The Cheltenham Gold Cup is considered to be the most prestigious event in the National Hunt racing calendar. Held annually at Gloucestershire’s Prestbury Park, the Gold Cup is the landmark event, with last year seeing the return of fans at the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ran over a distance of about three miles and two and a half furlongs, the race has a rich history dating back to 1800s, and has been won by some of the greatest horses and jockeys in the sport’s history. The race attracts the best horses from across the UK and Ireland and is considered the ultimate test of a steeplechaser’s skill, stamina, and courage, meaning it’s one the punters keep an eye on when placing horse racing bets.
With that in mind, read on as we take a look at some recent winners of the Gold Cup.
A Plus Tard – 2022
There was a measure of revenge in the air as A Plus Tard won last year’s Gold Cup. The 2022 Champions, Rachel Blackmore was aboard the nine-year-old, who returned from an 80-day break in style, seeing off Minella Indo, Protektorat and Gordon Elliott-trained Galvin to secure victory for Henry de Bromhead and Grand National winner Blackmore.
Minella Indo – 2021
Taking place behind closed doors due to the pandemic, it was a shame that Jack Kennedy wasn’t able to lap up the adulation of the crowd or hear the Cheltenham roar when he won the Gold Cup aboard Minella Indo in 2021. De Bromhead and his County Waterford stable swept up all the awards that year with the Irish trainer also overseeing Blackmore who came second with A Plus Tard
Al Boum Photo 2019, 2020
Paul Townend and Willie Mullins are staples of the game at the Cheltenham Festival, and the jockey and trainer duo made history with now iconic Al Boum Photo by becoming the first horse to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in consecutive years since Best Mate between 2002-2004.
Al Boum Photo’s smooth and efficient jumping style, coupled with his stamina and determination, made him a formidable force across the two-year period, showing consistency and longevity to be remembered as one of the greats at Prestbury Park. It’s no surprise Mullins is one of the favourites when making a bet on Cheltenham top trainer this year.
Native River – 2018
This Colin Tizzard-trained horse, ridden by Richard Johnson, put in a strong performance to take the 2018 Gold Cup. Native River came in as one of the favourites and more than lived up to his expectations, proving too much for the competition, and he held off a late challenge from Might Bite to claim victory.
Sizing John – 2017
Irish-trained Sizing John, ridden by Robbie Power and trained by vastly experienced Jessica Harrington, produced a stunning performance to win the Gold Cup in 2017. Having won his previous two races in convincing style at both Thurles and Leopardstown respectively, Sizing John’s smooth jumping proved to be the decisive factor in the race, as he powered away from the field in the closing stages to take the win.
Don Cossack – 2016
Gordon Elliott-trained horse Don Cossack was Gold Cup winner in 2016. Ridden by Bryan Cooper, Don Cossack put in a dominant performance to take home that year’s first place. The then 10-year-old jumped with style, opening up a commanding lead in the race, and he held off a late challenge from Djakadam to claim victory.
