The Cheltenham Gold Cup stands as the most esteemed event in the British and Irish jumps racing calendar and is the focal point of the Cheltenham Festival. Among the top contenders is Galopin des Champs, who aims to claim this prestigious trophy for a third time.
When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The race is scheduled for Friday, 13 March 2026, marking the grand finale of the four-day Cheltenham Festival running from Tuesday, 10 March to Friday.
Who won last year?
In 2025, Inotewayursinkin seized the title, preventing Galopin des Champs from achieving a historic third straight win. Both horses remain strong favorites for this year’s contest.
This Year’s Entrants (listed by bet365 odds):
Fact to File (France), 9 & 11 years old
Owner: JP McManus | Trainer: W.P. Mullins (Ireland) | Odds: 7/2
After a dominant win in last year’s Ryanair Chase and a strong performance in the Irish Gold Cup, Fact to File looks like a reliable choice despite a less impressive run in the King George. With experienced owners backing him, he is a pragmatic contender.Django Bay (France), 7 years old
Owner: Countrywide Park Homes Limited | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Odds: 9/2
The Arkle winner last year, Django Bay has notable stamina and narrowly missed out at King George. His style suggests the Gold Cup’s course and length suit him well.Jukebox Man (Ireland), 8 years old
Owner: Mr. Harry Redknapp | Trainer: Ben Polling | Odds: 5/1
Having won King George, Jukebox Man showed resilience in a short run at Kempton and could perform even better on Cheltenham’s terrain. Surprisingly, he isn’t the outright favorite despite his credentials.Gaelic Warrior (Germany), 8 years old
Owner: Mrs. S. Rich | Trainer: W.P. Mullins (Ireland) | Odds: 6/1
Gaelic Warrior recently battled closely with Fact to File and clinched third at King George. His trainer believes he has Gold Cup potential if he can maintain composure.Galopin des Champs (France), 10 years old
Owner: Mrs. Audrey Turley | Trainer: W.P. Mullins (Ireland) | Odds: 8/1
Despite being runner-up last year, Galopin des Champs remains a strong contender, though age and recent tough races may affect his chances of clinching a third title.Haiti Colors (France), 9 years old
Owner: Conyers, McDermott, Prouting | Trainer: Rebecca Curtis | Odds: 8/1
The winner of last year’s National Hunt Chase and Irish National, Haiti Colors is a high-class performer with a shot at becoming the first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner since 1990.Gray Dawning (Ireland), 9 years old
Owner: Mr. Robert Kirkland | Trainer: Dan Skelton | Odds: 14/1
After winning the Betfair Chase in impressive fashion, Gray Dawning’s stamina is proven, though a late mistake in the Cotswold Chase raised questions about his Gold Cup prospects.Inotewayuru Shinkin (Ireland), 8 years old
Owner: Mr. John P. McManus | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (Ireland) | Odds: 14/1
The reigning champion with two consecutive wins at Cheltenham, Inotewayuru Shinkin has struggled with form this season and a fall in the Irish Gold Cup casts doubt on his ability to defend the title.Spillanes Tower (Ireland), 8 years old
Owner: Mr. John P. McManus | Trainer: James Joseph Mangan (Ireland) | Odds: 14/1
Runner-up in last year’s Punchestown Gold Cup and recent Cotswold Chase winner, Spillanes Tower might be a dark horse contender, especially with a less taxing prep this season.I Am Maximus (France), 10 & 11 years old
Owner: Mr. John P. McManus | Trainer: W.P. Mullins (Ireland) | Odds: 20/1
A consistent stayer with top-level form, he narrowly missed a national win last season and could challenge if targeting peak fitness for Cheltenham.Other entries include notable horses such as Affordale Fury, Shipping Allen, Monty’s Star, Banbridge, Fast Throw, Nick Lockett, Firefox, Heartwood, Odd & Passe, Leckie Watson, Spindleberry (the only filly in this year’s field), Grange Claire West, Handstand, L’Homme Presse, Resplendent Gray, Stella Story, Three Card Bragg, Gold Tweet, and Maia Town, with odds ranging from 33/1 to 100/1 and various form queries or strategic considerations.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Course Overview
The race is run on Cheltenham’s newer course, a demanding 3 miles 2 furlongs steeplechase featuring 22 fences on a counterclockwise track. Unlike the old course favoring speed, the new layout tests stamina intensely with extended uphill finishes, offering favorites more time to utilize endurance.
Prize Money
The total prize fund amounts to £625,000, with the winner taking home £351,687. Subsequent places are rewarded as follows: second place receives £132,500, third £66,312, fourth £33,125, fifth £16,625, sixth £8,312, seventh £4,125, and eighth £2,125.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available through the Jockey Club’s official website. Prices for Gold Cup Day range as follows:
- 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 the Club, Tattersall’s, and Best Mate Enclosures have already sold out.
Fan Take:
The Cheltenham Gold Cup continues to be a pinnacle event that encapsulates the drama, skill, and tradition of jump racing. This year’s lineup, rich with proven champions and emerging threats, promises a thrilling contest that can redefine racing legacies and excite fans worldwide—highlighting the sport’s enduring appeal and its blend of stamina, strategy, and sheer heart.
