Queen Mother Champion Chase
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase contested over a distance of two miles (approximately 1 mile 7 furlongs and 199 yards) with 13 fences, open to horses aged five years or older, and held annually as the feature race on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival in March.[1][2] It represents one of the premier championships for elite two-mile chasers from Britain and Ireland, emphasizing speed and jumping prowess on the undulating Old Course at Cheltenham Racecourse.[1] First run in 1959 under the name of the Champion Chase and won by the mare Quita Que, the race was renamed the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1980 to commemorate the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, a prominent patron of National Hunt racing who owned numerous successful steeplechasers.[1] The event has since become a cornerstone of the Cheltenham Festival, attracting top trainers, jockeys, and horses, with a first-place prize of £225,080 as of 2025.[2][3] Notable trends include a strong preference for horses that have previously won over distances of two miles or more and achieved high Racing Post Ratings, with only seven winners in its history aged 10 years or older.[2] Among its most celebrated victors are legends such as Viking Flagship, Moscow Flyer, and Sprinter Sacre, who each secured multiple triumphs and defined eras in two-mile chasing.[2] Recent winners highlight the race's competitiveness: Marine Nationale, trained by Barry Connell, claimed the 2025 edition at 5-1 odds; Captain Guinness, under Henry de Bromhead, prevailed in 2024 amid a dramatic finish; and Energumene, handled by Willie Mullins, dominated in both 2023 and 2022.[1][2] These successes underscore the Queen Mother Champion Chase's role as a proving ground for equine superstars and a highlight of the British jumps racing calendar.[1]Overview
Race Details
The Queen Mother Champion Chase was inaugurated in 1959 as the National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England.[4][1] It is currently contested as a Grade 1 steeplechase under the name Queen Mother Champion Chase.[5][6] The race is run over a distance of 1 mile 7 furlongs and 199 yards (approximately 3,199 meters) on turf along the left-handed Old Course, featuring 13 fences to be jumped.[6][7][8] Eligibility is restricted to horses aged five years or older.[6][9] As of 2025, the total purse stands at £400,000, with £225,080 awarded to the winner.[5][10]Significance
The Queen Mother Champion Chase holds the status of the premier two-mile steeplechase in Great Britain, serving as a Grade 1 highlight that crowns the champion of the division within National Hunt racing.[1] Contested annually on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival in March, it draws the finest two-mile chasers from across Europe, testing their mettle over approximately two miles of demanding terrain.[2] This positioning elevates it as a cornerstone event in the jumps racing calendar, where victory signifies supremacy in the speed-oriented branch of steeplechasing.[1] The race underscores elite speed and jumping prowess, attracting top-tier competitors whose performances often define eras in National Hunt history.[2] It routinely features international contenders, including French-bred horses that have secured multiple podium finishes in recent editions, broadening its appeal beyond British and Irish borders.[2] This global draw enhances its prestige, as Europe's premier speed chasers vie for an illustrious roll of honor that symbolizes excellence in the discipline.[1] Renamed in 1980 to honor Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's 80th birthday and her lifelong patronage of National Hunt racing—during which she presented trophies until her passing in 2002—the event carries profound cultural weight.[1] It embodies royal endorsement of steeplechasing's traditions, fostering a sense of heritage and aspiration within the sport.[1] Economically and in media terms, the Queen Mother Champion Chase plays a pivotal role in the Cheltenham Festival's broader impact, attracting an average of around 65,000 attendees per day in previous years though 41,949 attended on its day in 2025, and contributing to the event's estimated £274 million economic boost to the region for the 2022 festival through tourism, hospitality, and related spending.[11][12][13] The race generates substantial betting interest, often driving record turnover for UK bookmakers during the festival, while its live broadcasts on platforms like ITV reach millions domestically and extend global viewership via international feeds.[14][15]Race Format
