Cheltenham Festival 2025: Queen Mother Champion Chase Preview

The Queen Mother Champion Chase, the highlight of Day Two at the Cheltenham Festival, is set to take place on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, at 4:00 PM. This prestigious Grade 1 race covers a distance of 1 mile, 7 furlongs, and 199 yards, challenging the finest two-mile chasers in the National Hunt calendar. With a purse of £225,080 awaiting the victor, the stakes are as high as the anticipation among racing enthusiasts. Check out the best betting odds and Champion Chase offers at leading bookmaker BetVictor today.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Queen Mother Champion Chase Preview – 4pm

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Historical Context:

Established in 1959, the Champion Chase has been a showcase for speed, agility, and impeccable jumping. Legends like Badsworth Boy, who secured a hat-trick of wins in the 1980s, and more recently, Sprinter Sacre and Altior, have etched their names into Cheltenham folklore through this race. The 2025 edition promises to add another thrilling chapter to its storied history.

Contenders and Best Odds:

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

• Jonbon – Evs
• Marine Nationale – 5/1
• Energumene – 13/2
• Solness – 9/1
• Found A Fifty – 12/1
• Captain Guinness – 28/1
• Libberty Hunter – 33/1
• Quilixios – 33/1

Leading Contenders:

1. Jonbon (Evs): Trained by Nicky Henderson, Jonbon enters the race as the odds-on favourite. Despite his impressive form elsewhere, his Cheltenham record raises some eyebrows, having been defeated three times at the Festival. However, his recent performances suggest he’s in prime condition to rectify past shortcomings. 
2. Marine Nationale (5/1): A rising star, Marine Nationale boasts a victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. His transition to chasing has been seamless, and at 5/1, he offers value for those sceptical of the favourite’s Festival form. 
3. Energumene (13/2): The seasoned campaigner from Willie Mullins’ yard, Energumene, returns to the Champion Chase arena. At 11 years old, questions about his ability to compete at the highest level persist, but his class and experience make him a contender not to be overlooked. 
4. Solness (9/1): Solness has been making waves with consistent performances leading up to the Festival. His front-running style could pose challenges for his rivals, especially if he establishes an early lead. 
5. Found A Fifty (12/1): An emerging talent, Found A Fifty has shown promise in graded races. This race marks a significant step up in competition, but his progression suggests he could be up to the task.
6. Captain Guinness (28/1): A seasoned chaser, Captain Guinness has been a consistent performer in top-level races. While he often finds a few too strong, his experience could see him pick up the pieces if others falter.
7. Libberty Hunter (33/1): A relative outsider, Libberty Hunter has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency at the highest level. A clear round could see him outrun his odds.
8. Quilixios (33/1): Once a top juvenile hurdler, Quilixios has struggled to replicate that form over fences. However, the Festival has a knack for revivals, and at 33/1, he might tempt the optimistic punter.

Notable Absentees:

The 2025 Champion Chase sees the absence of several high-profile names. Gaelic Warrior, El Fabiolo, and Blood Destiny, all trained by Willie Mullins, have been withdrawn. Gaelic Warrior, owned by Rich Ricci, struggled with form earlier in the season and is now targeting the Ryanair Chase over 2 miles 4 furlongs. This leaves Energumene as Mullins’ sole representative in the race.  

Race Dynamics and Strategies:

The Champion Chase is renowned for its blistering pace and the premium it places on accurate jumping. Front-runners like Solness may attempt to dictate terms from the outset, potentially unsettling rivals. However, Cheltenham’s undulating track requires not just speed but tactical nous. Horses that can settle behind the leaders and produce a strong finishing kick often find success.

Trainer and Jockey Insights:

• Nicky Henderson: With four Champion Chase victories in the last decade, Henderson knows what it takes to win this race. His handling of Jonbon will be under scrutiny, especially given the horse’s previous Festival performances.
• Willie Mullins: Despite multiple entries initially, Mullins relies solely on Energumene this year. The veteran trainer’s decision to focus on one contender might indicate confidence in Energumene’s chances. 
• Aidan Coleman: The retained rider for Jonbon, Coleman’s experience and tactical acumen will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the race and the course. 

Betting Insights:

The current odds reflect a market favouring Jonbon, but his less-than-stellar Cheltenham record at the Festival leaves room for doubt. Those looking for value might be drawn to Marine Nationale or Energumene, both of whom bring a mix of proven class and big-race experience.

For those who prefer a speculative punt, Solness (9/1) could be an interesting option, given his front-running style, while Found A Fifty (12/1) appears to be an improving horse who could spring a surprise.

Meanwhile, each-way backers may see Captain Guinness (28/1) or Libberty Hunter (33/1) as potential outsiders who could sneak into the frame if the race turns tactical or if the favourites falter.

Predicted Race Outcome

While Jonbon is the class act on paper, his three previous Festival defeats suggest that he is far from a certainty, particularly in a race as demanding as the Queen Mother Champion Chase. If he can put those demons to rest, he is undoubtedly the one to beat.

However, Marine Nationale’s ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his strong finishing speed, makes him a worthy challenger. If he handles the drop to two miles effectively, he could provide a serious test for Jonbon.

Meanwhile, Energumene will be looking to roll back the years and reclaim his Champion Chase crown. While age may not be on his side, his experience and Cheltenham form make him a legitimate contender if he retains his best form.

Of the others, Solness could try to steal the race from the front, and if left alone on the lead, he could take some catching. Found A Fifty, on the other hand, could be the one to pick up the pieces if the front-runners overdo it.

Predicted 1-2-3:

1. Marine Nationale (5/1) – Strong turn of foot, improving rapidly, represents great value.
2. Jonbon (Evs) – The class horse but vulnerable at Cheltenham.
3. Energumene (13/2) – Experience could see him grab a place.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the Festival. With a fascinating mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned campaigners, the battle for two-mile supremacy is wide open.

Will Jonbon finally silence his Cheltenham doubters? Can Marine Nationale announce himself as the new king of the two-mile division? Or will Energumene turn back the clock for a final Festival hurrah?

One thing is for certain—this race will be a spectacle, full of drama, speed, and perhaps a few heart-stopping moments at the final fence.

So, grab your racecards, place your bets, and get ready for another thrilling renewal of the Queen Mother Champion Chase!