Cheltenham Gold Cup

Winner: Imperial Commander

Betting Odds: 7/1

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Owner: Our Friends in the North

The 82nd annual running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) sponsored by Totesport, originally the Tote when owned by the government, founded in 1928, backed by Winston Churchill, who was then Chancellor of the Exchequer. In 2004, the retail and online arm rebranded as Totesport/ Totepool. In 2011, the government sold the Tote for about £265 million to Betfred. Later, ownership passed to the UK Tote Group (a consortium invested in horse racing).

A going description of good.

Win prize money of £270,797.50. A winning time of 6m 43.90s (fast by 2.10s).

This nine-year-old gelding, a son of Flemensfirth, out of a three-time winning mare named Ballinlovane. Bred by Laurence J. Flynn, in the ownership of Our Friends in the North. Imperial Commander was trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies at Grange Hill Farm, Naunton, Gloucestershire, England.

He was purchased as yearling for 4,000 (Euros) (cash). And as a three-year-old for 19,000 (Euros) by C.McKeever.

Imperial Commander made his debut as a four-year-old at Summerhill, County Meath, Ireland, on the 24^th April 2005 at a point-to-point meeting running over 3m. He won impressively by 8-lengths at odds of 3/1, ridden by M. J. Henry, trained by Twiston-Davies although at that time he wasn’t stabled at Grange Hill Farm. He was sent to Gloucestershire after his victory.

Leading up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Imperial Commander ran on the 26^th December 2009 at Kempton in the King George VI Chase. Racing over 3m on good-to-soft ground in a thirteen-strong field, he finished 5^th beaten 63 ½ -lengths at odds of 13/2. He didn’t recover from a dreadful mistake at the second fence which saw his jockey barely hold on. The race was won by 8/13f Kauto Star who won by 36-lengths with unprecedented race comments: ‘Led on long run in 3 out, swept clear, magnificent…’

His fourth consecutive King George win.

Imperial Commander had been just a nose behind Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase on the 29^th November 2009. However, this below-par was due to his second fence blunder. Also, he seemed to have a problem, under performing, on right-handed tracks.

All for the disappointment of the King George, Imperial Commander would head to the Cheltenham Gold Cup and connection, no doubt, hopeful he would put down a bold show as seen at Haydock in the Betfair Chase.

By all accounts, it was a very strong renewal with Kauto Star defending his title and Denman who had won well in 2008.

Imperial Commander’s career, saw him race 22 times and achieved 8 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third placed. He had total earnings of £707,073.

After being pulled up when competing in the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup to defend his title, Imperial Commander finished lame, distressed and dismounted before the last. Later, he was found to broken a blood vessel.

He wouldn’t be seen again for 680 days.

His return at Cheltenham on the 26^th January 2013 saw a gallant display in the Argento Chase over 3m 1 1/2f on heavy ground. He lost by half a length, headed in the last 20-yards to put pay to a fairytale comeback.

He would race just twice more.

He ran once in the Aintree Grand National (2013) at odds of 11/1 but pulled up before the 22^nd fence. And, finally, at Newbury in the Hennessy Gold Cup, when weakening quickly 4 out and pulled up.

He was retired after the race.

He was 12-years old.

Brennan said: ‘He deserves his retirement. He has been very special.’

He passed away on the 6^th April 2017 aged 16.

Ian Robinson (owner of Our Friend in the North) said: ‘When he was at his best he was brilliant… From start to finish we knew he was something special… He will leave a huge hole at Mount Top Stud… Horses like this become part of the family and it is like losing a family member.’

19^th March 2010 –

3:20 Cheltenham – Totesport Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

A field of 11 runners on good ground.

Leading contenders included: Kauto Star 8/11f, Denman 4/1, Imperial Commander 7/1, Cooldine 10/1, Tricky Trickster 12/1 & Carruthers 33/1.

Commentary from Simon Holt:

‘A roar from the crowd as Carruthers sets off in front…’

Denman very handy and Imperial Commander to the outside clearing the first fence.

