Cheltenham Festival: Gold Cup Day Preview

The prestigious Cheltenham Festival is upon us, and National Hunt racing enthusiasts are already eagerly anticipating the thrills and spills of Gold Cup Day. 

The fourth and final day of the iconic meeting is a climactic culmination of riveting competition, with the Gold Cup itself being the pinnacle of the jumps racing season. 

That said, let’s go through the Gold Cup Day card and take a look at the seven exciting races that are set to take place on March 15. 

Triumph Hurdle

Commencing with the Triumph Hurdle, a Grade 1 showdown highlighting the up-and-coming talents of the hurdling division, Gold Cup Day bursts into life.

The youthful vigour and promise exhibited in this two-mile, one-furlong contest lay the groundwork for the rollercoaster day that lies ahead.

Sir Gino, under the tutelage of veteran trainer Nicky Henderson and ownership of Jessica Donnelly, emerges as a favoured contender in the Paddy Power racing — poised to extend his undefeated streak.

County Handicap Hurdle

Following in the Triumph Hurdle’s wake is the County Handicap Hurdle, an electrifying display of speed and agility over hurdles. 

With a field brimming with seasoned handicappers, this race never ceases to astonish with its unpredictability and potential for upset.

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle takes centre stage thereafter, providing a platform for budding talents of the jumping domain to showcase their mettle over the demanding Cheltenham new course.

As novices like High Class Hero, Dancing City, and Readin Tommy Wrong — who are all trained by Willie Mullins — strive to make their mark in racing history, the intensity, and fervour of this Grade 1 encounter are bound to enthral audiences.

Gold Cup

The pièce de résistance of the day is the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Serving as the definitive test for horse and jockey, this lucrative Grade 1 sees the best chasers in the sport go up against each other for the top prize of over £350,000. 

The Gold Cup’s role of honour is unparalleled, featuring legends like Best Mate, Kauto Star, and Arkle. 

Last year’s winner Galopin Des Champs once again emerges as the favourite in the odds for Cheltenham Festival. 

St James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase

Often shortened to the St James’s Place Festival Hunter Chase, this contest is a joyous celebration of amateur riders. 

On the grand stage of Prestbury Park, the race is contested over three miles and two-and-a-half-furlongs and 22 fences — making it a battle of skill and stamina for these amateurs and their mounts. 

Mrs’ Paddy Power Mares’ Chase

The Mrs’ Paddy Power Mares’ Chase is the penultimate race of the week and sees some of the best female horses from the United Kingdom and Ireland go head-to-head for Grade 2 honours. 

Raced over two miles and four furlongs, this contest was only introduced to the Cheltenham Festival in 2021.

Mullins has won two of the first three renewals and looks set to extend that record with Dinoblue this year. 

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

The Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle draws the curtain on the Cheltenham Festival. 

Named in honour of 15-time champion trainer Martin Pipe, this race is open only to conditional jockeys and is contested over roughly two miles and four furlongs. 

Mullins has won this race four times since its inauguration in 2009, and Sa Majeste is out to land the Irish handler his fifth success this year.