National Hunt Chase

National Hunt Chase

The National Hunt Chase (Challenge Cup) is a novice chase with deep roots in the sport. Historically restricted to amateur riders, it changed in 2025 to allow professional jockeys and is now run as a handicap. From that year, it was also renamed the Princess Royal National Hunt Chase in honour of Princess Anne.

First run in 1860, the race rotated venues before settling permanently at Cheltenham in 1911. Until 1965, runners even disappeared behind the grandstand after a mile. To qualify, horses must have finished in the first four over at least two miles and seven-and-a-half furlongs in a chase.

Long known as the “Amateur Riders’ Grand National”, it was once second only to the National itself in prestige, with prize money not eclipsed by the Cheltenham Gold Cup until 1946. The roll of honour includes future Grand National winner Tiger Roll and Gold Cup hero Native River, who finished second in 2016.

Often dubbed the “four-miler”, the trip was reduced by two furlongs in 2020 on safety grounds, cutting the number of fences from 25 to 23. Stamina remains essential, but so does experience, with large fields the norm.

The quality has risen sharply in recent years: the first two home in 2021, 2022 and 2024 were all rated 150+, while Gaillard Du Mesnil won in 2023 as the only runner above that mark — and the first winning favourite since 2013.

Grade 2 | 5yo+ novices | Tuesday 17.20
3 miles 6 furlongs | 23 fences | Old Course
Weight: Handicap
2025 Prize money: £100,000

 

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PREVIOUS WINNERS

YEAR	WINNER	SP
2025	Haiti Couleurs	7/2jf
2024	Corbetss Cross	15/8
2023	Gallard Du Mesnil	10/11f
2022	Stattler	2/1
2021	Galvin	7/2
2020	Ravenhill	12/1
2019	Le Breuil	14/1
2018	Rathvinden	9/2
2017	Tiger Roll	16/1
2016	Minello Rocco	8/1
2015	Cause Of Causes	8/1
2014	Midnight Prayer	8/1
2013	Back in Focus	9/4f
2012	Teaforthree	5/1f
2011	Chicago Grey	5/1f
2010	Poker De Sivola	14/1
2009	Tricky Trickster	11/1
2008	Old Benny	9/1
2007	Butler’s Cabin	33/1
2006	Hot Weld	33/1
2005	Another Run	40/1
2004	Native Emporer	5/1jf
2003	Sudden Shock	25/1
2002	Rith Dubh	10/1
2001	Festival Cancelled	N/A
2000	Relaxation	8/1

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