Top bookmaker BetMGM have stepped in as the new sponsors of the Cup Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, taking over from Coral who brought their long-standing association with the race to an end in January.
BetMGM The New Coral Cup Sponsors As Bookie Ends 32-Year Cheltenham Festival Backing
Coral had backed the contest since its very first running in 1993, but confirmed they were ending the partnership, pointing to tax increases announced in last year’s budget as a contributing factor.
For BetMGM it’s another significant addition to a growing sponsorship portfolio, with the race also set to be shown live on the ITV Racing schedule.
The firm already supports the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton and the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. Plus back the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Festival itself.
Away from racing, they’re also the official betting partner of Tottenham Hotspur.
Dan Towse, Brand Director at BetMGM, said: “The BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle has been a staple of the Cheltenham Festival for well over 30 years. We are really excited to be associated with it ahead of this year’s race.”
“Alongside Wednesday’s feature, the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, we now have two fantastic races on Ladies’ Day and thank the Jockey Club for its support.”
Daniel Glavin, Head of Bookmaker Partnerships at The Jockey Club, added: “BetMGM are a valued partner of the Jockey Club, and we’re delighted that they have expanded their portfolio on Ladies’ Day to add another race in their name to the card.”
“The BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle further strengthens BetMGM’s presence at the Cheltenham Festival and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the team as we build towards this year’s event.”
The Charles Byrnes-trained I Started A Joke heads the BetMGM Cup market at 10/1. Along with Indeevar Bleu, from the Olly Murphy camp.
While trainer Dan Skelton, who has won two of the last two three runnings, has Kateria as his shortest-priced runner.
When Is The BetMGM Cup?
🗓️Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026
⏱️Time: 2:40pm
💷Prize Money: £61,897
🥇Last Year’s Winner: Jimmy Du Seuil (16/1)
📺ITV and Racing TV
BetMGM Cup Betting Odds
- Indeevar Bleu 10/1
- I Started A Joke 10/1
- Kateria 11/1
- Storm Heart 12/1
- The Passing Wife 12/1
- Iberico Lord 14/1
- The Yellow Clay 14/1
- Came From Nowhere 16/1
- Kopeck De Mee 16/1
- A Pai De Nom 16/1
- 20/1 bar
Note: BetMGM Cup Odds listed are subject to change
WATCH: Jimmy Du Seuil Winning The 2025 Coral Cup
