Day three at the Cheltenham Festival kicks off in thrilling style with the Turners Novices' Chase. This two-and-a-half-mile contest for first-season chasers was only added to the Festival schedule in 2011. In 2025, the race was demoted down to a Grade Two Limited Handicap.
Turners Novices' Chase Key Facts
Date
Thursday 13th March, 2025
Time
1:30pm
Course
Cheltenham Festival
Status
Grade Two Handicap
Distance
2m 4f
Prize Pool
£156k
Age
5YO+
Turners Novices' Chase Tips
Our guide to the Turners Novices' Chase will be published in the weeks leading up to the Cheltenham Festival.
The Turners Novices' Chase is one of the newest Grade Ones at the Cheltenham Festival, having been introduced to the day three schedule in 2011.
The race is registered as the Golden Miller Novices' Chase, and for years was known as the JLT Novices' Chase. Marsh took over sponsorship from JLT in 2020. The race will now by known as the Turners Novices' Chase in 2022.
Irish horses have been dominant during the brief history of this Group One. Only two British-based trainers have saddled winners. Jonjo O'Neill won with Taquin Du Seuil in 2014, with Philip Hobbs' former Triumph Hurdle champion Defi Du Seuil winning in 2019.
Willie Mullins has trained four winners of the Turners Novices' Chase. Mullins saddled the winner for three years in a row, with Vautour, Black Hercules and Yorkhill scoring between 2015 and '17.
Paul Nolan and Tony Martin have both celebrated victories in the Turners Novices' Chase. Gordon Elliott won the race for the first time in 2018, with mare Shattered Love powering to victory.
In 2020, the first three positions were filled by Irish horses. Gordon Elliott's Samcro bounced back to top form, defeating Melon and Faugheen in a truly memorable finish. Chantry House took advantage of an early fall by hot-favourite Envoi Allen to win the Marsh in 2021.
Turners Novices' Chase Winners
Year
Winner
2024
Grey Dawning
2023
Stage Star
2022
Bob Olinger
2021
Chantry House
2020
Samcro
2019
Defi Du Seuil
2018
Shattered Love
2017
Yorkhill
2016
Black Hercules
2015
Vautour
2014
Taquin Du Seuil
2013
Benefficient
2012
Sir Des Champs
2011
Noble Prince
Turners Novices' Chase FAQs
When is the Turners Novices' Chase?
The 2025 Turners Novices' Chase will take place at 1:30pm on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday 13th March.
What is the Turners Novices' Chase?
The Turners Novices' Chase is a Grade Two Handicap race staged during the Cheltenham Festival. This race is open only to novice chasers, and the trip is 2m 4f.
Who won the Turners Novices' Chase?
Grey Dawning held off Ginny's Destiny to win the 2024 Turners' Novices' Chase for Dan and Harry Skelton.
Where can I watch the Turners Novices' Chase?
The 2025 Turners Novices' Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing. If you want to stream the race live on your mobile or tablet then visit our Live Streaming page for more details.
