Champion Chase Hurdle Analysis 2025

The Champion Chase is one of the most anticipated races at the Cheltenham Festival, featuring the best two-mile chasers in the sport.

10:06 28 March 2025

The Champion Chase is one of the most anticipated races at the Cheltenham Festival, featuring the best two-mile chasers in the sport. Set to take place on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, this Grade 1 contest tests speed, jumping ability, and tactical prowess over 13 fences on Cheltenham’s Old Course. As defending champions seek to retain their titles and new challengers emerge, the 2025 edition promises to be another thrilling spectacle.

Historical Significance of the Champion Chase

The Queen Mother Champion Chase has a long and illustrious history, with legends such as Moscow Flyer (2003, 2005), Sprinter Sacre (2013, 2016), and Altior (2018, 2019) cementing their status in the sport. Last year’s race saw an electrifying finish, setting the stage for another competitive renewal in 2025.

Leading Contenders for 2025

As we approach race day, several key contenders have emerged in the Champion Chase field:

• Energumene: The defending champion returns to retain his crown. Trained by Willie Mullins, this horse has dominated the two-mile division and boasts an exceptional turn of foot.
• El Fabiolo: Another Mullins-trained star, El Fabiolo has shown brilliance over fences, including a dominant win at the Dublin Racing Festival.
• Jonbon: A proven performer trained by Nicky Henderson, Jonbon has been consistently in contention at the highest level and could pose a serious threat.
• Edwardstone: The 2022 Arkle winner has continued to impress over fences and remains a strong contender despite recent mixed form.

Key Factors That Could Influence the Race

To assess the likely outcome of the 2025 Champion Chase, several factors must be considered:

• Course and Distance Record: Horses that have previously performed well at Cheltenham have an advantage over newcomers to the track.
• Jumping Accuracy: With 13 fences over the two-mile trip, a clean round of jumping is crucial for victory.
• Tactical Speed: The Champion Chase is often run at a furious pace, favoring horses with strong acceleration in the final stretch.
• Ground Conditions: Weather in March can vary, so a horse’s preference for soft or good ground can impact their chances.

Betting Insights and Market Trends

With the Champion Chase being one of the most heavily bet-on races at Cheltenham, here are some key betting trends:

• Favorites Perform Well: The last ten years have seen many well-backed favorites justify their status with victories.
• Irish Dominance: Recent years have witnessed Irish-trained horses dominating the festival, particularly in the top-tier races.
• Experience Matters: Novice chasers stepping into an open company often struggle against seasoned campaigners in the Champion Chase.
• Look for Value Bets: While favorites tend to perform well, some outsiders have delivered upsets, making each-way betting an attractive option.

Trainer and Jockey Insights

• Willie Mullins: A dominant force at Cheltenham, Mullins has a strong hand in the 2025 Champion Chase with Energumene and El Fabiolo.
• Nicky Henderson: Known for producing Champion Chase winners, Henderson’s Jonbon will be primed for a peak performance.
• Paul Nicholls: The veteran trainer has had success in this division and could have a dark horse contender.
• Top Jockeys to Watch: Paul Townend (Energumene, El Fabiolo), Nico de Boinville (Jonbon), and Tom Cannon (Edwardstone) will all play crucial roles in shaping the race.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

The 2025 Champion Chase promises to be a battle of speed, precision, and racing intelligence. Energumene remains the horse to beat, but challengers like El Fabiolo and Jonbon are more than capable of causing an upset. Given the nature of the race, punters should watch the betting market closely in the lead-up to race day and consider multiple factors before placing their bets.

With the roar of the Cheltenham crowd and the best two-mile chasers in action, this year’s Champion Chase is set to deliver another unforgettable moment in horse racing history.