The Cheltenham Gold Cup stands as the premier event in the British and Irish jump racing calendar, serving as the centerpiece of the Cheltenham Festival.
Galopin des Champs is the leading contender this year, aiming to secure the prestigious title for an unprecedented third time.
When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The race is scheduled for Friday, 13 March 2026, concluding the four-day Cheltenham Festival running from Tuesday, 10 March to Friday.
Who claimed victory last year?
In 2025, Inotewayursinkin took the crown, ending Galopin des Champs’ pursuit of a historic third straight win. Both horses remain top contenders this season.
Entries for this year’s race (listed by odds):
Galopin des Champs (France), 10 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mrs. Audrey Turley
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 11/2
Verdict: Twice winner and last year’s runner-up, Galopin remains a strong contender despite his age. After a seasonal debut in the Savills Chase, a third Gold Cup win is possible, though competition is stiff.Inotewayursinkin (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mr. John P. McManus
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (Ireland)
Odds: 7/1
Verdict: The reigning champion has won at Cheltenham for two consecutive seasons and seems to peak in spring. However, inconsistent performances this season raise doubts, with the Irish Gold Cup serving as a key indicator.Django Bay (France), 7 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Countrywide Park Homes Limited
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Odds: 7/1
Verdict: Known for stamina, Django Bay showed promise last year by finishing a close 4th in the Gold Cup. Stability and recent performances could make him a viable threat.Jukebox Man (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mr. Harry Redknapp
Trainer: Ben Polling
Odds: 8/1
Verdict: Fresh off a victory at King George, he fits the Cheltenham course well. His strong finish there raises questions on why he isn’t the race favorite.Gaelic Warrior (Germany), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mrs. S. Rich
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 10/1
Verdict: Having fought hard to place at recent races and with high praise from Patrick Mullins, Gaelic Warrior is tipped as a serious contender.Gray Dawning (Ireland), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mr. Robert Kirkland
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Odds: 14/1
Verdict: Doubts about stamina linger, even after a significant Betfair win. However, a crucial error in the Cotswold Chase dampened his Gold Cup prospects.Haiti Colors (France), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owners: Conyers, McDermott, Prouting
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
Odds: 14/1
Verdict: Last year’s National Hunt and Irish National winner, Haiti Colors impressed with a Welsh National victory carrying a heavy weight, potentially becoming the first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner since 1990.Affordale Fury (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: PL Polly
Trainer: Noel Mead (Ireland)
Odds: 20/1
Verdict: After a decisive win in the Savills Chase, including beating two former Gold Cup winners, his improving form makes him an intriguing contender.I Am Maximus (France), 10 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mr. John P. McManus
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 33/1
Verdict: A standout performer following acquisition by McManus, he narrowly missed a second Grand National victory last spring. While possessing great stamina, his focus might be split with other major races.Spindleberry (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 3lb
Owners: Feargal and Bronagh Eastwood
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 33/1
Verdict: The only mare in the field stands out with five straight wins. Though some question the level of her competition, she remains a compelling wild card.Banbridge (Ireland), 10 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mr. R. A. Bartlett
Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland)
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Last season’s King George VI Chase winner performed admirably but requires firm ground to maximize his chances.Fast Throw (France), 10 years old, 11st 10lb
Owners: Sean & Bernardine Marian
Trainer: Martin Blashill (Ireland)
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Despite setbacks in past Gold Cups, he continues to show promise with recent strong finishes but faces tough competition from younger horses.Leckie Watson (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Winner of last year’s Brown Advisory, he has shown steady progress but must raise his game to challenge the elite field.Nick Lockett (Ireland), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owners: Stewart and Sadie Andrew
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: He’s yet to travel extensively this season but showed potential last year en route to Aintree.Shipping Allen (France), 12 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Cheveley Park Stud
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (Ireland)
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: A seasoned competitor with notable wins but likely past his prime for a Gold Cup challenge.Grange Claire West (Ireland), 10 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Cheveley Park Stud
