Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, the crown jewel of the Festival, is the ultimate prize in National Hunt racing.
With past winners like Golden Miller, Arkle, Best Mate, and Kauto Star, it’s a race steeped in legend. As the pinnacle event, it attracts the finest horses and trainers vying for glory.
Here’s a look at the leading contenders and our prediction for this year’s renewal.
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Galopin Des Champs (4/6)
Galopin Des Champs is on the brink of history, seeking his third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup victory. With Paul Townend in the saddle, the pair are chasing more than just another trophy—Townend could claim his fifth Gold Cup win, solidifying his place as the most successful jockey in the race’s history.
Despite a brief dip in form last year—losing to Fastorslow in the Punchestown Gold Cup and finishing third behind Fact To File in a thrilling John Durkan—Galopin Des Champs bounced back in style. He turned the tables on Fact To File in December with a dominant win in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.
Willie Mullins’ star chaser also holds an entry in the Irish Gold Cup, and a strong performance there could cement his status as the Cheltenham favourite. At 4/6, early backers might find tremendous value before his odds shorten further.
Fact To File (3/1)
When it comes to potential threats in this high-stakes contest, Fact To File, the stablemate of star contender Galopin Des Champs, stands out as the primary rival and a serious obstacle to completing a hat-trick.
A standout performer, Fact To File secured an emphatic victory in last year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, outpacing fellow Gold Cup entrant Monty’s Star that day. That wasn’t a one-off; his resilience was on full display at Punchestown, where he battled fiercely to fend off Spillane’s Tower in a gripping finish.
Currently priced at 3/1 for the big race, Fact To File is also at the centre of speculation regarding his potential targets. With William Hill’s Non-Runner Money Back offer, bettors have a safety net if trainer Willie Mullins opts to divert him to the Ryanair Chase, where he’s the 7/2 favourite.
Whether he lines up here or elsewhere, Fact To File’s proven tenacity and class make him an intriguing contender worth keeping a close eye on. Mullins’ decision will undoubtedly shape the betting landscape, but one thing is certain: wherever he goes, Fact To File is a force to be reckoned with.
Banbridge (8/1)
Banbridge, currently priced at 8/1, somewhat silenced his critics following a commanding victory in the King George. His triumph over Il Est Francais, who is also in the running for the Gold Cup, showcased his growing prowess. A dual Cheltenham winner, Spillane’s Tower’s form at Kempton adds further intrigue, despite a lacklustre showing in last year’s Ryanair.
With entries in both the Champion Chase and the Gold Cup, Banbridge’s performance is likely to hinge on favourable ground conditions. This makes the ground a crucial factor in deciding his Cheltenham campaign.
For punters, there’s good news; with William Hill’s Non-Runner Money Back offer across all 28 Cheltenham races, you can bet with confidence. If Banbridge switches to the Champion Chase, your stake will be returned.
Prediction
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling contest this year, with several notable entries joining the fray alongside the top three market leaders. Among the challengers, Gerri Colombe (10/1), Grey Dawning (14/1), and Monty’s Star (14/1) stand out, each offering compelling cases for their potential. However, dethroning Galopin Des Champs remains a daunting task. His dominance makes him the clear favourite, and even at a short price, he’s hard to oppose.
For punters seeking value further down the market, Mouse Morris’ Gentlemansgame (20/1) warrants a closer look. While his exact target race remains uncertain, his third-place finish in the Savills Chase behind Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File showcased his ability to deliver on the big stage. If Fact To File opts for a different race, Gentlemansgame’s odds could offer value. With the safety net of Non-Runner Money Back, an each-way bet on the Charlie Hall winner might just be the shrewd play at this stage.
