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Gaelic Warrior Dominates Cheltenham Gold Cup as Townend Sets Jockey Record

The victory delivered Paul Townend a record fifth Gold Cup, completing the rare Champion Hurdle–Champion Chase–Gold Cup treble.

Overview

  • Racing Post analysts awarded Gaelic Warrior a 182+ figure, ranking the win second only to Galopin Des Champs among Gold Cups this decade after an eight-length defeat of Jango Baie.
  • Early markets now make Gaelic Warrior a 4-1 favourite for the 2027 Gold Cup, reflecting the immediate shift in next year’s betting landscape.
  • Owners Rich and Susannah Ricci, fulfilling a long-held ambition, signalled plans to return with Gaelic Warrior to defend the title and said they have no intention of stepping away from the sport.
  • Debate over Cheltenham’s going intensified after JP McManus withdrew Fact To File from the Ryanair Chase, with Willie Mullins voicing concerns about the lack of softer ground in the description.
  • Less than 24 hours later, Ricci-linked Vauban captured the Group 3 Sky High Stakes at Rosehill in Sydney under new connections, reinforcing the owners’ international profile and Melbourne Cup aims.