Ten Big Names Poised to Shape the New Jumps Season

As a new Jumps season begins to gather momentum, the sport finds itself on the brink of a particularly compelling campaign. Rarely has the landscape looked so rich in established champions, rising forces, and returning icons. Some horses arrive fresh from dominant seasons; others step back into the light after time away; a few are emerging as the next great hopes of their divisions.

Here are ten of the most influential names set to define the season ahead—horses whose presence alone will shape betting markets, festival narratives and the sport’s wider storyline.

Jonbon
Trainer: Nicky Henderson

The consummate professional of modern two-mile chasing, Jonbon returns with unfinished business and a sense of sharpened purpose. His blend of speed, accuracy and competitiveness places him firmly among the elite.

With Nico de Boinville resuming the partnership, the Queen Mother Champion Chase remains the obvious spring target, but the route there will be equally captivating. After a lucrative, consistent campaign last season, he feels like the division’s anchor—the horse everyone else must measure themselves against.

Nick Rockett
Trainer: Willie Mullins

Nick Rockett enters the season as one of the most intriguing developing forces in staying chases.

His Grand National victory demonstrated power, stamina and a professionalism beyond his experience. With Patrick Mullins a likely regular in the saddle, he looks a major player in the long-distance division and a potential Gold Cup contender as the season matures.

Inothewayurthinkin
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell

Already one of last season’s most compelling climbers, his assured jumping and resolute staying style have marked him as Ireland’s next great hope over three miles.

With Mark Walsh in his corner, he enters the season as a serious Blue Riband prospect—powerful, uncomplicated and increasingly polished. Few horses carry such upward momentum.

Lossiemouth
Trainer: Willie Mullins

Brilliant over hurdles, Lossiemouth is poised to become the defining mare of her generation. Last season confirmed her adaptability; this one may reveal her full range.

Her natural rhythm and classy acceleration make her the standout in the mares' division, but Mullins has never been shy about testing extraordinary mares in open company.

Marine Nationale
Trainer: Barry Connell

Few horses return with as much intrigue as Marine Nationale. His ability to travel effortlessly and quicken off a strong pace makes him one of the most naturally athletic chasers in training.

Sean Flanagan’s partnership with him is one of the most cohesive in the sport, and the pair now face a season of defining choices: remain at two miles or explore the intermediate trip? Either way, Marine Nationale is too gifted not to collect major prizes.

Fact To File
Trainer: Willie Mullins

Fact To File enters the season with expectation swirling around him. A horse long touted as top-class, he now appears ready to take his place among the elite middle-distance chasers.

His jumping has refined beautifully, and Mark Walsh’s growing connection adds assurance. The Ryanair Chase feels tailored to him, though his talent may tempt Mullins into broader ambitions. This could be the year he fully blossoms.

Gaelic Warrior
Trainer: Willie Mullins

A horse whose brilliance has sometimes flickered rather than burned, Gaelic Warrior now appears to be settling into himself. Last season’s displays were controlled, fluent and devoid of the quirks that once undermined him.

Paul Townend’s presence adds authority, and connections have options: two miles for speed, intermediate trips for balance, or even further as he matures. In his best form, he is devastating.

The New Lion
Trainer: Dan Skelton

One of the most exciting new names entering the season, The New Lion has generated considerable interest thanks to his athletic profile and the promise he showed last year.

He is very much a horse on the rise—an emerging force whose raw ability hints at the potential for graded success. This season should reveal his division, his ideal trip and, perhaps, his ceiling. Expect him to make headlines before long.

Constitution Hill
Trainer: Nicky Henderson

The most eagerly awaited return in racing. Constitution Hill is already a legend in the two-mile hurdling division, yet the prospect of seeing him reappear—whether over hurdles or fences—defines much of the early-season conversation.

His effortless brilliance, the calm power with which he dismantles his opposition, and his bond with Nico de Boinville make him one of the most captivating equine athletes in Britain. If he returns to form, he will again stand alone.

Galopin Des Champs
Trainer: Willie Mullins

The reigning titan of staying chases, Galopin Des Champs remains the benchmark for all others. His mixture of raw strength, intimidating jumping and capacity to quicken late marks him as one of the finest staying chasers of the century.

Yet the challengers are closing. With new threats emerging on both sides of the Irish Sea, the season ahead will test not just his brilliance but his resilience. Few horses carry the burden of expectation as heavily—or handle it as well.

A Season Rich in Possibility

These ten horses represent far more than individual talent—they embody the breadth, power and narrative energy of the new Jumps season. Between the returning giants, the sharpening rivals and the fresh faces stepping forward, the sport stands on the cusp of an exceptional year.

Some seasons hinge on a single rivalry. This one may hinge on ten.

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