A star-studded list of 13 runners will contest the rescheduled 2026 Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Monday 2 February, and all eyes will be on three-times champion Galopin Des Champs, who bids for a fourth consecutive win in the Grade 1 contest, which is the feature race on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival.
We take a look at the latest Irish Gold Cup Odds & Racecard, as well as picking out some of the key trends to follow for the race, whilst picking out our 1-2-3 for the contest.
2026 Irish Gold Cup Runners
Victorious in this race the last three years, Galopin Des Champs is the one they all have to beat and the Willie Mullins-trained dual Cheltenham Gold Cup made a pleasing return in the Savills Chase in December, where he finished third behind another of Saturday’s rivals in Affordale Fury. Looking to book his place at Cheltenham with a win here, Galopin Des Champs is the standard-setter, as he looks to join Florida Pearl on four wins in the Irish Gold Cup, but a strong field take him on.
Stablemate Gaelic Warrior has shown to be a top class performer on his day and has the class to land this sort of event for the Mullins team, whilst Fact To File is another sensational performer on his day and he will be looking to claim more Grade 1 success here. Reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin has struggled this season, but he beat Galopin Des Champs back in March, so has to be respected, if on a going day. Affordale Fury and former Grand National winner I Am Maximus add huge depth to the race.
2026 Irish Gold Cup Racecard
15:30 Leopardstown
Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1)
- Going Soft
- Distance 3m 0f 100y
- Class —
- Race Type Chase Turf
- Surface Turf
- Runners 12
- Win Time 6m 29s
9/2
(Won)
4/1
15/8F
33/1
9/1
40/1
66/1
25/1
8/1
16/1
40/1
11/1
9/2
(Won)
- Win: €5.50
- Place: €1.80
9/2
(Won)
- Win: €5.50
- Place: €1.80
Non-runners
Stellar Story
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | €19.90 |
| Straight Forecast | €23.26 |
| Tricast | €46.09 |
| Trifecta | €56.70 |
Selections
SPOTLIGHT:
Galopin Des ChampsTOPSPEED:
Gaelic WarriorPOSTDATA:
Gaelic WarriorRP RATINGS (IRE):
Galopin Des ChampsThe Irish Sun:
Galopin Des ChampsIrish Gold Cup Trends
We take a look at all the key Irish Gold Cup trends to be aware of ahead of Saturday’s race.
Irish Gold Cup Tips
Dominant in this race in recent years, Galopin Des Champs can continue his brilliant Leopardstown record with victory once again. Virtually unbeatable at the track, he just tired in the closing stages of the Savills Chase over Christmas, but is sure to strip fitter for that run and can pull clear of his rivals in the closing stages. Affordale Fury can continue his progression over fences and chase Galopin Des Champs home, whilst I Am Maximus can stay on past beaten horses and pick up third place.
FAQs
When and where will the Irish Gold Cup be run?
The Irish Gold Cup will take place at Leopardstown racecourse on Saturday 31 January, 2026 at 3.30pm.
How can I watch the Irish Gold Cup on Saturday?
The Irish Gold Cup will be shown live on ITV Racing at 3.30pm.
Who is Steve Chambers?
Steve Chambers is the editor for GG.co.uk and is a senior racing analyst, specialising in race previews, betting insight and feature coverage.
When were the Irish Gold Cup tips published?
The tips for the Irish Gold Cup were published at 10.30am on Friday 30 January.
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