The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the ultimate prize in National Hunt racing. As the race that brings the Cheltenham Festival to a dramatic conclusion, it combines history, prestige, and relentless competition like no other event in the jumps calendar.
From legendary past winners to modern-day champions, the Gold Cup has defined careers and created some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments. In this guide, we explain what the Cheltenham Gold Cup is, when it takes place, who won last year’s renewal, and which horses are shaping up to contest the race in 2026.
What is the Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt race open to horses aged five years old and over. Run over 3 miles, 2 furlongs and 70 yards on Cheltenham’s New Course with 22 fences to be jumped, it is the richest non-handicap race in Britain with an incredible prize fund of £625,000.
It is the most prestigious of all National Hunt events, receiving the moniker of the ‘Blue Riband of jump-racing’. The Gold Cup has one of the richest rolls of honours in all of jumps racing, with elite chasers like Arkle, Galopin Des Champs, and Kauto Star winning multiple Gold Cups.
When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Gold Cup takes place on Day 4 of the festival, Friday, March 13th, at 4:00 pm. Such is its prestige, Day 4 is named Gold Cup day after the race. As the centrepiece of Gold Cup Day, it is the most-watched staying chase in National Hunt racing and the ultimate test of stamina, jumping, and class. The race brings the Festival to a dramatic close, with the atmosphere at Cheltenham reaching its peak as the very best chasers battle up the famous hill for racing’s greatest prize.
Who won the Gold Cup 2025?
Inothewayurthinkin won the race in 2025, overcoming market leader Galopin Des Champs, who was on course for a hat-trick of victories. While that ended Galopin’s streak, it kept another one going: all of the previous seven Gold Cup-winning trainers have been Irish, with Gavin Cromwell winning last year’s renewal. To further illustrate this dominance, nine of the previous ten events have been won by Irishmen. Willie Mullins enters 2026 just one win away from tying the record as the leading trainer, currently on four wins.
Recent Gold Cup Winners
- 2025 – Inothewayurthinkin, 15/2, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (IRE), Jockey: Mark Walsh
- 2024 – Galopin Des Champs, 10/11, Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Paul Townend
- 2023 – Galopin Des Champs, 7/5, Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Paul Townend
- 2022 – A Plus Tard, 3/1, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead (IRE), Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
- 2021 – Minella Indo, 9/1, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead (IRE), Jockey: Jack Kennedy
- 2020 – Al Boum Photo, 100/30, Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Paul Townend
- 2019 – Al Boum Photo, 12/1, Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Paul Townend
- 2018 – Native River, 5/1, Trainer: Colin Tizzard (IRE), Jockey: Richard Johnson
- 2017 – Sizing John, 7/1, Trainer: Jessica Harrington (IRE), Jockey: Robbie Power
- 2016 – Don Cossack, 9/4, Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE), Jockey: Bryan Cooper
- 2015 – Coneygree, 7/1, Trainer: Mark Bradstock, Jockey: Nico de Boinville
- 2014 – Lord Windermere, 20/1, Trainer: Jim Culloty (IRE), Jockey: Davy Russell
Who is running in the Gold Cup 2026?
At the head of the betting is Fact To File (4/1), Willie Mullins’ powerful staying chaser owned by JP McManus. A devastating winner of last year’s Ryanair Chase, he reaffirmed his Gold Cup credentials when landing the Irish Gold Cup a few months back. His King George run raised questions, but he showed at Leopardstown that stamina is his greatest asset. If supplemented, he looks a rock-solid contender with the right profile for Cheltenham’s demanding three miles and uphill finish.
Close behind is Jango Baie (5/1), Nicky Henderson’s Arkle hero from last season. His novice success showcased his resilience and stamina, traits that were further underlined by a strong late run in the King George. Cheltenham should suit him far better than Kempton, and many believe he is a horse deliberately campaigned with the Gold Cup in mind. If he jumps fluently, he could be a major danger.
The Jukebox Man (6/1) brings King George-winning form into the race and represents a fascinating contender for Ben Pauling. His ability to battle back on Kempton’s short run-in was impressive, and the longer, stiffer finish at Cheltenham may play even more to his strengths. Given that profile, it is no surprise some feel he could be underpriced rather than overlooked.
Former dual winner Galopin Des Champs (10/1) adds a layer of class and history to the field. Now 10, he may not be at his absolute peak, but his record at Cheltenham and Leopardstown commands respect. He has already proven himself on the biggest stage and cannot be dismissed lightly. If the race becomes a test of stamina and jumping under pressure.
Other runners such as Gaelic Warrior, Haiti Couleurs, and Spillane’s Tower add further depth to a compelling lineup. With no standout superstar and several runners arriving with realistic chances, the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup promises to be a true championship test. Preparation, pacing, and composure could prove just as important as raw ability this year.
2026 Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup
The 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup promises a highly competitive renewal, with several horses showing strong credentials but no clear standout. Fact To File leads the market after impressive wins, including the Irish Gold Cup, showing stamina and Cheltenham suitability. Jango Baie remains a major threat, with strong staying ability and an Arkle-winning profile from last season. The Jukebox Man impressed at Kempton, and the longer, stiffer Cheltenham finish may play into his strengths. Former dual winner Galopin Des Champs is not one to overlook. He is capable of performing well despite being ten years old. With several realistic chances, the 2026 Gold Cup promises drama, excitement, and a fitting finale to the Cheltenham Festival.
