The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a prestigious event that is a significant part of the four-day Cheltenham Festival held in Britain. Racing enthusiasts throng to Cheltenham annually during March to witness this cultured jump race. It is considered to be one of the most challenging races for horses and permits only the ones aged five and above.
Speaking about the Cheltenham winners, the cup is typically won by horses between seven and nine years of age. If you are curious about who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, this is your go-to guide as we have compiled all of these legendary victors, right from 2000 to 2024. Our article also covers the history of this race, along with the best horses, trainers and jockeys.
Winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup: 2000 to Today
As we mentioned before, this race is no easy feat as it presents quite a tough challenge for the horses. The race has also featured some of the most iconic champions such as Arkle, Desert Orchid, Best Mate, and more recently, Galopin Des Champs, Al Boum Photo and A Plus Tard. Without further ado, let’s jump into the Cheltenham Gold Cup winners list dating back from 2000 to the present.
Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
2024 | Galopin Des Champs | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | 7:05.14 |
2023 | Galopin Des Champs | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | 6:45.46 |
2022 | A Plus Tard | Rachael Blackmore | Henry De Bromhead | 6:41.75 |
2021 | Minella Indo | Jack Kennedy | Henry De Bromhead | 6:45.35 |
2020 | Al Boum Photo | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | 6:50.38 |
2019 | Al Boum Photo | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | 6:39.06 |
2018 | Native River | Richard Johnson | Colin Tizzard | 7:02.60 |
2017 | Sizing John | Robbie Power | Jessica Harrington | 6:36.10 |
2016 | Don Cossack | Bryan Cooper | Gordon Elliott | 6:35.00 |
2015 | Coneygree | Nico de Boinville | Mark Bradstock | 6:42.50 |
2014 | Lord Windermere | Davy Russell | Jim Culloty | 6:43.88 |
2013 | Bobs Worth | Barry Geraghty | Nicky Henderson | 7:05.06 |
2012 | Synchronised | Tony McCoy | Jonjo O’Neill | 6:36.19 |
2011 | Long Run | Mr Sam Waley-Cohen | Nicky Henderson | 6:29.70 |
2010 | Imperial Commander | Paddy Brennan | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 6:43.90 |
2009 | Kauto Star | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls | 6:44.95 |
2008 | Denman | Sam Thomas | Paul Nicholls | 6:47.84 |
2007 | Kauto Star | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls | 6:40.46 |
2006 | War Of Attrition | Conor O’Dwyer | Mouse Morris | 6:31.70 |
2005 | Kicking King | Barry Geraghty | Tom Taaffe | 6:42.90 |
2004 | Best Mate | Jim Culloty | Henrietta Knight | 6:42.60 |
2003 | Best Mate | Jim Culloty | Henrietta Knight | 6:39.10 |
2002 | Best Mate | Jim Culloty | Henrietta Knight | 6:50.10 |
2001 | No Race | No Race | No Race | No Race |
2000 | Looks Like Trouble | Richard Johnson | Noel Chance | 6:30.3 |
Cheltenham Gold Cup: History to the Present
Now you know the Cheltenham Gold Cup winners since 2000, but did you know about its past? This event boasts a rich history that dates back to 1819 when it was first run as a flat race. In 1924, it transitioned into a steeplechase, becoming a cornerstone of the Cheltenham Festival.
Speaking about the previous Gold Cup winners, the race witnessed legendary moments, such as Golden Miller’s unprecedented five consecutive wins between 1932 and 1936. In 1966, Arkle’s victory at record-breaking odds further solidified the race’s stature.
The Gold Cup moved to the New Course in 1959, marking a significant change in its history. In 1972, the race embraced commercial sponsorship, a trend that continues to shape this glorious event to this day.
Not to forget, Kauto Star stands out as the only horse to have reclaimed the title in 2009, adding to its illustrious legacy. These historical milestones have contributed to the Cheltenham Gold Cup’s enduring popularity and its status as one of the most coveted titles in horse racing.
Best Cheltenham Gold Cup Horses
Three of the greatest winners that graced the Cheltenham Gold Cup are Golden Miller, Arkle, and Best Mate.
Golden Miller, was a prevailing force in the 1930s and achieved an unparalleled feat by winning the race five consecutive times from 1932 to 1936. In 1934, he pushed the boundaries by not only winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup but also bagging the Grand National. Another accomplishment to his name is securing the National Hunt course record that nobody could break for 40 years.
Arkle, a legendary Irish chaser, secured three victories in a row from 1964 to 1966, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and breathtaking performances. He took his 1966 victory in spite of a dramatic early fence-jumping mishap. Such was his impact on the sport that in 1969, a race was created in his honour: The Arkle Challenge Trophy, still a prestigious event at Newbury Racecourse.
In the modern era, Best Mate’s three consecutive wins from 2002 to 2004 cemented his place among the all-time greats. As Al Boum Photo aims for a third consecutive Gold Cup win, he has the opportunity to join this elite group and etch his name in the history books of this extraordinary sport.
Most Successful Cheltenham Gold Cup Trainer
Knowing about what horse won the Gold Cup is not enough as the trainer also plays a significant role in the horse’s victory. The Cheltenham event has seen quite a few successful trainers.
Tom Dreaper holds the record for the most Cheltenham Gold Cup wins as a trainer, with five victories under his belt. He achieved this remarkable feat with three different horses: the legendary Arkle, Prince Regent, and Fort Leney.
In recent years, Willie Mullins has emerged as a prominent force in the Cheltenham Festival, including the Gold Cup. However, British trainers Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson have consistently produced top-class chasers and remain key contenders for the prestigious race.
Most Successful Cheltenham Gold Cup Jockey
Apart from the trainer, a jockey also holds much power over who becomes the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. When it comes to the most iconic jockeys, this event takes precedence. Pat Taaffe is one such jockey who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup an incredible four times. Three of those wins were aboard the legendary Arkle, while the fourth came with Fort Leney in 1968.
In recent years, Paul Townend has emerged as a leading powerhouse in jump racing. He has already secured two Cheltenham Gold Cup victories with Al Boum Photo. If he wins again this year, he will equal Taaffe’s record of three consecutive Gold Cup wins.
Know More About the Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners (FAQs)
Who Has the Most Cheltenham Gold Cup Wins?
Golden Miller holds the record for the most Cheltenham Gold Cup wins, with five consecutive victories from 1932 to 1936.
Has a Woman Ever Won the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Yes, Rachael Blackmore made history in 2022 by becoming the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, riding A Plus Tard to victory.
Who Won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1972?
The horse Glencaraig Lady won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1972 with trainer Francis Flood and jockey Frank Berry.
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