Gold Cup Day Betting

It’s day four of the Cheltenham Festival and it’s time for the big one: the Gold Cup. The runners and riders, including 2023 winner and 2024 favourite Galopin Des Champs, will line up for the flagship race of the Cheltenham Festival at 15:30.

Day four has seven races for punters to get stuck into starting with the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle and rounding off a pulsating week with the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. In between those are the BetMGM County Hurdle and the Novices Hurdle, before the Gold Cup takes centre stage.

Following this we have the Open Hunters’ Chase and the Mares Chase before the Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle completes the action. It is sure to be an action-packed, fast-paced final day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and our guide to day four will ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action. Here is the full schedule for Cheltenham Gold Cup Day:

• 13:30 – The Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 14:10 – The BetMGM County Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
• 14:50 – Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
• 15:30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1)
• 16:10 – Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
• 16:50 – Mares' Chase (Grade 2)
• 17:30 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-145)

*Please note all timings are subject to change.

History of the Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup needs no introduction. From its inaugural run in 1924, the event quickly became one of the most celebrated events in British horse racing. Now in its centenary year, the race was designed to be a test of stamina and jumping ability for steeplechasers and has attracted the world’s top horses, trainers and jockeys over the years.

Throughout the last century the Cheltenham Gold Cup has witnessed many iconic moments and created some legendary champions. Names like Golden Miller, Arkle and Best Mate have won the event on more than one occasion and every year the race captivates audiences worldwide as fans gather to witness a thrilling spectacle.

The race has evolved over time, with changes in distance and track conditions, but has remained the pinnacle of steeplechase racing. The Gold Cup attracts elite competitors from around the world and, in its 100th year, remains a cherished fixture in the racing schedule.

Here are the last 10 winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and their jockeys:

• 2023 – Galopin Des Champs (Paul Townend)
• 2022 – A Plus Tard (Rachael Blackmore)
• 2021 – Minella Indo (Jack Kennedy)
• 2020 – Al Boum Photo (Paul Townend)
• 2019 – Al Boum Photo (Paul Townend)
• 2018 – Native River (Richard Johnson)
• 2017 – Sizing John (Robbie Power)
• 2016 – Don Cossack (Bryan Cooper)
• 2015 – Coneygree (Nico de Boinville)
• 2014 – Lord Windermere (Davy Russell)

What is the big race of the day?

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the 100th edition of the Gold Cup. Taking place at 15:30, a field of 16 runners will be vying to become the winner of one of the world’s most prestigious horse races.

Following last year's triumph, Willie Mullins will be hoping for back-to-back Gold Cup victories with Galopin Des Champs heavily fancied to repeat the success of 2023. A strong field includes second favourite Fastorslow, who triumphed over Galopin Des Champs twice at Punchestown last year but came up short in their most recent encounter at Leopardstown.

Leading the British charge is Shishkin who, after winning the Denman Chase at Newbury recently, is firmly in contention on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day, as are Gerri Colombe and L’Homme Presse.

Lucinda Russell’s 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler is poised to run in the Gold Cup as are Gentlemansgame and Bravemansgame, who have battled it out previously with the former triumphing at Wetherby.

Cheltenham over the years

Originating in 1860, the Cheltenham Festival has evolved into a mainstay of the UK racing calendar. Originally a three-day meeting, the festival was extended in 2005 to take place over four days, ensuring a championship race on each day.

The annual meeting attracts racing enthusiasts from far and wide, as well as some legendary names and the top trainers and jockeys in the sport. As well as top-tier competition, Cheltenham is known for its electric atmosphere, with hundreds of thousands of people attending every March.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the headline grabber not just on day four but of the whole festival. This 3m 2½f race has made legends of its winners over the last 100 years.

The BetMGM County Hurdle, which serves as the initial handicap race on the festival's final day, also has plenty to offer. This race has recently been dominated by two famous stables; since 2015 all but one has been won by either Dan Skelton or Willie Mullins and 2024 makes for fascinating racing with both trainers represented again.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Betting Tips

Rounding off the 2024 Cheltenham Festival is an all-action day four. With seven races to get stuck into, punters will be looking for the in-form horses and jockeys as they search for a final big win of the week. Check out our Cheltenham Gold Cup Day betting tips to learn more about the races, participants and favourites.