Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 - runners, favourites, and key insights

This iconic race blends athleticism, strategy, and tradition, making it a must-watch event. With the 2025 competition approaching, fans and bettors are eager to witness another gripping chapter unfold. 

When and Where

Scheduled for Friday, March 12, 2025, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the highlight of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, a celebration of the best in jump racing. This iconic race is the ultimate test of stamina, skill, and strategy, drawing fans from around the world to Cheltenham Racecourse.

The Gold Cup is more than just a race—it’s an event steeped in history, where the roar of the crowd as the horses tackle the final hill creates a uniquely thrilling atmosphere. Taking place on the demanding New Course, the race challenges both horse and jockey, with its uphill finish often determining the outcome in dramatic style.

Key Contenders for 2025

The lineup for this year’s race includes seasoned champions and rising stars, each with unique strengths.

• Fact To File: Trained by Willie Mullins, this horse is the current 5/2 favorite after an impressive victory at the John Durkan Memorial Chase. As a top contender, Fact To File is expected to draw substantial betting interest. Many fans will likely place their wagers online, where it’s easier to follow fluctuating odds and compare options. In fact, author and betting expert Emma J explains that the best horse racing betting sites in 2025 not only offer flexibility and great odds but also offer punters in-play betting so they can wager as the action unfolds. 
   
• Galopin Des Champs: Another powerhouse from Mullins’ stable, Galopin Des Champs enters with odds of 7/2. The two-time Gold Cup champion is looking to make history by securing a third win. His rematch with Fact To File at Leopardstown over Christmas will be pivotal for fans deciding on their bets.
   
• Spillane’s Tower: With odds of 9/1, this contender, trained by James Joseph Mangan, showed his mettle with back-to-back Grade 1 wins last season. His strong performance against Fact To File in the John Durkan positions him as a serious challenger.
   
• Grey Dawning: At 14/1 odds, this Dan Skelton-trained horse is one of the few British entries with Grade 1 success at Cheltenham. Despite a setback in the Betfair Chase, his potential keeps him on punters' radars.
   
• Gerri Colombe: Trained by Gordon Elliott, Gerri Colombe sits at 16/1. While he fell short against Galopin Des Champs last year, his subsequent win at Aintree highlighted his capabilities.

Other notable contenders include I Am Maximus (20/1), a rising talent from Willie Mullins’ yard, and Monty’s Star (20/1), trained by Henry De Bromhead, whose season debut could shake up the odds.

The Unique Challenges of the New Course

The Cheltenham Gold Cup takes place on the New Course, a stamina-testing track with a long uphill finish. This layout favors horses with the endurance to sustain their speed late in the race. For bettors, understanding the course dynamics can be crucial in making informed decisions, whether they choose to wager at the event or via online platforms.

Galopin Des Champs: The Reigning Champion

The 2024 race crowned Galopin Des Champs as a two-time winner. With his tactical mastery and unmatched stamina, he is a favorite to achieve a third consecutive victory. Fans are already speculating whether he can join the ranks of legendary Gold Cup winners.

Betting Trends and Prize Details

The Cheltenham Gold Cup’s status as a premier betting event cannot be overstated. While many fans enjoy placing bets in person to soak up the live atmosphere, online wagering platforms offer unmatched convenience and features like live updates and competitive odds.

Cryptocurrency has also entered the betting scene, offering fast and secure transactions for those embracing digital currency. This shift adds a new layer of accessibility for fans worldwide.

The total prize fund for the Gold Cup is £625,000, with the winner receiving £351,687. Second place earns £132,500, with additional payouts for third through eighth places.

Anticipation Builds

The 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup is shaping up to be a classic, with a lineup of stellar contenders and the ever-present thrill of betting. Whether fans back favorites like Fact To File or take a chance on longshots like Royal Pagaille, the excitement surrounding this year’s event is undeniable.

As the season progresses, more clarity will emerge regarding form and fitness, setting the stage for another unforgettable Gold Cup. Fans, whether betting on-site or online, are in for a treat.