The final race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival is the Champion Bumper. This is the only race run during the meeting where no obstacles are jumped, but winners of this Grade One often go on to achieve great success over both hurdles and fences.
The Champion Bumper is the only race during the Cheltenham Festival where no obstacles were jumped. The race was created in 1992, aiming to give novice horses who're yet to jump and hurdles or fences some much-needed Festival experience.
In 1996, Willie Mullins both trained and rode the winner of the Champion Bumper, guiding Wither or Which to victory.
The following season saw Richard Dunwoody guide Mullins' star Florida Pearl to victory. Florida Pearl went on to win numerous Grade Ones over fences, including the RSA Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 1998.
Flat racing fans will have celebrated in 2002, as top flat jockey Jamie Spencer rode Pizarro to victory for Edward O'Grady.
Mullins is, by far, the most successful trainer in the history of the Champion Bumper. Ireland's top trainer has won the race nine times, with great jockeys like Ruby Walsh, Patrick Mullins and Katie Walsh entering the Champion Bumper winner's enclosure on one of Willie Mullins' horses.
Fan's favourite Cue Card won in the Champion Bumper in 2010 under Joe Tizzard. Colin Tizzard's star would go on to win the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in 2013.
Champagne Fever won the 2012 Champion Bumper, before going on to score in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle the following year.
Mares came out on top in back to back seasons in 2017 and '18, as Fayonaugh and Relegate triumphed for Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins' respectively.
Envoi Allen collected his first Cheltenham Festival win in the 2019 Champion Bumper, and ran away with the Ballymore in 2020.
The 2020 Champion Bumper, again, went the way of Willie Mullins, as Ferny Hallow scooted past stablemate Appreciate It to claim an impressive victory. Sir Gerhard then upset Kilcruit in 2021, as Willie Mullins saddled another 1-2 in the Champion Bumper.
Champion Bumper Winners
Year
Winner
2024
Jasmin De Vaux
2023
A Dream To Share
2022
Facile Vega
2021
Sir Gerhard
2020
Ferny Hallow
2019
Envoi Allen
2018
Relegate
2017
Fayonaugh
2016
Ballyandy
2015
Moon Racer
2014
Silver Concorde
2013
Briar Hill
2012
Champagne Fever
2011
Cheltenian
2010
Cue Card
2009
Dunguib
2008
Cousin Vinny
2007
Cork All Star
2006
Hairy Molly
2005
Missed That
2004
Total Enjoyment
2003
Liberman
2002
Pizarro
Champion Bumper FAQs
When is the Champion Bumper?
The 2025 Champion Bumper will take place at 5:30pm on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday 12th March.
What is the Champion Bumper?
The Champion Bumper is a Grade One race run on day two of the Cheltenham Festival. The Champion Bumper is the only race at the Cheltenham Festival where no obstacles will be jumped, and the novice runners have to tackle a two-mile trip.
Where can I watch the Champion Bumper?
The 2025 Champion Bumper 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.
