Hold onto your hats, racing fans! Day Four of the Cheltenham Festival delivered upsets, triumphs, and a Gold Cup finish that nobody saw coming. Forget predictable storylines; this was a rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected victories, and, sadly, moments of heartbreak. Let’s break down the essential moments from a day that will be etched in Cheltenham history. This isn’t just horse racing; it’s high-stakes drama with a touch of the unpredictable – kind of like your favorite open-world RPG, but with real horses.
Five Key Takeaways from Cheltenham Gold Cup Day
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The Upset of the Century: Inothewayurthinkin Dethrones the Champ
Galopin Des Champs, the two-time champion, was widely tipped to make history. But Inothewayurthinkin, supplemented into the race just days before, had other plans. Jockey Mark Walsh delivered a masterclass, guiding the Gavin Cromwell-trained horse to a decisive victory. Did anyone see that coming? Probably not. As Walsh himself exclaimed: “I can’t believe it!” The result not only highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing but cemented Inothewayurthinkin as a top contender moving forward. The winning owner pocketed nearly £280,000 – not bad, eh?
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The Gold Cup Highlights
Watch the video to relive the incredible moments from the Cheltenham Gold Cup, seeing how Inothewayurthinkin stormed to victory and Galopin Des Champs attempted the historic three-timer.
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Tragedy Strikes: The Loss of Corbetts Cross
The thrill of victory was overshadowed by the tragic loss of Corbetts Cross. The horse suffered a fatal injury after a fall during the Gold Cup, casting a pall over the celebrations. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in horse racing, and highlights the importance of safety and welfare for these incredible animals. Our thoughts are with the connections of Corbetts Cross during this difficult time.
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Irish Domination: A Clean Sweep on Friday
Friday belonged to the Irish trainers and jockeys, securing all seven races. Willie Mullins continued his dominance, notching multiple wins, and Gordon Elliott finally broke through with a victory in the Martin Pipe Hurdle. It was a display of sheer talent and strategic brilliance, demonstrating the strength of the Irish racing scene. Can anyone stop the Irish next year? Only time will tell.
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Poniros Pulls Off a Miracle: 100/1 Triumph Hurdle Win
Talk about a long shot! Poniros, at odds of 100/1, stunned everyone by winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle. It was a victory that defied expectations and showcased the potential for underdogs to rise to the occasion. The win also provided a late call-up jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr with an unexpected moment of glory. Now that’s what you call a comeback story.
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Mullins Magic: A Training Masterclass
Willie Mullins continues to solidify his legendary status. Even after Poniros’s win, he secured other victories, including Kargese in the County Hurdle and Dinoblue in the Mares Chase, showcasing his incredible ability to prepare horses for the biggest stage. Equaling his best-ever Festival with 10 winners speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. What’s his secret?
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The Vet Incident: A Risky Recovery Attempt
Following Inothewayurthinkin’s victory, an incident involving a vet attempting to treat the horse resulted in the vet being kicked. This highlighted the dangers involved in immediate post-race care. While the vet was reportedly okay, it raised questions about protocols and safety measures during such high-pressure situations. Is there a better way to handle these situations?
Day Four Race Results in Detail
Let’s dive into the specifics, breaking down each race from Friday’s card. This is where the rubber meets the road, and where fortunes were won and lost.
- 1.20 JCB Triumph Hurdle: Winner – Poniros
- 2.00 BetMGM County Hurdle: Winner – Kargese
- 2.40 Paddy Power Mares Chase: Winner – Dinoblue
- 3.20 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle: Winner – Jasmin De Vaux
- 4.00 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup: Winner – Inothewayurthinkin
- 4.40 St James’s Place Hunter Chase: Winner – Wonderwall
- 5.20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle: Winner – Wodhooh
The Betting Landscape
With so many unexpected outcomes, many punters faced a challenging day. Underdogs like Poniros made it tough to predict. Were your bets successful? Or did the day’s surprises leave you empty-handed? Here is the bar graph indicating success vs fail bets from the last day.
The betting landscape at Cheltenham on Day Four was as unpredictable as the races themselves. The shock win by Poniros in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, with odds of 100/1, set the tone for a day of upsets that left many punters reeling. As the day progressed, favorites faced unexpected challenges, and longshots seized the moment, creating a mixed bag for bettors. While some savvy individuals may have capitalized on the surprises, the majority likely found their carefully laid plans disrupted by the day’s unforeseen twists and turns. This reminds us that, in horse racing, as in life, nothing is ever truly guaranteed. So, were your bets successful, or did the day’s surprises leave you empty-handed?
Looking Ahead
With the Cheltenham Festival now behind us, the racing world turns its attention to future events. Will Inothewayurthinkin continue its winning streak? Can Willie Mullins maintain his dominance? What lessons will trainers and jockeys take from this year’s festival? These are just some of the questions that racing fans will be pondering in the weeks and months to come. One thing’s for sure: Cheltenham 2025 has set the stage for another year of thrilling racing action. Inothewayurthinkin is now 5/2 favourite to win the Grand National on 5 April and become only the second horse after Golden Miller in 1934 to complete the double in the same season – could history be about to repeat itself?
Beyond the immediate racing circuit, the broader implications of these events resonate within the industry. The attention to horse welfare, especially following Corbetts Cross’s tragic accident, will likely lead to renewed scrutiny and potential policy changes. The dominance of Irish-trained horses raises questions about training methodologies and resources. The rise of unexpected champions like Poniros underscores the importance of giving every horse a fair chance, regardless of their initial odds. In essence, Cheltenham 2025 has sparked conversations that will shape the future of horse racing for years to come.
In Conclusion
Day Four of the Cheltenham Festival was a whirlwind of excitement, disappointment, and sheer unpredictability. From Inothewayurthinkin’s stunning Gold Cup victory to the tragic loss of Corbetts Cross, it was a day that will long be remembered. The upsets and triumphs served as a reminder of the raw emotion and unpredictable nature of horse racing. So, what was your biggest takeaway from Cheltenham 2025? And are you already looking forward to next year?
Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Four: Your Burning Questions Answered
What made Inothewayurthinkin’s victory so shocking?
Galopin Des Champs was heavily favored as the two-time champion. Inothewayurthinkin, a late addition to the race, defied expectations with a dominant performance.
Why was Day Four so significant for Irish trainers and jockeys?
Irish trainers and jockeys swept all seven races on Friday, showcasing their dominance in the racing world, with Willie Mullins continuing to lead the charge.
What impact did Corbetts Cross’s tragic loss have on the event?
The fatal injury to Corbetts Cross cast a shadow over the celebrations, highlighting the inherent risks in horse racing and the importance of prioritizing animal welfare.
Cheltenham 2024: A Festival for the Ages
Day Four delivered a mix of unbelievable upsets, heartbreaking moments, and pure racing brilliance. It’s a reminder that in horse racing, anything can happen, and that’s what keeps us coming back for more. Roll on Cheltenham 2025!
