The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the championship event for 2m chasers and the feature of Cheltenham’s Wednesday card. The race demands pace, accurate jumping and has been somewhat of a graveyard for favourites in recent seasons, so don’t be put off if you fancy an outsider. Here is a rundown of the leading contenders. You can see the latest Champion Chase entries here.
The feature race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival is once again shaping up to be a highlight, with early entries confirmed for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2026. A total of 24 horses have been entered, setting the stage for what could prove to be a vintage renewal of the Festival’s premier two mile chase.
With prize money of £225,080 awaiting the winning connections, many of the sport’s leading trainers are expected to target Wednesday’s showpiece.
As ever, much attention will focus on Willie Mullins, a dominant force at Cheltenham who will be bidding to add yet another Champion Chase victory to his remarkable Festival record. However, challengers from yards such as Barry Connell and Dan Skelton ensure there is depth and intrigue throughout the early list.
Entries
Brookie – Anthony Honeyball
Calico – Dan Skelton
Captain Guinness – Henry de Bromhead
Energumene – W. P. Mullins
Found A Fifty – Gordon Elliott
Gidleigh Park – Harry Fry
Il Etait Temps – W. P. Mullins
Inthepocket – Henry de Bromhead
Irish Panther – Eddie & Patrick Harty
JPR One – Joe Tizzard
Jonbon – Nicky Henderson
Kalif du Berlais – Paul Nicholls
L’Eau du Sud – Dan Skelton
Libberty Hunter – Evan Williams
Majborough – W. P. Mullins
Marine Nationale – Barry Connell
Only By Night – Gavin Cromwell
Quilixios – Henry de Bromhead
Saint Segal – Mrs Jane Williams
Senecia – Vincent Halley
Sir Gino – Nicky Henderson
Solness – Joseph Patrick O’Brien
Thistle Ask – Dan Skelton
Touch Me Not – Gordon Elliott
What happened in 2025
Last year’s Champion Chase delivered one of the most emotional moments of the Festival. Marine Nationale stormed to victory for Barry Connell, securing his second Cheltenham Festival success just a month after the tragic death of jockey Michael O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan had famously partnered Marine Nationale to Supreme Novices’ Hurdle glory in 2023, making the 2025 win all the more poignant.
Marine Nationale may face fresh competition for his crown this time around. Nicky Henderson could opt to send Sir Gino back over fences, while Mullins also holds a strong hand with the talented Il Etait Temps among the possible runners.
Champion Chase 2026 date and time
The Queen Mother Champion Chase will be run on Wednesday 11 March 2026, with the off time scheduled for 16:00.
How to watch the Champion Chase 2026
The race will be shown live on ITV1, with additional coverage available via Bet365 and the Bet365 app.
With proven champions, potential new stars and several powerhouse stables represented, the 2026 Queen Mother Champion Chase is already shaping up as one of the most eagerly awaited races of the Cheltenham Festival.
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