 The feature race of the entire Cheltenham Festival is undoubtedly the grade one Gold Cup. At just over three miles, two furlongs the course and distance are a firm challenge to any competitor. Despite the entrants for the Cheltenham Gold Cup being of a high quality, shock betting results are not uncommon. Tipsters often focus on horses jumping ability when making their Gold Cup naps and this is certainly sound advice. Selecting a horse that shown form over fences and possess a good deal of stamina is a firm base for making your Cheltenham Gold Cup choice. Best Mate has won the race two years running and there has been little argument in that he could be the first horse to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup three years in a row since Arkle.
Click here for the latest 2004 Cheltenham Festival betting.
In a fantastic race the 2003 Cheltenham Gold Cup was taken by the favourite Best Mate in a ruthless fashion and in doing so became the first horse to successfully defend his title for thirty two years. In winning the King Geroge at Kempton, Best Mate was promoted to head the betting market and he justified his position with almost ease. With Jim Culloty aboard, Best Mate decimated the field arrayed against him and crossed the finishing line recording a winning margin only bettered once in the last twenty years. Far behind the pace set by the winner, Tuckers Tavern stayed on well to take second place. Third place was taken in a spectacular manner by Harbour Pilot, who was way behind at the final turn and demonstrated devastating late pace in clawing his way back through the field. Cheltenham results are always good to look back on the 2003 running of the Gold Cup was perhaps one of the finest.
| Cheltenham Gold Cup Results |
| Year |
Horse |
Trainer |
Starting Price |
| 2003 |
Best Mate |
H Knight |
13/8 Fav |
| 2002 |
Best Mate |
H Knight |
7/1 |
| 2000 |
Looks Like Trouble |
N Chance |
9/2 |
| 1999 |
See More Business |
P Nicholls |
16/1 |
| 1998 |
Cool Dawn |
R Alner |
25/1 |
| 1997 |
Mr Milligan |
R Fahey |
20/1 |
| 1996 |
Imperial Call |
A Leahy |
9/2 |
Following the Cheltenham Gold Cup comes the Foxhunter Chase. |
