Cheltenham Gold Cup: A Look at Successful Winners
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious race in National Hunt horse racing, taking place annually in March at the Cheltenham Festival meeting. Since its inauguration in 1924, some of the most successful winners of this race include:
- Tom Dreaper: With five victories in the race, including wins with Arkle in 1964, 1965, and 1966, Tom Dreaper is the most successful trainer in the Cheltenham Gold Cup’s history. He won the race with three different horses: Prince Regent and Fort Leney, in addition to his legendary horse Arkle.
- Paul Nicholls: With four Cheltenham Gold Cup wins under his belt, Paul Nicholls is set to saddle Bravemansgame this year. The King George winner is currently 14/1 for those looking to place their bets on the biggest contest of the week.
- Willie Mullins: The defending champion, Galopin Des Champs, is one of the most popular contenders for this year’s meeting. With three Cheltenham Gold Cup wins under his belt, Willie Mullins would match Paul Nicholls’ tally should her horse prevail again.
- Golden Miller: A dominant force between 1932 and 1936, Golden Miller won five consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup races. The horses that came close to matching his dominance were Arkle and Best Mate, both of whom won the Cheltenham Festival feature three times.
- Arkle: In the 1960s, Arkle and jockey Pat Taaffe enjoyed a golden period in Irish racing. They won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times between 1964 and 1966. Taaffe later added a fourth victory with Fort Leney in 1968.
- Pat Taaffe: An exceptional jockey and trainer, Pat Taaffe won the Cheltenham Gold Cup as both a rider and an owner. His horse Captain Christy claimed victory in 1974, while Jonjo O’Neill’s Synchronised won the prestigious race in 2012.
2024 Cheltenham Festival: Taking place between 13-16 March, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is set to be held on the final day of the meeting at 15:30.
