2 minutes Willie Mullins, the acclaimed Irish trainer with a record of success, aims for his fourth victory in this premier event within a span of six years.
Galopin Des Champs is set to defend his title in the Cheltenham Gold Cup this Friday, coinciding with the centennial celebration of the race.
Willie Mullins, the acclaimed Irish trainer with a record of success, aims for his fourth victory in this premier event within a span of six years.
Among the challengers are Fastorslow, last year's second-place finisher Bravemansgame, and the celebrated Grand National champion Corach Rambler. However, Hewick, an underdog with an initial cost of only £800 who triumphed in the King George VI Chase, has been withdrawn due to the rain-affected track in Gloucestershire, which trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon believes would compromise his horse's performance.
The competition heats up with Fastorslow, under the guidance of Martin Brassil, having previously outperformed Galopin Des Champs twice, though the current champion reclaimed superiority in their last encounter during the Irish Gold Cup. Mullins expressed confidence in his horse's condition post-race, remarking,
"Galopin des Champs came out of his last race very well and I am very happy." He added, "Anytime you win any race at Cheltenham it's special, to win the Gold Cup in its 100th year would be extra special."
Patrick Mullins, Willie's son and the jockey behind his father's milestone 100th Festival win, will ride Monkfish, another of Mullins' hopefuls. The race is shaping up to be a compelling event with numerous strong contenders and unresolved questions. Gentlemansgame, victorious over Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall Chase but absent from the track for over four months, returns under the skilled supervision of Mouse Morris.
The Real Whacker and Gerri Colombe, both Festival victors, are set to compete again, alongside L'Homme Presse, the 2022 novice chase winner. The field also includes Welsh National winner Nassalam and Jungle Boogie, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, adding to the race's allure.
Cheltenham Gold Cup odds
| HORSE | FORM | TRAINER | JOCKEY | ODDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galopin Des Champs | 112-311 | W P Mullins | P Townend | 11/10 |
| Fastorslow | 5521-12 | M Brassil | J J Slevin | 5/1 |
| Gerri Colombe | 1121-12 | G Elliott | J W Kennedy | 8/1 |
| Bravemansgame | 123-222 | P F Nicholls | H Cobden | 12/1 |
| L'Homme Presse | 13/1U-12 | Miss V Williams | Charlie Deutsche | 12/1 |
| Gentlemansgame | 713/1-21 | M F Morris | D J O'Keefe | 16/1 |
| Corach Rambler | 5411-53 | Miss Lucinda V Russell | D R Fox | 20/1 |
| Monkfish | 112/29-1 | W P Mullins | Mr P W Mullins | 22/1 |
| Nassalam | 307-411 | G L Moore | H F Houlihan | 25/1 |
| Jungle Boogie | 111/41 | H de Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore | 40/1 |
| The Real Whacker | 111-P42 | P Neville | Sam Twiston-Davies | 40/1 |