A fairly steady pace.

A great jump from Kauto Star at the open ditch, almost jumped into second.

However, at the eighth fence Kauto Star made a terrible blunder and it was a miracle he and Ruby Walsh didn’t fall. It took time for him to recover and signs for the odds-on shot were looking ominous.

‘A complete misjudgment from Kauto Star…’

Carruthers from Denman at the top of the hill. Cooldine looking keen in fourth. Kauto Star a few lengths behind given time to find his composure.

Completing a lap of the track, Carruthers and Denman jumping in tandem.

At the 14^th fence, Denman takes the lead.

Now meeting the rising ground, and at the top of the hill Denman takes the initiative and presses on with four fences to go.

Kauto Star takes a terrible fall at the fourth last and very close to a serious injury. [Thank the Lord, he got to his feet…].

At three out, Denman puts in a fantastic jump from the improving Imperial Commander, the two pulling clear of the field.

Rounding the final turn of the Gold Cup, Imperial Commander makes his move upside Denman.

‘It’s Denman and Imperial Commander who are going to fight it out…’

Two out, Imperial Commander, pricking his ears, takes the lead by three quarters.

At the final fence, Imperial Commander has a good jump and three lengths clear. Denman chasing but looking tired up the hill.

Imperial Commander wins the Gold Cup!

Denman second and Mon Mome snatching third place a long way behind.

Holt: ‘Imperial Commander silencing the threats from Denman and Kauto Star…’

Final Result:

Imperial Commander 7/1

Denman 4/1

Mon Mome 50/1

Dist: 7L, 23l, short head

Cheltenham Gold Cup Results: Long Run

2010 – 1^st 7/1

2011 – Pulled up 4/1

Major wins: Paddy Power Gold Cup (2008), Ryanair Chase (2009), Cheltenham Gold Cup (2010) & Betfair Chase (2010).

Winner: Long Run

Betting Odds: 7/2

Trainer: Nicky Henderson

Owner: Robert Waley-Cohen

The 83^rd annual running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) sponsored by Totesport, originally the Tote when owned by the government, founded in 1928, backed by Winston Churchill, who was then Chancellor of the Exchequer. In 2004, the retail and online arm rebranded as Totesport/ Totepool. In 2011, the government sold the Tote for about £265 million to Betfred. Later, ownership passed to the UK Tote Group (a consortium invested in horse racing).

A going description of good.

Win prize money of £285,050 A winning time of 6m 29.70s (fast by 20.30s).

This six-year-old gelding, one of the youngest winners in modern history dating back to Mill House in 1963, is a son of Cadoudal, out of an unraced mare named Libertina. Bred by Mrs. Marie-Christine Gabeur, in the ownership of Robert Waley-Cohen, trained by Nicky Henderson. Long Run was trained by Nicky Henderson from 21^st December 2009 at Seven Barrows, Upper Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire, England. He changed stables on the 3^rd February 2016, and had a sole run for Robert Waley-Cohen at Carlisle in an Open Hunter’s Chase [priced 1/2f], he finished 5^th.

He was retired after the race ‘looking really tired in the straight..’

Long Run made his debut as a three-year-old at Auteuil, France on the 4^th May 2008, in a Maiden Hurdle (Listed Race) over 1m 7f on heavy going. He finished a creditable 2^nd beaten three lengths for trainer G. Macaire, ridden by Benoit Gicquel. He race 12 times for the stable, achieving 8 wins, never unplaced.

Leading up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he ran on the 15^th January 2011 at Kempton in the King George VI Chase. Racing over 3m in a nine-strong field, he won ‘comfortably’ by 12-lengths at odds of 9/2 (backed from 13/2). The race featured Kauto Star who was priced 4/7f. Finishing third, Paul Nicholls said: ‘He bled from the nose…’

This was an accomplished display by Long Run, who was wearing earplugs for the first time. His record at Cheltenham hadn’t been good with two previous defeats and there were questions to whether he could prove effective at the course. There were arguments for and against him going to Cheltenham. Many considered his Gold Cup price of 7/1 to be terrible value with regard to his age and the fact it had been 48-years since the last six year old had won [Mill House, 1963].

