About the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is the second longest race run at the Cheltenham Festival, and the longest run over the cross country course. Originally a handicap it has been bumped up to Conditions status. The race covers a distance of 3 miles 7 furlongs, with 32 obstacles encountered during the course of the race.
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is a tough enough test that it tends to attract horses who’re likely to compete in the Grand National later in the season. The arduous course tends to favour older horses with more experience and staying power. Surprisingly for a race that was a handicap for much of its history, the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase has produced two double winners.
Betting on the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase isn’t any old handicap, and a fairly specialized skillset is required to come out on top of this course and race. Falling towards the end of the day it also attracts less money from the general public than higher rated races earlier on the card.
In practice this means betting markets do a fairly job of picking out genuine contenders, if you want to take your direction from the odds. If not, you’re going to need to look out for older horses (8 or above) who ideally have some experience over cross country tracks, who’re also running within range of their handicap. Bet for the places and you’re in with a solid chance of a return.
Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Past Winners
| Year |
Winner |
Age |
Weight |
Jockey |
Trainer |
| 2020 |
Easyland |
6 |
11-4 |
Jonathan Plouganou |
David Cottin |
| 2019 |
Tiger Roll |
9 |
11-04 |
Keith Donoghue |
Gordon Elliott |
| 2018 |
Tiger Roll |
8 |
11-04 |
Keith Donoghue |
Gordon Elliott |
| 2017 |
Cause of Causes |
9 |
11-04 |
Jamie Codd |
Gordon Elliott |
| 2016 |
Josies Orders |
8 |
11-04 |
Nina Carberry |
Enda Bolger |
| 2015 |
Rivage d'Or |
10 |
10-10 |
Davy Russell |
Tony Martin |
More past winners
| Year |
Winner |
Age |
Weight |
Jockey |
Trainer |
| 2015 |
Rivage d'Or |
10 |
10-10 |
Davy Russell |
Tony Martin |
| 2014 |
Balthazar King |
10 |
11-12 |
Richard Johnson |
Philip Hobbs |
| 2013 |
Big Shu |
8 |
10-05 |
Barry Cash |
Peter Maher |
| 2012 |
Balthazar King |
8 |
10-09 |
Richard Johnson |
Philip Hobbs |
| 2011 |
Sizing Australia |
9 |
10-09 |
Andrew Lynch |
Henry De Bromhead |
| 2010 |
A New Story |
12 |
09-07 |
Adrian Heskin |
Michael Hourigan |
| 2009 |
Garde Champetre |
10 |
11-12 |
Nina Carberry |
Enda Bolger |
| 2008 |
Garde Champetre |
9 |
10-13 |
Nina Carberry |
Enda Bolger |
| 2007 |
Heads Onthe Ground |
10 |
10-02 |
Nina Carberry |
Enda Bolger |
| 2006 |
Native Jack |
12 |
10-08 |
Davy Russell |
Philip Rothwell |
| 2005 |
Spot Thedifference |
12 |
11-12 |
JT McNamara |
Enda Bolger |
Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Sign-up Offer
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