Four Cheltenham Gold Cup Replays Every Jump Racing Fan Needs To Watch
The Cheltenham Gold Cup represents the pinnacle of jumping National Hunt racing. All the leading horses throughout history are defined by their exploits over fences in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This race has thrown up some incredible equine performers and, some would argue, some of the greatest battles on the racecourse in recent times. Below are four of the greatest Cheltenham Gold Cup replays:
Best Mate Completes His Historic Hat-Trick (2004)
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Why this race is remembered
How few horses have been good enough to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup on more than one occasion. It has taken a very special champion of the jump game indeed to win it three times in a row. The great Best Mate rolled into Cheltenham in 2004 attempting to join the illustrious ranks of Arkle with a third Gold Cup win in succession.
In spite of questions about his build up to the meeting, Henrietta Knight’s wonderful chaser put in another performance that was letter-perfect under the guidance of jockey Jim Culloty.
Travelling keenly through the race, Best Mate assumed command jumping the last before racing away from the field to complete one of the modern era’s greatest achievements over fences. A hat-trick of Gold Cups and the sport’s latest hero.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Best Mate
- Trainer: Henrietta Knight
- Jockey: Jim Culloty
- Why It Matters: Completed an historic third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup victory.
Kauto Star Regains the Gold Cup (2009)
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Why this race is remembered
Beaten by stable companion Denman in the unforgettable 2008 renewal of the race, few would have thought Kauto Star had one more shot at the top after a disappointing season that followed victory in the 2007 renewal. Far from it. The magnificent horse produced what will forever be regarded as one of the most dramatic comebacks in the history of National Hunt racing. In the hands of Ruby Walsh he jumped in his smooth-rhythmic style all the way before surging up the Cheltenham hill to be the first horse ever to reclaim the Gold Cup.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Kauto Star
- Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- Jockey: Ruby Walsh
- Why It Matters: The only horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup after losing the title.
Coneygree’s Front-Running Masterclass (2015)
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Why this race is remembered
There’s surely never been such an audacious ride in the history of the Cheltenham Festival.
Instead of hanging back, Coneygree took on his more established, Grade 1 winning rivals from the off and flew to the front. Many predicted it would catch him out, but the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup never seemed like coming back to anyone else and the novice bolted up under brilliantly brave jumping. He remains the only novice to have win the Gold Cup since Captain Christy in 1974, over four decades ago.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Coneygree
- Trainer: Mark Bradstock
- Jockey: Nico de Boinville
- Why It Matters: First novice Gold Cup winner for over four decades.
Galopin Des Champs Goes Back-to-Back (2024)
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Why this race is remembered
At the dawn of 2024 it had long been acknowledged that Galopin Des Champs was the standout staying chaser of his era. Back to defend his Gold Cup title this was another typically stylish Willie Mullins-prepared display from the dual-Grand National winner who put his rivals to the sword after the last fence for his second successive win in the premier event. His blend of speed, jumping and stamina has led many to liken him to some of the greatest winners in the history of the great race, further cementing the legacy of the great chaser of the 2020s. To the discerning eye this all-round display only solidified the impression they were witnessing something truly special.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Galopin Des Champs
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Jockey: Paul Townend
- Why It Matters: Back-to-back Gold Cup victories confirmed his place among the modern greats.
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Considered by most to be the ultimate prize in National Hunt racing, the 3-mile 2-furlong trip requires all manner of abilities including extreme stamina, precise jumping and fine tactical acumen.
There have been many truly special winners over the years, from Best Mate’s remarkable hat-trick to Kauto Star’s inspirational comeback win in 2006, Coneygree’s bold front-running victory in 2015 to the recent dominance of Galopin Des Champs.
If you’re keen to revisit some of the highlights of the jump racing calendar, bookmark this page to relive the drama of the best Cheltenham Gold Cup replays.