The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the crown jewel of National Hunt racing, a thrilling spectacle that draws horse racing fans from across the globe to the rolling hills of Cheltenham Racecourse. As we approach the 2025 renewal on Friday, March 14, excitement is building around the runners, the favourites, and the latest odds. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual fan looking to get in on the action, this comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 – from the key horses to watch, the current betting landscape, and expert insights to help you make informed decisions.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup isn’t just another horse race – it’s a test of stamina, speed, and jumping prowess that has defined legends like Arkle, Golden Miller, and Best Mate. First run as a jumps race in 1924, it’s now the pinnacle of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, held annually in March. The race covers 3 miles, 2½ furlongs (5,331 meters) on the New Course at Cheltenham, with horses navigating 22 fences before tackling the infamous uphill finish. It’s a grueling challenge that separates the good from the great.
For 2025, the prize pot stands at £625,000, with over £350,000 awarded to the winner. Beyond the money, it’s about prestige – a chance to etch a name into racing folklore. With Irish trainers like Willie Mullins dominating recent renewals, the question is: who will rise to the occasion this year?
The 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup entries are in, and we’ve got a stellar lineup of 19 horses (at the time of writing) ready to battle it out. Below, we’ll spotlight the standout contenders based on form, pedigree, and buzz in the racing community. These are the names you’ll want to keep an eye on as the festival approaches.
Galopin Des Champs (6/4)
Galopin Des Champs is the horse everyone’s talking about – and for good reason. This two-time Gold Cup winner is chasing a historic hat-trick, a feat last achieved by Best Mate (2002-2004). Trained by the masterful Willie Mullins, this gelding has been nigh-on unbeatable over the past two seasons. His recent victory in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown showcased his relentless power, pulling away by five lengths in a display that left rivals scrambling.
At 6/4 odds, he’s the clear ante-post favourite. But can he handle the pressure of history? Mullins has called him “the best chaser I’ve trained,” a bold statement given his stable’s depth. If he stays fit, Galopin Des Champs could join the pantheon of all-time greats like Arkle and Cottage Rake.
Fact To File (4/1)
Another Mullins superstar, Fact To File, is hot on Galopin’s heels at 4/1. This seven-year-old burst onto the scene with a commanding win in last year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, proving he can handle the festival atmosphere. His victory in the John Durkan Memorial Chase this season – where he beat Galopin Des Champs – sent shockwaves through the betting market.
However, recent clashes with his stablemate have seen him come up short, raising questions about his stamina over the Gold Cup’s extra distance. Connections might opt for the shorter Ryanair Chase, but if he lines up here, he’s a serious threat. Punters love his potential, and he’s one to watch as declarations loom.
Gerri Colombe (10/1)
Gerri Colombe has been a bridesmaid in recent Gold Cups, finishing second to Galopin Des Champs in 2023. At 10/1, he’s an intriguing each-way prospect. Trained by Gordon Elliott, this nine-year-old bounced back from last year’s disappointment with a Grade 1 win at Aintree, showing he’s still got plenty in the tank.
His consistency is his strength – he rarely runs a bad race – but he’ll need to find an extra gear to topple the Mullins brigade. If the ground comes up soft, his chances could improve significantly.
Banbridge (16/1)
Banbridge turned heads with a stunning upset in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day 2024. At 16/1, he’s a dark horse with momentum. Trained by Joseph O’Brien, this nine-year-old has versatility, holding entries in the Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase too. Jockey JJ Slevin has hinted at a Gold Cup tilt, but the big question is stamina – can he stretch his brilliance over the extra two furlongs at Cheltenham?
If the ground stays good, Banbridge could surprise a few, especially given his knack for delivering on big days.
Monty’s Star (20/1)
Monty’s Star is a bit of an enigma at 20/1. Trained by Henry De Bromhead, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, like his recent Grade 3 win at Tramore. However, a lackluster fifth in the Irish Gold Cup suggests he’s got work to do. If Rachael Blackmore can coax a career-best out of him, he might sneak into the frame, but he’s a longshot for the win.
Corbetts Cross (25/1)
At 25/1, Corbetts Cross is a stamina-laden outsider who could appeal to each-way punters. Trained by Emmet Mullins (Willie’s nephew), he won the National Hunt Chase at last year’s festival over 3m6f, proving he can grind it out. His sixth in the King George showed promise, but his jumping needs sharpening. Ruby Walsh has tipped him as a potential placer – could he be this year’s surprise package?
Other Notable Contenders
While the top six dominate the headlines, here are a few more runners worth mentioning:
The favourites for 2025 are a familiar duo from the Willie Mullins yard: Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File. Their rivalry has spiced up the ante-post market, with Galopin holding firm as the 6/4 favourite thanks to his proven Gold Cup pedigree. Fact To File, at 4/1, offers value for those betting on youth and potential over experience.
Behind them, Gerri Colombe (10/1) and Banbridge (16/1) are the next in line, representing a blend of reliability and emerging talent. The Irish dominance is stark – the top six in the betting are all trained across the Irish Sea, reflecting the shift in power over the past decade.
But favourites don’t always win. In the last 12 years, only five Gold Cup winners were sent off as the market leader. Shocks like Norton’s Coin (100/1 in 1990) remind us that Cheltenham can throw curveballs. Will 2025 follow the script, or are we in for a twist?
Here’s a snapshot of the latest ante-post odds (as of March 1, 2025):
Odds are subject to change as the festival nears. Check with bookmakers like Paddy Power, Bet365, or Racing Post for real-time updates.
The market is heavily skewed toward the Irish contingent, with Mullins holding a vice-like grip on the top two spots. For British hopefuls like Grey Dawning (14/1) or L’Homme Presse (withdrawn), the challenge is steep – no British-trained horse has won since Native River in 2018.
The Cheltenham New Course: A Stamina Test Like No Other
The Gold Cup’s unique challenge lies in its setting: the New Course at Cheltenham. Unlike the sharper Old Course used earlier in the festival, the New Course is a stern stamina test. The extended 3m2½f distance, combined with 22 fences and a punishing uphill finish, demands horses with endurance and heart.
Front-runners can succeed – think Kauto Star or Denman – but the long run-in often favors closers who can dig deep. Soft ground, common in March, can tilt the scales toward mud-lovers like Hewick or Corbetts Cross. Understanding the course is key to picking your winner.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup has a rich tapestry of champions:
Galopin Des Champs could join this elite club in 2025. His back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024 echo the dominance of past greats, but the pressure’s on to deliver a third.
Ready to place your bets? Here are some humanized, SEO-friendly tips to guide you:
The Gold Cup is scheduled for 4:00 PM GMT on Friday, March 14, 2025. You can catch it live on ITV1 (free-to-air) or Racing TV (subscription). Online streaming is available via ITVX or bookmaker platforms like Paddy Power.
For betting, top sites like Bet365, Paddy Power, and William Hill offer competitive odds, free bets, and enhanced place terms. Crypto betting is also gaining traction, with some platforms accepting Bitcoin for fast, secure wagers.
As March 14 draws closer, the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 promises a clash of titans. Galopin Des Champs is the horse to beat, his class and experience making him a worthy favourite. But Fact To File’s youthful exuberance, Banbridge’s Kempton heroics, and Corbetts Cross’s staying power could shake things up.
For punters, it’s a race brimming with opportunity – whether you’re backing the chalk or hunting value in the double-digit odds. One thing’s certain: when the tapes go up, the roar of the Cheltenham crowd will signal the start of something unforgettable.
Who’s your pick? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s get ready for the ride of the racing year!
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