Pulse Racing
National Hunt

Detailed race analysis for The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival
* note all data is from 2016 unless otherwise stated.

RACE SUMMARY

First run at Cheltenham in 1911, the National Hunt Challenge Cup is the oldest race at the Festival and traditionally one of its ultimate tests of stamina.

Previously run over 4 miles, it’s run on the Old Course at over 3 miles 5 furlongs and 201 yards with 23 fences.

It is now a Class 2 Novice Handicap Chase for horses aged five and older, with a maximum rating of 145.

Since 2025, professional jockeys are permitted to ride, replacing the race’s long-standing amateur-only restriction.

WINNING PROFILE

AVERAGE AGE

7.5

146

AVERAGE OFFICIAL RATING

AVERAGE CHASE RUNS PRIOR

5.5

PATH TO CHELTENHAM

The following races have produced the most National Hunt Cup winners since 2016:

(3) Neville Hotels Novice Chase (Leopardstown, December)
(2) Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase (Fairyhouse, December)
(2) Flogas Novice Chase / Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Leopardstown, February)
(2) Like A Butterfly Novice Chase (Tipperary, October)
(2) Allman Contracts Ltd. Novice Chase / Listowel September Novice Chase (Listowel, September)

Number of horses that ran in these races and went on to win at Cheltenham that season in brackets.

TRAINER WINS

TRAINER S/R

WINS BY AGE

PULSE STOPPER

Horses greater than 16/1 are 0/77 | 0%

Headgear is generally a negative with two winners from 67 (S/R 3%)

PULSE INSIGHT

The average age of the winner is 7.5 though there have been two 10-year-old winners from only five runners (S/R 40%). Backing all five would have resulted in a £13.50 profit to £1 level stakes.

Irish-trained runners are 6/54 | 11.1% whilst the British-trained are 5/102 | 4.9%.

Note that since the race changed to a handicap the average OR has dropped over 11 from 145.8 to 134.5

Those towards the top of the market are generally favourable with those priced at 8/1 or shorter: 7/41 | 17.1% (the average price of the winner is just over 8/1).

Despite this being a conditions race until 2025 only 3/11 winners won last time out.

PULSE EDGE

PULSE SUMMARY

Trends Caution - this is a Handicap

The changes in conditions for this race to a handicap clearly impact trends therefore new trends will form over time. The two handicap years, from 2025, have seen two British-trained winners via Curtis and Henderson.

Prep races have primarily been in Ireland though with the change in race conditions this may be less relevant.

PULSE VERDICT

Pulse Rate

Average age 7.5, average OR 145.8 (OR 134.5 since 2025)

Pulse Stopper

16/1+ 0/77 | 0%

Headgear 2/67 | 3%

Pulse Insight

10-year-olds are 2/5 | 40% Profit of £13.50 to £1 level stakes

Pulse Edge

The trends are now largely irrelevant given this is a handicap.

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ALL DATA FROM 2016 UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

LAST UPDATED SEPT 2026

Pulse Racing National Hunt

Detailed race analysis for The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival * note all data is from 2016 unless otherwise stated.