Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips For 2025 – Will It Be The Treble For Mullins?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, is set to captivate audiences once again on Friday, March 14th, 2025.
This prestigious race, steeped in history and tradition, will see the finest staying chasers compete for glory over a gruelling 3 miles 2½ furlongs.
In 2024, the talented Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, secured a second consecutive victory in the Gold Cup, cementing their place in racing history.
As we look ahead to the 2025 edition, the question on everyone’s lips is whether Galopin Des Champs can achieve the remarkable feat of a treble.
Runners To Watch
Below are our Gold Cup tips and previews for selected runners who hold entries for Boodles Gold Cup 2025.
The 2025 Gold Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with nine horses declared to run.
Galopin Des Champs
Leading the pack as the overwhelming favourite is Galopin Des Champs, aiming to join the elite company of Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle, and Best Mate as a three-time consecutive winner of the race.
The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old has shown exceptional form, winning all 11 of his completed races away from Punchestown.
His impressive record and proven ability to handle the Cheltenham course make him the horse to beat.
However, the path to victory is far from certain, with several formidable challengers in the field.
Banbridge
Banbridge, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien, emerges as a strong contender following his victory in the King George VI Chase.
The nine-year-old’s impressive performance at Kempton Park demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, and he could pose a significant threat to the favourite.
Inothewayurthinkin
Another horse to watch is Inothewayurthinkin, trained by Gavin Cromwell.
This seven-year-old has shown promise, winning the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at last year’s Festival.
His stamina and jumping ability make him an intriguing prospect for the Gold Cup, especially if the ground conditions suit.
Corbett’s Cross
Corbetts Cross, from the Emmet Mullins yard, is another potential dark horse.
While he may have struggled in recent outings, the extra distance and any easing of the ground could play to his strengths.
His connections will be hoping he can recapture the form that made him a Grade 1 winner in the past.
Monty’s Star
The Henry De Bromhead-trained Monty’s Star is not to be overlooked.
Despite a disappointing run in the Irish Gold Cup, his second-place finish in the 2024 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase suggests he has the potential to perform well at Cheltenham.
With Rachael Blackmore in the saddle, he could surprise many on the day.
And The Rest
Veterans Ahoy Senor and Royale Pagaille, while facing longer odds, bring valuable experience to the race.
Ahoy Senor, trained by Lucinda Russell, is a two-time Grade 1 winner but will need to overcome recent form concerns.
Royale Pagaille, from the Venetia Williams stable, has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and could be a factor if returning to his best.
The Real Whacker, winner of the 2023 Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival, represents an interesting proposition.
Trained by Patrick Neville, this horse has proven his ability to perform at Cheltenham, which could be a significant advantage4.
Rounding out the field is Gentlemansgame, trained by M F Morris. While perhaps not considered among the top favourites, his inclusion adds depth to an already competitive race.
As the big day approaches, racing enthusiasts and punters alike will be closely monitoring the form and fitness of these nine contenders.
Factors such as recent performances, ground conditions, and the unique challenges of the Cheltenham course will all play crucial roles in determining the outcome.
2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips
The incomparable Galopin Des Champs is primed and ready to make history by securing a hat-trick of victories in this prestigious race.
This nine-year-old superstar, trained by the maestro Willie Mullins and piloted by the ever-reliable Paul Townend, has been nothing short of sensational.
With an impressive record of winning all 11 of his completed races away from Punchestown, Galopin Des Champs is the complete package.
Currently sitting pretty as the overwhelming favourite, this phenomenon combines blistering speed with stamina for days. He’s shown his class time and again, and is ready to become one of the all-time greats.
Trends
An analysis of the last 10 Cheltenham Gold Cup winners reveals several notable trends.
The race has been dominated by Irish-trained horses, with 8 out of the last 10 winners coming from Irish stables.
Willie Mullins has emerged as a dominant force, training four winners in this period, including back-to-back victories with Al Boum Photo (2019, 2020) and Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024).
The age of winners has consistently been between 7 and 9 years old, with 8-year-olds being particularly successful.
Paul Townend has established himself as the leading jockey in recent years, riding four winners since 20195. Another trend is the prevalence of favourites or near-favourites winning the race, with several winners starting at odds of 10/3 or shorter.
These patterns suggest that for the 2025 Gold Cup, bettors might favour Irish-trained horses, particularly those from the Mullins yard, and pay close attention to well-fancied runners in the 7-9 age range.
Runners & Odds
*odds correct at time of publishing
| Number | Name | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Galopin Des Champs | P Townend | W P Mullins | 1/2 |
| 2 | Banbridge | J J Slevin | J P O’Brien | 9/2 |
| 6 | Inothewayurthinkin | M P Walsh | G P Cromwell | 7/1 |
| 7 | Monty’s Star | Rachael Blackmore | H De Bromhead | 12/1 |
| 3 | Corbetts Cross | J W Kennedy | E Mullins | 16/1 |
| 9 | The Real Whacker | B S Hughes | P Neville | 40/1 |
| 1 | Ahoy Senor | D R Fox | Miss Lucinda V Russell | 50/1 |
| 5 | Gentlemansgame | D J O’Keeffe | M F Morris | 50/1 |
| 8 | Royale Pagaille | Charlie Deutsch | Miss V Williams | 50/1 |
The Race of the Season
In conclusion, while Galopin Des Champs stands as the clear favourite to complete a historic treble, the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup promises to be a fiercely competitive and unpredictable race.
With a field of talented and experienced chasers, each with their own strengths and potential to shine on the day, spectators can expect a thrilling contest that showcases the very best of National Hunt racing.
Whether we witness a historic treble or a new champion crowned, the 2025 Gold Cup is set to be a race that will long be remembered in the annals of Cheltenham Festival history.
BETFRED
