Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup Winners

The Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup, the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, is one of the highlights of the British racing calendar.

The race has evolved over a century, producing iconic champions, captivating rivalries, and thrilling competition. From the dominance of Golden Miller in Cheltenham’s golden days to the modern story of Kauto Star and the inter-stable rivalry between Denman, the Gold Cup offers quality racing and fantastic stories.

On this page, we delve into the history of the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup. We examine the iconic winners and their journeys to the top. We explore the festival's dynamic nature and look to the future with a potential three-time champion in Galopin Des Champs.

List of Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners

Starting in 1924, the Cheltenham Gold Cup has run annually, with the exception of just five years due to various circumstances. A full breakdown of the history winners can be found in the table below:

Cheltenham Gold Cup Records

With more than 100 years of data from the most prestigious events in the National Hunt racing calendar, there’s a long list of statistics that are well worth talking about.

Below are some of the most significant records and achievements that have shaped the history of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Most wins by a horse (5):

Golden Miller is the most successful horse in Gold Cup history, winning the race for five consecutive years from 1932 to 1936.

Most wins by a jockey (4):

Two jockeys, Pat Taffe and Paul Townend, hold the title for the most wins at Cheltenham’s Gold Cup.

Pat Taffe earned first place with Arkle (1964, 1965, 1966) and Fort Leney (1968).

Paul Townend won with Al Boum Photo (2019, 2020) and Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024). Townend was unable to extend Galopin Des Champs’ winning streak in the 2025 Gold Cup to earn the title of the most successful jockey in Gold Cup history.

Most wins by a trainer (5):

Tom Dreaper has the most wins of any trainer, thanks to his victories with Prince Regent (1946), Arkle (1964, 1965, 1966), and Fort Leney (1968).

Most wins by an owner (7):

A single owner's most significant number of wins goes to Dorothy Paget. She has won seven times with Golden Miller (1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936), Roman Hackle (1940), and Mont Tremblant (1952).

Youngest Winners (5):

Three horses earned the title for the youngest winners - Patron Saint (1928), Golden Miller (1932) and Red Splash (1924) were five years old when they bagged first place at the Gold Cup.

Oldest Winners (12):

Two horses hold the title of the oldest winners - Silver Fame (1951) and What a Myth (1969)- and they were both 12 years old when they secured their victories.

Biggest Prize Money:

The most recent event typically holds the record for the largest purse. In 2025, this stood at £625,000, with £364,313 reserved for 1st place.

Fastest Time (6:29.70):

Sam Waley-Cohen holds the record for the fastest time, running a 6:29.70 on Long Run back in 2011.

Winning Horses That Defined Cheltenham Gold Cup

With such a rich history, the Gold Cup has welcomed legendary horses that have come to shape the sport as we know it.

Golden Miller

Golden Miller, the most successful Gold Cup runner of all time, boasted five first-place finishes at the prestigious Cheltenham event in 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, and 1936.

Golden Miller also holds the title of the Gold Cup's youngest winner (5). However, perhaps most impressively, the victory of the Grand National in the same year as the Gold Cup (1934). He remains the only horse to achieve this feat in history.

Arkle

Winning thrice (in 1964, 1965, and 1966), Arkle is regarded as the most dominant steeplechaser in history.

The dominance was so significant that the handicap system was altered, and the "Arkle Challenge Trophy" was ultimately created for novice chasers. Arkle’s Timeform rating (212) is the highest ever awarded to a steeplechaser. It wildly excels in rating an all-time great horse (140+).

Best Mate

A resilient and tactically brilliant horse, Best Mate secured a place in Gold Cup history with three consecutive titles (2002, 2003 and 2004).

He and Jim Culloty renewed interest in the Gold Cup in the early 2000s. His calm temperament and quality consistency made Best Mate a bookie's nightmare and punter's dream.

A Plus Tard

Winner of the 2022 Gold Cup, A Plus Tard made headlines mainly thanks to his jockey - Rachel Blackmore.

Blackmore is the first and only female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This followed her 2021 victory of the Grand National - also marking her as the first female jockey to win the event.

Winning Jockeys & Trainers

The most successful jockeys and trainers in the Cheltenham Gold Cup don’t happen by accident. Only the best make it in the business, with some of the following holding prestigious titles.

