{"id":39627,"date":"2026-01-28T09:27:52","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/28\/2026-cheltenham-gold-cup-preview-top-contenders-favorite-picks-and-must-watch-horses\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T09:27:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:27:52","slug":"2026-cheltenham-gold-cup-preview-top-contenders-favorite-picks-and-must-watch-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/28\/2026-cheltenham-gold-cup-preview-top-contenders-favorite-picks-and-must-watch-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup Preview: Top Contenders, Favorite Picks, and Must-Watch Horses"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Galopin des Champs is the leading contender this year, aiming to secure the prestigious title for an unprecedented third time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?<\/strong><br \/>\nThe race is scheduled for Friday, 13 March 2026, concluding the four-day Cheltenham Festival running from Tuesday, 10 March to Friday.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who claimed victory last year?<\/strong><br \/>\nIn 2025, Inotewayursinkin took the crown, ending Galopin des Champs\u2019 pursuit of a historic third straight win. Both horses remain top contenders this season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Entries for this year\u2019s race (listed by odds):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Galopin des Champs (France)<\/strong>, 10 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mrs. Audrey Turley<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 11\/2<br \/>\nVerdict: Twice winner and last year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Inotewayursinkin (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mr. John P. McManus<br \/>\nTrainer: Gavin Cromwell (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 7\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Django Bay (France)<\/strong>, 7 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Countrywide Park Homes Limited<br \/>\nTrainer: Nicky Henderson<br \/>\nOdds: 7\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Jukebox Man (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mr. Harry Redknapp<br \/>\nTrainer: Ben Polling<br \/>\nOdds: 8\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Fresh off a victory at King George, he fits the Cheltenham course well. His strong finish there raises questions on why he isn\u2019t the race favorite.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Gaelic Warrior (Germany)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mrs. S. Rich<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 10\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Having fought hard to place at recent races and with high praise from Patrick Mullins, Gaelic Warrior is tipped as a serious contender.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Gray Dawning (Ireland)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mr. Robert Kirkland<br \/>\nTrainer: Dan Skelton<br \/>\nOdds: 14\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Doubts about stamina linger, even after a significant Betfair win. However, a crucial error in the Cotswold Chase dampened his Gold Cup prospects.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Haiti Colors (France)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwners: Conyers, McDermott, Prouting<br \/>\nTrainer: Rebecca Curtis<br \/>\nOdds: 14\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Last year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Affordale Fury (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: PL Polly<br \/>\nTrainer: Noel Mead (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 20\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: After a decisive win in the Savills Chase, including beating two former Gold Cup winners, his improving form makes him an intriguing contender.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>I Am Maximus (France)<\/strong>, 10 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mr. John P. McManus<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 33\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Spindleberry (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 3lb<br \/>\nOwners: Feargal and Bronagh Eastwood<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 33\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Banbridge (Ireland)<\/strong>, 10 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mr. R. A. Bartlett<br \/>\nTrainer: Joseph Patrick O\u2019Brien (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 50\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Last season\u2019s King George VI Chase winner performed admirably but requires firm ground to maximize his chances.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Fast Throw (France)<\/strong>, 10 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwners: Sean &amp; Bernardine Marian<br \/>\nTrainer: Martin Blashill (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 50\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Despite setbacks in past Gold Cups, he continues to show promise with recent strong finishes but faces tough competition from younger horses.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Leckie Watson (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Slaneyville Syndicate<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 50\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Winner of last year\u2019s Brown Advisory, he has shown steady progress but must raise his game to challenge the elite field.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Nick Lockett (Ireland)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwners: Stewart and Sadie Andrew<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 50\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: He\u2019s yet to travel extensively this season but showed potential last year en route to Aintree.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Shipping Allen (France)<\/strong>, 12 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Cheveley Park Stud<br \/>\nTrainer: Henry de Bromhead (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 66\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: A seasoned competitor with notable wins but likely past his prime for a Gold Cup challenge.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Grange Claire West (Ireland)<\/strong>, 10 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Cheveley Park Stud<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 66\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Posted a strong Grand National performance last year and may target Aintree over Cheltenham this season.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Odd &amp; Passe (France)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwners: Mr. Shimon Munir\/Mr. Isaac Soudeh<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 66\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: A Ballymore Novice Hurdle winner who hasn\u2019t raced recently; stamina and race readiness remain concerns.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Monty\u2019s Star (Ireland)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mr. Barry Maloney<br \/>\nTrainer: Henry de Bromhead (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 66\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Consistent performer finishing fourth last year, a potentially shrewd bet at his long odds.