National Hunt Chase Odds

This is one of the oldest races at the Cheltenham Festival, and has been run more times than any other event, and up until the 1930s, the race was considered almost as important as the Grand National in terms of the jump racing calendar. The Grade 2 chase is the closing race of the first day of the horse racing action, and as such draws a large number of punters looking to place a last-minute bet to try and come out on top on day one. It’s a fairly lengthy race, coming in at over 3 miles long, which means that stamina and fitness play a huge part in determining the National Hunt Chase odds for the competing horses.

National Hunt Chase Odds

This is one of the oldest races at the Cheltenham Festival, and has been run more times than any other event, and up until the 1930s, the race was considered almost as important as the Grand National in terms of the jump racing calendar. The Grade 2 chase is the closing race of the first day of the horse racing action, and as such draws a large number of punters looking to place a last-minute bet to try and come out on top on day one. It’s a fairly lengthy race, coming in at over 3 miles long, which means that stamina and fitness play a huge part in determining the National Hunt Chase odds for the competing horses.

About The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup

In modern Cheltenham meetings, the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup has been a staple of the Old Course, sitting as a key part of the first day of the festival. However, it has undergone multiple changes since its inaugural staging in 1860.

The length of the race has been through a number of alterations over the years, but historically it was raced over a distance of 3 miles and 7.5 furlongs. This changed in 2005, when the race switched briefly to the New Course, and its distance increased to 4 miles and 1 furlong. It then reverted to its original length until 2020, when a review from the British Horseracing Authority reduced both the race distance and the number of fences to jump. The 2024 edition has 23 fences over just shy of 3 miles and 6 furlongs.

Generally, the event is only open to amateur riders, although the 2021 renewal saw professional riders only due to limitations implemented at that time. However, the policy of being open to novice chasers aged five years or older has remained unchanged.

National Hunt Chase Betting Tips 

In addition to betting odds, at BetUK we also offer National Hunt Chase tips for the big race. These take a look at the recent form, latest trends, early favourites, and potential outsiders to win the race, providing you with all the information you need to bet on the National Hunt Novices’ Chase Challenge Cup.

Cheltenham National Hunt Chase Odds 2024

We have the latest and widest-reaching odds for the National Hunt Chase, meaning all you need to do is to take a look through the available markets and find the bet that’s right for you. Handicap betting, each-way betting, and winner betting are all possible for this race, and in fact across the whole of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

National Hunt Chase Winners 

Due to its lengthy nature, the National Hunt Challenge Cup is a test of endurance and stamina for the horses, especially with 23 fences to navigate as they make their way around the Old Course. A few horses have used the race as a springboard for future success having won the race, with 2017 victor Tiger Roll being the most famous example. See below for a more in-depth list of past winners.

Recent National Hunt Chase Winners

• 2023 - Gaillard Du Mensil
• 2022 - Stattler
• 2021 - Galvin
• 2020 - Ravenhill
• 2019 - Le Breuil
• 2018 - Rathvinden 
• 2017 - Tiger Roll 
• 2016 - Minella Rocco 
• 2015 - Cause Of Causes
• 2014 - Midnight Prayer
• 2013 - Back In Focus

National Hunt Chase Leading Jockeys

The position of the National Hunt Challenge Cup as the final race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival helps earmark it as an early opportunity for jockeys and trainers to get off to a good start in terms of their overall performance. In the post-war era, there are joint most successful jockeys in the form of Jamie Codd and Patrick Mullins, who boast three wins apiece. Historically, the likes of Ted Wilson and Captain Arthur Smith also tasted success on several occasions.

Recent National Hunt Challenge Cup Winning Jockeys

• 2023 - Patrick Mullins
• 2022 - Patrick Mullins
• 2021 - Jack Kennedy
• 2020 - Jamie Codd
• 2019 - Jamie Codd
• 2018 - Patrick Mullins
• 2017 - Lisa O’Neill
• 2016 - Derek O’Connor
• 2015 - Jamie Codd
• 2014 - Joshua Newman
• 2013 - Patrick Mullins

National Hunt Chase Top Trainers 

Bucking the trends for Cheltenham races, the most successful jockeys in the National Hunt Challenge Cup haven’t been tied to the most successful trainer. That distinction belongs to Jonjo O’Neill, who has trained six different winners of this race in his career, with five of them coming since the turn of the millennium.

In a race that has largely been dominated by the Irish, both Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott will be looking to take a step closer to O’Neill’s record at the 2024 renewal as both trainers have four wins in this race.

Recent National Hunt Challenge Cup Winning Trainers

• 2023 - Willie Mullins
• 2022 - Willie Mullins
• 2021 - Ian Ferguson
• 2020 - Gordon Elliott
• 2019 - Ben Pauling
• 2018 - Willie Mullins
• 2017 - Gordon Elliott
• 2016 - Jonjo O’Neill
• 2015 - Gordon Elliott
• 2014 - Alan King
• 2013 - Willie Mullins

National Hunt Chase FAQs 

When is the National Hunt Chase? 

The National Hunt Chase is the final race of the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. It is scheduled for 17:30 on Tuesday the 14th of March 2023.

Who is the Favourite to Win the 2024 Renewal?

Embassy Gardens is the bookmakers' early favourite to win the race. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding will be eight-years-old by the time of the race.

Who Won the 2023 Renewal of the National Hunt Chase? 

The 2023 National Hunt Chase was won by Gaillard Du Mensil for trainer Willie Mullins. 

What is the Distance of the National Hunt Chase?

Raced over 3 miles, 5 furlongs, and 201 yards, there are 23 fences for the horses to contend with.

Which Trainer Has Won the National Hunt Chase the Most?

Jonjo O’Neill is the most successful trainer in the history of this race with six wins, the most recent of which was with Minella Rocco in 2016.

Races at the Cheltenham Festival

Day One Races

Day Two Races

Day Three Races

Day Four Races