Who won the Gold Cup at Cheltenham 2018? Results, runners and riders as Native River claims victory

THE Gold Cup is the centrepiece of any Cheltenham Festival, and this year’s race was no exception.

But were you able to back a winner? Here’s what happened when the prize field took to the course on Friday afternoon.

Who won the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup?

Native River took victory in the Gold Cup after being backed at 5/1 ahead of the race, edging out the slight favourite Might Bite (4/1).

Richard Johnson ran a perfect race as the two great horses went neck-to-neck ahead of the rest of the pack.

Johnson landed the blue riband for the second time after winning on Looks Like Trouble a remarkable 18 years ago.

The delighted jockey said: “I’m speechless. He’s been a fantastic horse for me and I was lucky to pick up the ride on him.”

Who has won the Gold Cup in the past?

Last year’s centrepiece of the Cheltenham Festival was won by Sizing John, ridden by Grand National winning Irish jockey Robbie Power.

In 2015, the race was won by a novice for the first time in over 40 years, as Coneygree triumphed on just his fourth start over fences.

Best Mate was the most successful horse in the modern era, taking victory three years in a row between 2002 and 2004.

However, the most successful of all time was Golden Miller, with five consecutive wins from 1932-1936.

MORE CHELTENHAM NEWS!

You can stay in touch with all the action during the Festival with our Cheltenham Festival 2018 live blog.

And remember, we have loads more horse racing tips, news, previews and an unmissable guide on how to bet on the Cheltenham Festival.
If you have a ticket to the races then these are the best places to drink at the Cheltenham Festival.

Or if you’re watching at home then this is when the racing coverage starts on ITV.

The biggest race at the Festival is the Cheltenham Gold Cup – and this is who the favourites are, when it it and how you can bet on it.