All this being said, Long Run would arrive at the Cheltenham Gold Cup and start at odds of 7/2f (so much for the comments of poor value). In doing so, he would have the additional challenge of facing the winners of the last four races: Imperial Commander (2010), Kauto Star (2009, 2007) & Denman (2008).

By all accounts, it was a very strong renewal.

In Long Run’s career, he raced 34 times and achieved 15 wins, 7 seconds and 6 third placed. He had total earnings of £1,542,715.

He ran once in the Aintree Grand National (12/1) but fell at the 9^th fence.

18^th March 2011 –

3:20 Cheltenham – Totesport Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

A field of 13 runners on good ground.

Leading contenders included: Long Run 7/2f, Imperial Commander 4/1, Kauto Star 5/1, Denman 8/1, Midnight Chase 9/1, Kempes 9/1, Pandorama 14/1 & Tidal Bay 16/1.

Midnight Chase (9/1) had a healthy lead at the first fence, while Denman (8/1) was under restraint at the rear of field and Kauto Star (5/1) in midfield.

A pretty moderate pace.

Long Run (7/2f) settled mid division.

Neptune’s Collonges (33/1) was none too fluent.

Midnight Chase remained at the head of the field, three lengths ahead of China Rock (25/1) and Kauto Star.

All over the first open ditch.

Weird Al (20/1) making mistakes.

Midnight Chase led with China Rock holding second with Kauto Star and an improving Long Run and Denman.

With a circuit to go, Kauto Star jumped to the front.

Commentator Richard Hoiles saying: ‘Kauto Star ups the ante…’

He leads at fence 13 from a gathering field.

Imperial Commander (4/1) improving on the far side.

Long Run travelling well in fourth on the rail

Running downhill, Imperial Commander, a fraction in front of Kauto Star.

Heading to the third last, Kauto Star, Denman & Long Run start to pull clear of Imperial Commander who gives way.

Turning back to home, Denman shades Kauto Star, the pair heading for the second from last fence, with Long Run waiting in behind.

Stride for stride over the penultimate fence, with Long Run at their girth.

What A Friend (25/1) rallying in fourth place.

Heading to the last, Long Run takes the lead and jumps into a length advantage.

Hoiles: ‘It’s Long Run from Denman and Kauto Star. Long Run, the six-year-old, is going to add a new name on the cup.’

‘Long Run has won a memorable Gold Cup, followed by Denman and Kauto Star, holding off a late run by What A Friend by a nose. ‘

Final Result:

Long Run 7/2f

Denman 8/1

Kauto Star 5/1

Dist: 7L, 4l, nose

Cheltenham Gold Cup Results: Long Run

2011 – 1^st 7/2f

2012 – 3^rd 7/4f

2013 – 3^rd 7/2

Major wins: Prix Cambaceres (2008), Prix Maurice Gillios (2009), Feltham Novices’ Chase (2009), Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (2010), King George VI Chase (2011, 2012), Cheltenham Gold Cup (2011) & Denman Chase (2012).

Winner: Synchronised

Betting Odds: 8/1

Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill

Owner: J.P. McManus

The 84^th annual running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) sponsored by Betfred, a bookmakers based in the United Kingdom, founded by Fred Done. It was first established as a single betting shop in Ordsall, Salford, in 1967. In 2022, published turnover was £8.8 billion.

A going description of good.

Win prize money of £284,750 A winning time of 6m 36.19s (fast by 9.81s).

This nine-year-old gelding, a son of Sadler’s Wells out of a nine-time-winning mare Mayasta. Bred by Mrs. Noreen McManus, in the ownership of John P. McManus, trained by Jonjo O’Neill. Synchronised was trained for the entirety of his racing career at Jackdaw Castle, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England.

