The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the Blue Riband of chasing and the most prestigious race in the sport in the discipline. It is the fourth race on the fourth day of the Cheltenham Festival which is usually a Friday and in 2020 is on March 13. The race takes place on the New Course at Cheltenham and the start time is 3.30pm.The race distance is three miles and two furlongs and there are 22 fences. The Cheltenham Gold Cup has a history of horses running in the race over a number of years. However, only Best Mate and Kauto Star are multiple winners this century. The winner of the RSA Chase the previous year is often a leading contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Race Conditions
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the ultimate test for staying chasers. However, the race is often run at pace because it involves the best horses over fences. The race takes place over slightly more than two circuits of the more galloping New Course. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is open to horses aged five and older and male and female horse are eligible. Five-year-olds carry 11-08 and older horses carry 11-10. Fillies and mares receive a 7 pounds weight allowance. The total prize fund is £625,000 and the winner receives £351,668. At the time of writing 31 horses had been declared to run at the first declaration stage and the final field is usually about 15 runners.
History of the Race
The first race called the Cheltenham Gold Cup took place in 1819 but it was a Flat race. It only became a jumps contest in 1924. There were four years up to 1945 in which the race did not take place. The Gold Cup was first run on the New Course in 1959. Arkle won the race in 1964, 1965 and 1966 and is the shortest-priced winner. Michael Dickinson trained the first five finishers in 1983. Dawn Run won the Gold Cup in 1986 and is still the only horse to also win the Champion Hurdle (1984). There was no race in 2001 because the Festival was abandoned due to a foot and mouth epidemic. Best Mate was the winner from 2002 to 2004. Kauto Star is the only horse to regain the Gold Cup with wins in 2007 and 2009. Willie Mullins had his first Gold Cup winner in 2019, thanks to Al Boum Photo who is a leading contender this year.
Last Year
The Cheltenham Gold Cup was one of the few major National Hunt races that champion Irish trainer Willie Mullins had not won. Al Boum Photo changed that with a decisive win on good to soft ground. The horse was held up at the back of the field and did not always jump fluently. Al Boum Photo came to lead at the last fence and stayed on well. The 10/3 favourite, Presenting Percy, was never travelling well and finished eighth. There were 16 runners but only nine horses completed the race.
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Result:
| Place | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Distance | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Al Boum Photo | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | NA | 12/1 |
| 2nd | Anibale Fly | Barry Geraghty | AJ MArtin | 2 1/2 | 22/1 |
| 3rd | Bristol De Mai | Daryl Jacob | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 3 3/4 | 18/1 |
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Cheltenham Gold Cup Prize Money
- Winner: £351,688.00
- 2nd: £132,500.00
- 3rd: £66,312.00
- 4th: £33,125.00
- 5th: £16,625.00
- 6th: £8,312.00
- 7th: £4,125.00
- 8th: £2,125.00
Gold Cup 2019 betting dividends
- Tote Win: £14.60 Place: £4.90, £5.70, £4.60
- EX: £229.50
- Trifecta: £6,026.60
- SF: £246.57
- Tricast: £4,681.17
- Swingers: £36.80, £37.50, £50.80
There were 16 runners so each way bets were settled at one fifth the odds for 3 places.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners (this century)
| YEAR | WINNER | SECOND | THIRD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | AL BOUM PHOTO (FR) | ANIBALE FLY (FR) | BRISTOL DE MAI (FR) |
| J: P. TownendT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland | J: Barry GeraghtyT: A. J. Martin, Ireland | J: Daryl JacobT: Nigel Twiston-Davies | |
