Where To Bet on Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase

Race Details:

Date: 2026.03.10
Grade: 3
Open To: Horses Aged Five and Older
Track: Turf
Length: 5,029 Metres
Location: United Kingdom


One of the feature races at Cheltenham is the Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase, also known as the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase.

This Grade 3 National Hunt steeplechase is open to horses aged five years and older. The race is run on the Old Course over a distance of 5,029 meters and features 20 fences. It is a handicap race, adding extra strategic complexity for trainers and bettors alike.

The purse for the event typically exceeds 100,000 GBP. The inaugural running took place in 1946, when Dunnshaughlin won the first edition of the race.

2025 Winner:

Myretown
Jockey: Patrick Wadge
Trainer: Lucinda Russell

History:

Since its inception in 1946, the Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase has been one of Cheltenham's cornerstone handicaps, often serving as a key early test for potential Grand National contenders.

Four horses have managed to win the race twice: Sentina, Scot Lane, Un Temps Pour Tout, and most recently Corach Rambler (2022 and 2023).

The most successful jockeys in the event have been Robert Thornton and Tom Scudamore, each with three victories.
Fred Rimell and Fulke Walwyn share the record for most wins by a trainer, with four apiece.


Betting Odds & Tips:

The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase is a favorite among punters due to its deep, competitive fields and unpredictable outcomes. Common wagers include Win, Place, Each-Way, Exacta, and Trifecta.

As a handicap event, weight assignments play a crucial role - lighter-weighted horses with strong stamina and proven jumping form at Cheltenham often outperform expectations.

The Going (track condition) at Cheltenham in March is a major variable, with soft or heavy ground favoring strong stayers.

Pay attention to horses with previous Cheltenham experience, as the undulating track and stiff finish can catch out those unfamiliar with it.

Trainers like Lucinda Russell, David Pipe, and Nicky Henderson often enter well-prepared runners who attract significant market interest in the days leading up to the race.


Fun Fact:

In 2023, Corach Rambler became only the fourth horse to win the Ultima Handicap twice - and later went on to claim victory in the Grand National at Aintree, cementing his status as a modern-day chasing star.


Key Takeaways:

- The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase is a Grade 3 National Hunt race held on Cheltenham's Old Course over 5,029 meters with 20 fences.
- Weight assignments, ground conditions, and course experience are decisive factors.
- The race often highlights future Grand National hopefuls and offers excellent betting depth for punters.


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