race at Cheltenham — one of the highest-level events in British racing. That is the sort of win that defines a career, and it came off the back of a difficult period. Trainer Dan Skelton, who operates one of the most prolific yards in the country out of Alcester in Warwickshire — 194 winners already this season — has spoken openly about how a leg injury cost Madara significant time and meant the horse arrived at Cheltenham relatively lightly raced. Sometimes, he noted, patience is everything. On this occasion, it paid off spectacularly.

Skelton's yard had flagged Madara as an ante-post favourite ahead of the Festival, pointing to strong course form from the previous season. That confidence was well placed. Looking at Madara's record at Cheltenham specifically — 3 wins from 8 races, a 37% win rate — it becomes clear this is not coincidence. Some horses simply suit a particular track, its terrain, its contours, its atmosphere. Madara suits Cheltenham the way some people suit a room.

There is another pattern worth noting: Madara thrives on wet, muddy ground, winning 2 of 4 races (50%) in those conditions. That is a meaningful edge when the weather turns, and it helps explain why the December 2023 win at Cheltenham — on a typically damp winter's day — got the ball rolling. Recent form has been equally eye-catching: in the last six races, Madara has finished 3rd, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 5th, 2nd — competitive in virtually every outing.

Raced just one day ago and still active, Madara is in the middle of a live campaign. Skelton has hinted that a return to Cheltenham for the Plate could be next. Given everything this horse has done at that track, that prospect will not worry anyone — except, perhaps, the opposition.