Ultima Handicap Chase

The Festival Handicap Chase is the first handicap of the Cheltenham Festival. The race is targeted at stayers, some of whom will go on to compete in the Grand National later in the season.

2024 Ultima Handicap Chase Preview

As a stayers handicap chase, The Ultima Handicap Chase markets are generally cautious when it comes to pricing favourites.

That is the case in 2024, with Meetingofthewaters the only horse being priced around the 4/1 mark thanks mostly to a win over similar distance at Leopardstown in December.

The rest of the field is trading at or above the 8/1 mark, with the majority priced over 10/1 – a fair reflection of the quality of the field, none of whom stand out as offering huge value against their price.

Results

# Jersey Runner BEST ODDS
*Form data excludes P2P races and is for the last 6 races of any type (incl. both NH and Flat)
Indicated odds were updated on 2024-03-12 11:59:02 UTC. Please note that odds are subject to change.

Ultima Handicap Chase Tips

*Note: Betting tips are only displayed on the day of the race.

Nap Time Racecourse Tipster Best odds
Indicated odds were updated on 2024-11-05 4:37:07 UTC. Please note that odds are subject to change.
Tips cannot guarantee betting success. Review tipsters performance and bet responsibly.

2024 Festival Handicap Chase Tips & Analysis

A couple of horses have attracted strong backing from tipsters for the 2024 Festival Handicap Chase.

Chianti Classico has three backers in West Country Sirius and Dean Kilbryde, while Trelawne has attracted four backers and Stumptown two.

Rockavon, currently ranked as top performing tipster, has backed Trelawne, who at 15/2 offers some decent value on each-way bets.

To get the most value out of this race, back Trelawne each-way at William Hill, who are paying 6 places instead of 4 in this race.

Bookmaker Offers

Money back as a free bet if 2nd to SP favourite at Boylesports

Get your money back as a free bet if your selection finishes 2nd to the SP favourite in selected horse races. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. Read More

Watch at the races and racing TV live

#AD – Watch EVERY race in the UK and Ireland, live at bet365. We stream all races shown on At The Races and Racing TV so you’ll never miss a second of the action! 18+ only. T&Cs apply. Registration required. Read More

Odds Comparison

About the Ultima Handicap Chase

The Ultima Handicap Chase is run over an intermediate distance of 3 miles 1 furlong, the race features 20 fences. Entry is open to 5-year-old and above horses.

The Ultima Handicap Chase has become something of a proving ground for horses that have gone on to achieve success in the Grand National, with several horses achieving this double in their careers.

However, the quality of entries is consistent with what you would expect from this class of race, and victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase is typically a career peak for the winner.

There are no shortcuts for betting on the Ultima Handicap Chase. Like with other day one races, you may find the favourite underpriced, so don’t get onboard the favourite train unless there are some solid fundamentals backing up its prospects.

Otherwise you’ll need to do your homework. Match entries to the course conditions, distance and handicap based on past performances, and don’t pay undue attention to recent form if recent race conditions don’t line up with the Ultima Handicap Chase. Also don’t be afraid of getting behind long shots, as they can easily pay dividends even on the places.

Recent Winners

YearWinnerAgeWeightJockeyTrainer
2023Corach Rambler911-05Derek FoxLucinda Russell
2022Corach Rambler810-02Derek FoxLucinda Russell
2021Vintage Clouds1110-11Ryan ManiaSue Smith
2020The Conditional811-06Brendan PowellDavid Bridgwater
2019Beware The Bear911-08Jeremiah McGrathNicky Henderson