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: Posted a strong Grand National performance last year and may target Aintree over Cheltenham this season.Odd & Passe (France), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owners: Mr. Shimon Munir/Mr. Isaac Soudeh
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: A Ballymore Novice Hurdle winner who hasn’t raced recently; stamina and race readiness remain concerns.Monty’s Star (Ireland), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mr. Barry Maloney
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (Ireland)
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: Consistent performer finishing fourth last year, a potentially shrewd bet at his long odds.Champ Keely (Ireland), 10 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Miss M. A. Masterson
Trainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)
Odds: 100/1
Verdict: Previous Champion Novice Chase winner but struggling for form this season.Geri Colombe (France), 10 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Rob Cool
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Odds: 100/1
Verdict: Once a strong competitor, his recent performances have been underwhelming.Heartwood (France), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Rob Cool
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (Ireland)
Odds: 100/1
Verdict: Showed solid form in the Ryanair Chase and Tramore but may be slightly ambitious for this grade.L’Homme Presse (France), 11 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: DFA Racing
Trainer: Benicia Williams
Odds: 100/1
Verdict: A reliable old competitor with affinity for Cheltenham but limited progression due to age.Spillanes Tower (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mr. John P. McManus
Trainer: James Joseph Mangan (Ireland)
Odds: 100/1
Verdict: Runner-up in last season’s Punchestown Gold Cup and potentially a dark horse.Stella Story (Ireland), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Odds: 100/1
Verdict: Limited success in chases so far, suggesting a long shot.Three Card Bragg (Ireland), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owners: The McNeil Family/Patrick & Scott Briceland
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Odds: 100/1
Verdict: Mainly suited to Grand National distances; improving but not quite Gold Cup class.Croke Park (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Odds: 150/1
Verdict: A steady racer with no standout performance so far; long odds reflect that.Firefox (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Vector Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Odds: 150/1
Verdict: Won a novice handicap but lacks stamina and ability for Gold Cup level.Found A Fifty (Ireland), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Vector Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Odds: 150/1
Verdict: A solid G2 winner needing significant improvement for this challenge.Handstand (Ireland), 7 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mr. T. P. Radford
Trainer: Ben Polling
Odds: 150/1
Verdict: Highly rated by connections but yet to prove it on the track; consistent front-runner Jukebox Man remains superior.Maia Town (Ireland), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owners: Weimer & Russell
Trainers: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore
Odds: 150/1
Verdict: Last year’s Ultima Chase winner, talented yet inconsistent due to jumping errors, possibly not suited for this race.Resplendent Gray (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mrs. R. J. Skan
Trainer: Olly Murphy
Odds: 150/1
Verdict: Decent form with a notable Bet365 Gold Cup win, though likely outmatched here.Confusion, 8 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: Mrs. A. Ellis
Trainers: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith
Odds: 175/1
Verdict: A Grade 3 Handicap Chase winner but inconsistent and more suited to handicaps than elite level.Gold Tweet (France), 9 years old, 11st 10lb
Owner: AGV Kerwin Stud
Trainer: Gabriel Lenders (France)
Odds: 250/1
Verdict: The sole French-trained entry offering uncertain form compared to British and Irish standards.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Course Details
The Gold Cup is contested on Cheltenham’s new course, a demanding 3-mile 2-furlong steeplechase featuring 22 fences and notable uphill stretches. Unlike the old course favoring speed, the current layout thoroughly tests competitors’ stamina, particularly in the final stages.
Prize Money
The total purse for the race is £625,000, with £351,687 awarded to the winner. Subsequent places receive descending amounts from £132,500 for second to £2,125 for eighth.
Ticket Information
Tickets can be bought via the Jockey Club website:
- Club Enclosure: from £127 (£149 at gate)
- Tattersall’s Enclosure: £89 (£113 at gate)
- Best Mate Enclosure: £71 (£89 at gate)
- Guinness Grandstand: £58
- Racing Lounge: £105
- Racecourse View: £110
Multi-day tickets for Club, Tattersall’s, and Best Mate enclosures are sold out.
Fan Take:
This year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup promises thrilling competition, with seasoned champions vying against emerging talent on a grueling course that rewards stamina. For racing fans, it’s an exhilarating test of strategy and endurance that could shape the future landscape of jumps racing.
