Paul Nicholls Cheltenham Runners: ‘Who knows? He might be good enough’

In our round of stable visits ahead of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, we caught up with 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls to discuss his 2026 Cheltenham squad.

Here's what we learned about Paul Nicholls' Cheltenham Runners.

Ahead of the greatest four days in racing, Paul Nicholls gave us the lowdown on his best chances in the Champion Hurdle and Turners Novices' Hurdle - namely Tutti Quanti and No Drama This End.

Nicholls described Tutti Quanti's winning run in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury last month as a "wow performance", and he has high hopes for the six-year-old gelding next week.

"I knew he'd win, but I didn't think he'd win in that manner.

"He's obviously improving - even just seeing him today, physically, he's a different animal. Last year, he was weak and scrawny - he's done so well.

"Sometimes, with an improving, young horse like that, you don't know where they might end up, so he's quite exciting".

Speaking about his chances in the Champion Hurdle, the highlight of day one at Cheltenham Festival, Nicholls added: "Who knows? He might be good enough."

No Drama This End gave Nicholls more Challow Novices' Hurdle joy back in December, giving the 14-time champion trainer a record-extending seventh victory in the race.

With three wins from three over hurdles, Nicholls believes the six-year-old 'does all the talking himself' and is a 'chaser in the making'.

"He's had three hurdle runs and won all three - two Grade 2s and a Grade 1 - he can't do any more than that.

"He's surprised me [with his performances] because at first, I thought he'd need the run as he's a big horse. But, now we've got to know him - that's him.

"He won well the first day, he won very well at Sandown. Whatever he does at Cheltenham over hurdles, you won’t see the best of him until he until he goes chasing."

Watch our Paul Nicholls stable tour below

Click the link for all the latest Cheltenham Betting Odds

Find more Cheltenham Tips here at Betfred Insights