Synchronised made his debut as a five-year-old at Chepstow on the 14^th February 2008, in a Maiden Hurdle over 2m on good to soft going. Priced 33/1, he finished a creditable 2^nd beaten five lengths.

Leading up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Synchronised won the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown, Ireland, on the 28^th December 2011 on good going. Priced 8/1, under the riding of A.P.McCoy, he ‘drew clear’ to win by eight and a half lengths in a nine-strong field.

Frank Berry, representing J.P. McManus said: ‘“Jonjo O’Neill has done a fantastic job and he got a great ride. I thought the ground might be too quick for him but he handled it really well. In fairness he ran well in his two hurdle races on good ground. He had to carry 11st 11lb in the Welsh National at Chepstow and it was going to be a slog so we made the decision to come here. I was a bit worried about the ground. That gives us an idea of where we are going with him and we can look at some of the good races. He gets the trip and he jumps. He’ll get an entry in the Gold Cup. He’ll also get an entry in the English Grand National.”

In a career which spanned five seasons, Synchronised raced 20 times times winning 9 times and placed on 4 occasions. He achieved total prize winnings of £510,775.

Sadly, Synchronised died on the 14^th April 2012, when competing in the Aintree Grand National. Priced at 10/1, ridden by Tony McCoy, he was fatally injured when falling at the 6^th fence.

McCoy said: ‘Synchronised is a horse that I won’t ever forget… it is one of those terrible things that you wish will never happen.’

16thMarch 2012 –

3:20 Cheltenham – Betfred Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

A field of 14 runners on good ground.

Leading contenders included: Long Run 7/4f, Kauto Star 3/1, Weird Al 8/1, Burton Point 8/1, Synchronised 8/1, Midnight Chase 12/1 & What A Friend 25/1.

Just seconds to the Cheltenham Gold Cup…

The race was billed as a showdown between Kauto Star and Long Run.

Commentary from Simon Holt:

Midnight Chase (12/1) leads at the first with Kauto Star (3/1) and Time For Rupert (33/1) disputing second.

At the second, What A Friend (25/1) fell sending Daryl Jacob to the turf. The jockey attended to by a paramedic and the horse ran off unhurt.

Carruthers (100/1) taking a knock and hampered.

Synchronised was none too fluent at the water jump and pushed along for a few strides to hold his position at the back of the field.

Midnight Chase continued to go well in front. Long Run (7/4) and The Giant Bolster (50/1) sitting handy in fourth and fifth, respectively.

However, Midnight Chase clouted the next.

Knockara Beau (66/1) moved up into second position with a small advantage over Long Run who travelled well up the rail.

All of a sudden Kauto Star was struggling in mid division and pushed along by Ruby Walsh and would be pulled up before the 10^th.

Holt said: ‘Kauto Star doesn’t look to be travelling at the moment… he’s being pulled up…the racing legend’

The crowd cheered him even in defeat.

‘So much respect for a great horse…’

Walsh was quoted as saying: ‘the gelding was not stretching out.’

With a circuit to go, Midnight Chase and Time For Rupert, a couple of lengths ahead of Long Run ‘who’d had a charmed run round so far…’

China Rock (100/1) sitting in fourth.

Weird Al (8/1) never travelling, tailed off and pulled up four out. Later, post race, the trainer said the gelding ‘bled from the nose’. [Broke blood vessel]

At six out, Midnight Chase still going well in the lead, Time For Rupert a length ahead of Long Run who crept up the rail.

McCoy getting to work on a rather flat footed Synchronised who sat in sixth but still in contention.

Holt said: ‘They are getting sorted out behind, they are in the torture chamber…’

Four fences to jump.

Towards the third last, Time For Rupert leading around the bend, last year’s winner, Long Run, pushed along.

At the second last The Giant Bolster went to the front, Time For Rupert in second and Long Run in third.

