Paddy Power Gold Cup Tips & Odds
The highlight of the November Meeting at Cheltenham, the Paddy Power Gold Cup is always a race to saviour over a trip of two and a half miles on the Old Course at Prestbury Park. The betting for the contest tends to be one of the most competitive of the pre-Christmas fixture list, and you can find the odds here a little closer to the time.
Paddy Power Gold Cup Tips
You can check out our Paddy Power Gold Cup tips here...
What is the Paddy Power Gold Cup?
The Paddy Power Gold Cup has been a staple race of the National Hunt season since it was first run in 1960, and continues to attract a high-quality field each year.
The race itself is a Grade 3 event run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over two and a half miles, and in terms of a spectacle, it is among the best in the sport. A fast and furious pace is almost guaranteed as a host of well-handicapped horses challenge each other, and that ensures that it remains a hugely popular contest among both horse racing buffs, and newer followers of the sport.
Older readers will remember the race coming under various names including Makeson, Murphy's, Thomas Pink and Paddy Power - although the current sponsors have been in place since 2016.
This race should not be confused with the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which takes place in March.
What happened in the 2023 Paddy Power Gold Cup?
Stage Star defied a last fence blunder to grab an impressive victory in the 2023 Paddy Power Gold Cup for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden.
The history of the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Established in 1960, the Paddy Power Gold Cup has grown into of the best handicap races of the season, with some legendary horses crossing the line in first place.
Paddy Power Gold Cup day at Cheltenham is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated cards of the winter, with thousands descending on the Gloucestershire venue each November on the second day of the famous fixture. There are 16 fences to be jumped on the tighter Old Course at Cheltenham, and as well as being a pointer towards the Cheltenham Festival in March, it remains a massive race in its own right with plenty of prize money on offer.
Who is the most iconic winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup?
The BetVictor Gold Cup roll of honour is a long and illustrious one, with some excellent horses managing to cross the line in first place.
In terms of recent winners, it is Imperial Commander who stands out as the best, with the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained horse winning in 2008 before going on to win both the Ryanair Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup during his career.
The legendary Irish-trained Fortria is at the top of the tree though, with his wins in 1960 and 1962 part of his legendary career which also included two successes in the Champion Chase and an Irish Grand National. The Tom Dreaper-owned star also finished second in two editions of the Cheltenham Gold Cup to enter racing history, and his second BetVictor Gold Cup success in 1962 was with 12-00 on his back - ensuring he signed off as one of the best chasers of the 20th Century.
Are there any trials for the Paddy Power Gold Cup?
The Paddy Power Gold Cup comes early on in the season, so it can be difficult to find set trial races, but there are a number of options for punters to considers in the lead up to the race.
The Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is one such option, with horses who perform well in that contest often considered for the Paddy Power Gold Cup the following season if they remain well-handicapped.
Punters are also well advised to keep a close eye on the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, which could offer a clue or two, and the handicap races at Cheltenham during the Showcase Meeting at the same course at the end of October - with connections often using those races as the perfect prep for the big assignment during the November fixture.
Who is the most successful jockey in the Paddy Power Gold Cup?
A.P. McCoy and Martin Pipe formed a legendary partnership in the latter past of last century, and it is no surprise to see the famous rider at the top of the tree when it comes to this race. McCoy won the race four times on Cyfor Malta (1998), Lady Cricket (2000), Shooting Light (2001) and Exotic Dancer (2006).
Who is the most successful trainer in the Paddy Power Gold Cup?
Martin Pipe farmed the Paddy Power Gold Cup during his remarkable training career as he dominated the sport in stunning fashion, with the November contest often one of his main early season targets. Pipe claimed no less than eight victories in the Cheltenham contest, with Beau Ranger (1987), Challenger du Luc (1996), Cyfor Malta (1998, 2002), Lady Cricket (2000), Shooting Light (2001), Celestial Gold (2004) and Our Vic (2005) all tasting glory.