The final race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival is the National Hunt Chase. One of the most historic races in all of jumps racing, having first been run in 1860, the National Hunt Chase was shortened from four miles to three-and-three-quarter-miles in 2019, in a bid to make the race safer for the amateur riders who take part.
National Hunt Chase Key Facts
Date
Tuesday 12th March, 2024
Time
5:30pm
Course
Cheltenham Festival
Status
Grade Two
Distance
3m 6f
Prize Pool
£125k
Age
5YO+
National Hunt Chase Odds
No odds are currently available for the National Hunt Chase.
National Hunt Chase Tips
Our guide to the National Hunt will be published in the weeks leading up to the Cheltenham Festival.
The National Hunt Challenge Cup, often simply referred to as the National Hunt, is one of the oldest races in all of jumps racing. This Grade Two was first run in 1860, making it the second-oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival, after the Grand Annual.
The National Hunt Chase wasn't handed Grade Two status until 2017. The race is open only to novice chasers, and only amateur jockeys are eligible to ride in the race.
For the majority of it's history, the National Hunt was a four-mile race. However, after only four entrants managed to complete the trip in 2019, organisers took measures to make the race safer, including dropping the trip down from four miles to three-miles-six-furlongs.
Between 1860 and 1910, the National Hunt was staged at a number of venues, including Warwick, Sandown and Wetherby. In 1911, the race returned to Cheltenham and has been staged at Prestbury Park ever since.
Top amateur jockeys like Atty Persse, Ted Wilson, JT McNamara and Marcus Armytage has claimed Cheltenham Festival glory in the National Hunt. Ian Balding, Mouse Morris, Patrick Mullins and Katie Walsh have also ridden winners in the four-miler.
Jonjo O'Neill is the most successful trainer in the history of the National Hunt Chase. The first of O'Neill's wins came with Front Line in 1995, with his most recent triumph coming with Minella Rocco in 2016, who went on to finish second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Willie Mullins rode two winners for his father Paddy during the 1980s. Willie has since enjoyed success in this race as a trainer, saddling winners in 2013 and '18.
Mullins' Irish rival, Gordon Elliott has targetted the National Hunt in recent seasons, winning the race four times in the last ten years.
Elliott's most famous winner is Tiger Roll, who won the National Hunt Chase in 2017. Tiger Roll has gone on to win collect his third and fourth Cheltenham Festival wins in the National Hunt Chase, and also win the Grand National at Aintree in 2018 and 2019.
Gordon Elliott was once again victorious in the National Hunt Chase in 2020, as 10-year-old Ravenhill - ridden by leading amateur Jamie Codd - cruised to victory in impressive fashion. Elliott was celebrating again in 2021, as Galvin beat Next Destination and Escaria Ten in a high-quality renewal.
National Hunt Chase Winners
Year
Winner
2023
Gaillard Du Mesnil
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
2012
Teaforthree
2011
Chicago Grey
2010
Poker De Sivola
2009
Ticky Trickster
2008
Old Benny
2007
Butler's Cabin
2006
Hot Weld
2005
Another Rum
2004
Native Emperor
2003
Sudden Shock
2002
Rith Dubh
National Hunt Chase FAQs
When is the National Hunt Chase?
The 2024 National Hunt Chase will be run at 5:30pm on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 12th March.
What is the National Hunt Chase?
The National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase, known as the National Hunt Chase, is the final race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival. First run way back in 1860, this Grade Two novices chase is run over a testing 3m 6f trip, and only amateur jockeys are eligible to ride in the race.
Who won the National Hunt Chase?
In 2023, Gaillard Du Mesnil powered to an impressive victory in the National Hunt Chase for trainer Willie Mullins.
Who's the favourite for the National Hunt Chase?
No odds are currently available for the 2024 National Hunt Chase.
Where can I watch the National Hunt Chase?
The 2024 National Hunt Chase 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.
