2025 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Tips, Odds and News
The second Grade One on day two of the Cheltenham Festival is the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase. First staged in 1946, the Festival Novices' Chase is one of the most exciting races at the entire meeting. It's also one of the most important, as those who impress in this race often go on to take part in the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following season.
After RSA stopped their long-standing sponsorship of the Festival Novices' Chase, Brown Advisory gained the naming rights to this covetted Grade One.
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Key Facts
Date
Wednesday 11th March, 2026
Time
2:00pm
Course
Cheltenham Festival
Status
Grade One
Distance
3m
Prize Pool
£175k
Age
5YO+
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Tips
Our guide to the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase will be published in the weeks leading up to the Cheltenham Festival.
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Result
Position
Name
SP
1st
Lecky Watson
20/1
2nd
Stellar Story
22/1
3rd
Better Days Ahead
8/1
Festival Novices' Chase Day Card
Cheltenham Day 2 Card
Time
Wednesday Races
Status
Distance
13:20
Turners Novices' Hurdle
Grade One
2m 5f
14:00
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase
Grade One
3m
14:40
Coral Cup
Grade Three Handicap
2m 5f
15:20
Cross Country Chase
Class Two Handicap
3m 6f
16:00
Champion Chase
Grade One
2m
16:40
Grand Annual Chase
Grade Three Handicap
2m
17:20
Champion Bumper
Grade One
2m
Festival Novices' Chase History
The Festival Novices' Chase has established itself as one of the most important races during the Cheltenham Festival. In 2021, Brown Advisory took over sponsorship from RSA, so it's now called the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
Staged on Ladies' Day, the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase is open only to novice chasers and is run over a three-mile trip.
The most famous horse to ever win the Brown Advisory is undoubtedly Arkle. Tom Dreaper's superstar won the Brown Advisory 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 Brown Advisory. 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 Brown Advisory 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 Brown Advisory and Gold Cup in back-to-back seasons during the 1990s.
Denman won the Brown Advisory 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 Brown Advisory 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 Brown Advisory. In 1992, Miinnehoma won the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham, before securing Grand National glory two years later.
Willie Mullins and Fulke Walwyn has both saddled Brown Advisory Novices' 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. Monkfish claimed his second Cheltenham Festival title in 2021, carrying odds of 1/4 to victory.
Festival Novices' Chase Winners
Year
Winner
2025
Lecky Watson
2024
Fact To File
2023
The Real Whacker
2022
L'Homme Presse
2021
Monkfish
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
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase FAQs
When is the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase?
The 2026 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase will take place at 2:00pm on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday 11th March.
What is the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase?
The Festival Novices' Chase is a Grade One race that takes place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival. This race is open only to novice chasers and is run over a three-mile trip.
Who won the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase?
Lecky Watson won the 2025 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase for trainer Willie Mullins.
Where can I watch the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase?
The Festival 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.
