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Cheltenham
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026: Runners, riders, odds and free tips for Friday’s big race
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is considered by many to be the greatest race on The National Hunt calendar and it’s hard to disagree. It’s the ultimate test of class, stamina and speed, which makes it a very difficult race to win. Taking place on Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival, we’ve taken a closer look at all 11 runners and picked out a couple of free tips to follow. Our Day 4 Cheltenham Festival picks are available to view now and you can also check out our free tips page.
Runners, riders and odds
1. Envoi Allen
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe
This likeable veteran has an impressive CV and he was last seen winning a Grade 1 at Down Royal in November. It’s going to be a big ask for the 12-year-old and he may have too many miles on the clock.
2. Firefox
Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Jockey: Jack Kennedy
He ran a solid race to finish fourth in the Irish Gold Cup on his first start over an extended three miles but definitely has his work cut out for him here.
3. Gaelic Warrior
Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Paul Townend
Willie Mullins’ eight-year-old was an impressive winner of the Aintree Bowl last season and this test is likely to suit. Gaelic Warrior brings a high level of form to the table and should be in the mix.
4. Gold Tweet
Trainer: Gabriel Leenders, Jockey: Clement Lefebvre
French raider Gold Tweet was comfortably beaten in the Stayers’ Hurdle at this meeting back in 2023 and it’s difficult to make a case that there will be much improvement here.
5. Grey Dawning
Trainer: Dan Skelton, Jockey: Harry Skelton
Announcing himself with an impressive victory in the Betfair Chase, he has been minded all season with this race in mind and he can be forgiven for a below-par effort last time out.
6. Haiti Couleurs
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis, Jockey: Sean Bowen
Rebecca Curtis’ stable star won the National Hunt Chase last year and certainly won’t be outstayed here. He looks vulnerable from a win point of view but could stay on up the hill and grab a place.
7. Inothewayurthinkin
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell, Jockey: Mark Walsh
Bolting up in this race last year, he looked like a real superstar that day. Things have gone very downhill since and although he could run well, it’s very hard to be confident.
8. Jango Baie
Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Nicky Henderson’s gelding was just touched off in the King George last time out, despite finishing fourth, and he won the Arkle last year. Stamina could be an issue but he definitely has talent.
9. L’Homme Presse
Trainer: Venetia Williams, Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Injuries haven’t been kind to him in recent years and the 2022 Brown Advisory winner has some very smart form. His best years are behind him however and this looks like a big ask.
10. Spillane’s Tower
Trainer James Joseph Mangan, Jockey: Harry Cobden
Spillane’s Tower got the better of Grey Dawning and L’Homme Presse in the Cotswolds Chase here last time out but tends to struggle in Grade 1 company.
11. The Jukebox Man
Trainer: Ben Pauling, Jockey: Ben Jones
King George winner The Jukebox Man remains very lightly raced over fences and there could be plenty more to come from him. He shapes as if the longer trip here won’t be an issue.
Verdict
Gaelic Warrior probably should have won the King George and he wasn’t suited at all by the sprint finish there. Second to Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup, that form appears to be the best on offer and the extended 3m2f should suit this strong stayer.
Each-way play
Grey Dawning can be forgiven for a somewhat underwhelming display at Cheltenham last time out. A bad mistake at the second-last scuppered his chances as the grey was unable to recover. Dan Skelton’s horses have been in good form this week and we could see a career-best effort here.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.
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