The Most Memorable Moments in Cheltenham Festival History

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events on the horse racing calendar, attracting fans from all over the world to the beautiful town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, England. Over the years, the festival has produced some truly memorable moments that have become part of racing folklore.

Here are just a few of the most iconic and unforgettable moments in Cheltenham Festival history that Cheltenham Festival fans will never forget: 

Dawn Run's Gold Cup Triumph (1986) 

In 1986, the legendary mare Dawn Run became the first and only horse in history to win both the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Trained by Paddy Mullins and ridden by Jonjo O'Neill, Dawn Run produced an incredible performance to withe Gold Cup by a head, cementing her place in Cheltenham Festival history.

Best Mate's Three Gold Cup Wins (2002-2004) 

Best Mate is another horse that will forever be associated with the Cheltenham Festival. It doesn’t matter where you watched this great feat, witnessing such an impressive accomplishment is sure to leave a lasting impression. Trained by Henrietta Knight and ridden by Jim Culloty, Best Mate won three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups from 2002 to 2004, becoming the first horse since Arkle to achieve this feat. 

Istabraq's Hat-Trick of Champion Hurdles (1998-2000) 

Istabraq is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time, and his performances at the Cheltenham Festival are a big reason why. Trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Charlie Swan, Istabraq won the Champion Hurdle three years in a row from 1998 to 2000, becoming only the second horse after See You Then to achieve this feat. 

Sprinter Sacre's Dominance in the Champion Chase (2013) 

In 2013, Sprinter Sacre produced one of the most dominant performances in Cheltenham Festival history when he won the Queen Mother Champion Chase by 19 lengths. Trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Barry Geraghty, Sprinter Sacre was at the peak of his powers that day, leaving his rivals trailing in his wake and providing the Cheltenham Festival fans with an iconic memory. 

Kauto Star's Two Gold Cups (2007, 2009) 

Kauto Star is another horse that will forever be associated with the Cheltenham Festival. Trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice, in 2007 and 2009. His victory in 2009 was particularly memorable, as he became the first horse to regain the Gold Cup after losing it the previous year. 

Denman's Dominant Gold Cup Win (2008) 

In 2008, Denman produced one of the most dominant performances at one of the best horse racing courses in the world when he won the Gold Cup by seven lengths. Trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Sam Thomas, Denman was unstoppable that day, powering away from his rivals in the home straight to win in impressive fashion. 

These are just a few of the most memorable moments in Cheltenham Festival history. Each year, the festival produces new heroes and unforgettable moments, and Cheltenham Festival fans eagerly anticipate each new edition of the event.