Named after one of the greatest horses to ever grace the Cheltenham Festival, the Arkle is the first Grade One for chasers at the meeting. Many of the sport's greatest names have ended their first season over fences with victory in the Arkle Challenge Trophy, and a strong field will line up to compete for this coveted prize.
Arkle Challenge Trophy Key Facts
Date
Tuesday 10th March, 2026
Time
2:00pm
Course
Cheltenham Festival
Status
Grade One
Distance
2m
Prize Pool
£175k
Age
5YO+
Arkle Challenge Trophy Tips
Our guide to the Arkle Challenge Trophy will be published in the weeks leading up to the Cheltenham Festival.
Arkle Challenge Trophy Result
Position
Name
SP
1st
Jango Baie
5/1
2nd
Only By Night
25/1
3rd
Majborough
4/7f
Arkle Challenge Trophy Day Card
Cheltenham Day 1 Card
Time
Tuesday Races
Status
Distance
13:20
Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Grade One
2m
14:00
Arkle Challenge Trophy
Grade One
2m
14:40
Ultima Handicap Chase
Grade Three Handicap
3m
15:20
Mares' Hurdle
Grade One
2m 4f
16:00
Champion Hurdle
Grade One
2m
16:40
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Grade Three Handicap
2m
17:20
National Hunt Chase
Grade Two Handicap
3m 6f
Arkle Challenge Trophy History
The first Grade One for chasers at the Cheltenham Festival is the Arkle Challenge Trophy. Only first-season chasers are allowed to enter the Arkle, and the race is run over a two-mile trip.
This Grade One was first introduced to the Festival schedule in 1946. Great names like Fortria and Flyingbolt won the race during those early years.
The mark his retirement in 1969, the race was named after Arkle. Arguably the greatest jumps horse ever to grace the sport, Arkle won three Cheltenham Gold Cups during his illustrious career, and remains the highest-rated horse in the history of National Hunt racing.
Pendil won the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 1972. The 1978 Arkle was won by Alverton, who went on to win the Gold Cup the following season.
Nicky Henderson won the first of his six Arkle's in 1991, as Remittance Man triumphed under Richard Dunwoody. Many of Nicky Henderson's horses will feature in 2021 Cheltenham Festival tips.
The most successful jockeys in the history of the Arkle Challenge Trophy are Barry Geraghty and Ruby Walsh, who rode six winners apiece between 2002 and 2018.
Many winners of the Arkle go on to run in the Champion Chase. The last horse to achieve that double was Altior, who won the Arkle in 2017, before scoring in the Queen Mother in 2018 and '19.
The 2020 renewal of the Arkle was won by Put The Kettle On, who became the first mare in 30 years to win this historic Group One. Shishkin then claimed his second Cheltenham Festival victory with a dominant performance in the 2022 Arkle.
Arkle Challenge Trophy Winners
Year
Winner
2025
Jango Baie
2024
Gaelic Warrior
2023
El Fabiolo
2022
Edwardstone
2021
Shishkin
2020
Put The Kettle On
2019
Duc Des Genievres
2018
Footpad
2017
Altior
2016
Douvan
2015
Un De Sceaux
2014
Western Warhorse
2013
Simonsig
2012
Sprinter Sacre
2011
Captain Chris
2010
Sizing Europe
2009
Forpadydeplasterer
2008
Tidal Bay
2007
My Way De Solzen
2006
Voy Por Ustedes
2005
Contraband
2004
Well Chief
2003
Azertyuiop
2002
Moscow Flyer
Arkle Challenge Trophy FAQs
When is the Arkle?
The 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy will take place at 2:00pm at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 10th March.
Who was Arkle?
Arkle is regarded as the greatest National Hunt horse of all time. During his illustrious career, Arkle won 15 Grade Ones, including three Cheltenham Gold Cups, and is the highest rated jumps horse ever with Timeform. After his retirement in 1969, the Grade One Novices' Chase on day one of the Cheltenham Festival was named in honour of Arkle.
Who won the Arkle?
In 2025, Jango Baie beat Only By Night in the Arkle Challenge Trophy.
Where can I watch the Arkle?
The 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy will be shown live on ITV Racing. If you want to watch the race live on your mobile or tablet, check out our Live Streaming page.