At the final fence, it was close between The Giant Bolster and Long Run, but on the nearside, Synchronise gathered pace with Holt saying: ‘He will outstay them up the hill…’

‘It’s Synchronise and the 16 times champion jockey, Tony McCoy, comes storming up the hill to win the Gold Cup.’

Jonjo O’Neill said: “The horse came back from Leopardstown not quite right. He’d caught a chill and wasn’t well at all. He’s not a big robust horse and he needs minding and time between his races. Everyone at the place put their shoulders to the wheel over getting him right, gave it everything. It was really only in the past few days that he really came to himself, came right. He was like a flower who finally bloomed.”

Cheltenham Gold Cup Results:

2012 – 1^st 8/1

Major wins: Midlands Grand National 2010, Welsh Grand National 2010, Lexus Chase 2011 & Cheltenham Gold Cup 2012.

Winner: Bobs Worth

Betting Odds: 11/4

Trainer: Nicky Henderson

Owner: The Not Afraid Partnership

The 85^th annual running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) sponsored by Betfred, a bookmakers based in the United Kingdom, founded by Fred Done. It was first established as a single betting shop in Ordsall, Salford, in 1967. Its turnover in 2004 was £3.5 billion.

A going description of soft.

Win prize money of £313,225 A winning time of 7m 5.06s (slow by 15:06s).

This eight-year-old gelding, a son of Bob Back out of a once-raced mare Fashionista. Bred by Mrs. L. Eadie, in the ownership of The Not Afraid Partnership, trained by Nicky Henderson. Bobs Worth was purchased as a yearling for 16,500 (Euros) by Barry Geraghty, but later purchased by Highflyer/N. Henderson as a 4yo for £20,000. He was trained for the entirety of his racing career at Upper Lambourn, Berkshire, England.

Bobs Worth made his debut as a five-year-old at Kempton on the 12^th February 2010. In a Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race Hurdle over 2m on good to soft going. Priced 5/1, he finished a creditable 2^nd beaten one and a half lengths.

Leading up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Bobs Worth won the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase at Newbury on the 1^st December 2012 on good to soft going. Priced 4/1, under the riding of Barry Geraghty, he stayed on well to win ‘readily’ by three and a quarter lengths in a nineteen-strong field.

Nicky Henderson said: ‘He was the young pretender and if he is going to make it to top level he probably did have to win. Even so, it’s mighty nice to win. Earlier in the season I wasn’t happy with him. Things started to fall into place and three nights ago I looked at him at evening stables and thought: ‘Hello!’ I’m not convinced the King George is the right race for him but he loves Cheltenham and will just be a matter of plotting our way gently to the Gold Cup.’

In a career which spanned seven seasons, Bobs Worth raced 22 times times and achieved 11 wins and placed on 4 occasions. He achieved total prize winnings of £726, 163.

Bobs Worth died on the 20^th January 2022, aged 16 (17 in racing classification) due to a freak accident in a field at Hillwood Stud, Wiltshire, England.

He had been enjoying his retirement from racing since racing at the Cheltenham Festival on the 17^th March, 2017. For a horse of 11 years, he ran an exceptional race to finish third in the Ryanair World Hurdle. He won five races at Cheltenham in his lifetime. He was remember as a proper stayer at the highest level.

Nicky Henderson said: ‘He was an absolute legend.’

15^th March 2013 –

3:20 Cheltenham – Betfred Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

A field of 9 runners on soft ground.

Leading contenders included: Bobs Worth 11/4f, Long Run 7/2, Sir Des Champs 4/1, Silviniaco Conti 4/1, Cape Tribulation 12/1, Captain Chris 14/1 & The Giant Bolster 16/1.

An enormous crowd waiting for the biggest race of the jumps season.

Sam Waley-Cohen sent Long Run (7/2) into an early lead, from The Giant Bolster, the pair clear by three lengths. Silviniaco Conti (4/1) on the inside alongside Bobs Worth (11/4f).

Still not much between the two leaders over an open ditch.

Monbeg Dude (40/1) at the rear of the field. He would continue to lose his position, becoming outpaced, and pulled up two out.

