Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds
The Totesport Gold Cup is undeniably the most anticipated event of the entire Cheltenham Festival. The first three days help to build a sense of excitement that builds to fever-pitch by Day Four, when the race is run. The race is a Class A Grade 1 chase, which is run over a distance of three miles and two and half furlongs. The race gets underway at 3.20pm and is open horses aged five-years old and upwards, with a total prize fund of £475,000 up for grabs.
In days gone by, the Gold Cup used to be considered as merely a trial for the all-important Grand National, however, since the Cheltenham Festival’s notoriety has grown, so too has the prestige that comes with winning this great event.
Many consider this race to be the ultimate test for any thoroughbred, due to the combination of break-neck speed, stamina and jumping prowess required, in order to emerge as the victor.
The upper age limit for the Gold Cup seems to be firmly, though not officially, capped at 10-years-old, as there has not been a winner older than this age since way back in 1969.
Experience of the Gold Cup appears to be paramount, and success being built upon, with 20 of the last 22 winners having finished within the top four in their previous race.
There are, of course, impressive feats tied to Gold Cup; Dawn Run is the only horse to have ever taken victory in both the Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle. While Dorothy Paget is the most successful owner to ever grace the event, notching up a seemingly insurmountable seven victories.
Dorothy Paget also, perhaps unsurprisingly, was owner of the Golden Miller, who had five consecutive victories from 1932-1936.
Last year’s winner was the infamous Imperial Commander, aged nine years old and ridden by Paddy Brennan.
He beat Kauto Star, who was huge odds on favourite, looking to claim his third Gold Cup and in the throngs of his rivalry with Denman.
In 2011, things look to be the same, with all eyes fixed firmly on Imperial Commander, Kauto Star and Denman.
