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Cheltenham's Outsider Uprising: Record Payouts!
14 Mar
Summary
- The 2026 Cheltenham Festival saw the highest average starting price for winners.
- Two horses achieved surprise victories at 50-1 or more.
- Martator, a 66-1 outsider, was the biggest priced winner of the festival.

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival concluded with a remarkable display of unexpected outcomes, as outsider horses dominated the competition. The average starting price for all race winners reached a ten-year high of 14-1, signaling a significant shift in racing fortunes.
For the first time in six years, the prestigious festival witnessed two jubilant winners exceeding odds of 50-1. Martator, trained by Venetia Williams, delivered the largest upset at 66-1 in Wednesday's Grand Annual, defeating Jazzy Matty. This was followed by a stunning victory from Apolon De Charnie, who kicked off Friday's events with a 50-1 surprise in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.




