Thousands of punters will be in Gloucestershire looking to beat the bookies – and Gold Cup day will see millions of bets placed
Galopin Des Champs goes in as hot favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup – but this is racing, and anything can happen.
Ridden by Paul Townsend and trained by Willie Mullins, the French racehorse is aiming to secure a hat-trick of Gold Cup victories, and it would take a brave punter to bet against the heavy favourite. But racing aficionados know that another victory would be the first time any rider has achieved that feat since Arkle between 1964 and 1966 – so history is not on the side of the eight-year-old.
And he will also have to be at his best to overcome a Cheltenham field stacked with talent, and conditions that could be playing into the favour of his biggest rival. If you’re looking for a more outside of the box bet to make, then Record Sport has taken a look at some of those determined to end their status as also-rans at the Gold Cup. Who knows, you could even win enough to make a trip to the festival yourself – with sky-high prices being slated by a former winner.
Banbridge – 9/2
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the weather for Gold Cup day on March 14 then you might be starting to fancy a flutter on Banbridge. The nine-year-old has been in strong form recently and with the sun looking like it could continue shining, trainer Joseph O’Brien believes that his steed could be the best bet to end Galopin’s dominance.
Speaking to ITV Racing, O’Brien said: “I suppose the way the weather is looking at the moment it would suggest the Gold Cup is more likely at this stage. I do think there are a few showers potentially through the second half of the week so there’s no real update on the decision, but it is looking more positive that we could have a tilt at the Gold Cup.
“He’s preparing well for Cheltenham and his training has been very nice. The Gold Cup is a very special race and if we were to have a runner in it then it would be a special experience.”
Fact To File – 6/1
There’s only one horse capable of challenge Galopin if Tony Mullins is to be believed, and that is stablemate Face to File. Galopin lost out to the eight-year-old at the John Durkan in November – his first defeat in over two years – showing he’s not invincible.
Speaking at Paddy Power’s Ultimate Cheltenham preview night, Mullins said: “I was always a Fact to File fan. He ran too free in the Durkan but gave an unbelievable display to win. Then, in Leopardstown, he was everywhere in the race.
“I still believe he’s running the wrong race and that he should run in the Gold Cup. He’s the only horse who could put anything up to Galopin Des Champs.”
Inothewayurthinkin – 10/1
Punters will need to keep a close eye on the forecast, and the card, but the Grand National favourite looks set to line up at Cheltenham – assuming the conditions are right. The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old is the early tip for the world’s most famous steeplechase at Aintree on April 5 – but punters look set to get an early look at Cheltenham.
Speaking in the Irish Independent McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry said: “I’d say he’ll be supplemented for the Gold Cup as long as there’s soft in the ground. There’s only one Gold Cup and he’s well at the minute, but it would be important there’s soft in the description for him to run.”
L’Homme Presse – 28/1
If you want a real outside bet, then how about a punt on a horse once tipped as a potential Gold Cup contender. L’Homme Presse caught the eye with some standout performances as a novice chaser, most notably with victory in the Brown Advisory baack in 2022.
However that potential has yet to be fully realised. But the Venetia Williams-trained contender returned after over a year off with a win in the Fleur De Lys last January and came home fourth in the 2024 Gold Cup, with a strong showing only undone by weakening pace over the last.
Some jumping mistakes have made it far from the ideal start to the year, but given the strong early showings – and last year’s performances – a brave punter could stand to make it a day to remember.
