Comparing Gold Cup Winners: What Makes Some Champions Stand Out?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the ultimate prize in National Hunt racing, but not all winners are created equal. Some have dominated year after year, cementing their place as all-time greats, while others have pulled off shock victories that defied expectations. Each winner has brought something unique to the race—whether it’s raw speed, relentless stamina, tactical brilliance, or sheer courage.

From the dominance of Arkle to the historic upset of Norton’s Coin, the era-defining battles between Kauto Star and Denman, and Coneygree’s fearless novice triumph, let’s compare and contrast some of the greatest Gold Cup winners and see what makes them stand out.

1. Arkle vs. Golden Miller – The Gold Cup’s First Superstars

Golden Miller (1932-1936): The Pioneer of Dominance

Most notable achievement: Five consecutive Gold Cup wins (a record that still stands).
Racing style: Relentless front-runner with unmatched stamina for his time.
Biggest legacy: Set the benchmark for greatness in the Gold Cup, proving that multiple wins were possible.
X-Factor: Won both the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year (1934), something no horse has repeated.

Arkle (1964-1966): The Greatest of All Time?

Most notable achievement: Three straight Gold Cup wins, destroying the field each time.
Racing style: An aggressive chaser who would power clear of rivals, often making a mockery of the field.
Biggest legacy: His performances were so dominant that the handicapping system had to be changed to give other horses a chance.
X-Factor: Timeform rating of 212, the highest ever for a steeplechaser—no horse has ever come close.

Comparison

Golden Miller was the first true Gold Cup dynasty, but Arkle took dominance to a new level.
Arkle raced in an era of stronger competition, while Golden Miller’s reign was more about sheer longevity.
Both are icons of different generations, but Arkle is widely regarded as the greatest steeplechaser of all time.

2. Best Mate vs. Kauto Star – The Kings of the Modern Era

Best Mate (2002-2004): The Ultimate Consistency

Most notable achievement: Won three consecutive Gold Cups, something no horse had done since Arkle.
Racing style: A smooth, fluent jumper with a devastating turn of foot in the final stages.
Biggest legacy: His wins revived the idea of a modern Gold Cup dynasty, proving it was still possible in the 21st century.
X-Factor: Never fell in a single race, highlighting his flawless jumping ability.

Kauto Star (2007 & 2009): The Most Versatile Champion

Most notable achievement: First horse to regain the Gold Cup after losing it.
Racing style: Speed-based chaser, who could accelerate late and destroy rivals.
Biggest legacy: One of the most beloved horses in history, combining longevity with brilliance.
X-Factor: Won at both 2 miles and 3 miles, showing unprecedented versatility.

Comparison

Best Mate was all about consistency and reliability, while Kauto Star brought electrifying brilliance and adaptability.
Kauto Star’s ability to win back the Gold Cup after losing it is one of the most remarkable feats in Gold Cup history.
Best Mate’s career was carefully managed, ensuring peak performances, while Kauto Star raced more aggressively, resulting in higher highs but also more losses.

3. Denman vs. Coneygree – The Powerhouses Who Shocked the Field

Denman (2008): The Gold Cup Bulldozer

Most notable achievement: Destroyed the 2008 Gold Cup field, beating Kauto Star by 7 lengths.
Racing style: A brutal, front-running galloper, who outstayed his rivals rather than outpacing them.
Biggest legacy: Proved that sheer power and stamina could still dominate modern Gold Cups.
X-Factor: Became known as “The Tank” due to his relentless galloping style.

Coneygree (2015): The Novice Who Rewrote History

Most notable achievement: First novice to win the Gold Cup in 41 years.
Racing style: All-or-nothing front-runner, who set a furious pace and never looked back.
Biggest legacy: Inspired trainers to think differently about running novices in the Gold Cup.
X-Factor: Had only three previous chase runs before the Gold Cup, making his achievement even more remarkable.

Comparison

Denman was a tested champion with a high-profile rivalry against Kauto Star, while Coneygree was a bold gamble who shocked the world.
Both were relentless front-runners, proving that controlling the pace can win the Gold Cup.
Denman had longevity at the top, while Coneygree’s career was cut short by injuries.

4. Norton’s Coin vs. Lord Windermere – The Ultimate Underdogs

Norton’s Coin (1990): The 100/1 Shock

Most notable achievement: The biggest-priced winner in Gold Cup history (100/1).
Racing style: A midfield stalker who timed his challenge perfectly to stun the favorites.
Biggest legacy: Proof that any horse, even from a small yard, can win racing’s biggest prize.
X-Factor: Trained by a dairy farmer with only three racehorses in his stable.

Lord Windermere (2014): The Last-to-First Surprise

Most notable achievement: Came from last place to win in one of the most dramatic finishes ever.
Racing style: A hold-up horse, who saved energy before a late burst up the Cheltenham hill.
Biggest legacy: Showed that race tactics matter just as much as raw talent.
X-Factor: Won by the shortest margin in recent Gold Cup history, just a nose ahead of On His Own.