Galopin Des Champs, ganador en dos ocasiones, ha sido descartado de la Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026 debido a un contratiempo que ha abierto el mercado. Fact To File ahora lidera las apuestas antepost a 9/2, con Jango Baie y Jukebox Man a 11/2. La carrera insignia está programada para el viernes 13 de marzo de 2026 a las 4 p.m. en el Hipódromo de Cheltenham.
La Cheltenham Gold Cup, el plato fuerte del Día 4 del Cheltenham Festival, es un steeplechase de 3 millas y 2½ furlongs sobre 22 obstáculos, disputado por primera vez en 1924. Ofrece un premio de 625.000 libras, la carrera de obstáculos no handicap más valiosa de Gran Bretaña. El ganador del año pasado fue Inothewayurthinkin, entrenado por Gavin Cromwell. Galopin Des Champs' absence—after victories in 2023 and 2024—has reshaped the market. Fact To File tops betting at 9/2, followed by Jango Baie and Jukebox Man at 11/2 each. Jango Baie, trained by Nicky Henderson (Gold Cup winner in 2011 with Long Run and 2013 with Bobs Worth), won last year's Arkle and was fourth in the King George at Ascot. Henderson skipped a Newbury prep due to testing ground conditions, prioritizing freshness for the Gold Cup. Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp, is unbeaten over fences after winning the King George at Ascot. Fact To File offers each-way value in the open field. A longlist of 33 entries is anticipated, with up to 24 runners possible. Winning trends favor 7-9-year-olds, with favorites taking five of the last 10 renewals through 2025. Irish trainers lead historically (28 winners), last British success Native River (2018). Willie Mullins has four since 2019; Paul Nicholls three from 2007-2009. Stamina and jumping accuracy are key, with the uphill finish decisive. UK viewers can watch on ITV 1, ITVx, or Racing TV.
