The most prestigious race of the national hunt chase year.
 The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a grade 1 Steeplechase. The Gold Cup is the is the most prestigious steeplechase in the whole calendar and is run for the best steeplechasers over three miles and two and a half furlongs and is the main event of the last day of the Cheltenham festival. First Run in 1924 as a steeplechase this is the race that all top class chasers are aimed at all season. The race is open to all horses of the age 5 years and over. The first race was held on March 12th 1924 and was run over what is now the old course . In 1959 the race changed to the new course over which the race is still run today. The great steeplechaser Arkle won the race three times in succession in 1964,1965 and 1966. The great Golden miller won the race won the race five times 1932,1933,1934,1935 and 1936. He also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and The Grand National in the same year in1934. In 2009 Kauto Star became the first horse to regain The Cheltenham Gold Cup after winning in 2007 loosing in 2008 and winning again in 2009 In 1986 Dawn Run became the only horse to have won The Gold Cup and also The Champion Hurdle which she won in 1984.  Great race in prospect with Kauto Star trying to win for the third time. Last years winner Long Run comes here looking for a double. A good top class race again today. 
Race PreviewBurton Port A top class horse who was second in the RSA chase at the festival last season. Wins have come on ground ranging from good to soft Carruthers Really nice horse this who has come back to form this season winning the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase at Newbury. Looks to have plenty to do in this race but not without a chance of making the frame at a big price if on song. Wins have come on ground ranging from good to heavy China Rock The first of the Irish raiders, China Rock . Went well for a long way last year before pulling up and without a significant shortening in his odds other are preferred today Wins have come on ground ranging from good to soft Diamond Harry Top class but fragile horse. A winner of 10 of his 15 races and a horse who at his best would have a chance against the two market leaders . Wins have come on ground ranging from good / soft to heavy Kauto Star Simply the best chaser of his generation. Twice winner of this race and the only horse in history to regain his title. Has fallen in the past but his jumping is much better now. Fell while schooling a few weeks ago so that is a slight worry. Wins have come on ground ranging from good to soft Knockara Beau Good consistent horse who looks below this class at the moment. Would be a surprise winner on all known form. Wins have come on ground ranging from Good / Heavy Long Run Top class horse, winner of this race last year and favorite to repeat. Has met Kauto Star twice this season and come in second behind him Wins have come on ground ranging from good / heavy Midnight Chase Good Horse. 5th in this race last year. Well exposed consistent horse who may be coming into a bit of form. Good win in the Agento chase at this course in January. Wins have come on ground Good to heavy Quel Esprit Good consistent horse who fell in the RSA last year and then was brought down in May in an Irish grade 1 chase. He then had a break and has won his three chases since including the Hennessy at Leopardstown. From the really strong Mullins yard and could be anything. Watch the market and any move should not be ignored. Wins have come on ground good / soft to heavy Synchronised Really smart horse who comes here on the back of a good win in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown. Could easily have been overlooked as a long distance type but for that win over 3 miles. Should run well and could well make the frame. Wins have come on ground good / heavy The Giant Bolster Making up into a nice chaser this horse. has a bit to make up with Long Run, Burton port and What a friend on his 4th behind these at Newbury in the Denman Chase but young enough for improvement. Something of a dark horse who has a liking for this course. Wins have come on ground good to soft The Midnight Club Good well exposed horse who runs in races from two and a half miles to the Grand National distance last year where he finished a creditable 6th. Wins have come on ground soft to heavy Time For Rupert Good horse who often runs well at this course. Wins have come on ground good to soft. Weird Al Really good horse who was 3rd behind Kauto Star and Long Run at Haydock. Wins have come on ground good to soft. What A Friend A really good 4th in this race last year considering he did not really travel well at any time in the race and then made a mistake two out. Wins have come on ground good to soft. 
© Copyright
|