Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a National Hunt (Grade 1) chase held on the new course at Cheltenham over a distance of 3 miles, 2 and a half furlongs with twenty-two fences to be hurdled. The race is the feature of the Cheltenham Festival held each year in March. The media hype and TV coverage given to the Gold Cup means that many people that don't normally bet enjoy a flutter on this race.
It's prestigious status in the racing calendar means it is commonly referred to as a the Blue Riband of chases. Previous winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup include Cottage Rake (3 times 1948 - 1950), Arkle (3 times 1964 - 1966), L'Escargot (2 times 1970 - 1971), Desert Orchid (1 time 1989), Best Mate (3 times 2002-2004). The most recent holder of the Cheltenham Gold Cup is Kauto Star, who is likely to defend his title this year. The Gold Cup is presently the most highly paid non-handicap chase in the UK, with a £480,000 prize pool in 2009.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Facts
- First race held in 1924
- Five year olds and over can race
- Watched by 7m UK television audience
- Prize pool for 2010 expected to be £500,000
- Been sponsored by Totesport since 1980
Cheltenham Festival Interesting Stats
- £2m is spent on temporary Marquee's every year
- 18,000 bottles of champagne are quaffed
- 214,000 pints of Guinness are consumed
- £3.7m in prize money up for grabs
- 5000 staff will work over the festival
- 400,000 visitors are likely to attend this year
Cheltenham Racing Festival 2010:
Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips
Cheltenham Gold Cup Free Bets
Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners
Cheltenham Gold Cup Trends
Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners
Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds
Cheltenham Gold Cup Denman v Kuato Star