2026 Irish Gold Cup Tips - Can this outsider spoil De Champs' party?
The Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival attracts much attention, with Galopin Des Champs aiming to match Florida Pearl's record of four wins. Willie Mullins' champion faces tough competition, including Affordale Fury and Haiti Couleurs. Our analysis points to Grangeclare West as a strong each-way bet, capitalizing on his remarkable past performances and preference for softer ground. With a large field anticipated, Grangeclare West, guided by Brian Hayes, could surprise at generous odds. Stay informed by following our live streaming options on race day.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Irish Gold Cup
- This historic Grade One takes place at Leopardstown on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival on Saturday 31st January
- We're backing Grangeclare West at 33/1
The Irish Gold Cup headlines the opening day of racing at the Dublin Racing Festival. This prestigious Grade One has been won by many of Ireland's finest chasers and it's the three-time defending champion who dominates the betting for this year's renewal.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Irish Gold Cup, including our best betting tips.
2026 Irish Gold Cup Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Galopin Des Champs | 6/4 |
| Affordale Fury | 7/1 |
| Fact To File | 8/1 |
| Haiti Couleurs | 9/1 |
| Inothewayurthinkin | 10/1 |
| Spindleberry | 10/1 |
| Bar | 14/1 |
2026 Irish Gold Cup Runners
Galopin Des Champs will return to Leopardstown to try and equal the great Florida Pearl's record of four Irish Gold Cup wins. Willie Mullins' star finished third on his reappearance in the Savills Chase, having missed his intended return in the John Durkan after a small set-back.
Affordale Fury continued his excellent seasonal form with a shock victory in the Savills Chase, and he'll bid for a second straight Grade One win at the Dublin Racing Festival. Galopin Des Champs could be joined in the field by stablemate Fact To File, who was last seen finishing sixth in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Rebecca Curtis looks set to be represented by Welsh and Irish Grand National winner Haiti Couleurs. Gavin Cromwell sends Inothewayurthinkin back to Leopardstown before the defence of his Gold Cup crown at Cheltenham. Martin Brassil's Fastorslow finished a close second to Galopin Des Champs in this race back in 2024, but was well-beaten when sixth in the Savills Chase over Christmas.
Willie Mullins could also be represented by King George third Gaelic Warrior, top mare Spindleberry, and former British Grand National winner I Am Maximus. Gordon Elliott has entered Firefox, Croke Park and Stellar Story. Monty's Star, Lecky Watson, Grangeclare West and Champ Kiely also feature in the entries.
2026 Irish Gold Cup Tips
Galopin Des Champs is the king around Leopardstown, and I'm always hard-pushed to side against Willie Mullins' legend around this venue. The prospect of heavy ground certainly brings Haiti Couleurs into the equation and, with Gavin Cromwell's string in better form, I'm expecting to see more from Inothewayurthinkin.
With a fairly large field likely to be confirmed, there's scope for an each-way play against the more fancied runners. As Affordale Fury forged on to win at Christmas, GRANGECLARE WEST (33/1) caught the eye with a late rattle, and he seems to be overpriced.
Brian Hayes' mount ran a blinder in the Grand National at Aintree, finishing third behind stablemates Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus. Grangeclare West then ran well when fifth under 12-00 in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown and, like most of the runners in that race, enjoyed a casual stroll around Punchestown on his reappearance in the John Durkan.
Hayes held Grangeclare West up near the rear in the Savills Chase, and was almost brought down when Champ Kiely slipped on the first bend. Mullins' ten-year-old recovered well, keeping on gamely up the straight to finish fourth, just six lengths behind the winner.
Despite his excellent showing on good spring ground at Aintree, Grangeclare West has always been at his best on softer ground, so conditions on Saturday should be ideal. Brian Hayes will take the ride again, and this classy chaser is a former Grade One winner over this course and distance.
Visit our Irish Gold Cup Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races at Leopardstown via a mobile or tablet.
Live Stream
Visit our Irish Gold Cup Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races at Leopardstown via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Grangeclare West is our each-way selection in the 2026 Irish Gold Cup.
Grangeclare West E/W
2026 Irish Gold Cup Tips
@33/1 - 5 Units
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