2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy Odds - Lulamba leads Kopek Des Bordes in Festival betting
The Arkle Challenge Trophy, a prestigious Grade One race at the Cheltenham Festival, features notable entries for 2026. Lulamba, trained by Nicky Henderson, is a leading contender with impressive wins post his Triumph Hurdle. Rivaling him is Kopek Des Bordes, although facing challenges due to a setback. Romeo Coolio and Kargese add further excitement, having competed in the Irish Arkle. With top trainers like Willie Mullins and Henry De Bromhead contributing strong entries, this year's race promises thrilling competition, reflecting its legacy of producing Champion Chasers.
- Latest odds and betting for the 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy [Updated on 11/2/2026]
- This Grade One takes place at Cheltenham on Tuesday 10th March 2026
- Lulamba is the 6/4 favourite
The first Grade One race over fences at the Cheltenham Festival is the Arkle Challenge Trophy. This two-mile novice's chase is named after Arkle, arguably the greatest National Hunt horse of all time, and has been won by future Champion Chasers and Gold Cup winners alike.
Here's a look at the 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy, betting and run-down of the headline entries.
2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Lulamba | 6/4 |
| Kopek Des Bordes | 11/4 |
| Kargese | 4/1 |
| Romeo Coolio | 5/1 |
| Irish Panther | 12/1 |
| Kappa Jy Pyke | 16/1 |
| Steel Ally | 16/1 |
| Bar | 25/1 |
[Updated on 11/2/2026]
2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy Entries
Lulamba suffered the only defeat of his career in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last season. Since then, Nicky Henderson's star has won a Grade One at Punchestown and scored on all three of his starts over fences, including the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown.
Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner, Kopek De Bordes rivals Lulamba for favouritism. However, Willie Mullins' star suffered a setback following his reappearance win over fences and will have to head to Cheltenham fresh.
Romeo Coolio got the better of Kargese to win the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival. Willie Mullins' mare looks likely to take her chance in this Grade One. Romeo Coolio, however, is entered in the Brown Advisory and the Ryanair Chase, as well as the Arkle.
Eddie and Patrick Harty will be represented by Irish Panther, who finished second to Romeo Coolio in Grade One company over Christmas. Willie Mullins has handed further Cheltenham Festival entries to Kappa Jy Pyke, Salvator Mundi and Port Joulain. Henry De Bromhead seems sure to run July Flower, following her victory in the Arkle Trial at Cheltenham in November.
Sam Thomas has entered his dual-Grade Two winner Steel Ally. Scilly Isles' Novices' Chase winner Sixmilebridge remains a possible runner. Other entrants include Dan Skelton's Be Aware, Jax Junior for Lucy Wadham, Hansard for Gary Moore, and Ben Pauling's duo of Mambonumberfive and No Questions Asked.
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