ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE 2024 Race Card

Ultima Handicap Chase Runners And Entries 2024

You can find the runners & entries for the Ultima Handicap Chase for this year's Cheltenham Festival down below.

As a reminder, this is a full list of entries, but 5 days before the race there will be further declarations, and final declarations 48 hours before.

Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

1st
David Bass

Chianti Classico

Age: 7
Weight: 11.3
OR: 143
J:
 
David Bass
T:
 
Kim Bailey
travelled strongly, prominent early, in touch with leaders from 3rd, hit 6th, went second 15th, led before 3 out, soon faced challenge, pushed along and 2 lengths ahead when pecked on landing last, went clear inside final 110yds
2nd
Beau Morgan

Twig

Age: 9
Weight: 11.3
OR: 143
J:
 
Beau Morgan
T:
 
Ben Pauling
raced wide, led, headed and prominent 3rd, pressed winner after 3 out, lost ground after 2 out, edged right and no extra final 110yds
3rd
Mark Walsh

Meetingofthewaters

Age: 7
Weight: 11.6
OR: 147
J:
 
Mark Walsh
T:
 
W P Mullins
took keen hold, didn't jump with fluency, midfield, headway going easily and prominent after 3 out, outpaced after 2 out, edged left and rallied final 110yds
4th
Sean Quinlan

Famous Bridge

Age: 8
Weight: 11.0
OR: 139
J:
 
Sean Quinlan
T:
 
Nicky Richards
midfield, steady headway and went fourth before 4 out, weakened 2 out
5th
Jack Kennedy

The Goffer

Age: 7
Weight: 11.6
OR: 147
J:
 
Jack Kennedy
T:
 
Gordon Elliott
towards rear, headway going easily and in touch with leaders 3 out, weakened just before 2 out

Ultima Handicap Chase Tips

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Third race of Champions Day

The Festival Trophy Handicap Chase, now known as ‘The Ultima’, is the third race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. After two Grade One contests to begin the card, it marks the first of the week's prestigious handicap races.

The race is run over 3 miles and 1 furlong and is open to chasers aged five or over. This Grade 3 contest features 20 fences, presenting a true test of stamina and jumping ability.

History of the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase

The Ultima Handicap Chase has a long history at the Cheltenham Festival. It was first run in 1946 as the National Hunt Handicap Chase, operating without a sponsor for many years.

Sponsorship began during the 1980s, with the Ritz Club lending its name to the race from 1981 to 1996. Astec Buzz Shop sponsored briefly in 1997, followed by a longer sponsorship period with William Hill from 1998 to 2010.

In 2011, the race took on a special significance. Businessman Andy Stewart and his family, dedicated to supporting spinal research, sponsored the race to raise awareness for the Spinal Research charity. JLT Specialty Ltd took over sponsorship in 2012 and 2013, followed by Baylis & Harding in 2014. Since 2015, Ultima Business Solutions has been the race's sponsor.

Since its inception, the race has seen many fantastic winners. Three horses have the distinction of winning the Ultima Handicap Chase twice:

  • Sentina (1957, 1958)
  • Scot Lane (1982, 1983)
  • Un Temps Pour Tout (2016, 2017)

Recent Winners and Notable Trends

The Ultima Handicap Chase has seen some thrilling finishes in recent years. Here's how things have shaped up:

  • Lucinda Russell's Dominance: Corach Rambler (IRE) made history in 2023 with a second consecutive victory in the Ultima for trainer Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox.
  • Beware the Bear (2019): Nicky Henderson secured his second Ultima win with Beware The Bear (IRE), ridden by Jeremiah McGrath, but still trails all-time leading trainers Fred Rimell and Fulke Walwyn.
  • Heavyweights Favored: Five of the last six winners have carried at least 11 stone, 3lbs, hinting that strong horses with staying power are crucial for success.
  • Pipe and O'Neill to Watch: David Pipe and Jonjo O'Neill have each trained 3 winners in the last 12 years. Their runners always deserve close attention.

Festival Trophy Handicap Chase Winners

Ultima Handicap Chase Winners (2016 - 2023)


Year Horse Trainer Jockey
2023 Corach Rambler (IRE) Lucinda Russell Derek Fox
2022 Corach Rambler (IRE) Lucinda Russell Derek Fox
2021 Vintage Clouds (IRE) Sue Smith Ryan Mania
2020 The Conditional (IRE) David Bridgwater Brendan Powell
2019 Beware The Bear (IRE) Nicky Henderson Jeremiah McGrath
2018 Coo Star Sivola (IRE) Nick Williams Lizzie Kelly
2017 Un Temps Pour Tout (FR) David Pipe Tom Scudamore
2016 Un Temps Pour Tout (FR) David Pipe Tom Scudamore

Ultima Handicap Chase FAQs