The Cheltenham Gold Cup stands as the most esteemed event in the British and Irish jumps racing calendar and serves as the centerpiece of the Cheltenham Festival. This year, Galopin des Champs is among the top contenders, aiming to secure the trophy for a third time.
When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The race is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026, marking the finale of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, which commences on Tuesday, March 10.
Who was the winner last year?
In 2025, Inotewayursinkin claimed the title, halting Galopin des Champs’ attempt at a historic third consecutive win. Both horses remain strong favorites for this year’s race.
Entries for this year
The following horses are listed by their odds along with the best available prices:
Fact to File (France), 9 and 11 years old, odds 4/1. Owned by JP McManus and trained by WP Mullins in Ireland, this horse showed strong stamina and bounced back from a poor King George run with a convincing victory in the Irish Gold Cup.
Django Bay (France), 7 years old, 11st 10lb, odds 5/1. Owned by Countrywide Park Homes Ltd and trained by Nicky Henderson, Django Bay is noted for his stamina and is a serious contender given his past performances in races leading to the Gold Cup.
Jukebox Man (Ireland), 8 years old, 11st 10lb, odds 6/1. Owned by Mr. Harry Redknapp and trained by Ben Polling, he recently won the King George, overcoming a tough finish at Kempton and is viewed as a strong challenger.
Gaelic Warrior (Germany), 8 years old, 11st, odds 7/1. Owned by Mrs. S. Rich and trained by WP Mullins, he’s shown he can compete well at the top level, including a recent close third at King George.
Galopin des Champs (France), 10 years old, 11st 10lb, odds 10/1. Owned by Mrs. Audrey Turley and trained by WP Mullins, this seasoned campaigner remains a credible threat despite recent challenges and is aiming for a third Gold Cup win.
Other notable entries include Haiti Colors, Spillanes Tower, Gray Dawning, Inotewayuru Shinkin (the defending champion), and several longshot contenders with varying degrees of form and fitness.
Course Details
The Gold Cup takes place on Cheltenham’s newer course, a demanding 3 miles 2 furlongs steeplechase featuring 22 fences. Unlike the old course that favored speed and pace, the updated track offers a sterner test of stamina with longer uphill finishes, ensuring the strongest stayers prevail.
Prize Money
The prize fund totals £625,000, with the winner receiving £351,687. Subsequent places earn lower but significant amounts, descending to £2,125 for eighth place.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available via the Jockey Club’s official website. Prices for Gold Cup Day range from £58 for the Guinness Grandstand to £149 at the gate for Club Enclosure tickets. Multi-day passes for several enclosures are already sold out.
Fan Take:
This lineup reflects the thrilling depth and competitive spirit of modern jumps racing, with veteran champions and eager up-and-comers battling over a revitalized course that truly tests endurance. For fans, this means an exhilarating Gold Cup that not only highlights the sport’s rich tradition but also signals exciting developments in race strategy and training.
