Ultima Handicap Chase Tips 2022

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.