Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners - 16 Left in Championship Race After First Forfeit Stage

A total of 16 horses remain in contention for the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup after the first forfeit stage on Tuesday, 6th February. The initial entry of 20 was cut by four with just over five weeks until the race gets underway.

The four withdrawals include Datsalrightgino, who sadly died after a fall on Trials Day, Envoi Allen, Royale Pagaille and Stay Away Fay. Envoi Allen is set to defend his title in the Ryanair Chase, Royale Pagaille will miss the Festival due to injury, while Stay Away Fay is set to remain in novice company this season.

The trainers of the latter three defections are all still set to be represented, however. Henry De Bromhead still has Jungle Boogie entered in the race, with Venetia Williams relying on 2022 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase winner L’Homme Presse, and Paul Nicholls pinning his hopes on last year’s runner-up Bravemansgame.

All the withdrawals were priced up at substantial odds, so there is little update to the ante-post markets for the race. Galopin Des Champs, after another superb victory in the Irish Gold Cup, is now a best-priced 10/11 to retain his title ahead of Fastorslow, who was second to him at Leopardstown on the weekend. 

Shishkin and L’Homme Presse remain the shortest-priced possibles for the home team at 9/1 and 10/1 respectively. Also still in contention are King George winner Hewick and last season’s Grand National hero Corach Rambler.

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2024 Entries