The Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races in the National Hunt racing calendar. It is the showcase event at the Cheltenham Festival and is widely considered to be the most important steeplechase in the UK. The event has a long and illustrious history, with the first race being held in 1924. Every year, the race attracts some of the best steeplechasers in the country and the race is the highlight of the four-day Cheltenham Festival. So when is the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
History of the Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup was first run in 1924 and was won by Red Splash. Since then, the race has been held annually, with the exception of the World War II years. The race has been won by some of the best steeplechasers in history, including Arkle, Best Mate and Kauto Star. The race is the highlight of the Cheltenham Festival, which was first held in 1860. The festival is held over four days and attracts some of the best horses, trainers and jockeys in the country.
What Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase. It is run over 3 miles and 2 ½ furlongs, with 22 fences to be jumped. The race is open to horses aged five and over and is the most prestigious steeplechase in the UK. The prize money for the race is £625,000 and the winning horse will receive the Gold Cup trophy.
What Are the Key Dates for the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup will take place on Friday 19th March 2021. The race is the highlight of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, which will take place between Tuesday 16th March and Friday 19th March 2021. The other Grade 1 races at the festival include the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle.
What Are the Contenders for the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
At the time of writing, the contenders for the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup are yet to be announced. However, some of the leading contenders for the race include:
- Al Boum Photo – the nine-year-old won the 2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup and is likely to be back to defend his title.
- Kemboy – the eight-year-old was runner-up in the 2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup and is likely to be one of the leading contenders again in 2021.
- Native River – the ten-year-old won the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup and will be looking to add another victory to his tally.
- Clan Des Obeaux – the nine-year-old won the King George VI Chase at Kempton in 2019 and is expected to be one of the leading contenders in 2021.
- Defi Du Seuil – the seven-year-old has been in excellent form this season and is one to watch.
What Is the Format of the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup will be a handicap race, with horses carrying different weights according to their ability. The weights will be announced by the British Horseracing Authority in the weeks leading up to the race. The race will be run over 3 miles and 2 ½ furlongs, with 22 fences to be jumped.
What Are the Rules for the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The rules for the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup are the same as for any other National Hunt race. Horses must be aged five and over and must have been registered with the British Horseracing Authority. Horses must also have run in at least one race in the last 12 months and must not have been disqualified or suspended in the last 12 months.
What Are the Prize Money and Perks of Winning the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The winner of the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup will receive £625,000 in prize money. The prize money is the same as in 2020 and is the largest prize fund in British racing. The winning horse will also receive the Gold Cup trophy and will be immortalised in the annals of National Hunt history.
What Is the Best Way to Watch the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup will be broadcast on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing. The race will also be streamed live on the ITV Racing website. There will also be live updates on the Cheltenham Festival website and social media channels.
Conclusion
The 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup will take place on Friday 19th March 2021 and will be the highlight of the four-day Cheltenham Festival. The race will be a handicap race and the prize money for the race is £625,000. The race will be broadcast on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing and will also be streamed live on the ITV Racing website. The contenders for the race are yet to be announced, but some of the leading contenders include Al Boum Photo, Kemboy, Native River, Clan Des Obeaux and Defi Du Seuil.