Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021: Start time, runners and riders, betting odds and TV channel

Al Boum Photo is the defending champion of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He won the New Year's Day Chase on his return from training in January. Golden Miller, Arkle, Best Mate and Cottage Rake are the previous winners.

Al Boum Photo is aiming to become the fifth horse to win the Gold Cup on three occasions. He won the New Year's Day Chase on his January return. Last year's winner, Al Bou m Photo, will head to Cheltenham Festival on 19 March. Golden Miller, Arkle, Best Mate and Cottage Rake are the previous winners.

The WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase is on Friday March 19.

Cheltenham Gold Cup starts at 3:05 pm. Races are 25 minutes earlier this year as part of a reworked television schedule.

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021 starts at 10:30 am GMT.

ITV will broadcast six of the seven daily races live. Mirror Racing will follow the race on their dedicated live blog.

Willie Mullins' Al Boum Photo won the Gold Cup last year.

Al Boum is the defending champion. He won the RSA Chase at last season's festival. Al Boums has had just one run this season - at Tramore on New Year's Day.

A Plus Tard won the Christmas feature at Leopardstown. He will go straight to Cheltenham without another race.

Royale Pagaille has won three consecutive races this season. Frodon won the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. Santini was beaten by Bristol de Mai and Native River at Sandown. Kemboy has disappointed in his previous two appearances in this race. Venetia Williams is not talking about the Gold Cup.

Minella Indo is an Irish rival to Al Boum Photo. Minella won the Albert Bartlett over three miles at 50-1 two years ago.

Al Boum Photo is the 11-4 favourite for the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Jockeys are still to be confirmed.

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021 starts at 10:30 am local time.