The importance of the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham

Few races in the National Hunt calendar captivate the imagination quite like the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a contest where raw speed meets precision jumping in a spectacular display of equine athleticism at Prestbury Park.

As the crown jewel of day two at the Cheltenham Festival, this Grade 1 steeplechase over two miles has earned its place as one of the most prestigious races in jump racing history.

Since its inauguration in 1959, the race has stood as the definitive test for two-mile chasers. Its renaming in 1980 to honour Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother reflected not just her passion for National Hunt racing, but the race’s elevated status in the sport.

The Queen Mother’s deep connection to steeplechasing added a layer of royal prestige to what was already becoming jump racing’s speed championship.

Unlike its illustrious Festival companion, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which examines stamina and staying power, the Champion Chase demands a different kind of excellence. Here, the emphasis falls squarely on explosive speed and pinpoint accuracy over fences, creating a spectacle that often sees the finest chasers in training operating at the very limits of their capabilities.

The roll of honour reads like a who’s who of steeplechasing immortals. Sprinter Sacre’s story perhaps best encapsulates the race’s ability to create sporting drama of the highest order. His initial victory in 2013 showcased raw brilliance, but it was his emotional 2016 triumph, following career-threatening health issues, that cemented his legacy. That success remains one of Cheltenham’s most poignant moments.

Nicky Henderson’s influence on the race continued through Altior, whose back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019 formed part of an extraordinary 19-race winning sequence over obstacles. His mastery of the two-mile division reflected the perfect fusion of speed and jumping accuracy that the Champion Chase demands.

Moscow Flyer’s victories in 2003 and 2005, punctuated by fierce rivalries with Azertyuiop and Well Chief, exemplified the race’s ability to create compelling narratives that transcend individual renewals. Jessica Harrington’s champion possessed a rare combination of flamboyance and reliability that captured the public’s imagination.

This year’s renewal promises another captivating chapter. Jonbon enters as market leader when assessing the horse racing tips. His impressive seasonal form suggesting he could join the pantheon of great two-mile champions.

However, the looming presence of Gaelic Warrior and El Fabiolo ensures this will be no coronation. El Fabiolo, in particular, brings intrigue to the contest, having already demonstrated his ability to lower Jonbon’s colours in last season’s Arkle.

The Champion Chase holds a unique position in the Festival’s fabric. Its placement on Ladies’ Day adds to the sense of occasion, while its emphasis on speed rather than stamina provides a tactical contrast to the meeting’s other championship events. The sight of elite chasers attacking Prestbury Park’s famous fences at maximum velocity creates a spectacle unmatched in jump racing.

As we approach another renewal, the Queen Mother Champion Chase continues to evolve while maintaining its essential character. It remains true to its founding principles: testing speed, courage, and precision jumping at the highest level. In doing so, it honours both its royal namesake’s legacy and its position as the ultimate examination of two-mile chasing excellence.

The combination of historical significance, sporting drama, and the consistent production of memorable moments ensures the Champion Chase’s status as not just a highlight of the Cheltenham Festival, but as one of racing’s most important contests. As another chapter awaits, the race stands ready to add new names to its illustrious history, maintaining its position at the heart of National Hunt racing’s most celebrated meeting.

 

The editorial unit