The premier race of the Cheltenham Festival, the Gold Cup is the ultimate achievement in horse racing. Find out more in our Cheltenham Gold Cup guide.
One of the most prestigious events in the world of horse racing, the Cheltenham Festival takes place over four exhilarating days, from Tuesday 11th until Friday 14th March 2025. Held annually at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, the festival attracts the finest horses, jockeys and trainers from across the UK and around the world, all competing for glory in a series of thrilling challenges.
The most iconic event during the Cheltenham Festival is the Gold Cup, which captivates hardcore racing fans and causal spectators alike. If you’re wondering what it’s all about, here’s our Cheltenham Gold Cup guide and some information on how to place a bet.
What is the Gold Cup at Cheltenham?
So, what is the Gold Cup? The highlight of the Cheltenham Festival, the Gold Cup is a Grade 1 race and the ultimate test for steeplechasers. A fast-paced chase that requires a combination of speed, agility and jumping ability, the Cheltenham Gold Cup offers plenty of drama and excitement to spectators.
What is the significance of the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
As its name suggests, the Gold Cup is a highly coveted title not only in the Cheltenham festival schedule, but also in the global horse racing community. Winning the Gold Cup is a career-defining achievement for jockeys and trainers, also securing a horse’s place in racing history. The pinnacle of the National Hunt racing calendar, the Gold Cup is a must-watch event, and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
The Gold Cup at a glance
Above, we’ve set out to answer the question of ‘what is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?’, but there are still got some very key details to cover!
When is the Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup takes place on Friday 14th March, which is the fourth and final day of Cheltenham Festival, aptly named Gold Cup Day. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the premier race of the entire festival and starts at 4pm (between the Novices’ Hurdle Race at 3:20pm and the Festival Hunters Chase at 4:40pm).
Where is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup takes place on the New Course at Cheltenham Racecourse, which is known for its challenging undulations and a series of tough fences. The finish line is located at the top of the hill, adding to the anticipation as the horses power up the final stretch.
What is the prize money for the Gold Cup?
As you might have guessed, the Gold Cup offers the most prize money at Cheltenham, out of any race at the Festival. Riders will compete for a total of £625,000, with £351,687 going to the winner. The prize for second place will be £132,500, followed by £66,312 for third place, £33,125 for fourth, £16,625 for fifth, £8,312 for sixth, £4,125 for seventh, and £2,125 for eighth place.
How many horses compete in the Gold Cup?
The number of horses competing in the Cheltenham Gold Cup can vary each year, but you can expect up to 18 runners in 2025. Some of this year’s notable entries include Fact To File, Ahoy Senor, Banbridge, Embassy Gardens, and Galopin Des Champs (the winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2024).
How long is the Gold Cup?
The Gold Cup covers a challenging three miles and two furlongs, with the runners having to overcome 22 fences along the way.
A history of the Gold Cup at Cheltenham
The Cheltenham Gold Cup was first run in 1924 and has grown into one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in National Hunt racing. Its original organisers wanted to bring together the best chasers in the country, which proved so successful that it soon became an international event.
The Gold Cup had to be put on hold during the Second World War, resuming in 1946 and rapidly gaining greater popularity over the pursuing years. And by the beginning of the 21st century, the Gold Cup, along with the rest of the Cheltenham Festival, benefited from advances in racing technology, improved broadcasting, and an expanding global audience, making it the premier event in the National Hunt racing calendar.
Gold Cup legends and icons
At over a century old, the Cheltenham Gold Cup has welcomed many icons and created just as many legends. The most successful horse in Gold Cup history is Golden Miller, which achieved an incredible five victories between 1932 and 1936.
Meanwhile, Irish jockey Ruby Walsh is widely regarded as a Gold Cup icon, having won the race in 2004 and 2009, both with Kauto Star, in 2015 with Vautour, and in 2017 with Yorkhill.
When it comes to trainers, Willie Mullins is at the top of his league. With multiple wins at Cheltenham Festival, including the Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle, his versatility across chases and hurdles makes him a dominant figure in the world of horse racing.
We then have Rachael Blackmore, who made history in 2021 when she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Proudly riding Irish racehorse Minella Indo to the finish line, Blackmore has cemented her place in the history of female jockeys at Cheltenham.
If you’re interested in finding out more, make sure to check out our article exploring the wider history of Cheltenham Gold Cup winners
How to bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup
So, there you have it, our Cheltenham Gold Cup guide that tells you everything you need to know about this exciting event.
At Betway, we make it easy to bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Whether you’re a first timer who fancies a flutter or a seasoned follower of the Cheltenham Festival, we have everything you need to back your favourite! Why not get started with our range of Cheltenham free bets?