Pat Taaffe (Jockey)

• Victories: 4 (1964, 1965, 1966, 1968)
• Notable Mount: Arkle

Pat Taaffe is best known for his partnership with the legendary Arkle. Taaffe’s understanding of Cheltenham’s complex terrain, alongside his sublime riding ability, made the pair unstoppable in the 1960s, but this wasn’t his final taste for a Gold Cup win. The jockey first won the title in 1968 with Fort Leney - another horse trained by the great Tom Dreaper.

Tom Dreaper (Trainer)

• Victories: 5 (1946, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968)
• Notable Horses: Arkle, Prince Regent, Fort Leney

Tom Dreaper is the most successful trainer ever at the Gold Cup. Starting with a 1946 victory with Prince Regent, Dreaper went on to win three consecutive titles with Arkle and a final with Fort Leney in 1968. He was known for emphasising endurance and peak conditioning, which were critical for success at the Gold Cup.

Jim Culloty - Jockey

• Victories: 3 (2002, 2003, 2004)
• Notable Mount: Best Mate

Jim Culloty’s partnership with Best Mate in the early 2000s is legendary. He secured three consecutive Gold Cup victories. Culloty's skill lay in his precise jumping and stamina management. His consistency earned him a place in the record book as one of the best jockeys ever.

Paul Nicholls - Trainer

• Victories: 4 (1999, 2007, 2008, 2009)
• Notable Horses: Kauto Star, Denman, See More Business

Paul Nicholls' peak came in the mid-2000s when his champions, Kauto Star and Denman, fought over the top spot. His innovative training techniques cemented his place in the Gold Cup history books.

Betting Trends of Cheltenham Festival Winners

Trends at the Cheltenham Festival can be challenging to spot, but there are often patterns that bettors can identify to boost their chances of a big win.

Success Rates of Favourites

Betting on the favourite, although earning the lowest return, is typically the safest wager at the Gold Cup.

Approximately 50% of all winners started as the bookies’ top pick for the Gold Cup. Horses such as Galopin des Champs, Best Mate, Arkle, and A Plus Tard with the lowest SP have subsequently gone on to win the title.

For the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup, Inothewayurthinkin is the bookies’ favourite at 7/2. Although it is early days yet, victory would see the Gavin Cromwell-trained horse win back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cup's!

Longshots

Although somewhat unexpected, long shots have a place in the history of Cheltenham.

Several unexpected winners have come from low down in the rankings to take the first-place prize. Norton’s Coin (1990) is among the underdogs of history writing. He started as one of the least expected contenders at 100/1 to win the Gold Cup.

Starting Prices (Odds) Analysis

A range of starting prices can yield a winner at the Gold Cup. The favourites often have odds in the single digits (Arkle had the lowest ever at 1/10), but the value could lie in the mid-range odds, which stretch into the low double digits.

Coneygree, for example, was a great pick at 7/1 back in 2015. As was Al Boum Photo in 2019 at 12/1. Neither were the favourites in these events—but the mid-valued odds offered a good return for a riskier pick—especially when considering E/W markets.

Comparing Gold Cup Winners Across Eras

Horse racing has changed dramatically since the inaugural Gold Cup. It’s difficult to compare the quality of racers in the past with that of today.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Golden Years

The “Golden Years” of the Gold Cup lasted from the 1930s to the 1960s, during which Golden Miller and Arkle dominated the events.

Training techniques relied heavily on the trainer's intuition, and traditional methods were used to breed world-class racers. Bloodlines, focusing on stamina and the performance on the course, were the most important factors in horse racing.

The ground conditions were not as the standard that we have today. Maintenance work was basic, and course conditions could be highly variable, favouring the more robust, durable horses.

With fewer meetings throughout the year, the competition was intense, and each event was significant. For example, Mill House and Arkle’s rivalry was an enormous talking point and showcased the competitive, high-stakes nature of racing in the 60’s. It became a part of national pride and a significant event in this era.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Modern Day

Over the last two decades, we’ve seen much less domination by a single horse, with more quality competitors getting a shot at the title.

We’ve had hero racers in Kauto Star, Al Boum Photo, and—most recently—Galopin Des Champs, which shows the modern competitive spirit. Trainers now use more scientific approaches when working with racehorses.

Data can be collected and used to develop horses and trainers. Due to technological advancements, veterinary care is at its peak. Breeding can piggyback from these technological advancements to produce horses perfect for specific courses and events.

Iconic Rivalries Through the Years

Arkle vs. Mill House (1960s)

The 1960s gave us arguably the best steeplechaser of all time—Arkle. But the horse wasn’t without competition and fierce rivalry. Arkle and Mill House's 1964 Gold Cup remains one of the greatest showdowns ever.

