What Is the Prestbury Cup at the Cheltenham Festival?

The Prestbury Cup is an annual competition that takes place between British trainers and Irish trainers at the Cheltenham Festival. The team with the most winners across the 28 races at the BHA run meeting scoops the trophy.

Each team is assigned a celebrity captain every year, often someone outside of racing. Their job is to promote the competition and to represent the winning team when the trophy is handed out at the end of day four of the biggest week in the sport.

The Prestbury Cup was first contested in 2014. It was won by the home team 15-12 in the opening year. Britain defended their crown a year later in 2015, but they have not won the competition outright since. The best they have done is finish in a tie in 2019.

Ireland have won the last five consecutive Prestbury Cups. Their most dominant performance came in 2021 when they prevailed 23-5.

Ireland Were Far Too Strong In 2024

The visitors, Ireland, were far too strong for the hosts in 2024, winning the Prestbury Cup 18-9. There were only 27 races across the week, as the Cross Country Chase was abandoned due to a waterlogged course.

Ireland won the feature race on each day of the meeting in 2024, with wins in the Champion Hurdle (State Man), Queen Mother Champion Chase (Captain Guiness), Stayers’ Hurdle (Teahupoo) and the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Galopin Des Champs). The only championship race they did not win was the Ryanair Chase, as that went the way of British trainer Dan Skelton, who prevailed with Protektorat.

Irish trainer Willie Mullins played a big role in Ireland’s success in the 2024 Prestbury Cup. With seven winners, he was the leading trainer at the meeting. He also capped off the season with a victory in the Randox Grand National.

Irish Team Have a Strong Team This Year

The defending champions will travel across the Gloucestershire-based racecourse with another strong team this year. They dominate the betting for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. As of 24th January, defending champion Galopin Des Champs is the 4/5 favourite in Betways horse racing betting markets for the Blue Riband event of the week.

On day one of the meeting, Salvator Mundi may be able to get Ireland off to a winning start in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Mullins’ hurdler won the Grade Two Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on his last run.

Teahupoo will defend his crown in the Stayers’ Hurdle on day three of the meeting. Gordon Elliott’s horse dominated the division last season, winning three Grade One races. He ended his campaign with a triumph at the Punchestown Festival. The eight-year-old will be bidding to become just the fourth horse to win back-to-back renewals of the 3m hurdles contest at the meeting.

As they often do, Ireland dominate the entries for the mares’ only races at the Festival. Brighterdaysahead of Lossiemouth could be set to dual in the Mares’ Hurdle, while in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, Maughreen, a relative of former Champion Hurdle winner Faugheen, goes into it with a big reputation.

Team Britain Hoping to Bounce Back

With Skelton, Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls all finding form heading into the Cheltenham Festival, there is much more optimism from the British team this season going into the Prestbury Cup.

Skelton leads the GBR Trainers’ Championship standings in his pursuit of a maiden title. He has already netted over £2 million in prize money in what is turning out to be his best season since leaving his job as Nicholls’ assistant and picking up his own licence. The Lodge Hill trainer will saddle Grey Dawning in the Gold Cup, Protektorat in the Ryanair Chase and The New Lion in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. All three of those horses have strong claims.

Henderson has arguably the strongest team of the British trainers for the Festival. As you can read in the BBC race report, Constitution Hill is set to return to the Champion Hurdle following his victory in the Christmas Hurdle. Jonbon will get his first shot at the Queen Mother Champion Chase, while Sir Gino will put his unbeaten record over fences on the line in the Arkle Trophy.

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival takes place over four days between Tuesday, 11th March and Friday, 15thMarch. The feature race of the week, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is scheduled for the final day at 15:30.

Assessing the best title races across Europe at the midpoint of the season

European football fans have been treated to a thrilling season so far, with drama unfolding across the continent. It’s becoming increasingly harder to tell which direction title races will go in, and that’s been reflected in the sports betting odds.

Domestically, the title races in some of Europe’s top leagues are shaping up to be among the most competitive in recent memory. At the same time, the first-ever edition of the revamped Champions League has added another layer of intrigue. The new Swiss-style group stage format has brought unpredictability and excitement to Europe’s premier club competition, demanding more from teams than ever before.

With the pressure mounting on clubs to perform both domestically and on the European stage, finding the right balance is crucial.

