The Cheltenham Gold Cup remains the jewel in the National Hunt racing crown and a vintage crop of chasers will battle it out in the race in 2013.
The race is the most famous contest on the racing calendar and the showpiece’s roll of honour stretches longer than the gruelling 22 fence course at Cheltenham. The Grade One was won by Tony McCoy and Synchronised in 2012 and racing fans will be desperate to see who comes out on top in the race in 2013.
The ‘Blue Riband’ event has seen some of the most legendary chases of all time battle it out for racing’s most sought-after crown and the likes of Arkle, Best Mate, Golden Miller, Mill House, Desert Orchid and Kauto Star remain household names after their incredible victories in the contest.
The sensational Golden Miller won the race five times on the bounce from 1932 onwards and though no other horse has been able to emulate his unbelievable record, Best Mate won the Festival feature on three consecutive occasions in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Arkle also managed to land a hat-trick of successes in the race in 1964, 1965 and 1966 and he was followed by the likes of Dawn Run, Master Oats and L’Escargot in the following years.
More recently Kauto Star galloped to memorable victories in the race in 2007 and 2009, with Denman putting up one of the most incredible Gold Cup performances of all time in between. They have dominated the chasing division in recent years, but the likes of Long Run, Imperial Commander and now Sir Des Champs and Grand Crus will be ready to take their place on the top table of National Hunt racing.