Cheltenham Festival 2025: Weatherbys Champion Bumper Preview

The Weatherbys Champion Bumper, the sole flat race at the Cheltenham Festival, is scheduled for 5:20 PM on Wednesday, 12th March 2025. This Grade 1 National Hunt Flat Race spans 2 miles and 87 yards, offering a platform for emerging talents to showcase their potential before transitioning to hurdles and fences. While the race lacks the spectacle of jumping, it compensates with raw speed and the promise of future stars. For the best betting odds and free bets on this Day Two closing race, why not visit leading UK bookmaker BetVictor today.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Weatherbys Champion Bumper Preview – 5:20pm

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Historical Context:

Established in 1992, the Champion Bumper has been a springboard for numerous illustrious careers. Notable past winners include Florida Pearl and Cue Card, both of whom progressed to achieve significant success over jumps. The race has been predominantly dominated by Irish trainers, with Willie Mullins securing an impressive 13 victories, solidifying his status as the maestro of the bumper scene.  

Leading Contenders and Odds:

As of 12th March 2025, the top contenders and their best available odds are:

• Copacabana – 4/1
• Gameofinches – 9/2
• Bambino Fever – 9/2
• Kalypso’chance – 11/2
• Aqua Force – 14/1
• El Cairos – 16/1
• No Drama This End – 18/1
• Fortune De Mer – 18/1
• Idaho Sun – 28/1
• Heads Up – 33/1

In-Depth Look at some Notable Contenders:

• Copacabana (4/1):
  Trained by Willie Mullins, Copacabana has danced his way into joint-favouritism with a samba-like flair. His debut victory was reminiscent of a carnival, leaving spectators in awe. Mullins’ record in this race adds an extra layer of confidence for punters considering this runner.
• Bambino Fever (4/1):
  Despite what his name suggests, this horse is no infant on the track. Boasting an unbeaten record, Bambino Fever has caught the attention of many, including those who might have initially dismissed him as a mere toddler in the racing world.
• Gameofinches (9/2):
  This gelding has proven that, in racing, every inch counts. With two convincing wins under his girth, he’s demonstrated a competitive spirit that could see him playing the game right to the finish line.
• Kalypso’chance (11/2):
  Gordon Elliott’s Kalypso’chance has been orchestrating victories with the precision of a maestro. His performances have been music to the ears of his connections, and he looks set to hit the high notes at Cheltenham.
• Aqua Force (14/1):
  A notable contender from the Mullins stable, some decent showings of late suggesting this horse could be the dark horse of the race. 
• El Cairos (16/1):
  After a dazzling debut win at Newbury, El Cairos has been the talk of the town. Owner-rider David Maxwell’s decision to run him at Cheltenham came after an impressive workout, suggesting this horse could be another dark horse.
• Fortune De Mer (18/1):
  Harry Skelton’s ‘insane’ ride on Fortune De Mer at Cheltenham left punters in awe. The horse’s strong finish and Skelton’s composed style have many tipping this four-year-old as a serious contender for the Champion Bumper. 
• No Drama This End (18/1):
  Paul Nicholls’ entrant has lived up to his name, delivering drama-free, consistent performances. While he may not have the flashiest profile, his reliability could see him in the mix when it matters.
• Sortudo (40/1):
  Willie Mullins’ second string, Sortudo, has shown glimpses of potential. While he may not be the stable’s first choice, Mullins’ record in this race means any of his runners warrant respect and this contender represents a tempting each-way option at a healthy price.

Notable Absentees:

Leading up to the Festival, Windbeneathmywings was considered a strong contender for the Champion Bumper. However, a recent setback has ruled him out of the race, much to the disappointment of trainer David Pipe and his connections.  

Race Dynamics and Strategies:

The Champion Bumper often unfolds as a tactical affair, with a large field navigating the undulating Cheltenham terrain. Positioning is crucial; jockeys aim to avoid traffic problems while conserving enough energy for the uphill finish. Horses with a turn of foot and the ability to quicken in the closing stages often have an advantage.

Trainer Insights: 

• Gordon Elliott:
  Elliott, another trainer with a strong record in this race, sends Kalypso’chance (11/2). He has an eye for spotting young talent, and his runners should be respected. If he wins, he’ll be adding another name to his bumper graduates like Envoi Allen and Samcro.

• Willie Mullins
  With an unparalleled record in the Champion Bumper, Mullins has won this race 13 times, making him the undisputed king of the division. His two key runners, Copacabana (4/1) and Sortudo (40/1), will both benefit from his expertise in preparing young horses for this race. Copacabana, in particular, is the stable’s leading hope and has been heavily backed to extend Mullins’ dominance. However, history has shown that Mullins’ second or even third strings cannot be ignored—just ask anyone who backed Ferny Hollow over Appreciate It in 2020!
• Paul Nicholls:
  While more renowned for his chasers, Nicholls has been targeting this race more frequently in recent years. His No Drama This End (18/1) might not be the flashiest runner, but the Nicholls yard has been known to spring surprises in the Festival’s closing races.
• Henry de Bromhead:
  With Gameofinches (9/2), de Bromhead has a live contender. Having trained Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winners, he knows what it takes to win at the Festival. If Gameofinches is in contention turning for home, expect him to stay on strongly.

Betting Insights:

The current market suggests Copacabana (4/1) as the standout favourite, but history warns against blindly backing the shortest-priced runner. Many previous favourites have been turned over, with winners often emerging from the 6/1 to 12/1 range. This makes horses like Gameofinches (9/2), Bambino Fever (4/1), and Kalypso’chance (11/2) attractive alternatives for punters looking for value.

Each-way backers may be drawn to El Cairos (16/1) or Dalston Lad (66/1), both of whom have shown enough promise to suggest they could hit the frame at a nice price.

Predicted Race Outcome:

Picking the winner in the Champion Bumper is no easy task, as the race is often full of unknowns. However, based on trainer records, recent form, and race trends, here’s a potential finishing order:

1st – Gameofinches (9/2)

A strong traveller with an impressive turn of foot, Gameofinches looks primed to give Henry de Bromhead his first Champion Bumper win. His staying ability and finishing speed could prove crucial in the final furlong.

2nd – Copacabana (4/1)

Mullins’ leading hope has done little wrong, but the weight of expectation on his shoulders might be a factor. A strong performer, but he could be vulnerable to one finishing stronger up the hill.

3rd – Bambino Fever (4/1)

An exciting prospect, Bambino Fever has a touch of class and could be the dark horse of the race. If he handles the Cheltenham atmosphere well, he could be flying home late.

4th – Kalypso’chance (11/2)

Elliott’s runner is a tough, battle-hardened competitor, and that resilience should serve him well in this contest. Likely to be in the mix when the race reaches its climax.

Final Thoughts:

The 2025 Weatherbys Champion Bumper promises to be another intriguing contest between Britain and Ireland’s best young horses. While Copacabana is the standout favourite, the Champion Bumper is rarely straightforward, and challengers like Gameofinches, Bambino Fever, and Kalypso’chance all have strong claims.

With an electric Festival atmosphere, raw talent on display, and the excitement of watching potential future stars, this is a race not to be missed. Whether you’re backing the favourite, looking for an each-way steal, or just enjoying the ride, the Champion Bumper will provide one final thrill on Day Two of Cheltenham.

Now, place your bets, grab a Guinness, and enjoy the show!