The 100th edition of the Cheltenham Gold Cup sees Willie Mullins favourite, Galopin des Champs look to defend his title on Friday but Bedford has it’s very own history with the famous horse race.
Paul Matthews, a regular at the Three Cups on Newnham Street, owned Master Oats who won Cheltenham’s showpiece event in 1995, and now Bedfordians are being given the chance to see the Gold Cup trophy in a special afternoon on Friday at the pub.
Looking back 29 years, 100/30 favourite Master Oats romped home to Gold Cup glory to win for trainer, Kim Bailey and owner, Bedford’s Paul Matthews.
Norman Williamson was the jockey on board the 9-year old Master Oats that day, and despite the soft conditions, he romped home by 15 lengths over second placed horse, Dubacilla.
The Bedford Independent were very lucky to speak to Master Oats’ trainer, Kim Bailey live from Cheltenham, who has a stellar training career and has enjoyed success at this year’s Festival with victory in the Ultima Chase on Tuesday with Chianti Classico.
“It was an extraordinary year”, said Kim.
“We won the Champion Hurdle on the Tuesday [with Alderbrook] and to win the Gold Cup as well, the whole week was a bit of a blur.
“I remember Paul had brought along a lot of people to watch, so to win in such a way for him and his family was fantastic.”
“He was an extraordinary horse and to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup was a dream for me and a dream for everyone else!”
One of sport’s biggest trophies
Finlay Eaton – Bedford’s youngest landlord – speaks highly of Paul.
“He’s my first customer and always has four pints of Guinness, sits in the same chair and is always a pleasure.
“Living next door to the pub, he’s not just my regular, he’s also a friend and fellow gardener, and we’ve been getting his garden ready for spring, which is why I’m in dungarees!
“I’ll always make time for Paul, he’s magic. Grumpy yes, but magic!”
Read: Bedford’s youngest landlord prepares to relaunch The Three Cups
In re-building a community pub in The Three Cups, Finlay has attracted back a host of regulars, including Paul, which gives him the opportunity to host this unique occasion on what is one of horse racing’s most important weeks of the calendar.
Customers can view the Gold Cup behind the bar between 2pm and 5pm on Friday at The Three Cups on Newnham Street, by which time we’ll know the winner of the 100th Cheltenham Gold Cup.
They will join the list of greats, of which Master Oats is certainly one.
