The Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the year’s biggest races, and the hype for the 2026 running is as big as ever. Galopin Des Champs went into last year’s race as the favourite, bidding to become the first horse to win three consecutive Gold Cups in well over two decades. However, a late entrant called Inothewayurthinkin defied the odds, and is amongst the Cheltenham Gold Cup runners expected to take on Galopin des Champs once again. Assess the key contenders, past trends and the top Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026 betting offers right here.
Cheltenham 2026 Gold Cup free bets & betting offers
The Cheltenham Gold Cup always attracts a wave of exclusive betting offers. Bookmakers like bet365, Paddy Power, and Ladbrokes always offer their existing customers some form of Gold Cup betting offer. We’ll keep an eye on the top bookies, and list their best Gold Offers below!
£50 IN FREE BETS, WHEN YOU BET £10
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
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New customers online only. Bet a min £10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing within 7 days of registration to qualify. Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to bet slip. Voided/non-runner bets will not qualify; subsequent bet will be qualifying bet. 7-day expiry. 18+. One per customer. Selected customers only. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.
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£30 in Free Bets - When you bet £5 on Horse Racing
18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excluded. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account registration at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stake not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply.
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100% up to £50 on first deposit
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Full T&Cs 18+ New UK Customers Only. Bet £10+ on any sportsbook markets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. No cash out. Get 50% back of your first day’s losses (from first bet settlement until 23:59) as a Free Bet up to £25, valid for 7 days. Min. 3 bets on different events required, with 2 bets being at least 50% of your largest stake. Place at least 1 bet of £10+ at odds 2.00+ to receive a £5 Free Bet even if your account is up or losses are under £5. T&Cs Apply. GambleAware.org
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Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets
New customers: Deposit £10+ within 7 days and place a sports bet. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports Bet). Valid 7 days. Min odds apply. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Full T&CsKey Cheltenham Gold Cup Info
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious Grade 1 horse races on the calendar, attracting the finest staying chasers in the sport. Held annually on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, it’s the ultimate test of stamina, speed, and jumping ability.
Here are some key facts about the race:
Distance – Approximately 3 miles 2½ furlongs
Fences – 22
Prize Money – £625,000
Notable Past Champions – Arkle, Best Mate, Kauto Star, and Galopin Des Champs
2026 Favourite – Galopin Des Champs
How long is the Gold Cup, when’s it held and where’s it run?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious jumps races in horse racing. Taking place every March as part of the renowned Cheltenham Festival. While it’s now a highlight of National Hunt racing, the Gold Cup actually began as a flat race in 1819 before transitioning to jumps in 1924. In 1959, it moved to the New Course, where it has been run ever since.
The race covers a distance of 3 miles and 2½ furlongs, making it about a mile shorter than the Grand National. Despite the shorter trip, the Gold Cup is considered one of the toughest tests in jump racing, demanding a perfect blend of stamina, speed, and jumping ability.
£50 IN FREE BETS, WHEN YOU BET £10
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
Full T&CsCheltenham Gold Cup Confirmed Runners
Many of the contenders for the Cheltenham 2026 Gold Cup are now back in action as the build up to the Festival’s biggest race gathers pace. Find a list of Gold Cup runners here, featuring Grand National favourite Haiti Couleurs and last year’s top two from the Gold Cup.
- Fact to File
- Jango Baie
- The Jukebox Man
- Gaelic Warrior
- Galopin Des Champs
- Haiti Couleurs
- Spillane’s Tower
- Grey Dawning
- Inothewayurthinkin
- I Am Maximus
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Full T&CsCheltenham Gold Cup 2026 Odds
You can find the current Cheltenham Gold Cup betting favourites here. We’ve also listed their biggest achievements to date and current Cheltenham Gold Cup betting odds.
| Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners | Most Notable Result | 2026 Gold Cup Odds* |
|---|
| Face To File | 2025 Ryanair Chase winner | 4/1 |
| Jango Baie | 2025 Arkle winner | 5/1 |
| The Jukebox Man | 2025 King George VI winner | 6/1 |
| Gaelic Warrior | 2024 Arkle winner | 15/2 |
| Galopin Des Champs | 2023/24 Gold Cup winner | 8/1 |
| Haiti Couleurs | 2025 Irish Grand National winner | 9/1 |
| Spillanes Tower | 2026 Cotswold Chase winner | 14/1 |
| Grey Dawning | 2024 Turners Novices Chase winner | 16/1 |
| Inothewayurthinkin | 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner | 18/1 |
| I Am Maximus | 2024 Grand National winner | 28/1 |
*Cheltenham Gold Cup odds last updated at 5pm on 16th February 2026 and subject to change.
Get £30 in Free Bets When you bet £10 on Horse Racing
18+ New customers only. Opt in, deposit & bet £10 or more on any Horse Racing market at minimum 1/1 odds within 7 days of registration. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Horse Racing Bets, selected markets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.
Full T&CsCheltenham Gold Cup past winners
There are always contrasting views as to the importance of past performance heading into big races like the Gold Cup. Kauto Star and Al Boum Photo have both won the race on more than one occasion in recent years, so there’s certainly some merit in backing repeat winners if the horse is good enough. Check out the roll of honour as we recall the most recent Cheltenham Gold Cup winners.