A deep run in the Champions League can inspire teams to greater heights or risk derailing their pursuit of league glory. As we approach the season’s midpoint, the battle for supremacy is heating up in several leagues, where fine margins could decide who lifts the trophy in May.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best title races across Europe, exploring the key teams and storylines that have captivated fans so far.

Premier League

We begin close to home as we assess whether or not Arne Slot can capture the Premier League title in his season at Liverpool.

The Dutchman, who took over at Anfield last summer to replace Jurgen Klopp, has enjoyed a flying start to life in the Premier League, but some recent dropped points against Newcastle United, Fulham and Nottingham Forest mean that despite their lead, the job is far from done.

Manchester City’s struggles have all but ruled them out of a fifth straight league title, but Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have been denied trophies by City in the last two successive seasons, will be hungry to lead the chasing pack as they look for their first title since 2004.

La Liga

At one point in the season, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona looked as if they would run away with the La Liga title, romping through Real Madrid in the German’s first El Classico and gaining the ascendancy as they chase their first Spanish crown since Xavi’s departure.

That said, some squandered points have allowed the remaining oligarchy of La Liga’s Madrid sides to sneak their way back into the picture.

Atletico Madrid surprisingly lead the table at the time of writing. Still, just one point separates them from Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, who also have one eye on securing Champions League qualification.

Diego Simeone’s side will look to win a third La Liga title in 10 years, but El Cholo’s side know they will need to keep working hard at the back, having just lost one game so far and conceded the fewest goals.

Serie A

Your guess is as good as ours as to who wins Serie A this season. Antonio Conte’s Napoli side have a good chance of making it two league titles in three years, but reigning Scudetto champions Inter Milan, and underdogs Atalanta, have also put together impressive winning runs.

The likes of Milan, Roma, and Juventus have struggled in the early stages of the Italian season, with Milan hoping former Porto boss Sergio Conceição can inject some new life into a depleted squad.

However, it’s hard to look past Conte in his first season at any job. He’s dominated Italy before with the Old Lady and now has the chance to win another league title in Naples, even if he does lose Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, after the Georgian verbally agreed to join Paris Saint Germain.

A Peek At The 2025 Horse Racing Calendar

2025 horse racing calendar

Horse racing fans, get ready to mark your diaries because 2025 is galloping in with a lineup of world-class events that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Let’s see what awaits us in the year of horse racing and what makes each event a must-see.

The Importance of Race Day Tips

Before we go into the specifics of 2025’s events, let’s talk about something that can make or break your race day: tips. Horse racing tips are like secret weapons—they’re released the day before race day for good reason. With a seven-day-a-week schedule, earlier predictions would only create chaos, and let’s face it, who needs more confusion in life? Today’s horse racing tips rely on the latest information available, from jockey and trainer form to weather conditions and course stats. Thanks to cutting-edge AI technology, the best tips are crafted by analyzing every possible factor, ensuring you have the most up-to-date insights before placing your bets.

New Year’s Day Racing at Cheltenham

The year kicked off in spectacular fashion with Cheltenham Racecourse’s annual New Year’s Day Racing event. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Gloucestershire’s rolling hills, it was a day that celebrated fresh beginnings and nail-biting finishes. The crowd’s energy was palpable, with the crisp winter air enhancing the magic of the occasion. From thrilling high-stakes jumps to unexpected underdog victories, this event provided a fitting start to the horse racing calendar, setting the tone for an exhilarating season ahead.

The Prestigious Cheltenham Festival

Running from 11th – 14th March, this iconic event showcases some of the best jumps racing in the world. Whether you’re cheering for the Unibet Champion Hurdle or holding your breath during the Cheltenham Gold Cup, each race is a story of grit, determination, and heart-stopping drama. Plus, with plenty of food, drinks, and hospitality options, you’re in for a spectacular time both on and off the track.

The Grand National

5th April is the date that every horse racing enthusiast eagerly anticipates. The Grand National at Aintree is a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. Known for its grueling fences and unpredictable outcomes, this race transforms ordinary horses into legends. This competition is about the camaraderie, the fashion, and the electric atmosphere. Whether you’re watching from the stands or your living room, the Grand National is an event that captivates the nation.

