Prestbury Cup Odds: Ireland tough to beat – handicap route holds the key

Cheltenham racecourse is often referred to as 'Prestbury Park,' given its proximity to the nearby village of Prestbury, so the search for a name for the trophy awarded for the most winners between Ireland and Great Britain was a fairly easy one. The Prestbury Cup itself has been sealed with some hallowed Cheltenham turf, so it's even more coveted.

28 races from first to last, Tuesday-Friday inclusive, so passing the magic number 14 is the aim if you're to lift that little trinket that means so much. Ireland have won the last five renewals (there was a tie in 2019), and the last time Great Britain was successful was in 2015; having also won the inaugural running in 2014.

Cheltenham Betting Odds

Prestbury Cup 2025 outright

Ireland @ 1/12

Great Britain @ 10/1

Tie @ 12/1

Given Ireland's recent dominance it's no surprise to see them very short indeed to take the Prestbury Cup, awarded for the greatest number of winners trained. The Irish ranks include of course the peerless Willie Mullins, 103 Festival winners and counting. Pop in the likes of Henry de Bromhead and Gordon Elliott and 1/12 starts to look a little generous!

There's been a tie before, as alluded to above, in 2019, so you just never know. However, it would take a very brave soul to take on the Irish right now as their proverbial cup seems to be running over with tip-top talent in the upper echelons of our sport.

The last three years have seen Ireland register 18 wins on each occasion; and in 2021 it was a bloodbath for the visitors (23-5). They continue to look pretty sensational.

A viable and fun alternative of course is to look at the handicap betting, which is as follows;

Prestbury Cup handicap

• Ireland -7.5 @ 8/11
• Great Britain +7.5 @ 1/1

If you're backing Ireland on the handicap, you're hoping that they have at least eight more winners than GB, to cover that figure of -7.5. If you favour the home side on the handicap 'getting' 7.5, then you'll be hoping that IF they indeed lose it will be by only seven or less.

If they should cause a massive upset and win anyway, you're still of course smiling broadly! This might well be the way to go if you fancy a flutter, and if you're drawn to GB and that +7.5 you'll be cheering the likes of Nicky Henderson's pair Constitution Hill (pictured above in imperious previous winning form here), and Jonbon (our top Champion Chase hope); while praying for others to step up to the plate and gallop to glory!

If you're playing enjoy, have fun, and the very best of luck.

Cheltenham Tips from Betfred Insights.