The Cheltenham Festival is a triumph of horse racing. The best horses, jockeys and trainers bring everything they have to compete for the biggest prizes in National Hunt racing. Spread across four days, each containing seven races, there is plenty of top-class racing for everyone.
Of all these, Friday is arguably the most important day. Reserved for the biggest race, the Gold Cup, it allows the festival to end on a high. Below, we give a rundown of Friday at Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Gold Cup is one of the biggest spectacles in British horse racing.
In the betting for Cheltenham, Galopin Des Champs is the current favourite at 6/4. However, A Plus Tard is hot on its heels at 15/2 with the hopes of winning back-to-back after the victory in the same race last year. Keeping an eye on the Cheltenham results is important before placing any bets as it allows you to look at a horse’s previous form.
Trainer Willie Mullins will be hoping to get the race winner after missing out to Henry de Bromhead over the past two years. Other previous winners have been some of the biggest stars in jump racing, including Kauto Star, Denman and Best Mate. This year a prize fund of £625,000 goes to the winner.
Triumph Hurdle
The Triumph Hurdle is the first race of the day and sets the pace for the others. It is a Grade 1 race, with a length of two miles one furlong. Eight fences are to be jumped.
The race itself dates back to 1939 when it was held at a different course in Surrey. This year, Lossiemouth is the favourite to win though by no means is it a certainty after a dip in form during its last race. As it is for younger horses, some of its winners have gone on to fantastic things after winning. The most famous of these was Tiger Roll, who won here and went on to win the 2018 and 2019 Grand National. However, horses such as Persian War and Katchit have also made a name for themselves.Â
Novices Hurdle
The Novices Hurdle is a fairly recent addition to the festival, first appearing in 2005. Formerly known as the Spa Novices Hurdle, it is now sponsored by Albert Bartlett. Despite being new, it has quickly risen to be one of the most popular races on the itinerary.
It is a Grade 1 race run over 3 miles. There are twelve hurdles to jump, making it a test of stamina for young horses with little experience. There is always a packed field and the Gordon Elliot-trained Three Card Bragg leads the field this year.
There are seven races in total, so by no means are these the only ones to bet on. Check the form, manage your bankroll and enjoy some great racing.