The anticipation for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival is palpable, with racing enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the latest edition of the Gold Cup — a pinnacle event that embodies excellence, perseverance, and equine prowess.
As we gear up for another thrilling showdown by leaving no stone unturned when assessing the horse racing betting markets, it’s opportune to reflect on the last five victors who have left an indelible mark on this prestigious race.
Native River – 2018
Colin Tizzard secured his inaugural Gold Cup triumph in 2018 with Native River, who prevailed over the favoured Might Bite by a commanding four-and-a-half lengths. Despite being the second favourite at 5/1, Native River showcased sheer determination, battling gallantly with Might Bite before surging ahead for a comfortable victory under jockey Richard Johnson. “To win the Gold Cup is everything in anyone’s life. It doesn’t get any better,” trainer Tizzard said afterward.
Al Boum Photo – 2019 & 2020
In 2019, Al Boum Photo secured trainer Willie Mullins his maiden Gold Cup victory, defying odds of 12/1 to clinch the coveted title. Remarkably, Mullins replicated this success in 2020, with Al Boum Photo becoming the first horse since Best Mate in the early 2000s to secure back-to-back Gold Cups, edging out Santini by a neck in a thrilling finish.
Minella Indo – 2021
Trainer Henry de Bromhead’s remarkable performance at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival saw him clinch an astounding six victories, including the prestigious Gold Cup. Despite the absence of
spectators due to the pandemic, Minella Indo delivered a memorable win, holding off stiff competition to triumph under the guidance of jockey Jack Kennedy. “Without a doubt, it’s certainly the best day of my life,” Kennedy said. “You dream about winning these races as a child. I know I’m still young, but I suppose I’ve been in the position that I could be winning them for a couple of years, so to get it done is brilliant.”
A Plus Tard – 2022
Undeterred by a previous Gold Cup defeat, A Plus Tard, ridden by the determined Rachael Blackmore, returned to Prestbury Park in 2022 with vengeance in mind. As the 3/1 favourite, A Plus Tard stormed to victory, dominating the field and securing a commanding 15-length win over rival Minella Indo, while Blackmore made history as the first female rider to clinch the coveted Gold Cup. “You can never dream too big – this is something I never thought would be possible,” Blackmore said after winning National Hunt racing’s biggest race.
Galopin Des Champs – 2023
Trainer Willie Mullins continued his reign of success in 2023, with Galopin Des Champs delivering another triumph in the Gold Cup. The seven-year-old justified his status as a favourite with odds of 7/4, securing victory by an impressive seven-length margin over Bravemansgame, setting the stage for a potentially historic repeat performance in the upcoming renewal of the Gold Cup — as he is the 11/10 favourite to defend his crown if you’re looking for Cheltenham bets today.
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As anticipation mounts for the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup, these past champions serve as a reminder of the enduring allure and excitement that this prestigious event brings to the world of horse racing.
