Today, Prestbury Park will host the biggest race of the Cheltenham Festival. The Gold Cup began back in 1924 and since then, we have seen some heart-stopping and unforgettable moments.
Galopin Des Champs – 2023
But first, lets look back to last year when Galopin Des Champs claimed Gold Cup glory. The pre-race favourite showed his class as Paul Townend secured a memorable victory for trainer Willie Mullins.
Red Splash – 1924
Red Splash was the first Horse to cross the line to claim the Gold Cup. Ridden by Dick Rees for trainer Fred Withington. He was presented with a the trophy that is comprised of 644 grams of nine carat gold and plated in 18 carat gold which gives it the rich colour.
A Plus Tard – 2022
Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, riding favourite A Plus Tard to a 15-length victory. She was a 3-1 favourite on the day and also won a repeat win of the Champion’s Hurdle with Honeysuckle earlier in the week.
The Grand National winning jockey has won twice this week already with Slade Steel and Captain Guinness.
Embed from Getty ImagesKauto Star vs Denman – 2008 & 2009
Both Kauto Star and Denman were trained by Paul Nicholls. In 2008, Kauto Star was the defending champion and the favourite to win the race again in the horse racing odds. However, Denman impressed his stablemate to win the Gold Cup by a comfortable seven lengths from Kauto Star.
But, the following year Kauto Star reversed the result and won by 13 lengths to become the first horse to regain the Gold Cup.
Best Mate – 2004
Best Mate achieved a remarkable hat-trick of victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup from 2002 to 2004.
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 a narrow win over Sir Rembrandt.
Desert Orchid – 1989
Desert Orchid, who is sometimes know as ‘Dessie’, is a notable Cheltenham horse who won the Gold Cup in 1989. His victory is remembered as one of the most dramatic moments in the race’s history.
Despite facing tough competition and heavy ground, Desert Orchid’s determination saw him power to victory in an incredible finish by a length-and-a-half over Yahoo.
Dawn Run – 1986
Dawn Run made history by becoming the first horse to win both the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Dawn Run was trained by Paddy Mullins and ridden by Jonjo O’Neill.
Throughout the years there have been some fantastic performances, and it’s no doubt that history is in the making yet again, today.
