Gold Cup

The de facto World Championships of Steeplechasing! This massive 3m2.5f chase is the marquee feature at the Cheltenham Festival and it is always a thrilling race where fortunes are made and lost. It was originally run at Cheltenham all the way back in 1924 and a virtual who's-who of jumps champions have proven their worth by winning the race multiple times.

When it comes to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, the legendary Arkle takes the cake having captured three gold cups on the bounce from 1964-1966. Jim Lewis' Best Mate scored a straight hat-trick of victories between 2002-2004. Living-legend Kauto Star has teamed up with Ruby Walsh for a pair of Cheltenham Gold Cups and is looking to take home a third this year.

Notable Runners

Imperial Commander– The defending Cheltenham Gold Cup champion has been the out-and-out favourite since the ante post market launched. Only raced a solitary time this season, it was a winning effort in the Betfair Chase at Haydock with Paddy Brennan up. From a ratings standpoint, he is the one to beat but you wonder whether the light season will work in his favour or not.

Kauto Star– A living-legend and multiple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, he enters the race in a slightly uncomfortable role as an outsider. He did not run to potential in the King George VI but was likely not at his best. If he jumps cleanly and rediscovers some of his old form he could prove to be the value play of the festival if he maintains something near his ante post price.

Denman– The Tank is back for another kick at the Cheltenham can. It will be interesting to see if Denman runs to potential as he just hasn’t really looked himself in his past few races, despite running near career-best figures. He has shown so much grit and guile in the past it is very hard to bet against him.