Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase 2026 Tips - Free guide to opening St Patrick's day handicap
The Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase is set to captivate racing enthusiasts as it returns to the Cheltenham Festival on March 12th, 2026. This limited handicap race covers a distance of 2m4f127y and boasts a first prize of £64,300. Koktail Divin leads the betting market at 9/2. Jordan's Cross, an impressive contender, is tipped at 10/1 and has shown excellent form this season. Fans can look forward to a thrilling race with notable performances anticipated from Regent's Stroll and Sixmilebridge.
- Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase
- This handicap takes place on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on March 12th
- Jordan's Cross (12/1) features in our selections
One of the newest races at the Cheltenham Festival is the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, which was added to the St Patrick's Day schedule in 2025.
We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Jack Richards tips for 2026, including our best bets, key trends and race verdict.
Last Updated: 04.03.2026
Race Info
| Race | Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase |
| Date | Thursday, March 12th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 2:00pm |
| Status | Limited Handicap |
| Distance | 2m4f127y |
| First Prize | £64,300 |
| Going | NA |
| Runners | 60 |
| Favourite | Koktail Divin (9/2) |
Koktail Divin has made his way to the head of the market, having been handed a lovely handicap mark. Yet, Henry De Bromhead and his team are still leaning towards the Brown Advisory if the going is good, and recent weather reports suggest that this year's Cheltenham Festival will take place on decent ground.
Paul Nicholls' watched Harry Cobden make all aboard Caldwell Potter to win the inaugural running of this handicap 12 months ago, and Cobden will attempt to execute similar tactics aboard Regent's Stroll.
Meetmebythesea looks to be the chosen runner for Ben Pauling, and Sixmilebridge seems likely to represent Fergal O'Brien after his handicap mark was only raised by a pound for winning the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices' Chase.
2026 Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase Tips
| Bet Type | Name | Odds (4.3.26) |
|---|---|---|
| Value Bet | Jordan's Cross | 10/1 |
Year after year, the form of the Novices' Handicap Chase held on Cheltenham Trials Day gets boosted at the Festival. JORDAN'S CROSS (10/1) claimed victory in that handicap this year, getting up in the nick of time to pip Quebecois to the post.
Anthony Honeyball's six-year-old started his novice season over fences with an impressive win at Aintree. Jordan's Cross then looked to be travelling all over stablemate Kdeaux Saint Fray when they met here in November, but sprawled to the ground after overjumping the final flight.
Jordan's Cross has resumed winning ways since, claiming a narrow win at Doncaster before that Trials Day success. This fresh mark of 140 should ensure that Honeyball's six-year-old gets into the final field for the Jack Richards, and Jordan's Cross has to have a good chance.
10/1 isn't the best price in the world. All of those who hold the strongest chance on paper have made their way to the head of the betting, and there doesn't seem to be too much depth behind them.
You could make a case for Stencil if the ground were to come up soft - which seems unlikely looking at the forecast. Zurich is a course winner who didn't finish too far adrift of Jordan's Cross at Doncaster, but off his mark of 134, Henry de Bromhead's raider could struggle to make the final 20-horse field.
Live Stream
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Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase 2026 FAQs
When is the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase 2026?
The Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase will take place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday 11th March, 2026.
What time does the Jack Richards go off?
The Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase is scheduled to start at 2:00pm on March 12th.
Where can I watch the 2026 Jack Richards?
The Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information.
Verdict
Jordan's Cross has been in excellent form this season, and should go well in the Jack Richards.
Jordan's Cross
2026 Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase
@10/1 - 5 Units
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