Long Run continued to enjoy himself out in front.

Simon Holt, commentator, said: ‘Silviniaco Conti is jumping beautifully on the inside in the hands of Ruby Wash.’

Long Run got in a little close to the next jump but still held a nice advantage.

Captain Chris (14/1) darting to his right.

Starting the second circuit, passing the stands, still going well in front with 10 fences to go.

Bobs Worth sat comfortably in 5^th.

Most horses holding their position from the early stages, but the pace soon to increase.

‘The crowd getting excited.’

The dual King George winner, Long Run, going well under Waley-Cohen.

Wayward Prince (100/1) struggling in rear.

With seventh fences to go, Sir Des Champs (4/1) loomed up into second.

‘Bobs Worth getting closer.’

The Giant Bolster blundered at the final open ditch.

Long Run and Sir Des Champs going on, swinging the top left turn.

With 3 fences to go, Bobs Worth was starting to struggle. But disaster for Silviano Conti when fell, sending Ruby Walsh to ground, while Bobs Worth was slightly hampered.

At the final turn, Long Run and Sir Des Champs were upsides with just 3f to go.

All of a sudden, Bobs Worth started to run on with purpose making great inroads on the two leaders who ran up the hill closing in on the second from last fence.

Long Run made a great jump to go a length clear, while Sir Des Champs looking tired, Bobs Worth was ‘getting his act together’ and he come through to lead at the last.

Up the muddy hill, Bobs Worth had two length advantage, while Sir Des Champs rallied, from Long Run ‘who couldn’t go on’.

Bobs Worth wins.

He won well by seven-lengths.

Sion Holt, commentator, said: ‘He’s small, he’s smart and very, very tough.’

Geraghty, a horse he had been involved with since a yearling said: ‘He struggled on the ground, but he kept fighting, but at five or six out I thought I had a good chance. I thought at the second last I should win.’

‘He’s as game as a lion.’

Nicky Henderson said, ‘I more or less thought he was out of the race. Then Minty said ‘’Bob’s coming, he’s coming!’’ from there I was pretty confident he would come up the hill.’

Cheltenham Gold Cup Results:

2015 – PU 16/1

2014 – 5^th 6/4f

2013 – 1^st 11/4f

Major wins: Classic Novices’ Hurdle (2011), Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2011), Berkshire Novices’ Chase (2011), RSA Chase (2012), Hennessy Gold Cup (2012), Cheltenham Gold Cup (2013) & Lexus Chase (2013).

Winner: Lord Windermere

Betting Odds: 20/1

Trainer: Jim Culloty

Owner: Dr. Ronan Lamb

The 86^th annual running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) sponsored by Betfred, a bookmakers based in the United Kingdom, founded by Fred Done. It was first established as a single betting shop in Ordsall, Salford, in 1967. Its turnover in 2004 was £3.5 billion.

A going description of good.

Win prize money of £327, 325.82 A winning time of 6m 43.88s (fast by 6:12s).

This eight-year-old gelding, a son of Oscar out of a thrice-raced mare named Satellite Dancer. Bred by Edmund Coleman, in the ownership of Dr. Ronan Lamb, trained by Jim Culloty. Lord Windermere was purchased as a foal for 30,000 (Euros), but later purchased by Culloty as a 4yo for £75,000. He was trained for the entirety of his racing career at Mallow, County Cork, Ireland.

Lord Windermere made his debut as a five-year-old at Cork on the 6^th November, 2011. In a Maiden Hurdle over 2m 4f on soft ground. Priced 28/1, he fell at the 4^th fence.

Leading up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Lord Windermere ran in the Hennessey Gold Cup Chase at Leopardstown racing over 3m on soft to heavy going. Priced 6/1, he disappointed under Davy Russell, finishing a distant 6^th beaten almost a distance. However, connections must have kept faith in him after winning the RSA Chase at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. By all accounts, he looked like a horse that would relish a trip.

