Below you will find the runners & entries for the National Hunt Challenge Cup for this year's Cheltenham Festival.
As a reminder, this is a full list of entries, but there are further declarations 5 days before the race, and final declarations 48 hours before.
This is where all of our tips will be for the National Hunt Challenge Cup , we also have you covered with daily tips.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26/04/24 | SAN | 10 | GS | 9-2 | 4 |
| 23/08/23 | YOR | 12 | GF | 9-2 | 4 |
| 03/08/23 | GOO | 12 | Sft | 9-3 | 4 |
| 23/06/23 | ASC | 12 | GF | 9-2 | 3 |
| 03/06/23 | EPS | 12 | GF | 9-2 | 7 |
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/10/24 | STH | 7 | St | 9-7 | 9 |
| 21/09/24 | AYR | 7 | GF | 9-8 | 3 |
| 31/08/24 | BEV | 8.5 | GF | 9-6 | 9 |
| 26/07/24 | YOR | 7 | GF | 9-9 | 16 |
| 02/07/24 | HAM | 8.5 | Gd | 9-9 | 8 |
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/10/24 | CFD | 6 | St | 9-9 | 3 |
| 14/10/24 | WOL | 6 | St | 9-4 | 5 |
| 01/08/24 | NOT | 6 | GF | 9-10 | 6 |
| 24/06/24 | THI | 7 | GF | 9-8 | 10 |
| 08/05/24 | KEM | 6 | St/Slw | 9-11 | 5 |
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15/11/24 | WOL | 5 | St | 7-13 | 4 |
| 31/10/24 | CFD | 5 | St | 9-1 | 2 |
| 19/10/24 | WOL | 5 | St | 8-7 | 1 |
| 17/10/24 | STH | 5 | St | 8-5 | 5 |
| 04/10/24 | NCS | 5 | St | 8-6 | 7 |
The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup serves as the finale to the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
This grueling steeplechase stretches over approximately 3 miles and 6 furlongs, with 23 fences testing the horses' stamina and jumping abilities. What sets the race apart is its exclusive participation for amateur jockeys, making it a unique and prestigious event within the horse racing world.
Horses aged five years or older are eligible to compete, and the race holds Grade 2 National Hunt steeplechase status. The winner is awarded substantial prize money ( £62,156 in 2023).
The National Hunt Chase is widely celebrated for showcasing the pinnacle of amateur riding talent. The challenging distance and demanding obstacles make it a true test of endurance and skill for both horse and jockey
The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup stands as the oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival, with a rich history dating back over 160 years. In its early days, it held immense prestige, considered second only to the iconic Grand National in the chasing calendar.
The race was initially hosted at various venues across the UK. Cheltenham itself had the honor in 1904 and 1905, but it wasn't until 1911 that it found a permanent home in the Cotswolds as part of the new two-day National Hunt Meeting.
While the National Hunt Chase remains a highlight of the Cheltenham Festival, its distance has been modified. Previously, the race extended over an even more demanding 4 miles and 1 furlong.
Maintaining its unique character, the race typically doesn't have a commercial sponsor. Instead, it's often run in tribute to significant figures in the racing world. Examples include:
The 2019 National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup was a controversial event, with only four horses finishing the race and significant gaps between them. Sadly, race favorite Ballyward suffered a fatal fall, and numerous other horses either fell or were pulled up. This outcome sparked debate and led to rule changes implemented in 2020. These include:
Jonjo O'Neill holds the record for the most National Hunt Chase wins, with six victories under his belt: Front Line (1995), Rith Dubh (2002), Sudden Shock (2003), Native Emperor (2004), Butler's Cabin (2007), and Minella Rocco (2016).
Willie Mullins has asserted his dominance in the National Hunt Chase in recent years, securing victories in both 2022 and 2023. Stattler (2022), ridden by his son Patrick Mullins, showcased his stamina and class. The following year, Gaillard Du Mesnil (2023), also ridden by Patrick Mullins, demonstrated his ability to outpace the field in a thrilling finish.
Previous National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup winners (2016 - 2023)
| Year | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Gaillard Du Mesnil | Willie Mullins | Mr P W Mullins |
| 2022 | Stattler | Willie Mullins | Mr P W Mullins |
| 2021 | Galvin | I R Ferguson | J W Kennedy |
| 2020 | Ravenhill | Gordon Elliott | Mr J J Codd |
| 2019 | Le Breuil | Ben Pauling | Mr J J Codd |
| 2018 | Rathvinden | Willie Mullins | Mr P W Mullins |
| 2017 | Tiger Roll | Gordon Elliott | Ms Lisa O'Neill |
| 2016 | Minella Rocco | Jonjo O'Neill | Mr J J Codd |
If you’re looking for our thoughts on who you should back in the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup take a look at our Day 1 Tips page to see everything, we’re backing for this race at the Cheltenham Festival.
You can also see all the latest odds for this race on our National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup Odds page allowing you to see which bookmakers are offering the best price on each horse in the race.
