Day four at the Cheltenham Festival is headlined by the biggest race in all of National Hunt racing, the Gold Cup. First staged at Cheltenham in 1924, the Cheltenham Gold Cup has become the most coveted prize in the sport of horse racing, and any chaser lucky enough to triumph over this three-and-a-quarter-mile trip is guaranteed a place in the annals of sporting history.
Our guide to the Gold Cup will be published in the weeks leading up to the Cheltenham Festival.
2022 Gold Cup Runners
Defending champion, A Plus Tard headed a classy list of 27 chasers who've been entered in this year's Gold Cup. Despite his flop in the Betfair Chase, Henry De Bromhead's star remains the second-favourite to retain his crown, with John Durkan Chase winner Galopin Des Champs the 6/4 favourite with bookmakers bet365.
The highest-placed of the home runners in the Gold Cup betting is Brown Advisory Chase winner L'Homme Presse, who was last seen falling at Kempton when booked for second in the King George. Bravemansgame was slashed for the Gold Cup following his victory in that prestigious Grade One. As was Protektorat, after Dan Skelton's star bolted up in the Betfair Chase.
Noble Yeats has built on his 2022 Grand National triumph by winning the Many Clouds Chase this term. Emmet Mullins has handed his Aintree hero a Gold Cup entry, and Noble Yeats could be joined in the race by fellow Irish raider Hewick, who struck in the Galway Plate during the summer.
Along with Galopin Des Champs, Willie Mullins could be represented by National Hunt Chase winner Stattler, Punchestown Grade One winner Capodanno, two-time Cheltenham Festival winner Monkfish and consistent chaser Franco De Port.
Gordon Elliott's hopes lie at the feet of Savills Chase winner Conflated, who could be joined in the Gold Cup by stablemates Galvin and Fury Road. Henry De Bromhead will run both A Plus Tard and another former winner in Minella Indo.
Ahoy Senor, Royale Pagaille and Eldorado Allen have been entered up by British connections. As has two-time Cheltenham winner Shishkin. Frodon, Coole Cody, The Big Breakaway, Ga Law, Sounds Russian and The Real Whacker round off the Gold Cup entries.
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Fashion on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Fashion on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: In the Guinness Village on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: In the Guinness Village on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni (L) on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni (L) on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Trainer Paul Nicholls and guest arrive at the track on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Trainer Paul Nicholls and guest arrive at the track on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban acknowledge the crowd following their victory in The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban acknowledge the crowd following their victory in The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man approach the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man approach the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man looks on after crossing the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man looks on after crossing the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A Cheltenham sign is seen during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A Cheltenham sign is seen during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe (R, black and white cap) on The Nice Guy clear the last before Paul Townend (white cap) on Minella Cocooner to win The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe (R, black and white cap) on The Nice Guy clear the last before Paul Townend (white cap) on Minella Cocooner to win The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe on The Nice Guy celebrates after their victory in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe on The Nice Guy celebrates after their victory in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A general view of jockeys and horses running in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard clear the last ahead of Robbie Power on Minella Indo to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard clear the last ahead of Robbie Power on Minella Indo to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (L, red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard looks on after winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard looks on after winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore kisses the Gold Cup after riding A Plus Tard to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: MC O'Donovan and Lord Schnitzel jump the 3rd last in the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: MC O'Donovan and Lord Schnitzel jump the 3rd last in the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Mark Walsh and Elimay (3) jump the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Mark Walsh and Elimay (3) jump the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Runners and riders jump the third last in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Runners and riders jump the third last in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious prize in all of National Hunt racing.
The Gold Cup is run on the New Course at Prestbury Park. It's open to all chasers, and run over a grueling trip of three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs.
The first recorded running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup actually took place in 1819. At that stage, the Gold Cup was a flat race, and run over three miles on Cleeve Hill.
In 1924, the Cheltenham Gold Cup was switched to fences, and took pride of place in the center of the card on the final day of the Festival Festival.
The first horse to thrust their name up in lights in the Gold Cup was the legendary Golden Miller. Basil Briscoe's star won the Gold Cup five years in a row between 1932 and '36, while also winning the Grand National at Aintree in 1934.
