As the 2025 Cheltenham Festival gallops towards its grand finale, Gold Cup Day on Friday, 14 March 2025, promises a thrilling conclusion to this illustrious event. Check out our betting preview with the best betting odds from featured bookmaker William Hill.
The day features seven captivating races, each with its own narrative and set of protagonists. Let’s delve into each race, highlighting the leading contenders, current betting odds, and offering a touch of British humour to keep things light-hearted.
1. JCB Triumph Hurdle (13:20)
The curtain rises with the JCB Triumph Hurdle, a Grade 1 contest over 2 miles and 1 furlong, exclusively for four-year-old hurdlers. This race often serves as a springboard for future stars in the National Hunt scene.
Notable Contenders:
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Lulamba – Trained by Nicky Henderson, Lulamba has been the subject of much speculation regarding his target race at the festival. Initially aimed at the Champion Hurdle, recent market movements suggest a possible switch back to the Triumph Hurdle and he currently sits close behind 2/1 favourite East India Dock at a best price of 9/4.. His versatility and class make him a formidable contender in whichever race he lines up.
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Palladium – A recent acquisition by Lady Bamford for a record £1.2 million, Palladium has garnered significant attention. This former German Derby winner, now under Nicky Henderson’s tutelage, has seen his odds shorten from 25/1 to 14/1, reflecting growing confidence in his potential.
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Charlus – An enigmatic French import, Charlus remains unbeaten but untested on British soil. At a hefty 40/1, punters are curious if he can translate his form across the Channel.
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Gibbs Island – Trained by Tom Lacey, Gibbs Island has emerged as another high-priced contender at 20/1 and in our opinion he represents excellent value as an EW option.
2. William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (14:00)
Next up is the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle, a fiercely competitive Premier Handicap over 2 miles. Known for its large fields and surprise outcomes, it’s a puzzle for punters and a delight for outsiders.
Notable Contenders:
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Kopeck De Mee – Trained by Willie Mullins, Kopeck De Mee has become a focal point for bettors, being favoured for multiple races, including the County Hurdle. Despite having no prior runs in Britain or Ireland, his impressive French form has led to a handicap rating of 136. He is current second favourite here at a best price of just 9/1, reflecting the significant market support.
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McLaurey – Emmet Mullins’ six-year-old has been the subject of considerable backing, with odds currently at 8/1.His recent performances suggest he’s peaking at the right time, making him a strong contender for the County Hurdle.
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Lark In The Mornin – Representing Joseph O’Brien’s yard, Lark In The Mornin is priced at 10/1. While not the leading favourite, his consistent form this season makes him a noteworthy each-way prospect.
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Vischio – This mare, trained by Emmet Mullins, has shown fine form, winning her last two starts. Her participation in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso is seen as a strategic move, with connections eyeing the £100,000 bonus for a Cheltenham win at a current price of 25/1.
3. Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (14:40)
The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase, a Grade 2 event over 2 miles and 4 furlongs, showcases the crème de la crème of female chasers. Introduced to the festival in recent years, it has quickly become a highlight.
Notable Contenders:
- Dinoblue
Trained by Willie Mullins, Dinoblue is currently the favourite with odds around 13/8. She has demonstrated consistent form this season, positioning her as a strong contender for the race. - Allegorie De Vassy
Another entry from Willie Mullins’ yard, Allegorie De Vassy has shown promise with recent victories and holds odds of approximately 5/1. Her performances suggest she could be a significant player in this year’s contest. - Spindleberry
Trained by Willie Mullins, 15/2 shot Spindleberry recently justified strong support by winning a Listed mares’ chase at Fairyhouse.Her impressive performance has positioned her as a notable contender for the Mares’ Chase. - Limerick Lace
The defending champion from Gavin Cromwell’s stable, Limerick Lace secured last year’s Mares’ Chase and is currently priced around 8/1. Her experience and previous success at Cheltenham make her a noteworthy contender. - Bioluminescence
Also under Gavin Cromwell’s training, Bioluminescence has shown potential with recent performances and is available at odds of about 8/1. Her progression this season adds intrigue to her chances.
4. Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (15:20)
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, affectionately known as the “potato race,” is a Grade 1 marathon over 3 miles for novice hurdlers. Stamina and grit are the order of the day.
Notable Contenders:
- Final Demand
Under the guidance of Willie Mullins, current 3/1 favourite Final Demand has shown exceptional form, notably with a dominant victory in the Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival. This triumph has significantly boosted his standing among the favourites. - The Yellow Clay
Trained by Gordon Elliott, The Yellow Clay boasts an impressive record, remaining unbeaten in his hurdle races. His performances have positioned him as one of the leading contenders for the Albert Bartlett at a best price of 9/2. - The Big Westerner
From Henry de Bromhead’s stable, The Big Westerner (11/2) secured a noteworthy win in a Grade Two event at Limerick over Christmas. His consistent performances make him a strong contender in this year’s race.
5. Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (16:00)
The jewel in the festival’s crown, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, is a Grade 1 chase over 3 miles and 2½ furlongs.This prestigious race determines the season’s champion staying chaser.
Notable Contenders:
- Galopin Des Champs
Trained by Willie Mullins, Galopin Des Champs is aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Gold Cup victory. His dominant performances in the previous two editions have solidified his status as the favourite, with current odds around 8/15. - Banbridge
Under the guidance of Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Banbridge has shown consistent form this season. His recent performances have earned him odds of approximately 6/1, positioning him as a strong contender. - Fact To File
Another notable entry from Willie Mullins’ stable, Fact To File has impressed in recent outings. With odds around 10/1, he is considered a significant challenger in this year’s line-up. - Monty’s Star
Trained by Henry de Bromhead, Monty’s Star is a rising talent in the chasing ranks. Despite being lightly raced over fences, his potential is reflected in his odds of about 12/1. - Corbetts Cross
With odds near 20/1, Corbetts Cross is among the horses to watch, especially considering the race’s history of occasional upsets.
6. St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase (16:40)
The penultimate race, the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase, is often dubbed the “amateurs’ Gold Cup.” Run over the same course and distance as the Gold Cup, it features seasoned hunters and enthusiastic amateur riders.
Notable Contenders:
- Angels Dawn
Under the guidance of trainer Sam Curling, Angels Dawn has demonstrated consistent form this season, with recent victories enhancing her reputation. She is priced at approximately 7/2. - Its On The Line
Trained by Emmet Mullins, Its On The Line finished second in last year’s Hunters’ Chase and has since secured notable victories, including the Champion Hunters’ Chase at Punchestown for the second consecutive year. He is currently second favourite with best odds of 4/1. - Willitgoahead
This seven-year-old gelding, trained by Sean Thomas Doyle, has been in impressive form, winning four of his past five races, including a notable victory over former Willie Mullins-trained Ramillies at Thurles. His odds have shortened from 14/1 to as low as 5/1, reflecting growing confidence in his prospects.
7. Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (17:20)
The festival concludes with the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, a 2 miles and 4½ furlongs race that offers budding jockeys a chance to shine on the big stage.
Notable Contenders:
- Kopeck De Mee
A recent acquisition by owner JP McManus and trained by Willie Mullins, Kopeck De Mee has attracted significant betting interest. Despite not having raced in Britain or Ireland, his French form suggests he may be well-handicapped.Initially entered in multiple races, he has been backed into favouritism for the Martin Pipe, with odds shortening from 5/1 to 7/2. - Wodhooh
Trained by Gordon Elliott, Wodhooh boasts an unbeaten record over hurdles, with six consecutive victories. Her latest triumph at Cheltenham saw her defeat notable competitors, including Joyeuse and Take No Chances. Despite carrying an 11lb higher mark for this race, her impeccable form positions her as ante-post second-favourite at a best price of 8/1.
