Six battles battles to savour at Cheltenham 2026

Only time will tell whether any of the battles that will unfold this week will claim similarly iconic status to Native River v Might Bite, Kauto Star v Denman, or Arkle v Mill House but the potential is there. Here's half a dozen duels to relish at Cheltenham

When it comes to Cheltenham, there’s nothing quite as compelling as a Festival duel. Pic: Andrew Matthews/PA

Old Park Star v the Irish (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Tuesday 1.20pm) 

Ten years ago, a Nicky Henderson-trained horse brimming with potential took his first step towards greatness when outclassing future Cheltenham Festival victors Min and Buveur d’Air in a vintage renewal of the Supreme.