The Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar, and it has seen numerous thrilling and historic races throughout its history. The 3-mile 2 furlongs contest pits the best staying chasers against each other every season and has been won by some of the most famous racehorses in history.
It is a race that has thrown up some spectacular performances and brilliant battles in the past, leaving supporters in awe as the horses stamped their names in the racing annals.
Here are some of the greatest Cheltenham Gold Cup moments of all time:
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Galopin Des Champs Shows His Class (2023)
You only have to go back 12 months to come across one of the most scintillating performances of all time. Galopin Des Champs, who is an Evens favorite in the horse racing odds to defend his title this year, had always been a stylish performer but he surpassed all expectations with his breathtaking performance in 2023.
His form dipped slightly after winning the Gold Cup, leading to experts siding with some of his rivals in the free racing tips. Thankfully for his supporters, the striking bay horse has returned to his best in recent times and is ready to wow the fans once again at Cheltenham.
Arkle’s Third Victory (1966)
Arkle, one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time, secured his third consecutive Gold Cup victory in 1964 in a moment that will go down as one of the most memorable. His dominance in the race is legendary, and he is often considered one of the greatest racehorses ever.
In the mid-1960s, Arkle was practically unbeatable over fences and won many top-level races such as the Irish Grand National and King George VI Chase. It was his Gold Cup win in 1966 that lives longest in the memory, however. The pride of Ireland was sent off as the shortest-priced favorite in Gold Cup history and would duly trounce his rivals by 30 lengths.
Kauto Star vs Denman (2008)
The 2008 Gold Cup will be remembered for being the first battle between two of the best horses of the modern era. Kauto Star and Denman were both trained by Paul Nicholls and were housed in neighboring stables.
At Cheltenham, their bond would be broken as they both laid claim to being the best jump racehorse in the world and, in the end, they put on one of the most memorable battles. Kauto Star was coming into the race as the defending champion, whilst Denman was considered to be the new kid on the block.
After a to-and-fro battle from the off, it was eventually Denman who would come out on top, pulling seven lengths clear as he crossed the line. Twelve months later the pair would meet again, where Kauto Star would regain his crown, with Denman putting in an emotional performance to finish second despite suffering from heart problems earlier in the season.
Source: Pexels
These races showcase the diversity of stories and achievements that have contributed to the Cheltenham Gold Cup’s rich legacy in the world of horse racing. Each year brings new excitement and memorable moments and in 2024, another famous battle awaits.
