The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, attracting the finest horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Among the most exciting contests each year are the novice races, which provide a stage for emerging talent to showcase their potential and attract plenty of interest from those looking for Cheltenham bets.
In this article, we rank the best novice races at the Festival based on their prestige, the quality of past winners, and their impact on the sport. Read on to find out more.
1) The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Traditionally opening the Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a thrilling contest run over two miles that often serves as a springboard for future Champion Hurdle contenders.
Legendary winners such as Altior, Douvan, and Constitution Hill have set the standard for this fiercely competitive race, making it one of the most anticipated contests of the week.
The famous Cheltenham roar that greats the starter’s flag adds to the electric atmosphere at Prestbury Park, and this year, Salvator Mundi is hoping to extend Willie Mullins’ record in the race.
2) The Arkle Challenge Trophy
Following on from the Sky Bet Supreme on the first day of the Festival, the Arkle is the premier novice chase over two miles.
Named after the legendary steeplechaser, the Arkle has produced some of the greatest two-mile chasers in history—including Sprinter Sacre and Moscow Flyer.
The race’s fast pace and demanding fences test a horse’s jumping ability and speed, making it a true spectacle for racing fans, while winners often go on to score in the Champion Chase.
3) The Turners Novices’ Hurdle
Run over two miles and five furlongs, the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Baring Bingham) is a key stepping stone for horses with aspirations for staying hurdling or future chasing careers.
Horses such as Faugheen ‘The Machine’ and Envoi Allen have triumphed here before going on to greater achievements.
Mullins has won this race a record seven times, including each of the last three renewals, but Dan Skelton has his eye on the prize this year with the exciting The New Lion.
4) The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Previously known as the RSA Chase, this three-mile contest is regarded as a significant trial for future Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders.
Many winners, such as Denman and Bobs Worth, have gone on to claim top honours in staying chases—including the Festival’s feature.
The gruelling nature of the race tests a young horse’s stamina and jumping, making it one of the most respected novice events.
5) The Triumph Hurdle
The Triumph Hurdle is the championship event for four-year-old hurdlers at Cheltenham, run over an extended distance of two miles and one furlong.
Often featuring French recruits, the race has a reputation for producing future stars, including dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll and Defi Du Seuil, who won seven Grade 1s.
The youthful exuberance of this field makes for an exciting race, and Nicky Henderson is seeking a record-extending eighth win with Lulamba this year.
6) The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Preceding the Gold Cup, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is run over three miles and often suits tough, staying types who could develop into future stars over longer distances.
Inaugurated in 2005, it’s one of the Cheltenham Festival’s newer races but has already produced Gold Cup winner Minella Indo and the popular Monkfish, who scored in a future three Grade 1s.
Whether it’s the speed and precision required for the Arkle or the staying power needed for the Brown Advisory, these contests never fail to deliver drama and excitement.
As racing fans, we eagerly anticipate the next generation of stars to emerge from these prestigious events.
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