The start of the 2025/26 jump season is mere days away – something I have been looking forward to for a while now.

It only seems like yesterday when I watched Inothewayurthinking shock everyone to beat overwhelming favourite Galopin Des Champs.

Undoubtedly, there are some notable stories that could well unfold over the next few months and I, like many of you, will probably be watching with interest.

Mullins Aiming For A Third Successive Trainer’s Title

All eyes will be on notable Irish trainer Willie Mullins, who has had a superb last couple of seasons, though there is no doubt that he will have a number of challengers who will be aiming to take the crown.

English trainer Paul Nicholls has not won the Trainer’s Championship since the 2022/23 season, though he remains one of the best in the business and will be looking to push Mullins all the way this time around.

One name I feel for is Nicky Henderson. He has some top horses in his stable, however, over the last couple of years, he has seen these falter under pressure in big races, especially Constitution Hill – twice last season, most recently in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle at the Grand National Festival and prior to this in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Henderson has an impressive stable and will be looking for a revival in fortunes this time around.

I think it’s Mullins’ to lose though. The fact is that he has three prestigious horses who will no doubt be entries for some of the big Grade 1 races this season. Galopin Des Champs is likely going to be entered to try and reclaim the Cheltenham Gold Cup, while Fact To File could be a major contender for the Ryanair Chase. I also think possibly for the Gold Cup.

And, Ballyburn, who is still only young, is one of the most exciting chasers in the sport, so I think we could see an incredible season from him as well. Both I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett – winners who I have backed for the last two Grand National’s are also two to watch.

Jockeys That Stand Out For Me

The jockey’s championship is always an intriguing battle. Especially, over the last few seasons, we have seen considerable drama. The reigning champion is Sean Bowen, after Harry Cobden (under Nicholls) won it the season before, following Brian Hughes’ two-season reign.

Since AP McCoy retired, the field has been relatively open and I think there are a few who could be in with a chance. I’m surprised that we haven’t seen Paul Townend mount a major challenge over the last two years. Mullins enters him into most of the major races, though, it has to be said, I think he struggled for consistency last year.

Harry Skelton will likely be there or thereabouts and if Nico de Boinville has better luck for Henderson, then we could see a very intriguing race for the title this season.