Handicap Chase

National Hunt Handicap Chase Betting Odds

The National Hunt Handicap Chase takes place each March on the Cheltenham Festival’s opening day.

It is open to horses aged five years or older, takes place on Cheltenham’s Old Course and is a test of stamina for the racers, covering a distance of approximately 3m 1f. As well as distance, the race features 20 fences.

Winners of the race have historically gone on to participate in the Grand National and a vast field this year will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of horses that have won both races, including most recently Corach Rambler in 2023.

The Handicap Chase has seen British-trained horses win the last 11 outings – with Chianti Classico taking the honours for Kim Bailey last year.

For a full list of the runners and riders, as well as the latest betting odds, check out the BetMGM Cheltenham Hub.

History of the National Hunt Handicap Chase

With the winners of this race often going on to compete in the Grand National at Aintree there are, by its very nature, some notable names who have competed in the National Hunt Handicap Chase.

The debut of the race in 1946 saw Dunnshaughlin victorious and since then four horses have won the race on two occasions. These are:

• Sentina (1957/58)
• Scot Lane (1982/83)
• Un Temps Pour Tout (2016/17)
• Corach Rambler (2022/23)

As well as horses making a name for themselves, the National Hunt Handicap Chase has also seen jockeys enjoy repeat success. Robert Thornton – Fork Lightning (2004), Kelami (2005), Bensalem (2011) – and Tom Scudamore with An Accordion (2008) and Un Temps Pour Tout (2016, 2017) are the jockeys to win this race twice.

The two leading trainers in the National Hunt Handicap Chase are Fred Rimell and Fulke Walwyn with three wins apiece.

Here are the last 10 winners of the National Hunt Handicap Chase and their jockeys:

• 2024 – Chianti Classico (David Bass)
• 2023 – Corach Rambler (Derek Fox)
• 2022 – Corach Rambler (Derek Fox)
• 2021 – Vintage Clouds (Ryan Mania)
• 2020 – The Conditional (Brendan Powell Jr)
• 2019 – Beware The Bear (Jeremiah McGrath)
• 2018 – Coo Star Sivola (Lizzie Kelly)
• 2017 – Un Temps Pour Tout (Tom Scudamore)
• 2016 – Un Temps Pour Tout (Tom Scudamore)
• 2015 – The Druids Nephew (Barry Geraghty)

When is the National Hunt Handicap Chase at Cheltenham?

The National Hunt Handicap will take place on Tuesday 11th March 2025 at 14:40. It is the first of the handicap chases to be run at the festival and follows the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle Challenge Trophy.

Check out our latest tips for the National Hunt Handicap Chase, as well as the other races throughout the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. It’s showtime!