FACTS AND FIGURES.

THIS year sees the 50th renewal of the Paddy Power Gold Cup, boasting a prize fund of pounds 150,000. The race, run under its present title for the first time in 2003, was known as the Thomas Pink Gold Cup from 2000-2002 while Whitbread, under their Mackeson brand and then subsequently Murphys, backed the first 40 runnings.

SINCE the inaugural running in 1960, the handicap chase has been won by Irish-trained horses on four occasions. Fortria won the first running and was successful for a second time two years later in 1962. The Irish had to wait for more than a decade for a further winner which came in the shape of Skymas in 1973, and Bright Highway was the last successful horse from the Emerald Isle in 1980.

OVER the three days of The Open last season, there were three Irish-trained winners from 43 runners.

FIVE horses have won the Paddy Power Gold Cup twice. Fortria was the first, then Gay Trip completed the double in 1969 and 1971, with his victory in the 1970 Grand National sandwiched in between. Half Free was successful in 1984 and the following year, while Bradbury Star achieved the feat in 1993 and 1994. Cyfor Malta, the 1998 winner, triumphed four years later in 2002.

MARTIN Pipe, now retired, has been the leading trainer in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, having saddled an amazing eight winners - Beau Ranger (1987), Challenger Du Luc (1996), Cyfor Malta (1998 & 2002), Lady Cricket (2000), Shooting Light (2001), Celestial Gold (2004) and Our Vic (20 05). Nigel Twiston-Davies, who scored with Tipping Tim in 1992 and Imperial Commander in 2008, is the only current handler with more than one victory.

PERHAPS the greatest performance in the history of the contest was achieved by Dunkirk, who carried a staggering 12st 7lb to victory when he gained his 1965 success.