The 2022 edition of the Cheltenham Gold Cup had all the elements of a real cracker. Included in a stellar cast of contenders were two previous winners in the shape of Al Boum Photo and Minella Indo, along with A Plus Tard who found only one too good in 2021.
The rapidly improving Galvin added to the Irish challenge, which also included shock King George Chase winner, Tornado Flyer. The British weren’t completely without hope, with Dan Skelton’s runaway Many Clouds Chase winner Protektorat and Nicky Henderson’s Chantry House deemed the most likely to make their presence felt.
Result
- 1st – A Plus Tard 3/1F, Jockey: Rachael Blackmore, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
- 2nd – Minella Indo 7/1, Jockey: Robbie Power, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
- 3rd – Protektorat 10/1, Jockey: Harry Skelton, Trainer: Dan Skelton
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £351,687.50
- 2nd – £132,500
- 3rd – £66,312.50
- 4th – £33,125
- 5th – £16,625
- 6th – £8,312.50
- 7th – £4,125
- 8th – £2,125
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £4
- Tote Places – 1st – £1.70, 2nd – £2.70, 3rd – £2.30
- Exacta – £20.80
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £22.29
- Trifecta – £192.40
- Tricast – £179.77
Recap
An enthralling renewal of the flagship event, but one which ultimately turned into a rout, as the placings from 2021 were reversed in no uncertain terms.
Asterion Forlonge and Royal Pagaille cut out much of the running in an Ireland versus England battle for the lead. However, Minello Indo swept into the lead off the home bend and, for a moment, the 2021 champ looked set to defend his crown. But there, looming large in Robbie Power’s wing mirrors, were Rachael Blackmore and A Plus Tard. Cutting through the field, the Cheveley Park runner drew level at the last, before roaring away up the hill for a resounding 15-length success.
It was another headline-grabbing success for Blackmore who had won the Champion Hurdle earlier in the week, whilst Henry De Bromhead saddled the first two home for the second year in succession.
Runners
- 1. Al Boum Photo – SP: 7/1 , Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Paul Townend
- 2. A Plus Tard – SP: 3/1F, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead, Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
- 3. Asterion Forlonge – SP: 22/1, Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Bryan Cooper
- 4. Aye Right – SP: 80/1, Trainer: Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford, Jockey: Callum Bewley
- 5. Chantry House – SP: 16/1, Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Jockey: Nico de Boinville
- 6. Galvin – SP: 100/30, Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Jockey: Davy Russell
- 7. Minella Indo – SP: 7/1, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead, Jockey: Robbie Power
- 8. Protektorat – SP: 10/1, Trainer: Dan Skelton, Jockey: Harry Skelton
- 9. Royal Pagaille – SP: 20/1, Trainer: Venetia Williams, Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
- 10. Santini – SP: 66/1, Trainer: Polly Gundry, Jockey: Nick Schofield
- 11. Tornado Flyer – SP: 9/1, Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Danny Mullins
Non Runners
All Ran