Galopin Des Champs, the reigning champion of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, heads a list of 19 entries for the prestigious race, with a record-low five British contenders for this year’s edition.
The nine-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins, has been dominant in the Gold Cup for the past two years. After an impressive victory at Leopardstown over Christmas, he is the short-priced favourite to join the ranks of legends like Best Mate with three straight Gold Cup wins.
Mullins’ stablemate, Fact To File, stands as Galopin Des Champs’ primary market rival. Although Fact To File defeated the favourite in the John Durkan Chase, he was outclassed when the two met again in the Savills Chase. The horse is also entered in the Ryanair Chase, with 34 contenders in the running for that event.
Among other notable entries for the Gold Cup are King George one-two Banbridge and Il Est Francais. Both horses are also entered in the Ryanair and Champion Chase, adding to the competitive nature of Cheltenham’s blue riband race. Gerri Colombe, trained by Gordon Elliott, and Monty’s Star, trained by Henry de Bromhead, also feature as potential threats in the Gold Cup.
However, British-based entries are notably fewer this year. The five runners include Dan Skelton’s returning Festival hero, Grey Dawning, Venetia Williams’ Betfair Chase winner Royale Pagaille and L’Homme Presse, Patrick Neville’s King George fourth The Real Whacker, and Lucinda Russell’s Ahoy Senor.
One surprising omission from the Gold Cup list is Jimmy Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower, who was the beaten favourite in the King George and John Durkan. Instead, Spillane’s Tower has entered the Ryanair Chase.
Meanwhile, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, another highlight of the Cheltenham Festival, looks set to feature Jonbon, the JP McManus-owned favourite. A strong challenge is expected from Willie Mullins’ yard, with entries including the two-time Champion Chase winner Energumene, last year’s Arkle champion Gaelic Warrior, and El Fabiolo, who was the beaten favourite in last year’s race.
In other news, due to a cold weather snap affecting Cork and Clonmel, the race meetings at these tracks have been rescheduled. Clonmel will now take place on Wednesday, January 15, while Cork will race on Friday, January 17.