Confirmed runners and riders for the Gold Cup

The Gold Cup remains the most prestigious race of the four-day Cheltenham Festival and Friday's contest is another eagerly-awaited renewal, when Galopin des Champs is gunning to become just the fifth horse to win the showcase National Hunt event three times.

A stunning third victory in a row on jump racing's biggest stage would propel Willie Mullins' superstar to even greater heights as the French gelding aims to write another chapter in an already glorious story.

The field of nine will all believe they have a chance in the blur riband occasion but, realistically, the focus will be on if the defending champion can pull off his treble bid.

The likes of Banbridge, Inothewayyourthinkin, Monty's Star and Corbetts Cross are lively each-way fancies on Thursday, while others, including Gentlemansgame, Ahoy Senor, The Real Whacker and Royal Pagaille will not want to just be making up the numbers but may have little choice as they prepare to play their part in Cheltenham's biggest event.

The Gold Cup has been won by a long list of horse racing's biggest stars down the years, including Dawn Run in 1986, Desert Orchid three years later and the legendary Best Mate, who triumphed three years running between 2002 and 2004.

Golden Miller won the big race a record five times in the 1930s, while in the modern era other multiple winners include Kauto Star (2007 and 2009) and Al Boum Photo in 2019 and 2020.

2025 Gold Cup Runners and Riders

There are nine confirmed runners for this year's Gold Cup on Friday.

• Ahoy Senor (Derek Fox)
• Banbridge (JJ Slevin)
• Corbetts Cross (Jack Kennedy)
• Galopin Des Champs (Paul Townend)
• Gentlemansgame (Darragh O'Keeffe)
• Inothewayurthinkin (Mark Walsh)
• Monty's Star (Rachael Blackmore)
• Royale Pagaille (Charlie Deutsch)
• The Real Whacker (Brian Hughes)

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