Culloty said: ‘The stable was out of form and the gelding was unsuited by the slow pace at Leopardstown. It was a falsely run race and we were disgusted by it. Davy came in with a smile on his face and said to Dr. Lamb ‘take no notice’ it will be different at Cheltenham.’

In a career which saw him race up to the age of 12, he run 28 times, winning 6 races. He achieved total earnings of £497, 964.

Lord Windermere retuned to defend his Gold Cup in 2015. However, he was never travelling and was pulled up behind the winner Coneygree.

Thereafter, he was predominantly campaigned as an Aintree Grand National horse racing on three occasions. He was priced at big odds (33/1 – 50/1) and had many a luckless passages where he was Pulled Up (2015) & Unseated Rider (2018). His best effort came in 2017 when he finished 7^th behind One For Arthur.

Lord Windermere concluded his racing career on the 28^th April 2018 at Punchestown in a Handicap Chase over 3m 6f. Priced 25/1, he completed the race in 10^th place.

Culloty said: ‘He’s not a slow horse. Any jockey who has ever sat on him, they think, this is a slow old horse, we need to make plenty of use of him. But he’s not slow. He is lazy but not slow. There’s a difference.’

14^th March 2014 –

3:20 Cheltenham – Betfred Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

A field of 13 runners on good ground.

Leading contenders included: Bobs Worth 6/4f, Silviniaco Conti 11/4, Last Instalment 15/2, Triolo D’Alene 10/1, The Giant Bolster 14/1, On His Own 16/1 & Lord Winderemer 20/1.

They have 22 fences ahead of them.

Knockara Beau (66/1) led at the first, with On His Own (16/1) and Teaforthree (33/1). At the back of the field sat Lord Windermere (20/1).

At fence number four, On His Own went to the lead. All safely over while Lord Windermere was slightly detached at the back of the field. He seemed to be losing ground over the next couple of fences.

Bobs Worth (6/4f) was far from convincing with his jumping and sat in sixth place.

Passing the stands, On His Own had a length or so lead over Teaforthree. Lyreen Legend (33/1) made headway up the rail to hold fourth place. It was a pretty bunched field, although Lord Windermere still sat at the tail.

In ninth came Bobs Worth the 2013 Gold Cup reigning champion.

At halfway, heading into the country, On His Own continued to lead with Teaforthree, on his shoulder, Last Instalment.

At the sixteenth, On His Own was booted into it, holding his length advantage, still no more than ten lengths between the field, bar one trailer.

However, Last Instalment unseated his rider at the 17^th, with Brian O’Connell flying out of the saddle.

At the top of the hill, the pace started to gather with a number of horses looking to fight out the last five jumps.

Heading downhill to the fourth from last fence, Silviniaco Conti (11/4) cruised into the lead, the field beginning to string out.

Lyreen Legend rallied in third place, while Bobs Worth settled in fourth.

Lord Windermere was slowly but surely gaining ground on the rail but still a number of lengths behind.

Over the second last, Bobs Worth jumped into the lead with Silviniaco Conti sandwiched between him and Lyreen Legend. However, Silviniaco Conti moved on. He continued to hold an advantage at the last fence.

Lord Windermere loomed into contention, as six horses battled to the line.

Silviniaco Conti, Bobs Worth and On His Own, closer to the rail, started to lose their way as a trio including Lord Windermere, who somehow had nosed in front, battled to the line in what would be a dramatic finish.

Lord Windermere held the late lunge from On His Own, a length ahead of The Giant Bolster.

Lord Windermere wins the Gold Cup.

After a steward’ inquiry placing remained unaltered.

It was an amazing race, with the winner, for the most part, looking more like being pulled up than proving victorious.

An exceptional performance from horse, jockey and trainer.

The winning distance, a short head.

In July, 2018, Jim Culloty handed in his trainer’s licence. He struggled to build upon his major wins.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Results:

2015 – PU (20/1)

2014 – 1^st

Major wins: RSA Chase 2013, Cheltenham Gold Cup 2014.