A brand new race will be run on Gold Cup day at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, as a field of classy mares takes part in the inaugural Mares' Chase.
The introduction of this Grade Two has been met with great positivity from the horse racing world, and staging the Mares' Chase on the fourth and final day of this prestigious meeting will help thrust the race into the Gold Cup spotlight.
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Fashion on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Fashion on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: In the Guinness Village on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: In the Guinness Village on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni (L) on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni (L) on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Trainer Paul Nicholls and guest arrive at the track on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Trainer Paul Nicholls and guest arrive at the track on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban acknowledge the crowd following their victory in The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban acknowledge the crowd following their victory in The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man approach the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man approach the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man looks on after crossing the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man looks on after crossing the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A Cheltenham sign is seen during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A Cheltenham sign is seen during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe (R, black and white cap) on The Nice Guy clear the last before Paul Townend (white cap) on Minella Cocooner to win The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe (R, black and white cap) on The Nice Guy clear the last before Paul Townend (white cap) on Minella Cocooner to win The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe on The Nice Guy celebrates after their victory in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe on The Nice Guy celebrates after their victory in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A general view of jockeys and horses running in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard clear the last ahead of Robbie Power on Minella Indo to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard clear the last ahead of Robbie Power on Minella Indo to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (L, red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard looks on after winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard looks on after winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore kisses the Gold Cup after riding A Plus Tard to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: MC O'Donovan and Lord Schnitzel jump the 3rd last in the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: MC O'Donovan and Lord Schnitzel jump the 3rd last in the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Mark Walsh and Elimay (3) jump the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Mark Walsh and Elimay (3) jump the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Runners and riders jump the third last in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Runners and riders jump the third last in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Organisers at the Cheltenham Festival announced in 2020 that a Grade Two Mares' Chase would be introduced to the Festival schedule the following year.
After weeks of deliberation, it was decided that the Northern Trust Novices' Handicap Chase, run on day one, would be the race to make way for the Mares' Chase.
A reshuffle to the race schedule followed, with the Boodles Juveniles Handicap Hurdle moving to day one, and the Grand Annual being pushed back to day two, in order to run in Mares's Chase in the penultimate slot on Gold Cup day.
Bookmakers Paddy Power was revealed as the main sponsor behind the race, which will be titled the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase.
Willie Mullins will have been delighted when news of a Mares' Chase at Cheltenham reached his ears. Ireland's Champion Trainer has dominated in the other two mares events at the Festival, winning nine of the 13 editions of the Mares' Hurdle, and all five runnings of the Mares' Novices' Hurdle. He will already have a couple of his best mares earmarked for a run in the first-ever Mares' Chase.
As expected, Mullins saddled a 1-2 in the inaugural Mares' Chase, as Colreevy defeated favourite Elimay by a neck. 12 months later, Elimay went one better, defeating Pink Legend and Scarlet And Dove to hand Willie Mullins a second-straight victory.
Mares' Chase Winners
Year
Winner
2022
Elimay
2021
Colreevy
Mares' Chase FAQs
When is the Mares' Chase
The 2023 Mares' Chase will be run at 4:50pm on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 17th March.
What is the Mares' Chase?
The Mares' Chase is a new race which has been added to the Cheltenham Festival schedule for 2021. This Grade Two chase will be open only to mares, and run over a trip of two-and-a-half-miles.
What race did the Mares' Chase replace?
To make room for the Mares' Chase, the Northern Trust Novices' Handicap Chase was removed from the Cheltenham Festival schedule for 2021. The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle was moved to day one, and the Grand Annual was pushed back to day two, to allow the Mares' Chase to be run on Gold Cup day.
Who won the Mares' Chase?
Runner-up 12 months ago, Elimay went one better in 2022, winning the Mares' Chase for Willie Mullins.
Where can I watch the Mares' Chase?
The 2023 Mares' Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing and RacingTV. If you want to stream the race via your mobile or tablet, then visit the Live Streaming page on our website.
