The Queen Mother Champion Chase stands as the top race for fast horses at Cheltenham Festival. You need clear facts about this race to pick winners and understand its rich past. Many racing fans feel lost about the key details of this famous chase.
This Grade 1 race runs over 2 miles with 13 fences to jump. The best horses like Sprinter Sacre and Altior have made their names here. Top jockeys Barry Geraghty and Paul Townend have shown their skills on this track.
Your guide will show you the vital parts of this race. You’ll learn about past champions, course details, and what makes a winning horse. From its start in 1959 to today’s stars, we cover each important fact.
Ready to master the Queen Mother Champion Chase? Read on.
Key Takeaways
- The Queen Mother Champion Chase started in 1959 and gained Grade 1 status in 1976. It runs over two miles with 13 fences at Cheltenham Festival.
- Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls share the record for most trainer wins with six each. The race offers £400,000 in prize money, with £225,080 going to the winner.
- Badsworth Boy is the only horse to win three times in a row (1983-1985). Pat Taaffe and Barry Geraghty hold the record for most jockey wins with five each.
- Horses must be five years or older to race. Master Minded became the youngest winner at age five in 2008.
- Put The Kettle On made history as the first mare to win in 2021, ridden by Rachael Blackmore. Most winners (73.91%) are aged between 7-9 years.
History Of The Queen Mother Champion Chase
The Queen Mother Champion Chase started in 1959 at Cheltenham Festival as a tribute to the Queen Mother’s support of jump racing. The race gained its Grade 1 status in 1976, making it one of the most valued races in British steeplechasing.
Origins And Evolution Of The Race
National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase started in 1959 at Cheltenham Festival. Quita Que claimed the first victory under trainer Dan Moore and jockey Bunny Cox. Irish champion Fortria made history by winning back-to-back races in 1960 and 1961.
British racing honoured Queen Elizabeth in 1980 by renaming this race to Champion Chase. Master Minded broke records as the youngest winner at age 5 in 2008. Badsworth Boy dominated with three straight wins from 1983-1985, setting a benchmark for future champions in this grade 1 steeplechase at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Notable Records And Milestones
The Queen Mother Champion Chase holds several remarkable records since its inception in 1959.
| Category | Record Details |
|---|---|
| Leading Trainers | – Nicky Henderson: 6 wins – Paul Nicholls: 6 wins |
| Age Statistics | – 73.91% winners aged 7-9 years – Prime racing age proven most successful |
| Prize Money | – 2023 prize fund: £400,000 – Significant increase from initial purse |
| Performance Indicators | – 21 of 23 winners: Previous Grade 1 victory – High-quality field requirement |
| Notable Achievements | – Sprinter Sacre’s 2016 comeback victory – Most celebrated return in race history |
| Race Evolution | – 1959: First running – 1980: Renamed to honour Queen Mother |
Course And Race Details
The Cheltenham Racecourse offers a tough test over two miles with 13 fences to clear. The Queen Mother Champion Chase takes place on day two of the Festival, where horses sprint at high speeds over these obstacles.
Cheltenham Racecourse Overview
Prestbury Park has been Britain’s leading National Hunt racing venue since 1831. Your racing visits take place across three main tracks – Old Course, New Course, and Cross Country Steeplechase Course.
Each course presents specific tests for horses and jockeys alike.
You can select from three distinct viewing areas at Cheltenham. Best Mate enclosure provides clear views of the finish line. Tattersalls area positions you close to the parade ring.
Club Enclosure gives access to excellent facilities and prime viewing spots near the winning post. J.P. McManus stands as top owner here over recent seasons, contributing to the venue’s rich racing heritage.
Key Features Of The Two-Mile Steeplechase
The Queen Mother Champion Chase stands as a true test of speed and jumping ability. This grade 1 race spans 1 mile 7 furlongs and 199 yards at Cheltenham Racecourse.
- The race features 12 demanding fences that test each horse’s jumping skills over the two-mile course.
- Horses carry 11 stone 10 pounds, with mares getting a 7-pound weight allowance.
- The total prize money reaches £400,000, with the winner taking home £225,080.
- Each runner must be five years old or older to take part in this race.
- The course layout demands quick thinking from jockeys as they navigate sharp turns.
- Runners face steep uphill climbs in the final stretch of the race.
- The fast pace makes this race one of the most exciting at the Festival.
- Top speed reaches up to 35 miles per hour between fences.
- The race takes place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
- Horses need both stamina and speed to handle the challenging course.
