CONSIDERED TO be one of the most prestigious events in horse racing, the Cheltenham Gold Cup had early beginnings in 1924. Ever since, there have been many winners throughout its diverse history. Such as Arkle, Best Mate, Kauto Star and Mill House, to name a couple. Each year, the three-mile race opens to younger horses with a challenging course. It will take place on Friday 13th March this year, marking the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

The Gold Cup is the key event at Cheltenham. It is the best of the best in terms of horses and jockeys on offer. There is also a considerable prize fund above £625,000. 

Which of This Year’s Gold Cup Horses have a Good Chance of Winning?

Some of the previous winners of the Gold Cup are featured in this year’s race including last year’s winner Al Boum. Sizing John is also featured, but at odds of 40/1, its chances of winning are questionable.

Al Boum Photo. This Willie Mullins trained horse was the 2019 underdog, winning only a few amateur races beforehand. It performed outstandingly, blasting Anibale Fly out the water and seizing the 2019 Gold Cup. However, Al Boum’s excellent performance may be down to the poor display shown by his competitors, one of whom was lame before the finish line.

Kemboy. Well known for beating Al Boum at Punchestown last May, this is a top Willie Mullins specimen who delivered impressive displays at Aintree alongside Clan Des Obeaux. Despite a couple of issues earlier in the year, we are confident Cheltenham will suit Kemboy down to the ground.

Delta Work. One of Gordon Elliot’s horses, it won the 2016 edition and then four grade one contests after that. Delta Work had a good comeback at Down Royal, but a below-par performance at Savills Chase. Jack Kennedy gave him a good ride at Leopardstown. Then in February, he beat Kemboy and Presenting Percy in trials. 

Presenting Percy. A firm favourite but has had its fair share of problems, such as a slipped saddle caused by lameness which resulted in a disappointing ending. Other disappointing finishes suggest Presenting Percy has a lot to prove. We hope the track at Cheltenham will treat him well and give him the success he deserves.

Monalee. This nine-year-old horse goes particularly well over the first three miles but needs to sustain this. It has had three chase victories before. Only last year it came fourth in the Ryanair Chase just behind Frodon. It also finished second in the Savills Chase in the previous two years. With the right ground, we expect Monalee could perform well.

Santini. A young, already light raced horse who has had significant improvements over summer, Santini went on to win over Sandown in November. Despite an operation after this, the horse ran brilliantly in the January Costwold Chase. So, in the right conditions, this horse could do well.

Bristol De Mai. Tends to run better on flat track but otherwise needs to improve form so it can ward off Santini who will probably perform particularly well this year. 

Lostintranslation. According to Cheltenham Day 4 tips the 8 year old gelding is a one to be watched at this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup race. Last season, this horse came second in the JLT Chase, only just beaten by Defi Du Seuil. However, the horse managed to win the Mildmay Novice Chase at Aintree so has a good chance of winning this year’s Gold Cup. It has won smaller races like the one at Carlisle and the Betfair Chase in November. Despite a couple of issues after that, this horse should do well on good ground.

Clan des Obeaux. This horse only came fifth last season. However, it has won King George two years running at Kempton where it was performing particularly well after the three-meter mark. This time around, the conditions need to be suitable for this horse to run well.

Who’s the Likely Winner of the Gold Cup at Cheltenham This Year?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is only around the corner, taking place on Friday 13th March. Last year’s winner Al Boum Photo is a top favourite to take the Gold Cup again after his performance, the horse has shown great consistency since then. As a young horse, he has no apparent injuries and is a fast runner. However, it all does depend on what happens on the day as The Cheltenham Gold Cup can be anybody’s race.