Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Thursday, May 15, 2025
9 C
London

Galopin Des Champs Leads 19 Entries for Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Five British Contenders

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.

Hot this week

Irish Mortgage Rates Continue to Ease but Remain Among Highest in Eurozone

The average interest rate on new mortgages in Ireland...

Irish Bank Customers Loyal but Cautious Amid Rise of AI, Study Finds

Irish consumers remain loyal to their main banks, with...

NFL Confirms Historic 2025 Dublin Game Between Steelers and Vikings at Croke Park

The National Football League (NFL) confirmed on Tuesday that...

Dublin-Based Appeals Centre Expands Scope to Include Instagram Disputes

The Appeals Centre Europe, a Dublin-based independent body handling...

Mahmut Orhan in Greece – A Cross-Cultural Love Story

If you’ve been to a beach party or summer...

Topics

Irish Mortgage Rates Continue to Ease but Remain Among Highest in Eurozone

The average interest rate on new mortgages in Ireland...

Irish Bank Customers Loyal but Cautious Amid Rise of AI, Study Finds

Irish consumers remain loyal to their main banks, with...

NFL Confirms Historic 2025 Dublin Game Between Steelers and Vikings at Croke Park

The National Football League (NFL) confirmed on Tuesday that...

Dublin-Based Appeals Centre Expands Scope to Include Instagram Disputes

The Appeals Centre Europe, a Dublin-based independent body handling...

Mahmut Orhan in Greece – A Cross-Cultural Love Story

If you’ve been to a beach party or summer...

Trump Promises 59% Cut in Prescription Drug Prices, But Offers Few Details

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Monday to...

India and Pakistan Military Chiefs to Hold Talks as Border Ceasefire Holds

Top military officials from India and Pakistan are expected...

Related Articles

Popular Categories