Did you know that Willie Mullins has won at this race 12 times? Or that all winners since 1999 won last time out before running at the Champion Bumper?
If you want more insights like this, keep reading our Champion Bumper tips in our preview at BetVictor. We look at the favourites, the outsiders, their past performances and other key trends and patterns that have emerged.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival features top contenders like Maughreen, Jasmin De Vaux, Jalon D’Oudairies, Baby Kate, and Teeshan, all boasting unbeaten records and demonstrating potential through their recent performances.
- Betting on the Champion Bumper requires careful consideration of factors such as horse form, course conditions, and race trends.
Top Contenders for the 2024 Champion Bumper
This highly competitive field, three horses stand out in the Cheltenham Festival betting odds: Maughreen, Jasmin De Vaux, Jalon D’Oudairies and Teeshan.
Maughreen – priced at 9/2*
How has a horse with one run under its belt been catapulted to favourite for the Champion Bumper? Trained by Willie Mullins, this 5 year old one their first ever race at Punchestown’s Mares Flat Race 15 January. But there’s not an awful lot else to go off on as none of the other contenders ran in their one and only race.
Jasmin De Vaux – priced at 5/1*
Trained by Willie Mullins, this 5 year old has won 2 for 2 since their debut beating His Nibs at Naas in an impressive display of stamina and strength at the Lengthen The Odds At BetVictor (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.
Jalon D’Oudairies – priced at 5/1*
Jalon D’Oudairies has won 3 for 3 since their debut and has certainly been turning heads in the racing community. With two impressive victories under his belt, this contender shows strong potential for success in the Champion Bumper. His win at Leopardstown on December 29, 2023, under soft/heavy conditions, was particularly noteworthy, as he defeated Redemption Day by a margin of 2¾ lengths.
Earlier, at Fairyhouse on December 2, 2023, Jalon D’Oudairies again stole the show, finishing 5 lengths ahead of Major Barry under soft track conditions. These victories demonstrate Jalon D’Oudairies’ outstanding adaptability and endurance, making him a top contender to watch in the Champion Bumper.
Teeshan – priced at 6/1*
Trained by Paul Nicholls, this 5 year old has won 2 for 2 with their most recent win being at the Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race 11 February.
Potential Outsiders
In every Champion Bumper, there are potential dark horses that hold the potential to cause a significant upset. This year Romeo Coolio and Brechin Castle both showcase the potential to surprise the field.
Brechin Castle – priced at 16/1*
This B F Brookhouse trained 6 year old won the Turners Open National Hunt Flat (GBB) Race at the Cheltenham November Meeting and has won 3 out of their total 4 races, placing 2nd in their most recent at Ascot. If he wins the Champion Bumper, he’d be bucking a 25 year trend of champions winning last time out.
Romeo Coolio – priced at 7/1*
Trained by Gordon Elliott, Romeo Coolio is another potential dark horse to watch out for in the Champion Bumper. Despite his victory in his racing debut, Romeo Coolio remains a lesser-known contender. He’s won 2 for 2 and most recently at Fairyhouse on 13 January.
The Leading Trainer and Jockey
The preparation and strategy that trainers and jockeys bring to the table can often be the difference between winning and placing, as evidenced by the Mullins’ stellar track record.
Let’s further explore the influence of three industry stalwarts – Willie Mullins and Patrick Mullins.
Willie Mullins’ Impact
This is Willie Mullins’ playground. Some may complain about his growing monopoly at the festival but his horses’ dominance in the Champion Bumper, with 12 victories to his credit, reinforces the idea of considering his horses as strong bet choices.
Other notable trainers include Gordon Elliott with 2 wins, David Pipe with 1 win and John Kiely, who won last year with a Dream To Share.
Patrick Mullins’ Record
Patrick Mullins, a winning jockey in the Champion Bumper three times and a leading jockey in the sport, brings his experience and race-reading abilities to the table. His ability to judge the right moment to push his horse forward in a race has been instrumental in his success.
Before You Bet: Key Trends and Factors to consider
Several important factors come into play when betting on the Champion Bumper, significantly shaping the outcome.
- The racecourse to produce the most winners over the 10 years was Leopardstown, where 6 champions raced there last time out.
- The next best racecourse is Fairyhouse, where 3 winners ran last time out.
- The recent form of seven of the last 13 winners includes being unbeaten prior to their Champion Bumper win.
Analysing champion bumper trends and historical data can provide bettors with valuable insights when betting on the feature race of the third day. For instance, in the past 20 years, only four favourites have won this race that truly tests their mettle, the Champion Bumper, but make of that what you will.
Making an informed bet is recommended here at BetVictor, but just remember it can’t guarantee a win. You still need to ensure you practice Safer Gambling practices like setting up deposit limits and time outs. Contact us if you have any queries or need help.
Previous Winners
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 3:59.83 | A Dream To Share (IRE) 5yo 11-7 7/2 | Mr J L Gleeson John E Kiely (IRE) |
| 2022 4:04.80 | Facile Vega (IRE) 5yo 11-5 15/8F | Mr P W Mullins W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2021 3:55.48 | Sir Gerhard (IRE) 6yo 11-5 85/40 | Rachael Blackmore W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2020 4:06.06 | Ferny Hollow (IRE) 5yo 11-5 11/1 | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2019 3:55.60 | Envoi Allen (FR) 5yo 11-5 2/1F | Mr J J Codd Gordon Elliott (IRE) |
| 2018 4:04.30 | Relegate (IRE) 5yo 10-12 25/1 | Ms K Walsh W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2017 3:51.10 | Fayonagh (IRE) 6yo 10-12 7/1 | Mr J J Codd Gordon Elliott (IRE) |
| 2016 3:47.70 | Ballyandy (GB) 5yo 11-5 5/1 | Sam Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies (GB) |
| 2015 3:50.40 | Moon Racer (IRE) 6yo 11-5 9/2F | Tom Scudamore David Pipe (GB) |
| 2014 3:43.40 | Silver Concorde (GB) 6yo 11-5 16/1 | Robbie McNamara D K Weld (IRE) |
How to Find the Best Odds and Free Bets for the Champion Bumper
Finding the best odds and free bets for the Champion Bumper could help you get started with your first bet on Cheltenham.
At BetVictor we always have a sports welcome offer on the go for new customers, with some Free Bet offers being tailor made for UK & Irish Racing. Have a browse of our offers and opt in to one of them if you’re a new customer when you sign up.
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*All odd are correct at time of writing and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jalon D’Oudairies, Baby Kate, and Let It Rain are the top contenders for the 2024 Champion Bumper, with unbeaten records and strong pedigrees.
Trainers prepare the horses physically and mentally, while jockeys contribute their experience and race-reading abilities, both playing a crucial role in Champion Bumper success.
When betting on the Champion Bumper, consider the horse’s age, recent form, course conditions, and race trends to make an informed decision.
Keep an eye on Romeo Coolio and Brechin Castle as potential dark horses in the 2024 Champion Bumper.