| 2018 | NATIVE RIVER (IRE) | MIGHT BITE (IRE) | ANIBALE FLY (FR) |
| J: Richard JohnsonT: Colin Tizzard | J: Nico de BoinvilleT: Nicky Henderson | J: Barry GeraghtyT: A. J. Martin, Ireland | |
| 2017 | SIZING JOHN | MINELLA ROCCO (IRE) | NATIVE RIVER (IRE) |
| J: Robbie PowerT: Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland | J: Noel FehilyT: Jonjo O’Neill | J: Richard JohnsonT: Colin Tizzard | |
| 2016 | DON COSSACK (GER) | DJAKADAM (FR) | DON POLI (IRE) |
| J: B. J. CooperT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland | J: R. WalshT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland | J: Davy RussellT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland | |
| 2015 | CONEYGREE | DJAKADAM (FR) | ROAD TO RICHES (IRE) |
| J: Nico de BoinvilleT: Mark Bradstock | J: R. WalshT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland | J: B. J. CooperT: Noel Meade, Ireland | |
| 2014 | LORD WINDERMERE (IRE) | ON HIS OWN (IRE) | THE GIANT BOLSTER |
| J: Davy RussellT: J. Culloty, Ireland | J: D. J. CaseyT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland | J: Tom ScudamoreT: David Bridgwater | |
| 2013 | BOBS WORTH (IRE) | SIR DES CHAMPS (FR) | LONG RUN (FR) |
| J: Barry GeraghtyT: Nicky Henderson | J: A. P. McCoyT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland | J: Mr Sam Waley-CohenT: Nicky Henderson | |
| 2012 | SYNCHRONISED (IRE) | THE GIANT BOLSTER | LONG RUN (FR) |
| J: A. P. McCoyT: Jonjo O’Neill | J: Tom ScudamoreT: David Bridgwater | J: Mr Sam Waley-CohenT: Nicky Henderson | |
| 2011 | LONG RUN (FR) | DENMAN (IRE) | KAUTO STAR (FR) |
| J: Mr Sam Waley-CohenT: Nicky Henderson | J: Sam ThomasT: Paul Nicholls | J: R. WalshT: Paul Nicholls | |
| 2010 | IMPERIAL COMMANDER (IRE) | DENMAN (IRE) | MON MOME (FR) |
| J: Paddy BrennanT: Nigel Twiston-Davies | J: A. P. McCoyT: Paul Nicholls | J: Aidan ColemanT: Venetia Williams | |
| 2009 | KAUTO STAR (FR) | DENMAN (IRE) | EXOTIC DANCER (FR) |
| J: R. WalshT: Paul Nicholls | J: Sam ThomasT: Paul Nicholls | J: A. P. McCoyT: Jonjo O’Neill | |
| 2008 | DENMAN (IRE) | KAUTO STAR (FR) | NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) |
| J: Sam ThomasT: Paul Nicholls | J: R. WalshT: Paul Nicholls | J: Mick FitzgeraldT: Paul Nicholls | |
| 2007 | KAUTO STAR (FR) | EXOTIC DANCER (FR) | TURPIN GREEN (IRE) |
| J: R. WalshT: Paul Nicholls | J: A. P. McCoyT: Jonjo O’Neill | J: Tony DobbinT: Nicky Richards | |
| 2006 | WAR OF ATTRITION (IRE) | HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) | FORGET THE PAST |
| J: Conor O’DwyerT: M. F. Morris, Ireland | J: R. WalshT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland | J: Barry GeraghtyT: M. J. P. O’Brien, Ireland | |
| 2005 | KICKING KING (IRE) | TAKE THE STAND (IRE) | SIR REMBRANDT (IRE) |
| J: Barry GeraghtyT: Tom J. Taaffe, Ireland | J: Tony DobbinT: Peter Bowen | J: Andrew ThorntonT: R. H. Alner | |
| 2004 | BEST MATE (IRE) | SIR REMBRANDT (IRE) | HARBOUR PILOT (IRE) |
| J: Jim CullotyT: Henrietta Knight | J: Andrew ThorntonT: R. H. Alner | J: Paul CarberryT: Noel Meade, Ireland | |
| 2003 | BEST MATE (IRE) | TRUCKERS TAVERN (IRE) | HARBOUR PILOT (IRE) |
| J: Jim CullotyT: Henrietta Knight | J: Davy RussellT: Ferdy Murphy, France | J: Paul CarberryT: Noel Meade, Ireland | |
| 2002 | BEST MATE (IRE) | COMMANCHE COURT (IRE) | SEE MORE BUSINESS (IRE) |
| J: Jim CullotyT: Henrietta Knight | J: R. WalshT: T. M. Walsh, Ireland | J: Joe TizzardT: Paul Nicholls | |
| 2000 | LOOKS LIKE TROUBLE (IRE) | FLORIDA PEARL (IRE) | STRONG PROMISE (IRE) |
| J: Richard JohnsonT: Noel Chance | J: Paul CarberryT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland | J: Robert ThorntonT: C. M. Kinane |
Cheltenham Gold Cup statistics
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, as one of the most prestigious races in the world, has a long and storied history, that has thrown up some amazing records. As with all horse racing, the Gold Cup tends to have plenty of trends, with certain types of horses, jockeys and trainers seemingly more likely to win the race.
