Cheltenham Gold Cup 2024: Prize money, how to watch, distance, jumps, runners, latest odds

One of the year's biggest horse racing events is set to take place this week.

Jockey Paul Townend celebrates on Galopin Des Champs after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023. The horse will be back to defend its title this year.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup was first run in 1924, switching to its current ‘New Course’ location in 1959, and has been won by some famous names over the years, including Kauto Star, Arkle, Best Mate and Denman.

Last year saw the 7-5 favourite Galopin Des Champs - owned by Mrs Audrey Turley, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend - triumph.

It was the third time that the team of Mullins and Townend had won the trophy in just five years - following victories with Al Boum Photo in 2019 and 2020.

This year over 70,000 racing fans are expected to pack into the racecourse, with millions watching on television at home to see whether Galopin Des Champs can defend his title.

Here’s what you need to know about the Blue Riband of jump racing in 2024.

When is the Gold Cup?

This Gold Cup takes place on the last day of the four-day Festival. This year that’s on Friday, March 15.

The race is scheduled to start at 3.30pm.

What's the prize money?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the the most valuable events in the British racing calendar with a total prize fund of £625,000 and the winner getting a £351,688 payday.

The owner receives 75 per cent of the prize money, with the remaining 25 per cent split between the trainer, the jockey, and stable staff.

Can I watch the Gold Cup on television?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup will be shown live on ITV and STV – including the ITVX streaming platform – with buildup to the race starting at 1pm.

It will also be broadcast live on Racing TV which is available to Sky and Virgin Media customers.

How long is the race?

The race is run over three miles and two furlongs and features 22 fences. A furlong is roughly 200 metres.

What horses are running?

There are currently 12 horses preparing to take on the Gold Cup course, although they may not all make the starting line. The current runners and riders are as follows:

• Bravemansgame Harry Cobden
• Corach Rambler Derek Fox
• FastorslowJJ Slevin
• Galopin Des Champs Paul Townend
• Gentlemansgame Darragh O'Keeffe
• Gerri Colombe Jack Kennedy
• Hewick Jordan Gainford
• Jungle Boogie Rachael Blackmore
• L'Homme Presse Charlie Deutsch
• Monkfish TBC
• Nassalam Niall Houlihan
• The Real Whacker Sam Twiston-Davies

Who are the favourites?

The bookies currently have Galopin Des Champs as a firm favourite at odds of Evens (1/1), followed by Fasterslow (9/2), Gerri Colombe (9/1), LHomme Presse (12/1), Bravemansgame (14/1) and Hewick (14/1).