Course and Conditions
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is contested over a distance of 2 miles (1 mile 7 furlongs and 199 yards) on the Old Course at Cheltenham Racecourse, a left-handed, undulating track renowned for its galloping nature and challenging terrain.[2][8] The course features sharp turns and a stiff uphill finish over the final half-mile, which tests the speed, stamina, and resolution of horses, particularly those tiring late in the race.[2][16] The race includes 13 stiff fences, designed to demand precise jumping from elite chasers. Notable obstacles comprise the Water Jump, a distinctive feature early in the race that requires bold, fluent technique, and the series of uphill fences approaching the finish, where errors can be punishing due to the gradient and fatigue factor.[2][7][17] Weather and ground conditions play a pivotal role in the race's difficulty, with March timing often yielding good to soft going that suits versatile horses capable of handling some give underfoot.[2][18] Rain can soften the ground further, heightening the jumping demands by making take-offs slippery and increasing the risk of mistakes, while frost—mitigated by protective covers—may firm up the surface, emphasizing pace over power.[2][19] As the highlight of Day 2 (Ladies' Day) at the Cheltenham Festival, the race is scheduled for approximately 4:00 PM, allowing for optimal daylight viewing and aligning with the festival's progression from earlier novice events to championship contests.[20][21]Eligibility and Scheduling
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is open to horses aged five years and older, ensuring participation by seasoned chasers capable of the demanding two-mile distance.[22][23] The race operates under set weights, with colts and geldings carrying 11 stone 10 pounds (11-10), while mares receive a 7-pound allowance, reducing their burden to 11-03.[22][23][9] Entry into the race follows the standard procedure for Cheltenham Festival Grade 1 events, with initial nominations closing in early January, typically around the second week of the month.[24][25] Final declarations are made 48 hours prior to the race.[26] The race is scheduled annually as the feature event on the Wednesday of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, held in mid-March at Cheltenham Racecourse.[20][27] This timing positions it early in the Festival, following the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday and preceding the Ryanair Chase on Thursday.[20] The only interruption in its annual running occurred in 2001, when the entire Festival was cancelled due to the UK foot-and-mouth disease epidemic, which restricted animal movements and posed biosecurity risks.[28][29] Horses typically prepare for the Queen Mother Champion Chase through select Grade 1 or Grade 2 two-mile chases in the preceding months, with common lead-up races including the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown in December and the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January.[30][31][32] These trials allow contenders to demonstrate speed and jumping prowess over similar distances, often serving as key indicators of form ahead of the Festival.[30]Records
Horses and Achievements
The Queen Mother Champion Chase has seen several horses achieve remarkable feats of longevity and consistency, underscoring the race's demand for speed and precision over the two-mile course. The record for most victories is held by Badsworth Boy, who secured three consecutive wins from 1983 to 1985, trained by Michael Dickinson in 1983 and 1984 and by Monica Dickinson in 1985, a streak that remains unmatched in the race's history.[1] Other notable multiple winners include Fortria, who claimed back-to-back triumphs in 1960 and 1961 trained by Tom Dreaper, and Master Minded, who repeated the feat in 2008 and 2009 under Paul Nicholls. In terms of longevity, Skymas stands out as the oldest winner at 12 years old when he defended his title in 1977, trained by Brian Lusk—a testament to the horse's enduring class despite the race's taxing conditions.[1] Earlier, Quita Que became the inaugural winner in 1959 at age 10, setting a benchmark for veteran performers in the race's formative years.[33] The fastest recorded winning time is 3 minutes 44.70 seconds, set by Edredon Bleu in 2000 on good ground, edging out a thrilling finish against Direct Route and establishing a benchmark for pace that has rarely been approached.[34] Notable streaks extend beyond multiples, with horses like Azertyuiop (2004) and Moscow Flyer (2005) showcasing dominance by winning the Champion Chase shortly after victories in other elite two-mile chases, such as the Tingle Creek, highlighting the synergy between top-level form and success at Cheltenham.Jockeys, Trainers, and Owners