An in-form Mill House, fresh from the back of the win in 1963, was labelled one of the best British Steeplechasers. But the Irish-trained Arkle proved too strong of a competitor. The British vs. Irish dynamic brought hordes of spectators. Arkle ultimately beat the favourite, Mill House, catapulting his Gold Cup career.

Kauto Star vs. Denman (2000s)

Sporting rivalries don’t get much more iconic than Kauto Star and Denman. Both were trained by Paul Nicholls, and the inter-stable rivalry provided a unique storyline and tale that captured the imagination of the British public.

Kauto Star won the Gold Cup back in 2007. Denman then took the title in 2008 in a dominant performance. But it was their 2009 clash that demanded the most respect. With packed grandstands and an inflated television viewership, Kauto Star ran home in first (Denman in second place), becoming the first-ever horse to regain the Gold Cup after losing it.

What It Takes to Win the Cheltenham Gold Cup

Stamina

The Cheltenham Gold Cup covers 3 miles and 2½ furlongs, demanding exceptional stamina from both horse and jockey, often in challenging conditions.

Conserving energy and unleashing a burst for a strong finish is imperative for a winning performance. A Gold Cup winner typically has a proven record in long-distance events across various courses.

Jumping Ability

With 22 jumps lining the Gold Cup course, precision and agility in each jump are vital.

Any mistakes made mean changes to the pace and the runner's rhythm. A consistent, confident jumper offers fierce competition.

Adaptability to Ground Conditions

Cheltenham’s ground conditions can be challenging—varying from soft to heavy going. A top challenger must, therefore, display quality across various ground types.

Those accustomed to racing in all weather will have an advantage if the weather is poor before race day.

Training Regimes

Time and time again, we see top trainers win with different horses throughout their careers. It’s no accident—it’s down to the meticulous training regimes designed over a lifetime to enhance the horse's strengths and develop its weaknesses.

Trainers with a track record of winning at Cheltenham will undoubtedly have an advantage in understanding the unique challenges that the course brings.

Jockey Ability and Strategy

World-class horses need world-class jockeys to get them over the finish line. From the pacing and position to the strategy and technical ability—a great jockey is a necessary part of the winning machine.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Prize Money

The prize money at the Cheltenham Gold Cup has grown considerably over the decade of running.

The inaugural race in 1924 offered just £685 to the winner's owner. The latest iteration offers a huge £625,000 purse, with £351,688 reserved for the first-place jockey.

Top-Earning Trainers and Owners

Several prominent figures have left lasting marks on the Cheltenham Gold Cup, accruing impressive lifetime earnings.

The legendary Paul Nicholls is a particularly successful trainer. He has secured the title with horses like Kauto Star and Denman. His wins have earned him millions of pounds in prize money, contributing significantly to his status as one of the most successful trainers in National Hunt racing.

Owner J.P. McManus is another prominent figure, with multiple wins cementing his legacy in the sport. His horses, such as Synchronised, have won the race and contributed to his extensive collection of significant race victories.

As the prize fund grows, the Cheltenham Gold Cup remains a pivotal target for trainers and owners worldwide. It offers both financial rewards and the prestige of winning one of the most coveted titles in horse racing.

FAQs

Who are the most successful horses in Gold Cup history?

Golden Miller is the most successful horse in Gold Cup history, winning five times in 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935 and 1936.

Several horses have won thrice, including Arkle in 1964, 1965 and 1966, alongside Best Mate in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

What is the history of the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup started in 1924, offering a steeplechase over 3 miles and 3 furlongs for five-year-olds and upwards. The grand prize of £685 was awarded to the winning horse's owner.

Have any mares won the Gold Cup?

Four mares have previously won the Gold Cup - Ballinode (1925), Kerstin (1958), Glencaraig Lady (1962) and Dawn Run (1968).

How many fences are jumped in the Gold Cup?

There are 22 fences jumped in the Gold Cup.

Who are the most recent winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

Inothewayurthinkin is the most recent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, beating the bookies' favourite Galopin Des Champs.

Has any female jockey won the Gold Cup?

Just one female jockey has ever won the Gold Cup - Rachel Blackmore on A Plus Tard in 2022.

Has the Gold Cup ever been cancelled?

The Gold Cup was cancelled five times, in 1931, 1937, 1943, 1944 and 2001.

What is the record for the most Gold Cup wins by a single horse?

The record number of Gold Cup wins by a single horse is five, earned by Golden Miller with victories in 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, and 1936.