The Queen Mother Champion Chase is one of the best loved races at the Cheltenham Festival
The Queen Mother Champion Chase: A History of Speed, Precision, and Drama
The Queen Mother Champion Chase, the undisputed crown jewel of two-mile chasing, is a race that has provided some of the most electrifying moments in Cheltenham Festival history.
A true test of speed, jumping accuracy, and nerve, it’s where the quickest horses meet the stiffest fences at breakneck speeds—think of it as the Formula 1 of National Hunt racing but with significantly fewer wheels and a lot more mud. The leading bookmakers have always taken a keen interest in this Day Two feature race and you can enjoy a wealth of excellent offers such as free bets, enhanced places and price boosts from the leading betting sites such as Ladbrokes.
Since its inception, the race has seen legendary horses, masterful jockeys, and training dynasties carve their names into racing folklore. But it wasn’t always known as the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and it wasn’t always the pinnacle of two-mile steeplechasing. So, let’s delve into the history of this thrilling spectacle, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day status as one of the most prestigious races at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Origins: The National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase (1959–1980)
Before the race was graced with royal association, it was known simply as the National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase, first run in 1959. While it lacked a catchy name, it quickly gained a reputation for high-octane excitement, as horses had to be both fast and incredibly accurate jumpers to succeed.
The early years were dominated by some of the sport’s pioneers. The first winner was Quita Que (1959), who set the standard for what would follow. The 1960s and 1970s saw stars like Badsworth Boy, Skymas, and Royal Relief emerge, shaping the legacy of the race.
However, the race still hadn’t quite established itself as the definitive two-mile championship. That all changed in 1980, when the Queen Mother’s name was added to the title, giving it the regal polish that it enjoys today.
The Queen Mother’s Patronage (1980–2001)
In 1980, the race was renamed The Queen Mother Champion Chase in honour of the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday. The Queen Mother was one of the most devoted supporters of National Hunt racing, and her association with the race helped elevate its status to that of an elite championship contest.
The 1980s belonged to one horse: Badsworth Boy. The Michael Dickinson-trained phenomenon became the first (and still the only) horse to win the race three times in succession (1983, 1984, 1985). His dominance cemented the Champion Chase as a true Festival highlight.
The 1990s saw a golden era of Champion Chase winners, featuring a mix of brilliance, resilience, and heartbreak:
- Viking Flagship (1994, 1995) – A horse who seemed to thrive in a dogfight, he never won by much but always gave 100%.
- Moscow Flyer (2003, 2005) – When he stayed on his feet, he was virtually unbeatable. His duel with Azertyuiop and Well Chief in 2004 (which he lost due to an uncharacteristic fall) remains one of the most thrilling races in Festival history.
The Queen Mother herself continued to be a regular presence at Cheltenham, much to the delight of racegoers. She famously had a soft spot for chasers, which makes it fitting that one of the sport’s most exhilarating races bears her name.
The 21st Century: A Golden Age of Champions (2001–Present)
After the Queen Mother’s passing in 2002, the race continued to flourish, producing some of the most dominant two-mile chasers of all time.
The Great Rivalries & Legends
The 2000s and 2010s saw a series of superstars emerge, each carving out their place in Champion Chase history.
- Moscow Flyer (2003, 2005): A horse of immense talent (as long as he didn’t hit the deck).
- Master Minded (2008, 2009): Produced one of the most dominant performances ever in 2008 when winning by 19 lengths at just five years old.
- Sprinter Sacre (2013, 2016): Perhaps the greatest of them all. His return from heart problems to reclaim his crown in 2016 was one of the most emotional moments in Cheltenham history.
- Altior (2018, 2019): Unbeatable in his prime, Altior’s relentless gallop and unbreakable willpower saw him capture back-to-back Champion Chases.
The Irish Domination
Since the 2010s, Irish trainers—particularly Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead—have taken firm control of the Champion Chase. Notable recent winners include:
- Energumene (2022, 2023): The Willie Mullins-trained star became a back-to-back winner, proving he could handle both soft and good ground with ease.
- Put The Kettle On (2021): A shock winner trained by Henry de Bromhead, she became the first mare to win the Champion Chase.
Notable Upsets
The Champion Chase is known for favourite flops and shock winners. Some of the biggest upsets include:
- Dodging Bullets (2015): Written off by many, he caused a stir when outstaying Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy.
- Special Tiara (2017): A rank outsider at 11/1, he defied the odds with a sensational front-running display.
Champion Chase Records & Trivia
- Most Wins by a Horse: Badsworth Boy (3 – 1983, 1984, 1985)
- Most Wins by a Trainer: Tom Dreaper & Nicky Henderson (6 wins each)
- Most Wins by a Jockey: Barry Geraghty (5 wins)
- Fastest Winning Time: Edredon Bleu (2000) – 3m 46.9s
The Champion Chase Today
The modern-day Champion Chase remains one of the most anticipated races at the Cheltenham Festival. Each year, it showcases the fastest, boldest, and most athletic two-mile chasers, producing moments of sheer brilliance and heartbreaking drama.
Looking ahead, the question remains: who will be the next superstar to join the likes of Sprinter Sacre, Moscow Flyer, and Master Minded? The 2025 edition promises another battle of speed and skill, and as always, the Queen Mother Champion Chase will be a Festival highlight.
Final Thoughts
The Queen Mother Champion Chase has evolved from a simple two-mile chase into one of the most prestigious races in the sport. With a history filled with dominant champions, epic rivalries, and dramatic upsets, it is a true test of equine brilliance.
So, next time you watch the Champion Chase, remember: it’s not just about speed—it’s about bravery, precision, and a touch of racing royalty. And as history has shown, anything can happen in the blink of an eye at Cheltenham.
Long live the Queen Mother Champion Chase!
