The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, where champions are crowned and racing dynasties are built. Every year, fresh talent emerges, eager to take on the established stars and etch their names into history. As we look ahead to the future of the Gold Cup, some rising stars are beginning to make their mark—challenging seasoned champions and hinting at potential dominance in the years to come.
With Galopin Des Champs aiming for a historic third consecutive victory in 2025, the question remains—who are the next-generation superstars that could shape the Gold Cup’s future? Let’s take a look at the racehorses, trainers, and potential winners who could define the next era of the Cheltenham Festival.
1. The Reigning Champion: Can Galopin Des Champs Extend His Legacy?
At the moment, Galopin Des Champs is the horse to beat. Trained by Willie Mullins, he has proven himself as an elite stayer with back-to-back Gold Cup victories.
Why He’s Still the One to Watch:
- He destroyed the field in the 2023 and 2024 Gold Cups, proving his stamina, speed, and tactical intelligence.
- His performance in the Irish Gold Cup reaffirmed that he is still improving, making him a serious contender for a third Gold Cup title.
- If he wins in 2025, he will join the legendary Best Mate as a three-time champion, something few horses have ever achieved.
However, history has shown that even the greatest champions eventually meet their match. Could one of the rising stars be the horse to dethrone him?
2. Fact To File: The Young Challenger from the Mullins Yard
If there’s one horse perfectly placed to challenge Galopin Des Champs, it’s Fact To File. Also trained by Willie Mullins, this young and improving chaser has already shown he belongs in top-class company.
Why Fact To File Is a Gold Cup Star in the Making:
- Won the John Durkan Memorial Chase, proving his ability at Grade 1 level.
- Still developing as a chaser, meaning he could improve significantly over the next year.
- Mullins has carefully managed his career, ensuring he peaks at the right time.
At 9/2 odds for the 2025 Gold Cup, Fact To File is seen as the biggest danger to Galopin Des Champs. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could take over as the new champion of jump racing.
3. Banbridge: The King George Winner Looking to Rule Cheltenham
One of the most exciting up-and-coming chasers is Banbridge, trained by Joseph O’Brien. His brilliant victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton showed that he has the stamina, class, and tactical versatility to compete at the highest level.
What Makes Banbridge a Future Gold Cup Star?
- His King George win proved he could stay 3 miles at a strong gallop, which is essential for the Gold Cup.
- He has an aggressive racing style, which could put pressure on more established stars.
- O’Brien, who trained 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler, is known for masterfully peaking his horses for big races.
Banbridge’s 6/1 odds for the 2025 Gold Cup reflect that bookmakers expect him to be a serious contender. If he continues to progress, he could develop into one of the best stayers of the modern era.
4. Corbetts Cross: The Dark Horse with Untapped Potential
Trained by Emmet Mullins, Corbetts Cross is a lesser-known name compared to Galopin Des Champs or Fact To File, but he is slowly building a reputation as a genuine Gold Cup contender.
Why Corbetts Cross Shouldn’t Be Overlooked:
- He has already competed at Cheltenham, meaning he has experience handling the famous Cheltenham Hill.
- Has a mix of stamina and speed, which suits the demands of the Gold Cup perfectly.
- Trained by Emmet Mullins, known for plotting surprise wins in major races.
While he’s not yet among the favorites, Corbetts Cross has the raw talent to spring a shock in the coming years.
5. Willie Mullins’ Unexposed Prospects: Could Another Star Emerge?
With Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File already in his stable, Willie Mullins has a powerhouse lineup of Gold Cup horses. However, he may have another unexposed future champion waiting in the wings.
Mullins’ Rising Stars to Watch:
- I Am Maximus – A strong stayer who won the Irish Grand National and is slowly transitioning to top-level competition.
- Grangeclare West – A lightly raced horse with massive potential, currently competing in novice chases.
Mullins has dominated jump racing for the last decade, and his next Gold Cup star could be one we haven’t even seen at Cheltenham yet.
6. Trainers Shaping the Future of the Gold Cup
Beyond Willie Mullins, there are several trainers who could challenge his dominance in the next decade.
Trainers to Watch:
- Paul Nicholls – The legendary trainer of Kauto Star and Denman hasn’t won a Gold Cup since 2009, but he’s always developing new talent.
- Joseph O’Brien – Already making a name for himself in jumps racing, he could soon train his first Gold Cup winner.
- Emmet Mullins – Known for targeting big races with well-planned campaigns, he could produce a future shock winner.
The battle of the trainers will be just as exciting as the battle between the horses in the coming years.
