With next year’s Cheltenham Festival drawing closer, the Cheltenham odds for the 2026 Gold Cup are already beginning to crystallise — and one name is dominating early discussions as punters continue to dissect the top markets to keep an eye on this season.
Inothewayurthinkin, the surprise six-length winner of the 2025 Gold Cup, is currently the early favourite to retain his crown. Some bookmakers have him at 4/1, while other outlets peg him around 7/2.
Trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Mark Walsh, Inothewayurthinkin’s 2025 victory shocked many. He was a late supplementary entry — added for a fee — but produced a powerful finishing run to deny Galopin Des Champs, the odds-on favourite, a third consecutive title.
His rise to the top of the market reflects not just his raw ability, but also the momentum behind him after a major target was ticked off. Analysts note that his youth (he’s still seven) works in his favour – as he may improve again, and connections could be confident about backing him into a second win.
Challengers in the Frame
Despite Inothewayurthinkin’s strong position, the bookies have not forgotten the defending champion’s vanquished adversaries — particularly Galopin Des Champs. The Willie Mullins-trained star, winner of the Gold Cup in 2023 and 2024, is also well in the mix, priced around 5/1–6/1 in some markets.
Although Galopin Des Champs failed in his hat-trick bid in 2025, his record and class make him a compelling contender to bounce back. Some experts, however, caution that history does not favour three-peat attempts: only Kauto Star has reclaimed the Gold Cup after losing it.
Further down the market sits Fact To File, trained by Willie Mullins and backed by punters who clearly believe he can step up to Cheltenham’s marathon test. Fact To File is quoted at up to 12/1 for the 2026 Gold Cup.
He has proven Grade 1 form — notably winning the Ryanair Chase — and supporters argue that with the right preparation, he could convert his speed and class into a genuine staying-chase threat.
Deeper in the Market
Names such as Fastorslow and Grey Dawning also appear in early ante-post lists, although their odds stretch out considerably (Fastorslow is quoted at around 14–20/1, depending on the bookmaker).
Fastorslow, in particular, may appeal to those willing to back a seasoned campaigner with a solid staying pedigree. Grey Dawning, meanwhile, is seen as a dark-horse play who could benefit if some of the big names don’t fire.
Conclusion
For now, Inothewayurthinkin stands as the early favourite for the 2026 Gold Cup, buoyed by a powerful performance in 2025 and the backing of confident connections. But Galopin Des Champs, ever consistent and battle-hardened, remains a potent threat, while Fact To File offers a possible value route for punters looking for an alternative staying star.
As the road to Cheltenham continues to unfold, more names are likely to emerge — and the market could shift dramatically. But for the moment, all eyes are on the reigning champ, and whether he can turn a shock victory into a legacy.