The Cheltenham Festival is a major event in the horse-racing world, drawing the best horses and jockeys from around the globe to compete in a series of races. Every year, there are a number of favourites that enter the races, but how many of them actually win? In this article, we will look at how many favourites have won at the Cheltenham Festival over the years, and what factors may have influenced their success or failure.
History of the Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the horse-racing world. It has been held annually since 1911 in Cheltenham, England, and is usually held in March. The festival consists of a series of races, including the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Gold Cup, and the Grand Annual Chase. It is the most important jump-racing meeting in the National Hunt racing calendar, and is often referred to as the “Olympics of Horse Racing”.
Favourites at the Cheltenham Festival
Every year, a number of horses are considered to be favourites for the various races at the Cheltenham Festival. These favourites are usually the horses that have the best form and the best chances of winning the races. Some horses may be considered favourites due to their reputation, or because they have won races in the past. Other horses may be considered favourites due to the jockeys that are riding them, or because they are considered to have the best chance of winning the race.
How Many Favourites Have Won at the Cheltenham Festival?
Over the years, a number of favourites have won at the Cheltenham Festival. Since its inauguration in 1911, there have been over 70 favourites that have won races at the festival. Of those 70, about half of them have won more than one race. The most successful favourites have been Golden Miller, who won five races at the festival, and Arkle, who won three.
Successful Favourites at the Cheltenham Festival
Some of the most successful favourites at the Cheltenham Festival have been:
- Golden Miller – Golden Miller was a six-time winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, making him the most successful favourite in the history of the festival.
- Arkle – Arkle won three races at the festival, including the Champion Chase in 1964, 1965 and 1966.
- Kauto Star – Kauto Star won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times, in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
- Best Mate – Best Mate won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times, in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Factors Influencing Success of Favourites
There are a number of factors that can influence the success of favourites at the Cheltenham Festival. These include:
- Form – The form of a horse is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not it will be successful at the festival. Horses that have been performing well in the lead up to the festival are more likely to be successful than those that have not.
- Conditions – The conditions of the track can also have an impact on the success of a favourite. A horse that is suited to the conditions of the track is more likely to do well than one that is not.
- Jockey – The jockey riding the horse can also have an impact on its success. A jockey that is experienced in racing at the Cheltenham Festival is more likely to help the horse to perform well than one that is not.
- Odds – The odds of a favourite winning a race at the Cheltenham Festival can also play a role in its success. Horses with lower odds are more likely to win than those with higher odds.
Recent Favourites at the Cheltenham Festival
In recent years, a number of favourites have been successful at the Cheltenham Festival. In 2020, the favourites that won the most races at the festival were:
- Al Boum Photo – Winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
- Epatante – Winner of the Champion Hurdle.
- Altior – Winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
- Tiger Roll – Winner of the Grand National.
Factors Affecting Favourites in Recent Years
In recent years, a number of factors have affected the success of favourites at the Cheltenham Festival. These include:
- Weather – The weather conditions can have a big impact on the success of a favourite. If the track is wet or muddy, it can make it more difficult for a favourite to perform.
- Competition – The competition at the festival has also been increasing in recent years, which can make it harder for a favourite to win. With more horses entering the races, the chances of a favourite winning are lower.
- Injuries – Injuries can also have an effect on the success of a favourite. If a favourite is injured or ill, then it is less likely to perform well.
- Luck – Luck can also play a role in the success of a favourite. If a favourite is lucky, then it is more likely to win than if it is unlucky.
Conclusion
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the horse-racing world, and every year a number of favourites enter the races. Over the years, there have been over 70 favourites that have won races at the festival, with some of the most successful being Golden Miller and Arkle. There are a number of factors that can influence the success of a favourite, including form, conditions, jockey, and odds. In recent years, favourites such as Al Boum Photo, Epatante, Altior, and Tiger Roll have been successful at the festival. However, factors such as weather, competition, injuries, and luck can also have an effect on the success of a favourite.