The Cheltenham Festival, this the Gold Cup, was interrupted on several occasions during World War I and World War II.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup's popularity in Ireland grew massively in Ireland during the 1940s. Tom Dreaper trained the 1946 winner, Price Regent in 1946. Two years's later, Vincent O'Brien's Cottage Rake won for the first time, before landing a hat-trick of Gold Cup wins in the two subsequent seasons.
In 1958, Kerstin became just the second mare to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Only two other mares have achieved that feat since, the most famous of them being Dawn Run, who struck under Jonjo O'Neill for Paddy Mullins in 1986, three years after winning the Champion Hurdle.
Arkle dominated jumps racing throughout the 1960s. Tom Dreaper's star won the Gold Cup in 1964, '65 and '66, cementing his legacy as the greatest horse in the history of National Hunt racing.
L'Escargot claimed back-to-back Gold Cup wins at the start of the 1970s. Burrough Hill Lad scored in 1984, five year's before Desert Orchid claimed a popular victory in the 1989 edition of the Gold Cup.
The following season saw the biggest shock in the history of the Gold Cup, as 100/1 outsider, Norton's Coin handed little-known Welsh trainer, Sirrel Griffiths a fairytale victory.
AP McCoy celebrated the first of his two Gold Cup wins in 1997, guiding Mr Mulligan to victory. Mick Fitzgerald struck on See More Business two years later, handing Paul Nicholls his first win in the Gold Cup.
2002 saw Henrietta Knight's Best Mate claim his first Gold Cup win. Best Mate would follow up in '03 and '04, joining the illustrious list of three-time Gold Cup winners.
The rivalry between Kauto Star and Denman dominated National Hunt racing in the late 2000s. Paul Nicholls' stablemates went toe-to-toe in three Gold Cups.
Denman overcame his rival and defending Champion in 2008, before Kauto Star turned the tables on his stablemate the following season, becoming the first horse to regain the Gold Cup in the process.
Nicky Henderson saddled the Gold Cup winner in 2011 and '13, with Long Run and Bob's Worth winning either side of McCoy's second victory on Synchronised.
In 2015, Mark Bradstock's Coneygree became the first novice to win the Gold Cup, powering up Cleeve Hill under an excellent ride by Nico De Boinville.
Irish Trainers have won four of the last five Gold Cups, with Colin Tizzard's Native River interrupting the Irish success in 2018.
Gordon Elliott and Jessica Harrington celebrated their first Gold Cup triumphs in 2016 and 2017, with Don Cossack and Sizing John coming out on top.
After years of waiting, Willie Mullins finally got his hands on the Gold Cup in 2019, as Al Boum Photo scored a surprise win.
In 2020, Al Boum Photo became the first horse since Best Mate to win back-to-back Gold Cups, holding off Santini and Lostintranslation in a thrilling finish to Cheltenham's showpiece event.
Al Boum Photo's bid to win three Gold Cup was thwarted by Henry De Bromhead in 2021, as Minella Indo beat stablemate A Plus Tard, with the defending champion crossing the line third.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners
Year
Winner
2022
A Plus Tard
2021
Minella Indo
2020
Al Boum Photo
2019
Al Boum Photo
2018
Native River
2017
Sizing John
2016
Don Cossack
2015
Coneygree
2014
Lord Windermere
2013
Bobs Worth
2012
Synchronized
2011
Long Run
2010
Imperial Commander
2009
Kauto Star
2008
Denman
2007
Kauto Star
2006
War Of Attrition
2005
Kicking King
2004
Best Mate
2003
Best Mate
2002
Best Mate
Gold Cup FAQs
When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup will take place at 3:30pm on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 17th March.
What is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious prize in all of National Hunt racing. This Grade One is open to all chasers, and run over a gruelling trip of three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs.
Who won the Gold Cup?
In 2022, Henry De Bromhead saddled a 1-2 in the Gold Cup, as A Plus Tard beat stablemate Minella Indo.
Who's the favourite for the Gold Cup?
Three-time Grade One winner Galopin Des Champs is the favourite for the 2023 Gold Cup.
Where can I watch the Gold Cup?
The 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup will be shown live on ITV Racing. If you want to stream the race live on your mobile or tablet then visit our Live Streaming page for more details.
