2021 RSA Novices' Chase Tips
The second Grade One on day two of the Cheltenham Festival is the RSA Novices' Chase. First staged in 1946, the RSA is one of the most exciting races at the entire meeting. It's also one of the most important, as those who impress in the RSA often go on to take part in the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following season.
2021 RSA Novices' Chase Key Facts
| Date | Wednesday 17th March, 2021 |
| Time | 2:10pm |
| Course | Cheltenham Festival |
| Status | Grade One |
| Distance | 3m |
| Prize Pool | £175k |
| Age | 5YO+ |
2021 RSA Novices' Chase Odds
| Name | Best Odds | Top Bookie |
|---|---|---|
| Envoi Allen | 7/1 | Betfair |
| Monkfish | 10/1 | William Hill |
| Latest Exhibition | 16/1 | William Hill |
| Fury Road | 16/1 | BetVictor |
| Diol Ker | 20/1 | Paddy Power |
| Thyme Hill | 20/1 | Betfair |
| Emitom | 20/1 | Paddy Power |
| The Big Getaway | 20/1 | William Hill |
| Bar | 25/1 |
2021 RSA Novices' Chase Tips
Runaway Ballymore winner, Envoi Allen is due to go over fences next season and the bookmakers quickly installed Gordon Elliott's star at the RSA favourite. The top three from the 2020 Albert Bartlett follow the favourite, with Monkfish, Latest Exhibition and Fury Road all garnering some ante-post support.
We'll have a range of 2021 RSA tips up on the website when the new National Hunt season starts.
We'll have a range of 2021 RSA tips up on the website when the new National Hunt season starts.
2020 RSA Novices' Chase Result
| Position | Name | SP |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Champ | 4/1 |
| 2nd | Minella Indo | 3/1 |
| 3rd | Allaho | 5/2f |
| 4th | Battleoverdoyen | 7/1 |
| 5th | Aye Right | 100/1 |
RSA Novices' Chase Day Card
| Time | Title | Status | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30pm | Ballymore Novices' Hurdle | Grade One | 2m 5f |
| 2:10pm | RSA Novices' Chase | Grade One | 3m |
| 2:50pm | Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle | Grade Three Handicap | 2m 5f |
| 3:30pm | Queen Mother Champion Chase | Grade One | 2m |
| 4:10pm | Cross Country Chase | Class Two Handicap | 3m 6f |
| 4:50pm | Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | Grade Three Handicap | 2m |
| 5:30pm | Champion Bumper | Grade One | 2m |
RSA Novices' Chase History
The RSA Novices' Chase has established itself as one of the most important races during the Cheltenham Festival. Staged on Ladies' Day, the RSA is open only to novice chasers and is run over a three-mile trip.
The most famous horse to ever win the RSA is undoubtedly Arkle. Tom Dreaper's superstar won the RSA in 1963, and went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times before his retirement in 1969.
Pat Taaffe rode Arkle to victory in the RSA. Taaffe remains the winning-most jockey in the history of the race, winning it for the fourth and last time in 1970 aboard Proud Tarquin.
Many future Gold Cup winners have followed in the footsteps of Arkle by winning the RSA during their first season over fences.
Tied Cottage won the RSA under Tommy Carberry in 1976 before winning the Gold Cup four years later. Garrison Savannah and Looks Like Trouble won the RSA and Gold Cup in back-to-back seasons during the 1990s.
Denman won the RSA in 2007, and lifted the Gold Cup two years later. Lord Windermere scored in the 2013, before shocking the sporting world by winning the Gold Cup in 2014.
1998 RSA winner, Florida Pearl didn't manage to win a Gold Cup, but Willie Mullins star won a hatful of other Grade Ones during his illustrious career.
Alberta's Run and Don Poli won the Ryanair the year after winning the RSA. In 1992, Miinnehoma won the RSA at Cheltenham, before securing Grand National glory two years later.
Willie Mullins and Fulke Walwyn has both saddled RSA Novices's Chase winners on four occasions.
In 2020, Nicky Henderson matched their total in thrilling fashion, as Champ came flying home to snatch victory away from Minella Indo.
RSA Novices' Chase Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Champ |
| 2019 | Topofthegame |
| 2018 | Presenting Percy |
| 2017 | Might Bite |
| 2016 | Blaklion |
| 2015 | Don Poli |
| 2014 | O'Faolain's Boy |
| 2013 | Lord Windermere |
| 2012 | Bobs Worth |
| 2011 | Boston Angel |
| 2010 | Weapon's Amnesty |
| 2009 | Cooldine |
| 2008 | Alberta's Run |
| 2007 | Denman |
| 2006 | Star de Mohaison |
| 2005 | Trabolgan |
| 2004 | Rule Supreme |
| 2003 | One Knight |
| 2002 | Hussard Collonges |
RSA Novices' Chase FAQs
When is the RSA Novices' Chase?
The 2021 RSA Novices' Chase will take place at 2:10pm on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday 17th March.
What is the RSA?
The RSA Novices' Chase is a Grade One race that takes place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival. The RSA is open only to novice chasers and is run over a three-mile trip.
Who won the RSA?
Nicky Henderson's Champ flew down the home straight to pip Minella Indo to the post and win the 2021 RSA Novices' Chase.
Who's the favourite to win the RSA?
The ante-post betting for the 2021 RSA Novices' Chase is headed by Envoi Allen. Gordon Elliott's star enjoyed an unbeaten novice hurdles campaign last season, winning his second Cheltenham Festival prize in the 2020 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.
Where can I watch the RSA?
The 2021 RSA 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.