The early betting odds and key contenders for the 2027 Cheltenham Gold Cup have been announced, with Gaelic Warrior leading at 4/1 following an impressive 2026 victory. Jango Baie, a close second in this year's race, is at 10/1, while Kitzbuhel, trained by Willie Mullins, is at 14/1. Several other strong contenders, including Lulamba and Fact To File, are also vying for a chance. This early insight predicts a thrilling race for the feature event at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.
This famous race will take place at 4:00pm on Friday, March 19th
Defending champion Gaelic Warrior is the early 4/1 favourite
Paul Townend riding Gaelic Warrior to victory in the 2026 Gold Cup. (Getty)
Here is the early betting for the 2027 Cheltenham Gold Cup, plus a look at the runners who could contest the feature race at next year's Cheltenham Festival.
Gaelic Warrior turned what looked to be a wide-open Gold Cup into a procession in 2026. Paul Townend took the ride, after Galopin Des Champs' retirement, and became the winning-most jockey in Gold Cup history as he guided the market leader to an emphatic victory.
Jango Baie went off as the joint-favourite for this year's Gold Cup, and finished a gallant second. Nicky Henderson is sure to train his top staying-chaser for the race next season. Inothewayurthinkin relinquished his crown, but ran a gutsy race from finish third, having jumped poorly at the rear for most of the contest.
The Brown Advisory Novices' Chase is renowned for producing future Gold Cup contenders. Willie Mullins' Kitzbuhel made all to defeat stablemate Final Demand in that Grade One this year, and both sit prominently in the market for the 2027 Gold Cup.
Lulamba finished a little one-paced when beaten in the Arkle Challenge Trophy, and will benefit from a step up in distance. Fact To File wasn't allowed to defend his Ryanair Chase crown due to the quick ground at the Festival, and could line up in the Gold Cup in 12 months' time.
Spillane's Tower was a non-runner in this year's feature due to the ground, and could return in 2027. The Jukebox Man didn't quite see out the Gold Cup trip, but may be given another crack at the big one next season. Heart Wood, Oscars Brother, Jagwar and Caldwell Potter also feature in the early betting.
Paul Townend became the first jockey to ride five Cheltenham Gold Cup winners. (Getty)
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2027 FAQs
When is the 2027 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Gold Cup headlines day four of the Cheltenham Festival. The 2027 Cheltenham Gold Cup will be run at 4:00pm on Friday, March 19th, 2027.
Who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Paul Townend became the first jockey to ride five Cheltenham Gold Cup winners, as joint-favourite Gaelic Warrior secured an emphatic victory in the 2026 renewal for Willie Mullins and owner, Rich Ricci.
Cheltenham Festival 2027 dates?
In 2027, the Cheltenham Festival will begin on Tuesday, March 16th and end on Friday, March 19th.
