The first handicap race of the festival, this renewal really gets things into swing after the furore of the Arkle Chase and Supreme Novices Hurdle that precede it.
I’ve analysed our Ultima Handicap Chase odds for Cheltenham with our team of inhouse experts to give you a rundown on favourites, outsiders, top trainers and jockeys with other key trends.
2024 Ultima Handicap Chase Overview
Also known as the Festival trophy handicap chase, this national hunt handicap chase is open to horses 5 years and older at the Cheltenham Festival.
Winners from this race often go on to take part in the Grand National, and it can serve as a good Grand National trial with key winners being Corach Rambler, Seagram and Rough Quest.
When is the Ultima Handicap chase?
The Ultima Handicap chase is set to take place Tuesday 12 March 2024 at 14:50, the third race of the first day.
How far is the Ultima Handicap chase?
The race is contested over 3 miles and 1 furlong on the old Cheltenham racecourse with 20 fences to be jumped.
Ultima Handicap Chase Tips
The Favourites
- Meetingofthewaters – priced at 8/1* and trained by Willie Mullins.
- Jody Ted – priced at 10/1*
- Corach Rambler – priced at 10/1*
The Outsiders with Potential
- Theatre Man – priced at 14/1* and trained by Richard J Bandey, this 8 year old recently placed 2nd at the Cheltenham new course end of January this year, just behind Ginny’s Destiny.
Ultima Handicap Chase Trends
Sometimes looking at trends can help in making your betting selections. It’s not the be all and all, but it can provide some different perspectives and insights.
Where have the favourites placed over the last 20 editions (latest to oldest)?
(1, 3), 10, 2, (3, 4), (8, PU, PU), 1, 2, 7, 8, 8, 2, (7,10), F, 2, 1, 3, (2, 3, 6), PU, 9, 8
Previous Winners
| Year | Winner | Age | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2003 | Youlneverwalkalone | 9 | 10–11 | Barry Geraghty | Christy Roche |
| 2004 | Fork Lightning | 8 | 10–05 | Robert Thornton | Alan King |
| 2005 | Kelami | 7 | 10-02 | Robert Thornton | François Doumen |
| 2006 | Dun Doire | 7 | 10-09 | Ruby Walsh | Tony Martin |
| 2007 | Joes Edge | 10 | 10-06 | Davy Russell | Ferdy Murphy |
| 2008 | An Accordion | 7 | 10–12 | Tom Scudamore | David Pipe |
| 2009 | Wichita Lineman | 8 | 10-09 | Tony McCoy | Jonjo O’Neill |
| 2010 | Chief Dan George | 10 | 10-10 | Paddy Aspell | James Moffatt |
| 2011 | Bensalem | 8 | 11-02 | Robert Thornton | Alan King |
| 2012 | Alfie Sherrin | 9 | 10-00 | Richie McLernon | Jonjo O’Neill |
| 2013 | Golden Chieftain | 8 | 10-05 | Brendan Powell Jnr | Colin Tizzard |
| 2014 | Holywell | 7 | 11-06 | Richie McLernon | Jonjo O’Neill |
| 2015 | The Druids Nephew | 8 | 11-03 | Barry Geraghty | Neil Mulholland |
| 2016 | Un Temps Pour Tout | 7 | 11-07 | Tom Scudamore | David Pipe |
| 2017 | Un Temps Pour Tout | 8 | 11–12 | Tom Scudamore | David Pipe |
| 2018 | Coo Star Sivola | 6 | 10-10 | Lizzie Kelly | Nick Williams |
| 2019 | Beware The Bear | 9 | 11-08 | Jeremiah McGrath | Nicky Henderson |
| 2020 | The Conditional | 8 | 10-06 | Brendan Powell Jnr | David Bridgwater |
| 2021 | Vintage Clouds | 11 | 10-11 | Ryan Mania | Sue Smith |
| 2022 | Corach Rambler | 8 | 10-02 | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | 9 | 11-05 | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell |
Who are the leading trainers?
- Jonjo O’Neill – 3 wins, 6 places, 21 runners
- David Pipe – 3 wins, 7 places, 21 runners
- Alan King – 2 wins, 3 places, 14 runners
- Lucinda Russell – 2 wins, 4 places, 6 runners
- Nicky Henderson – 1 win, 8 places, 25 runners
Who are the leading jockeys?
- Richie McLernon – 2 wins, 3 places, 7 runners
- Brendan Powell – 2 wins, 2 places, 5 runners
- Derek Fox – 2 wins, 3 places, 4 runners
- Jeremiah McGrath – 1 win, 2 places, 3 runners
- Ryan Mania – 1 win, 1 place, 2 runners
How to bet on the Ultima handicap chase?
You can bet on the Ultima handicap chase by signing up or logging into BetVictor. We’re offering Non Runner No Bet on all races at the Cheltenham Festival, so if your horse doesn’t make it to the stalls, we’ll refund your bet.
If you’re new, you can also opt in to one of our welcome offers to help get you started.
If our daily NAPS and Cheltenham tips aren’t doing it for you, why not check out our horse racing bet finder? You can filter your selections by star rating, recent form, trainers and more until you find the horse you feel confident betting on.
*All our odds are correct at time of writing and are subject to change.
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