Cheltenham Gold Cup: Runners, start time & preview as Galopin des Champs aims to win three in a row

Galopin Des Champs is aiming for a rare three-in-a-row victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. If successful, he will join the ranks of racing's greatest, alongside legendary horses like Arkle and Best Mate. Despite the daunting challenge, the Willie Mullins-trained horse remains the favorite for Friday's Gold Cup, which will begin at 16:00 GMT.

Speaking to BBC Sport from his training grounds in County Carlow, trainer Mullins said that Galopin Des Champs possesses extraordinary perseverance. He added that the horse is not only exceptionally talented but also consistently demonstrates remarkable energy and willpower at crucial moments. Mullins believes that Galopin Des Champs' mental fortitude is key to his success, enabling him to overcome difficulties and push forward in the final stages of races.

Trainer Mullins, who has over 200 horses in training and has nurtured many star racehorses over the past 35 years, stated that if Galopin Des Champs wins Friday's Gold Cup, he will become the greatest racehorse Mullins has ever trained. "I've trained some very good horses," Mullins said. "If he can win three in a row, we might bestow that honor on him, but until then, we'll wait and see."

Galopin Des Champs' groom, Adam Connolly, said that the horse seems aware of his own strength. He said: "The more he wins, the more confident he gets. He'll kick you, he'll bite you when you want to give him a wash. He's getting stronger and stronger as the season goes on, he seems to know how good he is."

Eight horses will attempt to prevent Galopin Des Champs from making history on Friday. According to market predictions, Banbridge, the winner of the King George VI Chase in December, is his closest competitor, while Inothewayurthinkin, the market leader for the Grand National, is the third favorite. Only three British-trained horses—Ahoy Senor, The Real Whacker, and Royale Pagaille—are considered to have slim chances.

Trainer Mullins is well aware that a three-peat is no easy feat. He previously attempted to achieve this with Al Boum Photo, who won the race in 2019 and 2020 but finished third in 2021 and sixth in 2022. However, no one understands how to train Cheltenham Festival winners better than Mullins. Last year, he celebrated his 100th victory and is the leading trainer so far this week.

Retired jockey Barry Geraghty, who has won 43 Cheltenham Festival races, believes Galopin Des Champs has what it takes to win again. He told BBC Sport: "He's an absolutely brilliant horse. He won a brilliant Gold Cup, and he won it with authority. There's been nothing wrong with him this year. As a nine-year-old, he still retains all of his ability, and his prep run before Cheltenham was excellent. If this year's Galopin Des Champs performs at the same level, he will be very difficult to beat."

Geraghty added: "He's already cemented himself as a high-level Gold Cup champion because he's entered an elite club, successfully defending his title. However, a three-peat would elevate him into a very special echelon of greatness." Mullins has stated that he believes Galopin Des Champs is in better form than in previous years, but he will face tougher competition as he attempts to emulate some of racing's legends.

Perhaps everything will depend on the "lucky charm" brought from Ireland—a red football in his stable. The complete list of Gold Cup entrants: 1. Ahoy Senor 2. Banbridge 3. Corbetts Cross 4. Galopin Des Champs 5. Gentlemansgame 6. Inothewayurthinkin 7. L'Homme Star 8. Royale Pagaille 9. The Real Whacker.

How to follow the Gold Cup on the BBC: BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will provide full race commentary, and the BBC Sport website and app will offer live text commentary, including pre-race build-up, from 12:30 GMT.