Memorable Moments from the Cheltenham Festival

The iconic Cheltenham Festival is the home of National Hunt racing and the pinnacle annual event for the sport. The crowds are always well-dressed, exuberant, and brimming with nervous excitement. It’s an extraordinary four days, guaranteed to deliver a wealth of highs and lows. Relive the twists and turns as we look back at some of the most memorable festival moments from over the years.

Arkle, Cheltenham Gold Cup 1964- 1966

Arkle, affectionately known as ‘Himself,’ became a national hero and a legend in his own right during his lifetime. Foaled in 1957 at Ballymacoll Stud in County Meath, Ireland, he emerged as the greatest steeplechaser of all time. He left an indelible mark on the Cheltenham Festival with his three consecutive victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup from 1964 to 1966, a hat trick since matched only by Best Mate.

Cheltenham racegoers will recognise Arkle’s commemorative statue at the course, which serves as a lasting tribute to the unforgettable legend.

Michael Dickenson, Trainer – 1983

Getting a horse to the Cheltenham Festival and fit enough to run in the Gold Cup is an underrated and difficult process. In 1983, Michael Dickenson had an incredible five horses in the race, and astonishingly, those five horses were the first home. It remains a unique event and undoubtedly one of the all-time great moments in the sports history.

Dawn Run, 1986

In 1986, Dawn Run went down in history as the first and only horse to win both the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Foaled in 1978, trained by the esteemed Paddy Mullins, and ridden by Jonjo O’Neill, Dawn Run’s astonishing feat remains one of the most remarkable achievements in racing history, a testament to her outstanding talent and tenacity.

Best Mate, 2002-2004

Best Mate was an Irish-bred, English-trained racehorse who undoubtedly earned his place among the Cheltenham greats by winning three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Owned by the late Jim Lewis, trained by Henrietta Knight, and ridden by Jim Culloty, he was a beloved and popular horse, often receiving fan mail and requests for photographs. Sadly, he passed away in 2005 from a heart attack while racing at Exeter. His sudden death made front-page news.

Quevega, 2009-2014

Quevega’s name is firmly etched in Cheltenham Festival history, with an unparalleled streak of six consecutive victories in the Mares Hurdle from 2009 – 2014. Foaled in 2004, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, her dominance in her respective category remains unmatched. Unsurprisingly, Quevega sits comfortably among Cheltenham Festival’s all-time greats.

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