Cross Country Chase
Cross Country Chase
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is run over a unique course with 32 obstacles, including banks, ditches and hedges. Introduced in 2005 with the Festival’s fourth day, it is one of three races staged over this course each season. Originally a handicap, it became a conditions race in 2016 before reverting to handicap status in 2025.
Enda Bolger dominated its early years, winning four of the first five renewals for owner JP McManus, who has now owned seven winners. Bolger also trained Josies Orders, awarded the race in 2016 after Any Currency was disqualified. Repeat winners are common in this specialised contest, though the 2024 renewal was abandoned due to waterlogging, denying Delta Work a third attempt.
Gordon Elliott has emerged as the modern master, with five winners and five further podium finishes since 2016, including 1–2 finishes in 2022 and 2023. Tiger Roll’s third win in 2021 would have added to Elliott’s tally but for a suspension. Prior experience on this course or at Punchestown’s Banks course is usually essential, with Rivage d’Or and Delta Work the only winners without it. Several past winners, including Cause of Causes and Tiger Roll, had also run in the National Hunt Chase as novices.
Specialist trainers dominate, and Messrs Nicholls and Mullins are notable non-starters in this sphere, combining for a 0–30 record in the race.
Wednesday 15.20 | 5yo+ | Listed
3 miles 6 furlongs | 32 obstacles | Old Course
Weight: 10st 5lb – 11st 10lb (handicap)
2025 Prize money: £75,000
PREVIOUS WINNERS
| YEAR | WINNER | SP |
| 2025 | Stumptown | 5/2f |
| 2024 | NO RACE (Waterlogged) | N/A |
| 2023 | Delta Work | 11/10f |
| 2022 | Delta Work | 5/2f |
| 2021 | Tiger Roll | 9/2 |
| 2020 | Easysland | 3/1 |
| 2019 | Tiger Roll | 5/4f |
| 2018 | Tiger Roll | 7/1 |
| 2017 | Cause Of Causes | 4/1 |
| 2016 | Josies Orders | 15/8f |
| 2015 | Rivage d’Or | 16/1 |
| 2014 | Balthazar King | 4/1 |
| 2013 | Big Shu | 14/1 |
| 2012 | Balthazar King | 11/2 |
| 2011 | Sizing Australia | 13/2 |
| 2010 | A New Story | 33/1 |
| 2009 | Garde Champetre | 7/2 |
| 2008 | Garde Champetre | 4/1 |
| 2007 | Head Onthe Ground | 5/2f |
| 2006 | Native Jack | 7/2jf |
| 2005 | Spot Thedifference | 4/1 |
