When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2018? Runners and riders, TV channel and betting odds
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With the Cheltenham Festival fast approaching, racing fans are beginning to ready their betting pencils ahead of the big meet.
Thousands are expected to tune in to the going's on at Prestbury Park racecourse as it kicks off in March.
And come festival week, all eyes will be on it's big prize as the Gold Cup race returns.
Last year saw Robbie Power romp to victory on the back of Sizing John to beat pre-race favourites Djakadam and Cue Card.
Here's all you need to know about this years race...
(Image: PA)
When is it?
The Cheltenham festival begins on Tuesday 13th March, with the first race going off at 13:30pm.
The festival ends after the last race on Friday 16th March has finished - which has a scheduled start time of 17:30pm.
As usual the showpiece Gold Cup will take it's customary slot of 15:30pm on that Friday 16th.
*All times listed are GMT
(Image: REUTERS)
What channel is it on?
ITV Racing are covering every day and every race of the festival, so you need look no further than that for your viewing needs.
Those on Sky and Virgin need to tune into channel 103.
We will also be covering the action here on Mirror Sport, so keep an eye on the live blog which will be available to view on the day.
Who's running?
(Image: PA)
Well the runners and riders have not yet been 100% confirmed, due to the fact the festival is not for a few weeks yet, but some usual suspects are expected to be involved.
Sizing John is expected to be back to defend his crown, as are last years runners up Minella Rocco and Native River.
And Might Bite has emerged as one of the favoured choices following his win in the King George stakes at Kempton in December, with Nico de Boinville expected to be in the saddle.
As for the other jockeys, providing all is well you can be sure that Ruby Walsh will be involved, as well as last year's winning jockey Robbie Power.
Betting odds
(Image: Getty Images)
Early bookmaker odds from William Hill for the big race can be found here.
They've gone a healthy 7/1 for Sizing John to be the first horse since Best Mate in 2004 to retain his Gold Cup title.
The aforementioned Might Bite is currently out in front as the favourite at odds as low as 3/1.
Last years pre-race favourites Djakadam and Cue Card are not fancied as well this time round with current odds of 33/1 and 50/1 respectively.
Elsewhere previous winner Coneygree is out at 40/1 to reclaim his 2015 crown.
*All odds are correct at time of publishing. Please remember to gamble responsibly.