Assessing Ireland’s dominance in the 2025 Gold Cup
It’s been seven years since a British-trained horse last won the prestigious Gold Cup, and looking at this year’s contenders for the iconic race, it may take at least another 12 months for the hosts to reclaim Cheltenham Festival’s top prize.
Irish-trained runners once again top the Cheltenham Gold Cup odds, with the hat-trick-seeking Galopin Des Champs leading the charge. Meanwhile, L’Homme Presse, trained by Venetia Williams, carries the British hopes in what promises to be another thrilling renewal.
In fact, L’Homme Presse is one of just four potential British entries, as Irish horses could make up the majority of the field. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of Ireland’s top contenders for this year’s Gold Cup.
Galopin Des Champs – The one to beat
While big names like Constitution Hill often dominate the headlines, Galopin Des Champs is undoubtedly the star attraction heading into the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Willie Mullins’ stable star is chasing an illustrious third Gold Cup victory, a feat that would further cement his status as one of the modern greats.
Despite finishing third on seasonal reappearance in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, the nine-year-old has since hit peak form with two impressive Grade 1 victories at Leopardstown.
His second Savills Chase triumph at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival was followed by a third consecutive win in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival. With that kind of momentum, it will take a special performance to deny him another Gold Cup crown.
Banbridge – A rising challenger
Banbridge endured a shaky start to the season, finishing a distant fourth in the Fortria Chase at Navan before unseating Richard Deegan in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork. However, he hit top form at just the right time with a stunning performance in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
In that race, Il Est Francais built what seemed to be an unassailable lead, but Banbridge found an extra gear to close him down and claim victory under Paul Townend.
The extra two-and-a-half furlongs of the Gold Cup will test his stamina, but after proving himself over three miles for the first time in the King George, Banbridge could be a serious contender if he can match that effort.
Corbetts cross – A dark horse?
It has been more than a decade since JP McManus last won the Gold Cup with Synchronised in 2012, but Corbetts Cross could offer his best chance of reclaiming the trophy this year.
Initially seen as a rising star, the eight-year-old has had a mixed season, finishing a disappointing sixth in the King George before struggling against Pic D’Orhy in the Ascot Chase. The shorter trip may not have suited him last time out, but a return to three-and-a-quarter miles could bring out the best in him.
With a strong staying performance, Corbetts Cross could be one to watch with promising horse betting odds as the Gold Cup drama unfolds.
The editorial unit
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