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Champ Keely (Ireland)<\/strong>, 10 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Miss M. A. Masterson<br \/>\nTrainer: W. P. Mullins (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 100\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Previous Champion Novice Chase winner but struggling for form this season.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Geri Colombe (France)<\/strong>, 10 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Rob Cool<br \/>\nTrainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 100\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Once a strong competitor, his recent performances have been underwhelming.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Heartwood (France)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Rob Cool<br \/>\nTrainer: Henry de Bromhead (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 100\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Showed solid form in the Ryanair Chase and Tramore but may be slightly ambitious for this grade.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>L&#8217;Homme Presse (France)<\/strong>, 11 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: DFA Racing<br \/>\nTrainer: Benicia Williams<br \/>\nOdds: 100\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: A reliable old competitor with affinity for Cheltenham but limited progression due to age.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Spillanes Tower (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mr. John P. McManus<br \/>\nTrainer: James Joseph Mangan (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 100\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Runner-up in last season\u2019s Punchestown Gold Cup and potentially a dark horse.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Stella Story (Ireland)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Gigginstown House Stud<br \/>\nTrainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 100\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Limited success in chases so far, suggesting a long shot.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Three Card Bragg (Ireland)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwners: The McNeil Family\/Patrick &amp; Scott Briceland<br \/>\nTrainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 100\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Mainly suited to Grand National distances; improving but not quite Gold Cup class.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Croke Park (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Gigginstown House Stud<br \/>\nTrainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 150\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: A steady racer with no standout performance so far; long odds reflect that.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Firefox (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Vector Stud<br \/>\nTrainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 150\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Won a novice handicap but lacks stamina and ability for Gold Cup level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Found A Fifty (Ireland)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Vector Stud<br \/>\nTrainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)<br \/>\nOdds: 150\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: A solid G2 winner needing significant improvement for this challenge.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Handstand (Ireland)<\/strong>, 7 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mr. T. P. Radford<br \/>\nTrainer: Ben Polling<br \/>\nOdds: 150\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Highly rated by connections but yet to prove it on the track; consistent front-runner Jukebox Man remains superior.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Maia Town (Ireland)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwners: Weimer &amp; Russell<br \/>\nTrainers: Lucinda Russell &amp; Michael Scudamore<br \/>\nOdds: 150\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Last year\u2019s Ultima Chase winner, talented yet inconsistent due to jumping errors, possibly not suited for this race.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Resplendent Gray (Ireland)<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mrs. R. J. Skan<br \/>\nTrainer: Olly Murphy<br \/>\nOdds: 150\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: Decent form with a notable Bet365 Gold Cup win, though likely outmatched here.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Confusion<\/strong>, 8 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: Mrs. A. Ellis<br \/>\nTrainers: Joel Parkinson &amp; Sue Smith<br \/>\nOdds: 175\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: A Grade 3 Handicap Chase winner but inconsistent and more suited to handicaps than elite level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Gold Tweet (France)<\/strong>, 9 years old, 11st 10lb<br \/>\nOwner: AGV Kerwin Stud<br \/>\nTrainer: Gabriel Lenders (France)<br \/>\nOdds: 250\/1<br \/>\nVerdict: The sole French-trained entry offering uncertain form compared to British and Irish standards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cheltenham Gold Cup Course Details<\/strong><br \/>\nThe Gold Cup is contested on Cheltenham\u2019s 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\u2019 stamina, particularly in the final stages.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prize Money<\/strong><br \/>\nThe total purse for the race is \u00a3625,000, with \u00a3351,687 awarded to the winner. Subsequent places receive descending amounts from \u00a3132,500 for second to \u00a32,125 for eighth.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ticket Information<\/strong><br \/>\nTickets can be bought via the Jockey Club website:  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Club Enclosure: from \u00a3127 (\u00a3149 at gate)  <\/li>\n<li>Tattersall&#8217;s Enclosure: \u00a389 (\u00a3113 at gate)  <\/li>\n<li>Best Mate Enclosure: \u00a371 (\u00a389 at gate)  <\/li>\n<li>Guinness Grandstand: \u00a358  <\/li>\n<li>Racing Lounge: \u00a3105  <\/li>\n<li>Racecourse View: \u00a3110<br \/>\nMulti-day tickets for Club, Tattersall\u2019s, and Best Mate enclosures are sold out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong><br \/>\nThis year\u2019s Cheltenham Gold Cup promises thrilling competition, with seasoned champions vying against emerging talent on a grueling course that rewards stamina. For racing fans, it\u2019s an exhilarating test of strategy and endurance that could shape the future landscape of jumps racing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38487,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2443],"tags":[2955],"class_list":{"0":"post-39627","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fighting","8":"tag-horse-racing"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39627","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39627"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39627\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38487"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}