Betting Trends Since 2000
- The average price of the winners: almost 11/2.
- Range of Starting Prices: 8/11 to 20/1.
- Number of outright and joint favourites: 8.
- Odds-on favourites: 3.
- Double-figure priced winners: 1.
- Most common range of odds: 6 winners from 7/1 to 8/1.
Race Trends Since 2000
- British trained winners: 12.
- Irish trained winners: 7.
- Most common age: 8 with 7 wins.
- Weight range: all winners carried 11-10.
- Leading jockey (wins): Jim Culoty (3) – now retired.
- Leading trainer: (wins): Henrietta Knight and Paul Nicholls (3).
12 Year Winner Other Trends
- 11 aged from 7 to 9.
- 4 favourites.
- 7 in top 3 in the betting.
- 10 won previous race.
- 9 ran in the last 77 days.
- 3 ran in King George V1 Chase on previous start.
- 2 won the race.
- 3 ran in Denman Chase on previous start.
- 3 won the race.
- 12 had run at Cheltenham.
- 6 had won at Cheltenham.
- 11 had 2 or more runs over three miles or further.
- 11 had won over three miles or further.
- 10 had run at least 7 times in chases.
- 12 had won 2 chases or more.
- 8 had won 4 or more chases.
- 9 rated 166 or higher.
- 6 rated 170 or higher.
- 12 had won a Grade 1 race.
- 9 had won a Grade 2 race.
- 9 had won a Grade 3 race.
- 10 had won that season.
These statistics have been produced by www.thestatsdontlie.com
Records Since 1924
- Horse
The most successful horse is Golden Miller who won five Gold Cups, from 1932 to 1936. - Jockey
Pat Taaffe: Arkle (1964, 1965 and 1966) and Fort Leney (1968). - Trainer
Tom Dreaper: Price Regent (1946), Arkle (1964, 1965 and 1966) and Fort Leney (1968). - Owner
Dorothy Paget: Golden Miller (1932 to 1936), Roman Hackle (1940) and Tremblant (1952).
2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup Leading Contenders
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The Cheltenham Gold Cup 2020 betting looked open towards the end of January with six horses at the head of the betting priced from 9/2 to 9/1. Here are the most fancied runners in the market and the leading contenders. Please note that all statistics and ratings are correct as at January 23rd and are subject to change.