- 2025 – Inothewayurthinkin (15/2)
- 2024 – Galopin Des Champs (10/11 fav)
- 2023 – Galopin Des Champs (7/5 fav)
- 2022 – A Plus Tard (3/1 fav)
- 2021 – Minella Indo (9/1)
- 2020 – Al Boum Photo (100/30 fav)
- 2019 – Al Boum Photo (12/1)
- 2018 – Native River (5/1)
- 2017 – Sizing John (7/1)
- 2016 – Don Cossack (9/4 fav)
- 2015 – Coneygree (7/1)
- 2014 – Lord Windermere (20/1)
- 2013 – Bob’s Worth (11/4 fav)
- 2012 – Synchronised (8/1)
- 2011 – Long Run (7/2 fav)
- 2010 – Imperial Commander (7/1)
- 2009 – Kauto Star (7/4 fav)
- 2008 – Denman (9/4)
- 2007 – Kauto Star (5/4 fav)
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 Result
Despite travelling well, Galopin Des Champs could not make history in 2025. Late entrant Inothewayurthinkin loomed menacingly around the home turn and took the lead after the final hurdle, ultimately going on to win by six lengths.
| Result | Gold Cup Runner | 2025 Gold Cup SPs |
|---|
| 1st | Inothewayurthinkin | 15/2 |
| 2nd | Galopin Des Champs | 8/15 |
| 3rd | Gentlemansgame | 40/1 |
| 4th | Monty’s Star | 11/1 |
| 5th | The Real Whacker | 33/1 |
| 6th | Royale Pagaille | 100/1 |
| 7th | Banbridge | 15/2 |
| Fell | Corbetts Cross | 16/1 |
| Fell | Ahoy Senor | 50/1 |
Cheltenham Gold Cup betting trends
Going back through previous Gold Cups is one way to try and find the winner of the race, or to at least eliminate some horses and produce a shortlist of potential Gold Cup winners.
Key Cheltenham Gold Cup betting trends
- 12/12 – Had raced at Cheltenham previously
- 11/12 – Had previously won at least one race of 3 miles or more
- 10/12 – Won at single-figure odds (9/1 or less)
- 9/12 – Won their most recent race
- 8/12 – Aged exactly 8 years old
- 7/12 – Had raced within the last 8 weeks
- 6/12 – Won by the favourite
- 4/12 – W P Mullins was trainer
- 3/12 – Aged 7 years old or less
- 2/12 – Henry de Bromhead was trainer
- 2/12 – Won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the previous year
- 1/12 – Aged 9 years old or older
It would seem that an 8 year old horse with Cheltenham experience, coming in off the back of a win, is going to appeal, while punters shouldn’t be put off taking on the favourite if recent results are anything to go by.
Get £30 in Free bets - When you bet £5 on horse racing
18+ New UK + ROI customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stakes not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Full T&CsHow to watch and stream the Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, and fans can catch the action live on ITV. However, not every race is broadcast on the channel, making live streaming a great alternative, especially since most major bookmakers offer it for free to their customers.
Streaming the races online also comes with the added benefit of cash-out options, allowing you to settle bets midrace if the odds shift in your favour. With so many viewing options available, it’s worth deciding in advance how you plan to watch, so you’re fully prepared once the Cheltenham Festival gets started.
Get £30 in Free Bets When you bet £10 on Horse Racing
18+ New customers only. Opt in, deposit & bet £10 or more on any Horse Racing market at minimum 1/1 odds within 7 days of registration. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Horse Racing Bets, selected markets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.
Full T&Cs2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup FAQs
What date is Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026?
The Cheltenham Festival is traditionally scheduled to align with St Patrick’s Day celebrations, adding to the Festival’s lively atmosphere. The highlight of the event, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, always takes place on a Friday, meaning that in 2026, the race is set for Friday 13th March.
Who won Gold Cup 2025?
Mark Walsh guided Inothewayurthinkin to an impressive victory in the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup, winning by six lengths from former two-time champion Galopin des Champs.
What time is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup is currently expected to start at 4pm on Friday 13th March. This continues a trend started in 2025, which saw feature races moved to later start times.
Who are the runners in the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The confirmed Cheltenham Gold Cup runners will be revealed closer to the race, but some strong contenders are already emerging. The likelihood is that we’ll see Inothewayurthinkin and Galopin des Champs go head-to-head once again, as the two-time winner aims to regain his crown in 2026.
What are the odds for the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Inothewayurthinkin is currently the ante-post favourite to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup once again. The 2025 winner heads the betting, with Galopin des Champs also featuring prominently in the betting.
Has a woman ever won the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Rachael Blackmore made history in 2022, becoming the first woman to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup after her remarkable victory. Following up on her 2021 Grand National triumph, her success further cemented her place as one of the sport’s leading jockeys.
Has any horse won the Gold Cup three times?
Galopin des Champs is aiming to join an elite group of horses in Cheltenham Gold Cup history by winning a third title. The last horse to achieve this remarkable feat was Best Mate, who triumphed in successive years between 2002 and 2004. Before Best Mate, the likes of Arkle (1964-66) and Cottage Rake (1948-50) also dominated the prestigious race. Even more impressively, Golden Miller set a record by winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup five years in a row (1932-1936).
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