Elliott, Mullins and Henderson cannot be split in Cheltenham Festival betting

Bookmakers Fitzdares have installed Gordon Elliott, Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson – the three men who have dominated the last nine Cheltenham Festivals – as 2-1 co-favourites to emerge as top trainer during jump racing's most anticipated week in March.

Henderson, the meeting's winningmost trainer until overtaken by Mullins last year, has come out on top eight times during his illustrious career, but not since 2012 when he had his super seven winners.

After that, Mullins went on a four-year winning streak that was halted by his great Irish rival Elliott in 2017 and again last year.

Fitzdares expect the three to be hard to beat again, making Colin Tizzard a 25-1 shot with Paul Nicholls, top trainer at the festival six times, 33-1.

Top Cheltenham trainer

2018 Gordon Elliott
2017 Gordon Elliott
2016 Willie Mullins
2015 Willie Mullins
2014 Willie Mullins
2013 Willie Mullins
2012 Nicky Henderson
2011 Willie Mullins
2010 Nicky Henderson
2009 Paul Nicholls

The firm have also priced the top rider with Cheltenham king Ruby Walsh their 2-1 market leader. Walsh, who has ridden more winners at the festival than anyone, has been leading jockey 11 times, while Barry Geraghty – a dual table-topper – is 4-1.

Jack Kennedy is 5-1 for a first title and next best is last year's winner Davy Russell at 6-1. Nico de Boinville, who has Altior to look forward to in the Champion Chase, is 12-1, ahead of 16-1 shot Paul Townend and Richard Johnson, rider of last year's Gold Cup winner Native River, at 20-1.

Top Cheltenham jockey

2018 Davy Russell
2017 Ruby Walsh
2016 Ruby Walsh
2015 Ruby Walsh
2014 Ruby Walsh
2013 Ruby Walsh
2012 Barry Geraghty
2011 Ruby Walsh
2010 Ruby Walsh
2009 Ruby Walsh

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