Summer Racing at Ascot

When summer rolls around, Ascot Racecourse becomes the centerpiece of the horse racing world. With events like the King George Weekend in July and the prestigious Royal Ascot in June, it’s where flat racing royalty come to shine. Royal Ascot, in particular, is a spectacle of elegance, with top-tier racing complemented by glamorous outfits and a chance to sip champagne alongside the elite.

Melbourne Cup

While the UK dominates much of the calendar, let’s not forget the global racing scene. The Melbourne Cup in Australia, held on the first Tuesday of November, is a race that stops a nation—literally. Offices close, streets empty, and all eyes turn to Flemington Racecourse. Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup is more than just a sporting event; it’s a cultural celebration that blends world-class racing with Aussie charm.

Wrapping Up the Year at Kempton Park

As the year draws to a close, the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempton Park is the perfect way to end the season. Taking place on 26th and 27th December , this event features thrilling jump races, including the prestigious King George VI Steeple Chase. The festive atmosphere, combined with the excitement of high-stakes racing, makes it a highlight of the holiday season. It’s the kind of event that leaves you eager for the next year’s racing adventures.

Racing towards equality: The evolution of women in horse racing

Horse racing, one of the oldest and most revered sports, has historically been dominated by men. Yet, women have continually fought for recognition and equal footing in this challenging field. From early pioneers facing blatant discrimination to modern trailblazers reshaping the sport, the journey of women in horse racing is a compelling narrative of perseverance, talent, and breaking barriers.

The struggles of pioneering women

In the 1960s, female jockeys faced an uphill battle against both institutional and cultural resistance. Penny Ann Early’s infamous attempt to ride at Churchill Downs in 1968 encapsulates the obstacles women encountered. Despite her determination, male jockeys staged a boycott to prevent her from competing, and the press lambasted her efforts with sexist rhetoric that belittled her ambitions.

This blatant opposition was typical of the era. Women were often excluded from races, derided for their physical capabilities, and denied opportunities to showcase their skills. It was only through relentless determination and a profound love for the sport that early female jockeys began carving out a place in horse racing.

The rise of female jockeys

Since those turbulent beginnings, the participation of female jockeys has steadily increased. While progress was slow, the last two decades have seen significant strides.

In the early 2000s, female jockeys accounted for just 3-5% of rides globally, underscoring their minority status on the racetrack. Despite this, many women achieved remarkable feats during this time, demonstrating they could compete and excel at the highest levels.

The past decade has marked a turning point. In the UK, the British Horseracing Authority reported that the number of rides taken by female jockeys rose from 5.7% in 2010 to 9.62% in 2021. This growth reflects not only the increasing opportunities for women but also a shift in the perception of their role in the sport.

This upward trend indicates a promising future, with the presence of female jockeys on racetracks gradually becoming normalized.

Now, according to Racing Tipster’s report, it doesn’t matter who the jockey is or what gender– the AI-driven software provided on this site can calculate winning odds regardless of the jockey’s gender. So, punters who opt for aggregate analyses without any gender specification can easily get their share of daily insights, while different requests are also possible.

After all, the result is the only relevant factor in this female-male distinction, and AI has proven to be a pretty accurate statistician.

Trailblazing female jockeys

The contributions of pioneering and contemporary female jockeys have been crucial to advancing equality in horse racing.

Hayley Turner stands out as a landmark figure. The English jockey made history as the first woman to secure 100 wins in UK flat racing within a single calendar year. Her career, which spans over 1,500 victories, solidified her status as a role model for aspiring female riders.

Across the Atlantic, Julie Krone holds the title of the most successful female jockey in U.S. history. With career earnings surpassing $90 million and 3,700 wins, Krone shattered records and defied stereotypes. Rosie Napravnik followed in her footsteps, amassing $71 million in earnings and nearly 1,900 victories, further cementing the legacy of women in American horse racing.

Australian jockey Michelle Payne made headlines in 2015 when she became the first woman to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup. Payne’s victory not only highlighted her skill but also served as a powerful statement about the potential of female jockeys in major global competitions.

Today, the legacy continues with emerging talents like Saffie Osborne. Her standout performances in the innovative Racing League competition demonstrate the growing prominence of women in horse racing.

A changing landscape

While much progress has been made, horse racing still has strides to take towards full gender equality. Female jockeys continue to face challenges, from unequal pay to fewer high-profile opportunities compared to their male counterparts. But the steady rise in the number of rides given to women and their success in prestigious races suggests a changing tide.

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