The Top 5 Cheltenham Festival Racehorses

The Cheltenham Festival is the highlight of the National Hunt racing calendar, attracting the best racehorses from around the world. With over 28 races taking place over four days, it can be difficult to identify the top horses. However, in this blog post, we will look at the top five racehorses in Cheltenham Festival history.

1 - Arkle

Arkle is considered by many to be the greatest racehorse of all time. He won three consecutive Gold Cups at the Cheltenham Festival between 1964 and 1966 and was unbeaten in his last 16 races. He was known for his incredible jumping ability and his remarkable speed, which allowed him to dominate his rivals. He is still remembered today as one of the most iconic horses in the history of National Hunt racing.

2 - Best Mate

Best Mate is another legendary racehorse who won three consecutive Gold Cups at the Cheltenham Festival between 2002 and 2004. He was known for his incredible stamina and his ability to produce a strong finish in the closing stages of a race. He won 14 of his 22 starts and was only beaten once in his last 10 races.

3 - Istabraq

Istabraq is a three-time Champion Hurdle winner at the Cheltenham Festival, having won the race in 1998, 1999, and 2000. He was known for his incredible speed and his ability to jump hurdles with ease. He won 23 of his 29 starts and is still remembered as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time.

4 - Sprinter Sacre

Sprinter Sacre is a two-time Queen Mother Champion Chase winner at the Cheltenham Festival, having won the race in 2013 and 2016. He was known for his incredible jumping ability and his remarkable speed, which allowed him to dominate his rivals. He won 18 of his 24 starts and was considered by many to be one of the greatest two-mile chasers in the history of National Hunt racing.

5 - Kauto Star

Kauto Star is a two-time Gold Cup winner at the Cheltenham Festival, having won the race in 2007 and 2009. He was known for his incredible stamina and his ability to produce a strong finish in the closing stages of a race. He won 23 of his 41 starts and was one of the most popular horses of his generation.

These five racehorses have left an indelible mark on the history of the Cheltenham Festival. From Arkle's dominance in the 1960s to Kauto Star's heroics in the 2000s, these horses have set the standard for future generations of racehorses to follow. They will always be remembered as some of the greatest horses in the history of National Hunt racing.