Ultima Handicap Chase Tips 2022
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.
2021 Ultima Handicap Chase Key Facts
| Date | Tuesday 15th March, 2022 |
| Time | 2:30pm |
| Course | Cheltenham Festival |
| Status | Grade Three Handicap |
| Distance | 3m 1f |
| Prize Pool | £110k |
| Age | 5YO+ |
2022 Ultima Handicap Chase Odds
No odds are currently available for the 2022Ultima Handicap Chase.
2022 Ultima Handicap Chase Tips
Our guide to the 2022 Ultima handicap will be published when the entries and weights have been announced.
2021 Ultima Handicap Chase Result
| Position | Name | SP |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Vintage Clouds | 28/1 |
| 2nd | Happygolucky | 10/3f |
| 3rd | Ayr Right | 11/2 |
| 4th | Cepage | 14/1 |
Ultima Handicap Chase Day Card
| Time | Title | Status | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:20pm | Supreme Novices' Hurdle | Grade One | 2m |
| 1:55pm | Arkle Challenge Trophy Novice's Chase | Grade One | 2m |
| 2:30pm | Ultima Handicap Chase | Grade Three Handicap | 3m |
| 3:05pm | Champion Hurdle | Grade One | 2m |
| 3:40pm | Mares' Hurdle | Grade One | 2m 4f |
| 4:15pm | Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | Grade Three Handicap | 2m |
| 4:50pm | 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 2022 Ultima Handicap Chase will take place at 2:30pm on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 15th 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.
Who won the Ultima?
In 2021, Vintage Clouds secured victory in the Ultima, having been defeated in the last four runnings of this race.
Where can I watch the Ultima Handicap Chase?
The 2022 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.
