The Cheltenham Gold Cup — A Century of Champions

The story

Over 100 years of history

The championship race for staying chasers — nothing in jump racing commands more respect, or demands more of horse and rider.

The essence of the Gold Cup

1819 — 1923

Origins

The name Cheltenham Gold Cup first appeared in July 1819 as a flat race over 3 miles on Cleeve Hill. The modern steeplechase was inaugurated on 12 March 1924, run over 3 miles and 3 furlongs with 22 fences. The very first winner was Red Splash, ridden by Dick Rees. In its early years the race was overshadowed by the National Hunt Chase and offered less prize money than the County Handicap Hurdle — yet the foundations of something extraordinary had been laid.

1932 — 1936

The Golden Miller era

Golden Miller transformed the Gold Cup into a national institution. Owned by Dorothy Paget and trained by Basil Briscoe, he won five consecutive Gold Cups — a record that has never been matched. In 1934 he also won the Grand National, the only horse ever to achieve that famous double in the same season.

Golden Miller — artwork

Golden Miller — 1930s press cartoon

1946 — 1963

Post-war prestige

The 1943 and 1944 races were cancelled due to World War II. In the post-war years, Cottage Rake — trained in Ireland by the legendary Vincent O'Brien — won three consecutive Gold Cups from 1948 to 1950, helping to popularise the Festival with the Irish racing public. In 1959 the race moved permanently to the New Course at Cheltenham, where it remains today.

1964 — 1989

Arkle, Desert Orchid & the golden age

The 1960s belonged entirely to Arkle. Trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by Pat Taaffe, the Irish giant won three successive Gold Cups from 1964 to 1966. His starting price of 1/10 in his final victory remains the shortest in the race's history. The decades that followed brought Dawn Run (1986) and the beloved grey Desert Orchid (1989).

Arkle — three consecutive Gold Cups

Desert Orchid — the only grey winner

2002 — 2024

Best Mate, Kauto Star & modern champions

Best Mate captivated racing fans with three consecutive victories from 2002 to 2004. Jim Lewis, Best Mate's devoted owner, became one of the most recognisable faces in racing. Kauto Star became the only horse ever to regain the Gold Cup in 2009. In 2022, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the race. Galopin Des Champs dominated from 2023 to 2024.

Best Mate at Cheltenham

Jim Lewis — owner of Best Mate

Hall of fame

The legends

Golden Miller

5 victories

19321933193419351936

The greatest record-holder in Gold Cup history. Owned by Dorothy Paget and trained by Basil Briscoe, Golden Miller also claimed the 1934 Grand National — the only horse ever to complete that double in a single season.

Arkle

3 victories

196419651966

Widely regarded as the greatest steeplechaser who ever lived. Trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by Pat Taaffe, Arkle won his final Gold Cup as a 1/10 favourite. He won by 30 lengths. A race at Cheltenham bears his name to this day.

Desert Orchid

1 victory

1989

The only grey horse ever to win the Gold Cup and one of the most beloved racehorses in modern British history. His 1989 victory over heavy ground — not his ideal conditions — ranks among the most emotionally charged moments in the race's history.

Desert Orchid

At Cheltenham

1989

Desert Orchid in full flight at Cheltenham racecourse, leading the field over a fence in that iconic grey coat. “Dessie” was adored by the racing public like no other horse of his era.

Best Mate

3 victories

200220032004

Trained by Henrietta Knight and ridden by Jim Culloty, Best Mate captivated a new generation of racing fans with three consecutive Gold Cups. His calm temperament and relentless consistency made him a bookie's nightmare.

Jim Lewis

Owner — Best Mate

200220032004

Jim Lewis, the devoted owner of Best Mate, became one of the most recognisable and popular faces in racing during the horse's golden years. His infectious enthusiasm and love for Best Mate endeared him to racing fans across the country.

By the numbers

Records & remarkable facts

Most wins — horse

Golden Miller

5 consecutive wins, 1932–1936

Most wins — owner

Dorothy Paget

7 victories in total

Most wins — trainer

Tom Dreaper

5 wins with 3 different horses

Most wins — jockey

Pat Taaffe / Paul Townend

4 wins each

Shortest starting price

Arkle — 1/10

1966, won by 30 lengths

Longest starting price

Norton's Coin — 100/1

1990 shock winner

Fastest time

Long Run — 6m 29.70s

2011, ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen

First female jockey

Rachael Blackmore

A Plus Tard, 2022

Unique double

Dawn Run — 1986

Only horse to win Gold Cup & Champion Hurdle

Trainer's 1–5

Michael Dickinson

All 5 placed horses in 1983

Only regained cup

Kauto Star

Won 2007, lost 2008, won 2009

Only grey winner

Desert Orchid

1989, one of the most popular ever

2025 prize fund

£625,000

£364,313 to the winner

Irish-trained winners

29 victories

Including multiple for Willie Mullins

Youngest winner

5 years old

Red Splash (1924), Golden Miller (1932)

Oldest winners

12 years old

Silver Fame (1951), What A Myth (1969)

The Gold CupA Century of Champions

Over 100 years of history

The legends

Records & remarkable facts

All Gold Cup winners