The buzz surrounding the upcoming 2024 Cheltenham Festival is palpable, with eager fans and racing pundits eagerly awaiting the pinnacle of the event — the Gold Cup. Symbolising excellence, resilience, and sheer equine power at its very best, the Gold Cup has seen the triumphs of some of horse racing’s most illustrious champions.
As we anticipate another thrilling chapter in this prestigious race, let’s take a retrospective look at the last five winners who have left an indelible mark on the sport’s history books.
Native River – 2018
British trainer Colin Tizzard, whose standout horses from an illustrious career include Cue Card and Thistlecrack, clinched his maiden Gold Cup victory in 2018 with Native River. Despite being the second favourite at 5/1 in the best horse racing odds, Native River displayed remarkable courage — outlasting pre-race favourite Might Bite to win by four-and-a-half lengths.
Jockey Richard Johnson guided the then eight-year-old to the comfortable victory, landing himself a second Gold Cup victory.
Al Boum Photo – 2019 & 2020
Willie Mullins, a stalwart of the Cheltenham Festival with over 90 winners, only secured his first Gold Cup triumph with Al Boum Photo in 2019. Despite being considered an outsider at 12/1, technically making him Mullins’ third-string horse in the race, Al Boum Photo defied the odds — leading from the front to win by over two lengths.
The following year, he made history by becoming the first horse since Best Mate to secure successive Gold Cups — edging out Santini by a neck in an immense finish up the infamous hill.
Minella Indo – 2021
Trainer Henry de Bromhead shone brightly at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, clinching an impressive six victories — including the coveted Gold Cup, which secured an unprecedented triple crown.
Despite the absence of crowds due to the pandemic, Minella Indo delivered a memorable performance. Holding off his stablemate A Plus Tard, Minella Indo went on to win by just over a length under jockey Jack Kennedy.
A Plus Tard – 2022
Seeking redemption after a second-place finish in the previous year’s Gold Cup, A Plus Tard returned with vengeance in 2022. Under the skilled guidance of jockey Rachael Blackmore, he stormed to victory as the 3/1 favourite — defeating the defending champion Minella Indo by a commanding 15 lengths.
The pair made history at Prestbury Park as Blackmore became the first female rider to win the prestigious race. “You can never dream too big – this is something I never thought would be possible,” said Blackmore.
Galopin Des Champs – 2023
Adding a new chapter to Mullins’ legacy of Gold Cup success, Galopin Des Champs dominated the field in 2023. As one of the shortest-priced favourites in recent years at 7/4, the seven-year-old justified his favouritism with a seven-length victory over Bravemansgame.
With odds of 10/11 to secure back-to-back Gold Cup victories, Galopin Des Champs remains a formidable contender in the upcoming race on March 15. As we eagerly await the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, let us reflect on the extraordinary achievements of these past champions and anticipate the exhilarating spectacle that awaits us on the hallowed turf of Prestbury Park.