Nicky Henderson has dominated in the race in recent years, including winning it in 2017 and 2018 with Buveur D’Air, which took him to seven race victories, more than any other trainer. He’s had success with the following horses:
See You Then (1985, 1986, 1987)
Punjabi (2009)
Binocular (2010)
Buveur D'Air (2017, 2018)
Buveur D’Air is owned by owner JP McManus, who has won the race on a record 8 occasions, including last year with Espoir d’Allen for Gavin Cromwell and Mark Walsh. The 2019 winner won’t be back in 2020 to defend his crown after suffering a fatal injury however JP will no doubt be back for glory, he’s won the race with the following:
Istabraq (1998, 1999, 2000)
Binocular (2010)
Jezki (2014)
Buveur D'Air (2017, 2018
Espoir d'Allen (2019)
The 2020 Festival will be strange for racing fans without the presence of Ruby Walsh, who has enjoyed sustained success within the race, winning it on four occasions, that’s the joint most alongside Tim Molony. The pair won the prestigious race on the following mounts:
Ruby Walsh:
Hurricane Fly (2011, 2013)
Faugheen (2015)
Annie Power (2016)
Tim Molony:
Hatton's Grace (1951
Sir Ken (1952, 1953, 1954)
Walsh’s four wins in the race all came for Willie Mullins who has won four of the last 11 renewals of the race with Henderson the same, which means the pair share eight of the last 11 winners and it will be worth noting anything they field as well as the domination of JP McManus, who has owned the last three winners and anything that has the famous Green and Gold colours in the field will be worth looking at closely.