Cheltenham Festival LIVE: 5:30 result, tips and latest odds after exciting Gold Cup race

Not a great fence by L’Homme Presse but no damage done. Jungle Boogie a little awkward as well. We’ve settled into a steady pace, with The Real Whacker at the front as we come to the turn at the far-end of the racecourse with 14 fences to go

The Real Whacker leading the way but they’re nicely bunched. Corach Rambler - the Grand National winner - bringing up the rear. L’Homme Presse in second, Galopin Des Champs keeping an eye in third

The Cheltenham roar as they set out. They’re around six or seven horses deep as they clear the first. The Real Whacker getting out front early - the rank outsider.

And they’re off in the Gold Cup! Let’s do this.

Ok, here we go. They’re on the course and about to get going...

Twelve months ago, Galopin Des Champs classily beat the field - showing great stamina to take victory. Can he repeat that feat and join Gold Cup greats such as Arkle, Desert Orchid and Kauto Star in the history books.

He’s now into 5/6 with Gerri Colombe the closest challenger at 6/1, Fastorslow at 15/2 and Grand National winner Corach Rambler among the other chances at 16/1

Here’s what the experts are saying about the Gold Cup

Alex Hammond: “Gold Cup time and Sky Bet are paying four places rather than three. That makes me even more keen on L’Homme Presse, Venetia Williams’ horse has done well this season, returning from injury. He won at Lingfield, he run a solid race at Ascot in conditions that weren’t playing to his strengths. The team weren’t in great form then, but they’re in better form now so for me L’Homme Presse in the Gold Cup.”

Tony Calvin says: “The Gold Cup at 15:30 looks a great race but it doesn’t make it an attractive betting medium. I’d rather be with Galopin Des Champs than against him at around evens, but that is probably his right price, in truth.

“The absence of Shishkin is a big positive for him, as the Henderson horse and Fastorslow were his most dangerous form rivals, and I sense he will take a lot of whacking. Fastorslow at 7.2 on the exchange is probably the bet to be had if there is one.”

Ruby Walsh: “I’ve been with Galopin Des Champs for a long time and I like everything about him. He was very good last year and he’s the best horse in here. Fastorslow will most likely chase him home. Corach Rambler or Gerri Colombe will likely be third.

Ruby Walsh is a retired Irish jockey with a 20-year career of triumphs behind him. He is the third most prolific winner in British and Irish jump racing history – behind only Sir Anthony (AP) McCoy and Richard Johnson – and has made the transition into television as a racing pundit.

He is a 12-time Irish National Hunt champion jockey and was the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival 11 times, including a streak of five in a row from 2013-2017.

With ability, skill, class, and a joyous personality to boot Walsh knows a thing or two about triumphing at Cheltenham. He won the headline race twice, in 2007 and 2009, claiming the Gold Cup on Kauto Star, who he lovingly describes as ‘a horse of a lifetime’.

Speaking with The Independent, Walsh explored some of the finest moments during his racing career and explained just how significant it is to win at this meeting.

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