Welcome to Ultima Handicap Chase betting at BoyleSports – your top destination for odds and markets for this prestigious race at the Cheltenham Festival. Here you’ll discover the key contenders, betting trends, and historical winners to inform your betting choices.
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Introduction to the Ultima Handicap Chase
The Ultima Handicap Chase, also known as the Festival Trophy, is a prestigious Grade 3 Premier Handicap race run on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
The renowned race is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a distance of 3 miles and 1 furlong, with 20 fences to be jumped. It’s open to horses aged five and older and is always considered a significant test of stamina.
This year, it will be run on Tuesday 10th March.
How to Bet on the Ultima Handicap Chase
It’s simple to bet on the Ultima Handicap Chase with BoyleSports
Navigate to the horse racing betting section on our website and choose the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Check all the available markets for the race. You’ll see live odds for all the popular betting markets.
Select your bet type and click the odds to add a selection to your bet slip.
Enter your stake, check your potential payout, and confirm the bet.
Past Winners of the Ultima Handicap Chase
The table below shows the last five winners of the Ultima Handicap Chase.
| Year |
Horse |
Age |
Price |
Trainer |
Jockey |
| 2025 |
Myretown |
8 |
13/2F |
Lucinda Russell |
Patrick Wadge |
| 2024 |
Chianti Classico |
7 |
6/1 |
Kim Bailey |
David Bass |
| 2023 |
Corach Rambler |
9 |
6/1JF |
Lucinda Russell |
Derek Fox |
| 2022 |
Corach Rambler |
8 |
6/1 |
Lucinda Russell |
Derek Fox |
| 2021 |
Vintage Clouds |
11 |
28/1 |
Sue Smith |
Ryan Mania |
Corach Rambler secured back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023 for trainer Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox. The first win was with a Starting Price of 10/1, which was followed up by a repeat win when starting as the joint favourite at 6/1.
Russell also scooped a third win in four years with Myretown finishing first past the post in 2025, ridden by Patrick Wadge.
In 2021, we saw an outsider take the title, with 11-year-old Vintage Clouds taking the win from a Starting Price of 28/1.
Key Betting Trends for the Ultima
When betting on the Ultima, it helps to look at key betting trends, including:
Favourites often have a poor record: Only three of the last 12 winners have been the favourite. Although two of the last three winners did start as the odds-on favourite.
Previous course experience is key: 11 of the last 12 winners had previously run at Cheltenham.
Proven stamina is essential: 10 of the last 12 winners had at least five previous runs over similar long distances (2m7f – 3m1f).
With a maximum of 24 runners, the large field size and the competitive nature of the race often make it wide open in the betting stakes. Each-way betting is often a popular strategy given the number of runners and potential for surprise results.
Head to the BoyleSports horse racing blog for more Cheltenham Festival betting tips in the run-up to the festival.
Bet on the Ultima Handicap Chase with BoyleSports
At BoyleSports, you’ll find competitive odds and comprehensive markets on the Ultima Handicap Chase from one of the biggest names in horse racing betting. Plus, you can bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup and all the races from the four-day Cheltenham Festival.
We also have a range of responsible gambling resources to ensure your time betting with us remains fun. For further information on responsible gambling, visit BeGambleAware.org and GamCare.
Join BoyleSports today to place a bet on the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ultima Handicap Chase?
The Ultima Handicap Chase is run on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. This year, it will be run on Tuesday 10th March 2026.
What time is the Ultima Handicap Chase?
The 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase will be run at 3.20pm.
Who are the favourites for the Ultima Handicap Chase?
The current favourites for the Ultima Handicap Chase 2026 include Jagwar, 2025’s champion Myretown, and Wendigo.
What are some tips for betting on the Ultima Handicap Chase?
When betting on the Ultima, it often helps to consider horses beyond the favourite, as only three favourites from the last 12 years have gone on to win. With the potential for surprise results – like the 28/1 winner Vintage Clouds in 2021 – it often makes sense to bet each-way. Also, look for horses with previous Cheltenham experience and plenty of stamina.
Which trainers have a good record in the Ultima Handicap Chase?
Lucinda Russell currently has the best record in recent races, with three wins in the last four years. She had back-to-back wins with Corach Rambler in 2022 and 2023, as well as the 2025 winner, Myretown.
Which jockeys have a good record in the Ultima Handicap Chase?
Robert Thornton and Tom Scudamore both have three wins in the Ultima Handicap Chase. Scudamore won on An Accordion in 2008 and claimed back-to-back triumphs with Un Temps Pour Tout in 2016 and 2017. Thornton claimed his wins with Fork Lightning (2004), Kelami (2005), and Bensalem (2011).
More recently, Derek Fox won back-to-back titles riding Corach Rambler in 2022 and 2023.
