Who wins the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the crown jewel of the National Hunt racing calendar. Scheduled for March 13, 2026, it will be run over a three-and-a-quarter-mile distance at Cheltenham. Galopin Des Champs is unable to participate due to an injury, making Gaelic Warrior the new favorite to win. Among other contenders is The Jukebox Man, who triumphed in the King George VI Chase. The race offers a first prize of £351,688 out of a total purse exceeding £650,000. Racing enthusiasts can catch the live event on ITV Racing.
- Key questions answered ahead of the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup
- This Grade One will be run at the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 13th March
- Gaelic Warrior has been backed into favouritism
What is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, held during the Cheltenham Festival, is the most prestigious race in National Hunt racing. This famous Grade One has been won by legendary horses such as Arkle, Best Mate, and Kauto Star.
When is the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is run on day four of the Cheltenham Festival. The 2026 Gold Cup will be run at 4:00pm at Cheltenham on Friday 13th March.
Who won the Gold Cup?
Galopin Des Champs came up short in his shot at Cheltenham Festival immortality, as the Gavin Cromwell's Inothewayurthinkin beat the favourite to claim an impressive win.
No. Sadly, Willie Mullins' legend sustained an injury in the build-up to this year's Cheltenham Festival, and Galopin Des Champs will miss the rest of the 2025/26 season.
Will Galopin Des Champs run in the 2026 Gold Cup?
No. Sadly, Willie Mullins' legend sustained an injury in the build-up to this year's Cheltenham Festival, and Galopin Des Champs will miss the rest of the 2025/26 season.
Who is the favourite for the Gold Cup?
Galopin Des Champs' injury means that Paul Townend will ride Gaelic Warrior in this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Willie Mullins' former Arkle winner has placed in both the King George VI Chase and the Irish Gold Cup, and Gaelic Warrior has been backed into Gold Cup favouritism.
Will The Jukebox Man run in the Gold Cup?
Yes. Ben Pauling's star chaser won the King George VI Chase at Kempton in December, and the Harry Redkapp-owned chaser has been confirmed in the final Gold Cup field.
Who will win the 2026 Gold Cup?
You can read our full guide to the 2025 Gold Cup here on our website. You'll get the latest odds and our betting predictions in this free preview.
What distance is the Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is run over a distance of three and a quarter miles. That distance equates to 26-and-a-half furlongs, or 5,294 meters.
Who is the best winner of the Gold Cup ever?
The greatest winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival is widely considered to be Arkle, who won the race three times from 1964 to 1966 and is often regarded as the best steeplechaser in history. His dominance was such that he carried huge handicap weights and still won easily in other races.
Other legendary Gold Cup winners include Best Mate (three consecutive wins from 2002–2004) and Golden Miller, who won a record five Gold Cups in the 1930s. However, many racing historians still regard Arkle as the greatest of them all.
Which trainer has won the most Gold Cups?
Arkle's trainer, Tom Dreaper is the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Gold Cup history with five victories. Along with three-time winner Arkle, Dreaper saddled 1946 winner Prince Regent and champion of 1968, Fort Leney.
How much does the Gold Cup winner get?
The first prize for the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup is £351,688. The overall prize pot for this Grade One totals over £650,000.
How can I watch the Gold Cup?
The 2026 Gold Cup will be shown live on ITV Racing. If you want to watch this race live via a mobile or tablet, then take a look at the Horse Racing Live Streaming page on our website.
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