Last year’s Champion Chase delivered one of the most emotional moments of the Festival when Marine Nationale powered clear up the hill. His former rider Michael O’Sullivan, who had partnered him to success the previous season, was no longer there after a tragic fall. When Marine Nationale crossed the line in front on the Wednesday feature, it felt like a moment that carried extra meaning.
He returns this year as defending champion, though his path back to the top looks far from straightforward. His reappearance at Christmas was littered with jumping errors and raised questions about whether he would return to his peak. Many expected a smoother display at the Dublin Racing Festival. Instead, he ran into a rival who had found another level.
Majborough, fitted with cheekpieces for the first time, produced a relentless round of jumping at Leopardstown. Focused from flagfall, he attacked his fences and stretched clear to beat Marine Nationale by 19 lengths. It was close to faultless and a stark contrast to earlier efforts when his ability was clear but not always fully expressed. The headgear appeared to sharpen him, and Mark Walsh enjoyed a standout meeting in the saddle.
The scale of that margin is the key talking point heading towards Cheltenham. Even allowing for improvement from Marine Nationale, and the possibility that Majborough may not enjoy the same smooth passage, 19 lengths is a sizeable deficit to overturn. Conditions could also play a part if the ground rides differently, yet the arithmetic remains challenging.
Still, champions are rarely dethroned without a fight. Marine Nationale has already shown he can deliver on the biggest stage and will not surrender his crown easily. The rematch promises to be one of the defining clashes of the week, with redemption, rivalry and reputation all on the line.
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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