- The track surface changes with weather conditions, affecting race strategy.
- Expert timing at each fence proves vital for success in this race.
Famous Winners And Top Performers
The Queen Mother Champion Chase has seen many great horses and jockeys create magic on the track. Moscow Flyer, Sprinter Sacre, and Master Minded stand out as true racing legends who made their mark in this special race.
Legendary Horses And Jockeys
Great champions have shaped Queen Mother Champion Chase history through stunning performances. Many talented horses and skilled jockeys stand out in this prestigious race.
- Pat Taaffe leads the jockey rankings with 5 wins, matching Barry Geraghty’s record in modern racing
- Badsworth Boy stands as the only horse to win three times in a row, creating an unbeaten record
- Master Minded broke records as the youngest winner at age 5 in 2008, trained by Paul Nicholls
- Sprinter Sacre made a famous comeback in 2016 after health issues to win the race again
- Nicky Henderson holds six trainer wins, tied with Paul Nicholls for most victories
- Moscow Flyer grabbed two wins in 2003 and 2005, showing amazing speed on the track
- Viking Flagship scored back-to-back wins in 1994-95, racing against tough competition
- Fortria started the multiple winners club with victories in 1960-61
- Altior proved his class with wins in 2018-19, adding to Henderson’s success
- Big Zeb raced to glory in 2010, giving Ireland another champion to celebrate
- Sizing Europe showed great skill with wins in both 2011 and 2012
- Special Tiara surprised everyone with a fast win in 2017
- Put The Kettle On made history as the first mare to win in 2021
- Rachael Blackmore rode Put The Kettle On to victory, marking a major achievement
- Tom Dreaper trained five winners between 1960-1970, setting early records
Iconic Moments In The Race’s History
The Queen Mother Champion Chase has seen remarkable moments since its start in 1959. These significant moments have shaped the race’s rich history at Cheltenham Festival.
- Quita Que made history as the first winner in 1959, establishing a foundation for future champions.
- Badsworth Boy demonstrated exceptional skill with three consecutive wins from 1983 to 1985.
- Master Minded set records in 2008 as the youngest winner at age 5, trained by Paul Nicholls.
- The race received its current name in 1980 to mark the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday.
- Sprinter Sacre’s 2016 comeback win remains one of racing’s finest stories.
- Altior demonstrated excellence with consecutive wins in 2018 and 2019.
- El Fabiolo stopped at the fifth fence in a recent race, creating significant drama.
- Viking Flagship achieved victory twice in the 1990s.
- Azertyuiop displayed exceptional speed to secure victory in the early 2000s.
- Politologue earned recognition with a commanding win in 2020.
- Remittance Man’s excellent run in 1992 remains memorable for racing enthusiasts.
- Crisp’s excellent performance impressed crowds in the 1970s.
- Flyingbolt’s 1966 victory stands as one of the most notable runs.
- Captain Guinness competed intensely against leading chasers in recent years.
- Dodging Bullets achieved an impressive win.
Conclusion
This premier steeplechase race stands as a crown jewel at Cheltenham Festival since 1959. Famous winners like Sprinter Sacre and Altior have made their mark on this challenging two-mile course.
Modern champions face 13 fences while racing at speeds up to 35 mph across 1 mile and 7 furlongs. Your chance to witness racing history comes each March as top horses compete for glory.
British racing fans mark 16:00 on day two of the festival to see future legends tackle this Grade 1 challenge.
FAQs
1. What is the Queen Mother Champion Chase?
It’s a grade 1 race at Cheltenham Festival. The race is the leading minimum-distance chase in the national hunt calendar. Top two-mile chasers compete in this big race.
2. When did the Queen Mother Champion Chase start?
The race began in 1964. It became the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1976 to honour the Queen Mother’s love of horse racing. Betway sponsors it now.
3. Who are some famous winners?
Many great horses like Arkle, Crisp, and Finian’s Rainbow have won. Paul Nicholls trained some winners like Call Equiname and Azertyuiop. Henry de Bromhead’s team has also had much success.
4. What happened in last year’s race?
El Fabiolo was pulled up after a fence and sprawled on landing. Jonbon was the favourite but didn’t win. The race showed how tough championship racing can be.
5. How long is the race course?
It’s a two-mile chase race. Horses must jump fences and run the straight fort to finish. The length makes it perfect for fast, skilled jumpers.
6. Was the race ever cancelled?
Yes, the foot-and-mouth crisis stopped the race in 2001. But apart from that, it’s been a steady feature on the racing calendar since 1964.
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