A record low of just five British horses were put forward for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup in March when entries closed on Tuesday.
The number is less than half of those entered for the feature last year (11) and barely more than a third of the horses entered in 2023 and 2024 (14).
The disappointing entry illustrates the decline in top-class chasers this side of the Irish Sea, with the decline from 2011 where British-trained horses made up 29 of the 34 entered a stark reminder where the power now lies.
Unsurpringly, the entries are dominated by trainer Willie Mullins who is responsible for more than a quarter of the entries, including duel winner Galopin Des Champs who proved his well-being with a magnificent success at Leopardstown in the Savills Chase at Christmas.
Galopin Des Champs is a red-hot even money favourite with most bookmakers to complete a hat-trick and emulate Best Mate as the only chaser of the 21st century to win the blueriband event three times.
The shortest price British runner in the bookmakers’ ante-post lists is the Dan Skelton-trained Grey Dawning who was pulled up in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 entries
Ahoy Senor, Banbridge, Conflated, Corbetts Cross, Embassy Gardens, Fact To File, Galopin Des Champs, Gentlemansgame, Gerri Colombe, Grangeclare West, Grey Dawning, Hewick, Il Est Francais, Jungle Boogie, L’Homme Presse, Minella Cocooner, Monty’s Star, Royale Pagaille, The Real Whacker.
