Will Galopin Des Champs join the Gold Cup Triple Winners Club?

First run as a steeplechase in 1924, the Gold Cup has become the highlight of the annual Cheltenham Festival. Spanning approximately 3 miles and 2½ furlongs (5.3 km) and featuring 22 fences, the Gold Cup is often referred to as the “Blue Riband” of steeplechasing, marking it as a true test of stamina and jumping ability.

Since its first running in 1924, the Cheltenham Gold Cup has steadily risen to become the most prestigious race for staying chasers. It attracts the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers from across Britain and Ireland.

Triple Gold Cup Winners

Winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup even once is an incredible achievement, requiring a combination of stamina, skill, and determination. However, only a select few horses have managed to go beyond this and claim victory three or more times. These extraordinary champions stand out in the race’s history. Let’s take a closer look at the legendary horses who have secured their place in this elite group.

Golden Miller

Golden Miller set the gold standard for Gold Cup winners, becoming the first horse to win the race five consecutive times between 1932 and 1936, a record that remains unbeaten. Trained by the Basil Briscoe, Golden Miller dominated National Hunt racing in the 1930s.

His most famous year came in 1934, when he not only claimed the Gold Cup but also went on to win the Grand National—a remarkable double that no horse has replicated since. That year at Aintree, he set a new course record for the Grand National, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

His combination of speed, stamina, and impeccable jumping ability made him a standout in an era that featured some of the finest competitors in steeplechasing history.

Cottage Rake

Cottage Rake was the next to carve his name into Gold Cup history with three consecutive wins from 1948 to 1950. His success is often credited with igniting the Irish passion for the Cheltenham Festival, as his victories coincided with a post-war resurgence of Irish involvement in the sport.

Trained by Vincent O’Brien, Cottage Rake was known for his smooth, confident jumping and a turn of speed that few could match when the final stages of the race approached.

Despite Cheltenham’s uphill finish, Cottage Rake’s power and agility made him virtually unbeatable over the challenging course. His victories helped elevate the festival into the iconic sporting event it is today, inspiring future generations of Irish trainers and jockeys.

Arkle

Arkle is often considered the greatest steeplechaser of all time, with his three consecutive Gold Cup wins between 1964 and 1966 forever etched into racing lore.

The bay gelding, trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by Pat Taaffe, captivated fans with his sheer dominance on the course. Arkle wasn’t just winning races—he was demolishing the competition. His 1965 victory was especially memorable, as he won by a staggering 20 lengths, despite carrying an injury that might have sidelined a lesser horse.

Arkle’s reputation was so grand that he was often entered into races at short odds—famously, he went off at 1/10 for his third Gold Cup win in 1966, an indication of how invincible he was considered at the time.

His Timeform rating of 212 remains the highest ever awarded to a steeplechaser, underscoring his legendary status. Arkle’s influence extended beyond the track, with his fame reaching such heights that slogans like “Arkle for President” became popular in his native Ireland.

Best Mate

Best Mate brought the magic of triple Gold Cup victories into the 21st century, winning three times in a row from 2002 to 2004.

Trained by Henrietta Knight and ridden by Jim Culloty, Best Mate became known for his remarkable consistency, a trait that endeared him to racing fans.

He never fell at a fence or hurdle during his career, a rare and impressive feat in the unpredictable world of National Hunt racing. Best Mate’s style was understated—he rarely won by wide margins—but his determination and flawless technique in jumping ensured he always found himself in contention at the finish.

His untimely death in 2005 shocked the racing world, but his legacy endures, with his ashes buried at Cheltenham Racecourse near the winning post where he had triumphed three times. Best Mate’s consistency, courage, and reliability earned him a lasting place in the hearts of racegoers.

The 2024 Centenary and Galopin Des Champs

The 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup marked the 100th anniversary of this prestigious race, offering a moment to reflect on its rich history.

The centenary lived up to expectations, with Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, delivering a standout performance to claim his second consecutive Gold Cup victory.

Now, with two Gold Cup wins to his name, Galopin Des Champs heads into the 2025 Cheltenham Festival as the strong favourite. Odds of 5/2 reflect the growing anticipation for what could be a historic moment in racing.

Should he secure a third consecutive victory, Galopin Des Champs would join an elite group of horses—Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle, and Best Mate—who have won the Gold Cup three or more times.

The prospect of him joining this exclusive “triple winners club” has created excitement throughout the racing world. Such an achievement would not only elevate his status to legendary proportions but also generate renewed interest in National Hunt racing, captivating both long-time fans and attracting new followers to the sport.

The 2025 Gold Cup promises to be a thrilling chapter in Cheltenham’s storied history, with Galopin Des Champs on the brink of racing immortality.