Returning champ Al Boum Photo is one of 12 runners in the 2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
3.30pm Bulmers Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1), 3m 2f 70y
1 Al Boum Photo (FR) 8 11 10 W. P. Mullins IRE Mrs J. Donnelly P. Townend
2 Bristol de Mai (FR) 9 11 10 Nigel Twiston-Davies Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
3 Chris’s Dream (IRE) 8 11 10 Henry de Bromhead IRE Robcour Aidan Coleman
4 Clan des Obeaux (FR) 8 11 10 Paul Nicholls Mr&Mrs P.K.Barber,G.Mason,Sir A Ferguson Harry Cobden
5 Delta Work (FR) h,ts 7 11 10 Gordon Elliott IRE Gigginstown House Stud
6 Elegant Escape (IRE) 8 11 10 Colin Tizzard Mr J. P. Romans Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
7 Kemboy (FR) 8 11 10 W. P. Mullins IRE Kemboy/Brett Graham/Ken Sharp Syndicate Mr P. W. Mullins
8 Lostintranslation (IRE) ts 8 11 10 Colin Tizzard Taylor & O’Dwyer Robbie Power
9 Monalee (IRE) 9 11 10 Henry de Bromhead IRE Mr Barry Maloney Rachael Blackmore
10 Presenting Percy ts 9 11 10 Patrick G. Kelly IRE Philip J. Reynolds Davy Russell
10 Real Steel (FR) 7 11 10 W. P. Mullins IRE Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
12 Santini p 8 11 10 Nicky Henderson Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Nico de Boinville
The great Best Mate (2002, 2003, 2004) is the most recent horse to successfully defend the Bulmers Cheltenham Gold Cup and Al Boum Photo is likely to head straight to Cheltenham following a convincing victory in a G3 chase at Tramore on 1 January, just as he did in 2019.
Mullins accounts for four of the 16 Irish-trained entries in total, with Al Boum Photo joined by his G1 Punchestown Gold Cup conqueror Kemboy, Bellshill and Real Steel.
Ireland’s challenge also includes multiple G1 winners Delta Work (Gordon Elliott) , as well as 2018 G1 RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase victor Presenting Percy (Pat Kelly), who started the 100/30 favourite in 2019 when finishing eighth.
No current trainer has enjoyed more success in the Bulmers Cheltenham Gold Cup than Paul Nicholls, thanks to the triumphs of See More Business (1999), Kauto Star and Denman (2008). The Ditcheat handler has two entries in 2020 – last year’s fifth Clan Des Obeaux, who captured the G1 King George VI Chase for a second time at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, and Frodon, who scored a memorable success in the 2019 G1 Ryanair Chase under Bryony Frost.
Lostintranslation (Colin Tizzard) was pulled up behind Clan Des Obeaux at Kempton Park and has since undergone a wind operation, but had impressed previously when narrowly outgunning Bristol de Mai (Nigel Twiston-Davies) in the G1 Betfair Chase at Haydock Park in November.
The Bulmers Cheltenham Gold Cup
Grade 1, £625,000 Total Prize Fund. 3.30pm, Cheltenham, Friday, March 13, 2020. Three miles, two and a half furlongs (3m 2f 70y). For 5yo+ who are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including the day prior to confirmation. Horses who are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day prior to confirmation would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final). Weights: 5yo 11st 8lb, 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed Tuesday, January 7 (31 entries), scratchings’ deadline Tuesday, February 11, £31,250 supplementary entry stage & six-day confirmation stage Saturday, March 7. Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10.00am, Wednesday, March 11 Maximum number of runners – 24.