Al Boum Photo
| Trainer | Willie Mullins |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Paul Townend |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 178 |
| Best Official Rating | 175 |
| Best RPR this season | 174 |
| Best OR this season | 175 |
| Chase runs | 10 |
| Chase wins | 5 |
| Career runs | 15 |
| Career wins | 7 |
| Total prize money | £546,697 |
Kemboy
| Trainer | Willie Mullins |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Paul Townend |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 178 |
| Best Official Rating | 177 |
| Best RPR this season | 166 |
| Best OR this season | 177 |
| Chase runs | 12 |
| Chase wins | 7 |
| Career runs | 17 |
| Career wins | 8 |
| Total prize money | £504,630 |
Lostintranslation
| Trainer | Colin Tizzard |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Robbie Power |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 177 |
| Best Official Rating | 173 |
| Best RPR this season | 177 |
| Best OR this season | 173 |
| Chase runs | 9 |
| Chase wins | 4 |
| Career runs | 15 |
| Career wins | 5 |
| Total prize money | £288,006 |
Clan Des Obeaux
| Trainer | Paul Nicholls |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Harry Cobden |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 179 |
| Best Official Rating | 173 |
| Best RPR this season | 179 |
| Best OR this season | 169 |
| Chase runs | 17 |
| Chase wins | 6 |
| Career runs | 21 |
| Career wins | 8 |
| Total prize money | £546,566 |
Delta Work
| Trainer | Gordon Elliott |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Jack Kennedy |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 169 |
| Best Official Rating | 169 |
| Best RPR this season | 169 |
| Best OR this season | 163 |
| Chase runs | 7 |
| Chase wins | 5 |
| Career runs | 18 |
| Career wins | 8 |
| Total prize money | £392,227 |
Santini
| Trainer | Nicky Henderson |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Nico de Boinville |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 166 |
| Best Official Rating | 163 |
| Best RPR this season | 156 |
| Best OR this season | 163 |
| Chase runs | 4 |
| Chase wins | 2 |
| Career runs | 8 |
| Career wins | 5 |
| Total prize money | £183,191 |
Presenting Percy
| Trainer | Patrick G Kelly |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Davy Russell |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 172 |
| Best Official Rating | 167 |
| Best RPR this season | 165 |
| Best OR this season | 169 |
| Chase runs | 8 |
| Chase wins | 3 |
| Career runs | 21 |
| Career wins | 10 |
| Total prize money | £294,555 |
Native River
| Trainer | Colin Tizzard |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Richard Johnson |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 167 |
| Best Official Rating | 168 |
| Best RPR this season | 174 |
| Best OR this season | 167 |
| Chase runs | 17 |
| Chase wins | 9 |
| Career runs | 25 |
| Career wins | 12 |
| Total prize money | £981,589 |
Monalee
| Trainer | Henry de Bromhead |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Rachael Blackmore |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 168 |
| Best Official Rating | 168 |
| Best RPR this season | 168 |
| Best OR this season | 163 |
| Chase runs | 12 |
| Chase wins | 3 |
| Career runs | 19 |
| Career wins | 5 |
| Total prize money | £282,380 |
Bristol De Mai
| Trainer | Nigel Twiston-Davies |
|---|---|
| Regular Jockey | Daryl Jacob |
| Best Racing Post Rating | 182 |
| Best Official Rating | 170 |
| Best RPR this season | 176 |
| Best OR this season | 170 |
| Chase runs | 24 |
| Chase wins | 8 |
| Career runs | 31 |
| Career wins | 10 |
| Total prize money | £686,189 |
Cheltenham Gold Cup form and free tip
Al Boum Photo is the defending champion but winning back-to-back Gold Cups is not easy. Kauto Star could not manage it and Best Mate was the last horse to win Gold Cups in successive years (2000, 2003 and 2004). Kemboy fell in the Gold Cup last year but then won impressively at Aintree and Punchestown. Delta Work and Santini were leading novices last season and both horses could have trained on and can be competitive in the Gold Cup. Monalee was one the top novices of the 2017/18 season and looked close to his best when finishing second behind Delta Work at Leopardstown over Christmas.
You should never rule out a horse for a major race based on one below-par effort. Lostintranslation was pulled up in the King George but dispatched Bristol De Mai in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Bristol De Mai is not suited to the track at Cheltenham but LOSTINTRANSLATION can cope with the fences and undulations. The Colin Tizzard runner is fancied to win the 2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Presenting Percy was a disappointing favourite last year but has the form and past ratings to make the payout places. However, the horse will be running for minor honours because Lostintranslation is the most likely winner of the Gold Cup.
Our Tip:
Lostintranslation at 7/1
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