The Cheltenham Gold Cup, the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, has produced some of the most heart-stopping and unforgettable moments in the history of the sport.
Year after year, racing enthusiasts are treated to displays of courage, skill, and determination as jockeys and their mounts battle it out for glory over the grueling three-mile, two-and-a-half-furlong course.
Among the countless renewals of the prestigious race that have taken place at the iconic Cheltenham Festival since the Gold Cup’s inauguration in 1924, certain finishes stand out as particularly dramatic. As you countdown to the Cheltenham Festival and analyse the Gold Cup betting 2024, let’s recount some of the most unforgettable moments in its history.
Dawn Run’s historic victory – 1986
Dawn Run’s triumph in the 1986 Cheltenham Gold Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in the race’s history.
Trained by the legendary Paddy Mullins and ridden by Jonjo O’Neill, Dawn Run became the first horse to win both the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup.
In a thrilling finish, she surged ahead in the final strides to claim victory — captivating the hearts of racing fans worldwide.
Desert Orchid’s triumph – 1989
Desert Orchid, affectionately known as ‘Dessie’, captured the imagination of the public with his flamboyant racing style and bold jumping.
His victory in the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup is fondly remembered as one of the most dramatic moments in the race’s history.
Despite facing tough competition and challenging heavy ground conditions, Desert Orchid’s relentless spirit saw him power to victory in a thrilling finish by a length-and-a-half over Yahoo.
Best Mate’s hat-trick – 2004
Best Mate’s remarkable hat-trick of victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup from 2002 to 2004 is a feat that is still fresh in the memory of many modern racing fans.
Trained by Henrietta Knight and ridden by Jim Culloty, Best Mate’s dominance of the race captivated audiences and cemented his status as one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time.
His final victory achieved dramatically with a narrow win over Sir Rembrandt, is still shown two decades on.
Kauto Star vs Denman – 2008 & 2009
These two great horses, both trained by esteemed handler Paul Nicholls, saw thrilling finishes two years in succession — making for memorable renewals of the Gold Cup. In 2008, Kauto Star was the defending champion and the favourite to win the race again in the horse racing odds.
However, Denman stunned his stablemate to win the Gold Cup by a rather comfortable seven lengths from Kauto Star.
That set up a mouthwatering renewal the following year, and Kauto Star reversed the form — winning by 13 lengths as he became the first horse ever to regain the Gold Cup.
More recent fantastic finishes
The Gold Cup has thrilled racing fans several times in the last few years, with Al Boum Photo’s victory by a neck over Santini to retain his title in 2020, Rachael Blackmore becoming the first female winner of the race atop A Plus Tard in 2022, and Galopin Des Champs’ success over Bravemansgame last year.
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The Cheltenham Gold Cup has consistently delivered moments of pure sporting wonder, captivated audiences, and showcased the courage and skill of both horse and rider.
As each new edition of the race unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of witnessing another unforgettable finish that will be etched into the annals of racing history.