The Queen Mother Champion Chase has seen notable contributions from several jockeys who have achieved the record of five victories each. Pat Taaffe holds this distinction from a span of 1960 to 1970, riding winners including Fortria in 1960 and 1961, Ben Stack in 1964, Flyingbolt in 1966, and another in 1970.[1][9] Barry Geraghty matched this record between 2003 and 2013, with successes on Moscow Flyer in 2003 and 2005, Sprinter Sacre in 2013, and others during that period.[10][35] Among trainers, three individuals share the leading tally of six wins apiece, underscoring their pivotal roles in preparing elite two-mile chasers for the race. Tom Dreaper secured his victories from 1960 to 1970, training multiple winners such as Fortria and Flyingbolt under jockey Pat Taaffe.[10][1] Nicky Henderson achieved his six triumphs spanning 1992 to 2019, including Remittance Man in 1992 and Altior in 2018 and 2019.[10][35] Paul Nicholls also reached six wins from 1999 to 2020, with standout results from Azertyuiop in 2004 and Politologue in 2019 and 2020.[10][35] Owners with the most successes number three, each recording three victories and demonstrating sustained investment in top-level chasing talent. George Ansley owned Fortria, which won in 1960 and 1961, along with Straight Fort in 1970.[10][36] Doug Armitage's three wins came with Badsworth Boy in 1983, 1984, and 1985.[10][36] John Hales stands out for winning with three different horses: One Man in 1998, Azertyuiop in 2004, and Politologue in 2020.[10][5] A milestone in diversity occurred in 2024 when Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase, riding Captain Guinness to victory and adding to her storied record at the Cheltenham Festival.[37][38]Winners
Early Winners (1959–1980)
The Queen Mother Champion Chase, originally known as the National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase, was inaugurated in 1959 at the Cheltenham Festival as a premier test of speed over two miles for top National Hunt chasers.[33] During its formative years from 1959 to 1980, the race established itself as a highlight of the Festival, attracting elite two-mile performers primarily from Ireland and Britain, with winners often showcasing exceptional stamina and jumping ability under testing conditions.[1] This period saw the emergence of dominant figures in Irish training, setting a pattern of cross-channel rivalry that defined the event's early character. The following table lists all winners from 1959 to 1980, including the horse's age, jockey, trainer, and owner:| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Quita Que | 10 | Bunny Cox | Dan Moore | Mrs D R Brand |
| 1960 | Fortria | 8 | Pat Taaffe | Tom Dreaper | George Ansley |
| 1961 | Fortria | 9 | Pat Taaffe | Tom Dreaper | George Ansley |
| 1962 | Piperton | 8 | Dave Dick | Archie Thomlinson | Archie Thomlinson |
| 1963 | Sandy Abbot | 8 | Stan Mellor | George Owen | Mrs J D McKechnie |
| 1964 | Ben Stack | 7 | Pat Taaffe | Tom Dreaper | Anne, Duchess of Westminster |
| 1965 | Dunkirk | 8 | Dave Dick | Peter Cazalet | Bill Whitbread |
| 1966 | Flyingbolt | 7 | Pat Taaffe | Tom Dreaper | Mrs Jean Wilkinson |
| 1967 | Drinny’s Double | 9 | Frank Nash | Bob Turnell | Paul Mellon |
| 1968 | Drinny’s Double | 10 | Frank Nash | Bob Turnell | Paul Mellon |
| 1969 | Muir | 10 | Ben Hannon | Tom Dreaper | Waring Willis |
| 1970 | Straight Fort | 7 | Pat Taaffe | Tom Dreaper | George Ansley |
| 1971 | Crisp | 8 | Paul Kelleway | Fred Winter | Sir Chester Manifold |
| 1972 | Royal Relief | 8 | Bill Smith | Edward Courage | Edward Courage |
| 1973 | Inkslinger | 6 | Tommy Carberry | Dan Moore | Mrs M Jenney |
| 1974 | Royal Relief | 10 | Bill Smith | Edward Courage | Edward Courage |
| 1975 | Lough Inagh | 8 | Sean Barker | Jim Dreaper | A Martin |
| 1976 | Skymas | 11 | Mouse Morris | Brian Lusk | Mathew Magee |
| 1977 | Skymas | 12 | Mouse Morris | Brian Lusk | Mathew Magee |
| 1978 | Hilly Way | 8 | Tommy Carmody | Peter McCreery | J W Sweeney |
| 1979 | Hilly Way | 9 | Mr Ted Walsh | Peter McCreery | J W Sweeney |
| 1980 | Another Dolly | 10 | Sam Morshead | Fred Rimell | Ian Urquhart |
Modern Winners (1981–2025)
