Day Four

Gold Cup Day


Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Betting

The final day of the Cheltenham Festival is the time for the big one, the flagship race of the whole week: the Gold Cup at 16:00.

Day four has seven races to get stuck into, starting with the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle and rounding off a pulsating week with the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

In between those are the County Hurdle and both the Mares’ and Novices’ Hurdle before the Gold Cup takes centre stage.

Following the showpiece we have the Open Hunters’ Chase before the Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle completes the action.

It is sure to be an action-packed, fast-paced final day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival and our guide to day four will ensure you know exactly what lies in store.

Here is the full schedule for 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup Day:

  • 13:20 – Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
  • 14:00 – County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
  • 14:40 – Mares' Chase (Grade 2)
  • 15:20 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
  • 16:00 – Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1)
  • 16:40 – Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
  • 17:20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

*Please note all times are subject to change

History of the Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup needs no introduction.

From its inaugural run in 1924, the event quickly became one of the most celebrated events in British horse racing. Now having surpassed its centenary year, the race was designed to be a test of stamina and jumping ability for steeplechasers and has attracted the world’s top horses, trainers and jockeys over the years.

Throughout the last century the Cheltenham Gold Cup has witnessed many iconic moments and created some legendary champions.

Names like Golden Miller, Arkle and Best Mate have won the event on more than one occasion and every year the race captivates audiences worldwide as fans gather to witness a thrilling spectacle.

The race has evolved over time, with changes in distance and track conditions, but has remained the pinnacle of steeplechase racing.

The Gold Cup attracts elite competitors from around the world and, in its 102nd year, remains a cherished fixture in the racing schedule.

Here are the last 10 winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and their jockeys:

  • 2025 – Inothewayurthinkin (Mark Walsh)
  • 2024 – Galopin Des Champs (Paul Townend)
  • 2023 – Galopin Des Champs (Paul Townend)
  • 2022 – A Plus Tard (Rachael Blackmore)
  • 2021 – Minella Indo (Jack Kennedy)
  • 2020 – Al Boum Photo (Paul Townend)
  • 2019 – Al Boum Photo (Paul Townend)
  • 2018 – Native River (Richard Johnson)
  • 2017 – Sizing John (Robbie Power)
  • 2016 – Don Cossack (Bryan Cooper)

What is the big race of the day?

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the 102nd edition of the Gold Cup. Taking place at 16:00, the runners and riders will be vying to become the winner of one of the world’s most prestigious horse races.

Willie Mullins will be hoping to wrestle the Gold Cup back from last year’s winner Gavin Cromwell after his 2023 and 2024 double with Galopin Des Champs.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Betting Tips

Rounding off the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is an all-action day four.

With seven races to get stuck into, punters will be looking for the in-form horses and jockeys as they search for a final big win of the week.

Check out BetMGM’s Cheltenham Gold Cup Day betting tips to learn more about the races, participants and favourites. It’s showtime!

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