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2025 Ultima Handicap Chase Tips, Odds and News

The opening handicap of the Cheltenham Festival is the Ultima Handicap Chase. This three-mile handicap has been an integral part of day one's festivities since the mid-1940s, and the winners of this race have often gone on to Aintree to take part in the Grand National.

Ultima Handicap Chase Key Facts

Date Tuesday 11th March, 2025
Time 2:50pm
Course Cheltenham Festival
Status Grade Three Handicap
Distance 3m 1f
Prize Pool £110k
Age 5YO+

Ultima Handicap Chase Tips

Our guide to the Ultima handicap will be published when the entries and weights have been announced.

Ultima Handicap Chase Result

Position
Name
SP
1st Chianti Classico 6/1f
2nd Twig 28/1
3rd Meetingofthewaters 6/1f
4th Famous Bridge 25/1

Ultima Handicap Chase Day Card

Time
Title
Status
Distance
1:30pm Supreme Novices' Hurdle Grade One 2m
2:10pm Arkle Challenge Trophy Novice's Chase Grade One 2m
2:50pm Ultima Handicap Chase Grade Three Handicap 3m
3:30pm Champion Hurdle Grade One 2m
4:10pm Mares' Hurdle Grade One 2m 4f
4:50pm Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Grade Three Handicap 2m
5:30pm National Hunt Chase Grade Two 3m 6f

Ultima Handicap Chase History

In 1946, Cheltenham Festival organisers introduced the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase. This Grade Three Handicap was open to all chasers, and run over a trip over three miles and one furlong.

Ultima Business Solutions took over sponsorship of this handicap in 2015, and the race is now known as the Ultima Handicap Chase, or simply the Ultima.

Trainer Fred Rimell dominated the Ultima during its early years, saddling four winners between 1948 and '54.

Faulke Walwyn then took over in the 1960s and '70s, matching Rimell's tally of four Ultima Handicap winners.

Many winners of the Ultima go on to take part in the Grand National at Aintree. Royal Tan was the first horse to achieve the Ultima, Grand National double in 1952. Four chasers have matched that feat since, most recent being Rough Quest in 1995.

Several Ultima Handicap winners have even scored in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at future Cheltenham Festivals. Four Ten, Limer Hill and legendary mare Kerstin won both races during the 1950s. Charter Party won the Ultima in 1986, before winning the Gold Cup two years later.

There have been three back-to-back winners of the Ultima Handicap Chase, most recent being Un Temps Pour Tout, who successfully defended his crown in 2017.

The Conditional secured victory for David Bridgewater in 2020, holding off Kildisart in thrilling fashion. Vintage Clouds then made it fifth time lucky in the Ultima in 2021, winning well on his fifth start in the race.

Ultima Handicap Chase Winners

Year
Winner
2024 Chianti Classico
2023 Corach Rambler
2022 Corach Rambler
2021 Vintage Clouds
2020 The Conditional
2019 Beware The Bear
2018 Coo Star Sivola
2017 Un Temps Pour Tout
2016 Un Temps Pour Tout
2015 The Druids Nephew
2014 Holywell
2013 Golden Chieftain
2012 Alfie Sherrin
2011 Bensalem
2010 Chief Dan George
2009 Wichita Lineman
2008 An Accordion
2007 Joes Edge
2006 Dun Doire
2005 Kelami
2004 Fork Lightning
2003 Youlneverwalkalone
2002 Frenchman's Creek

Ultima Handicap Chase FAQs

When is the Ultima Handicap Chase?

The 2025 Ultima Handicap Chase will take place at 2:50pm on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 11th March.

What is the Ultima?

The Ultima Handicap Chase is a handicap staged on day one of the Cheltenham Festival. This Grade Three Handicap is open to chasers, and run over a three-mile-one-furlong trip.

Where can I watch the Ultima Handicap Chase?

The 2025 Ultima Handicap Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing. If you want to watch the race via your mobile or tablet, then check out our Live Streaming page.