The modern era of the Queen Mother Champion Chase, from 1981 onward, has been characterized by escalating competition between British and Irish stables, fueling the annual Prestbury Cup contest that tallies victories across the Cheltenham Festival.[40] This rivalry intensified in the 21st century, with Irish trainers securing 11 of the 25 runnings since 2000, often showcasing speed and stamina honed on demanding tracks like Punchestown.[41] The race encountered a significant interruption in 2001, when the entire Cheltenham Festival was cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, resulting in no official winner and a substitute event at Sandown.[29] Paul Nicholls stands out as the most successful trainer in this period, achieving six victories that highlight his dominance in two-mile chasing.[35] An international element has emerged with French-bred horses claiming multiple renewals, including Azertyuiop in 2004, Master Minded in 2008 and 2009, Sire de Grugy in 2014, and Politologue in 2020, reflecting the growing influence of European bloodlines in elite National Hunt racing.[42] The following table summarizes the winners from 1981 to 2025, including key details where documented:| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Drumgora | Frank Berry | Arthur Moore | D. Monahan |
| 1982 | Rathgorman | Kevin Whyte | Michael Dickinson | - |
| 1983 | Badsworth Boy | Robert Earnshaw | Michael Dickinson | - |
| 1984 | Badsworth Boy | Robert Earnshaw | Michael Dickinson | - |
| 1985 | Badsworth Boy | Robert Earnshaw | Michael Dickinson | - |
| 1986 | Buck House | Tommy Carmody | Mouse Morris | - |
| 1987 | Pearlyman | Phil Scudamore | John Edwards | - |
| 1988 | Pearlyman | Tom Morgan | John Edwards | - |
| 1989 | Barnbrook Again | Steve Sherwood | David Elsworth | - |
| 1990 | Barnbrook Again | Hywel Davies | David Elsworth | - |
| 1991 | Katabatic | Simon McNeill | Andrew Turnell | Pell-Mell Partners |
| 1992 | Remittance Man | Jinny Osborne | Nicky Henderson | - |
| 1993 | Deep Sensation | David Murphy | Josh Gifford | - |
| 1994 | Viking Flagship | Adrian Maguire | David Nicholson | - |
| 1995 | Viking Flagship | Charlie Swan | David Nicholson | - |
| 1996 | Klairon Davis | Graham Bradley | Tim Thomson Jones | - |
| 1997 | Martha's Son | Richard Farrant | Tim Forster | - |
| 1998 | One Man | Brian Harding | Gordon Richards | John Hales |
| 1999 | Call Equiname | Mick Fitzgerald | Paul Nicholls | - |
| 2000 | Edredon Bleu | Tony McCoy | Henrietta Knight | Jim Lewis |
| 2001 | No race (cancelled) | - | - | - |
| 2002 | Flagship Uberalles | Richard Johnson | Phillip Hobbs | Elizabeth Gutner & Michael Krysztofiak |
| 2003 | Moscow Flyer | Barry Geraghty | Jessica Harrington | Brian Kearney |
| 2004 | Azertyuiop | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls | John Hales |
| 2005 | Moscow Flyer | Barry Geraghty | Jessica Harrington | Brian Kearney |
| 2006 | Newmill | Andrew McNamara | John J. Murphy | Mary Hayes |
| 2007 | Voy Por Ustedes | Robert Thornton | Alan King | Sir Robert Ogden |
| 2008 | Master Minded | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls | Clive Smith |
| 2009 | Master Minded | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls | Clive Smith |
| 2010 | Big Zeb | Barry Geraghty | Colm Murphy | Pat Redmond |
| 2011 | Sizing Europe | Andrew Lynch | Henry de Bromhead | Ann & Alan Potts |
| 2012 | Finian's Rainbow | Barry Geraghty | Nicky Henderson | John Hales |
| 2013 | Sprinter Sacre | Barry Geraghty | Nicky Henderson | Caroline Mould |
| 2014 | Sire de Grugy | Jamie Moore | Gary Moore | The Preston Family & Friends |
| 2015 | Dodging Bullets | Sam Twiston-Davies | Paul Nicholls | Martin Broughton & Friends |
| 2016 | Sprinter Sacre | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson | Caroline Mould |
| 2017 | Special Tiara | Noel Fehily | Henry de Bromhead | Sally Rowley-Williams |
| 2018 | Altior | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson | Patricia Pugh |
| 2019 | Altior | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson | Patricia Pugh |
| 2020 | Politologue | Harry Skelton | Paul Nicholls | John Hales |
| 2021 | Put The Kettle On | Aidan Coleman | Henry de Bromhead | One for Luck Racing Syndicate |
| 2022 | Energumene | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | Tony Bloom |
| 2023 | Energumene | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | Tony Bloom |
| 2024 | Captain Guinness | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead | Declan Landy |
| 2025 | Marine Nationale | Sean Flanagan | Barry Connell | Barry Connell |