The Ascot Gold Cup is the centrepiece of Royal Ascot’s third day, and 2025’s renewal promises high drama as Aidan O’Brien chases a record-extending 10th win in the race. This year, all eyes are on his sole runner, Illinois, currently the 2nd favourite at 2-1. 

Why Illinois is the focus for Gold Cup Day

Illinois steps into the void left by last year’s champion Kyprios, and brings strong credentials to the table. He’s already a Group 2 winner at Longchamp, captured the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot last summer, and was a close second in the St Leger. 

He returned this season with a solid win at Chester and is seen as a resolute galloper who could dictate the pace under Ryan Moore. With O’Brien’s unmatched record in the Gold Cup, Illinois is a worthy favourite to carry the famous silks to another historic victory.

Paddy Power’s 40-1 odds boost: how to claim

This exclusive Paddy Power offer gives new customers the chance to back Illinois at a huge 40-1 (from the standard 2-1) to win the Gold Cup. Here’s how to get involved:

  • Register a new account with Paddy Power
  • Opt in to the Gold Cup Day special offer
  • Make a qualifying deposit (check minimum requirements)
  • Place your first bet on “Aidan O’Brien-trained winner” in the Ascot Gold Cup market (Illinois is O’Brien’s only runner)
  • If Illinois wins, get your winnings paid out at 40-1 in free bets (terms apply)

Always read the full terms and conditions on the Paddy Power website before betting.

Gold Cup 2025: main contenders

  • Illinois (Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore) – 2-1, now 40-1 with PP for new customers. Strong form, proven stayer, and the stable’s only runner.
  • Trawlerman – Last year’s runner-up, arrives in top form after a big win at Sandown.
  • Candelari – French raider with Group 1 credentials, considered a major danger.
  • Sweet William, Coltrane, Yashin – Each brings solid staying form but must improve to challenge the top two.

Why bet on Illinois with Paddy Power?

  • Huge Value: 2-1 boosted to 40-1 is unmatched for a leading fancy in a Group 1.
  • Trainer Record: Aidan O’Brien is the most successful Gold Cup trainer in history.
  • Simple Offer: With only one O’Brien runner, your bet is clear and straightforward.

Ascot Gold Cup preview

The Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races of the week, with equine talent bidding to etch their names into the history books of this spectacular marathon event. 

Run over a distance of 2m4f, notable winners of the Ascot Gold Cup include Kyprios (2022 and 2024), Courage Mon Ami (2023), Subjectivist (2021) and the great Stradivarius, who became only the third horse to achieve three successive victories in the race between 2018-20. Only Sagaro (1975-77) and Yeats have achieved this feat, although the latter went one better when completing the four-peat between 2006-09.

Courage Mon Ami, a previous winner of the race for John and Thady Gosden, could return to attempt a second victory alongside his stablemates Trawlerman and Sweet William.

The race has already received plenty of interest in the build up, with six-time champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson handing stable star Constitution Hill a surprise entry. The Grade 1-winning hurdler suffered his third successive defeat at Punchestown last week but could be switched to the Flat for a crack at the Gold Cup.

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