The Cheltenham Festival returns this month and with it the most prestigious contest in National Hunt racing. A four-day spectacle of horseracing action builds to the showpiece event: The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Gup.
The race will be run on Friday 14th March where jockey Paul Townend and Galopin Des Champs will attempt to lift the trophy for a third year in a row.
With prize money of £625,00, the Grade 1 chase is the most valuable jumps race in Britain and Ireland after the Grand National and represents the ultimate challenge for the very best horses. 22 fences are to be jumped during three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs concluding in a punishing finish up the Cheltenham hill.
The Willie Mullins trained horse is the overwhelming favourite to triumph yet again and further cement his place among the great winners at this course such as Golden Miller, Arkle, and Best Mate.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Cheltenham Gold Cup:
When is the Gold Cup?
The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, to give it its full name, takes place on the concluding day of the festival, Friday 14 March at 4pm.
It is the fifth race of the day’s schedule and at three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs is the second longest race of the four-day event.
How can I watch the race on TV and is there a live stream?
You can watch the first six races of each day, including Friday’s Gold Cup, with the ITV1 broadcast, while full coverage of the meeting, including the final race of each day is only available through a Racing TV subscription.
Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast. Several betting sites will also be streaming the action, but in most cases you need to have a funded account.
When is 2025 Cheltenham Festival and what other races are included?
The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday 11 March and concludes on Friday 14 March. Fans will be glued to 28 races over four days, with seven races per day, including 13 races run over fences across the week, 13 over hurdles plus a bumper (flat race) and a cross-country chase.
The first race is scheduled for 1:20pm GMT each day, with the final race starting at 5:20pm.
Who are the runners and riders?
While it is still too early for the jockeys on each horse to be confirmed we have a strong idea of what the field for the Gold Cup will look like, though that remains open to change. Below is the list of entries ranked by the biggest Cheltenham odds available for them to win the race:
Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins - 8/13
The overwhelming favourite after back-to-back Gold Cup wins in 2023 and 2024. Closest challenger is Fact To File but recent successes in the Savills Chase at Christmas and the Irish Gold Cup breed confidence that another will follow at the Cheltenham Festival.
Fact To File, trained by Willie Mullins - 9/2
Triumphed at last year's Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, then defeated Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan Memorial Chase by two and a quarter lengths in November. Recently lost to the same rival twice and there are a few concerns about his ability to stay for the full distance. Could be close rival for the Gold Cup.
Banbridge, trained by Joseph O’Brien - 13/2
Won the King George with jockey Paul Townend, who will be atop Galopin Des Champs for this one. Will have to prove his stamina up the final hill to challenge for the trophy but certainly one that can compete with the two-time champ.
Monty’s Star, trained by Henry de Bromhead - 12/1
Beaten only by Fact To File and Spillane's Tower in Grade 1s last season but struggled in the Irish Gold Cup. That loss may or may not point to how he’ll fare at Cheltenham.
Corbett’s Cross, trained by Emmet Mullins - 16/1
The Gold Cup course could suit him despite losing out to Pic D'Orhy in the Ascot Chase. Should be quick across the ground but others have better records.
L’Homme Presse, trained by Venetia Williams - 28/1
Finished fourth in the Gold Cup last year and did the same in the King George. Knows how to win here though after victory in the Cotswold Chase on trials day at Cheltenham, perhaps one to back each-way.
Grangeclare West, trained by Willie Mullins - 33/1
Still learning to compete with the best after a good novice chase campaign last year. Has struggled twice against the bigger names but came second in the Irish Gold Cup in a display of potential ability.
The Real Whacker, trained by Patrick Neville - 50/1
Won the 2023 Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival and has talent. Pulled up in last year’s Gold Cup.
Gentlemansgame, trained by Mouse Morris - 66/1
Will run well but perhaps not quite at this level to challenge for the top spots.
Hewick, trained by Miss Tara Lee Cogan - 80/1
A surprising win in the King George last season saw plenty of punters interested but he was backed out of the 2024 Gold Cup before the race. No wins in six starts since.
Ahoy Senor, trained by Lucinda Russell - 80/1
A two-time Grade 1 winner but getting on a bit and has pulled up on back-to-back starts.
Jungle Boogie, trained by Henry de Bromhead - 80/1
Had a decent outing in the Gold Cup last year and won at Ascot on his return this season. Less experienced with only five races under his belt despite being aged 11 but maybe one to watch out for.
Royal Pagaille, trained by Venetia Williams - 100/1
Has potential but the ground doesn’t suit his style and has never finished better than fifth in this race.
Conflated, trained by Gordon Elliott - 200/1
11-year-old whose best days are probably behind him.
