Champion Bumper 2026 Tips - Willie to the fore again in the bumper?
The Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival attracts 36 high-caliber runners, with Willie Mullins playing a significant role. Quiryn tops expert tips as a leading four-year-old contender, while The Mourne Rambler and Nimba present valuable outsider opportunities. The race, starting at 5:20 pm on March 11th, promises excitement, with favorites Love Sign d'Aunou and Irish Avatar adding competitive flair. Mullins' strategic decisions could potentially sway the odds, particularly with his reliance on less-fancied runners like Quiryn, eager to capitalize on their rich pedigrees on the flat.
- Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Champion Bumper
- This Grade One takes place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on March 11th
- Quiryn (11/1), The Mourne Rambler (16/1) and Nimba (50/1) features in our selections
The curtain comes down on Ladies' Day at the Cheltenham Festival with the Champion Bumper, the only race of the meeting that's run on the level.
We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Champion Bumper tips for 2026, including our best bet and race verdict.
Last Updated: 27.02.2026
Race Info
| Race | Champion Bumper |
| Date | Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 5:20pm |
| Status | Grade One |
| Distance | 2m |
| First Prize | £45,560 |
| Going | NA |
| Runners | 36 |
| Favourite | Love Sign d'Aunou (5/1) |
2026 Champion Bumper Runners
I'm not going to spend too much time on the Champion Bumper. I wouldn't complain at all if this race was removed from the Cheltenham Festival schedule. Five and six-year-olds should be running over hurdles - not in a glorified flat race.
Willie Mullins always keeps a few of his better novices back for the bumper - another reason why it should be removed from the program. Love Sign d'Aunou rose to the head of the betting after his victory at Naas. The Irish Avatar was impressive at Navan. Our Trigger and Quiryn got a nice shout-out in Willie's Cheltenham Festival stable tour. The Wager, Maximillian Lady and Heldam are in contention too.
Keep Him Company will captain Gordon Elliott's team, following his victory at Leopardstown over Christmas. Broadway Ted headed a 1-2-3 for Elliott in the Grade Two bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival, and he, With Nolimit and Charismatic Kid should all take their chance in the Bumper.
Chris Gordon's Ascot winner, Bass Hunter is the leading British hope. Oh My Word romped to victory in a Listed bumper for Tony Martin in December. Mets Ta Ceinture could make his debut for Dan Skelton at the Cheltenham Festival. The Mourne Rambler did the business for Noel Meade at Leopardstown's Christmas Festival.
Diamant Dore, Diamond Street, Outofafrika and Boycetown could head to Cheltenham after emphatic bumper wins. It's Only A Game, Wilde's Legacy, The Sketcher and Nimba are worth a mention too.
2026 Champion Bumper Tips
| Bet Type | Name | Odds (27/2/26) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Bet | Quiryn | 11/1 |
| Value Bet 1 | The Mourne Rambler | 16/1 |
| Value Bet 2 | Nimba | 50/1 |
It's often worth backing one of Willie Mullins' less-fancied runners in the Champion Bumper. He always runs plenty in the race, and every runner from Closutton has a chance.
In the last ten years, Mullins has only run one four-year-old in this contest. That was Blue Sari, who was narrowly beaten by Envoi Allen in 2019, so the mere fact that Willie intends to run both Our Trigger and QUIRYN (11/1) is a clue in itself.
I like the latter of the two, who boasts a proper flat pedigree. Quiryn is out of a former Arc winner and a top sire in Sottsass, and the dam has produced several quality flat performers.
Patrick Mullins was in the saddle when Willie's newcomer bolted up on his racecourse debut at Naas. Quiryn is a burley, strong travelling sort who should do well in this sort of contest. Four-year-olds get a handy chunk of weight from their elders too, and last year's winning rider, Jodie Townend is one of the few jockeys in the Mullins camp who would be able to do 10-11.
I was impressed with the way THE MOURNE RAMBLER (20/1) put his bumper to bed at Leopardstown over Christmas. Noel Meade's charge had a seven-pound claimer in the saddle, but still had to fight his way into contention along the stands' rail before striding four lengths clear of the field.
The Mourne Rambler ran very well when second in a point-to-point in October, and the form of that Leopardstown bumper has worked out well. If the ground is fairly decent, I could see Meade's charge running well.
Another who catches my eye at a huge price is NIMBA (50/1). Mickey Bowen's recruit ran twice between the flags, finishing second on his first start before a narrow victory over one of Dan Skelton's Champion Bumper entrants, The Sketcher at Loughrea in October.
Nimba made his debut for Bowen in a low-key bumper at Catterick, and I was impressed with the way he tracked down the pacesetter before forging seven lengths clear late on. Like The Mourne Rambler, Nimba might prefer better ground, but I do think this strapping son of Muhtathir could cope with softer conditions.
Live Stream
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Champion Bumper 2026 FAQs
When is the Champion Bumper 2026?
The Champion Bumper will take place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday 11th March, 2026.
What time does the Champion Bumper go off?
The Champion Bumper is scheduled to start at 5:20pm on March 11th.
Who will win the 2026 Champion Bumper?
Willie Mullins always plays a strong hand in the Champion Bumper, and he accounts for most of the fancied runners. Quiryn looks like an excellent prospect for the Champion Trainer, and he could challenge the likes of Love Sign d'Aunou and The Irish Avatar for victory.
Where can I watch the 2026 Champion Bumper?
The Champion Bumper 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
I liked what I saw from Quiryn on his racecourse debut, and the booking of Jodie Townend could see Willie Mullins' four-year-old backed into Champion Bumper favouritism.
At longer odds, I like The Mourne Rambler and Nimba.
At longer odds, I like The Mourne Rambler and Nimba.
Quiryn
2026 Champion Bumper
@11/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
with promo code NEWBONUS
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The Mourne Rambler
2026 Champion Bumper
@16/1 - 5 Units
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with promo code NEWBONUS
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Nimba
2026 Champion Bumper
@50/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
with promo code NEWBONUS
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