Learn who the Cheltenham Champion Bumper runners are for 2026. Discover who the favourites are and how you can decide which horses to pick for your bets.
The Champion Bumper has been a massive success since it was created in 1992 and is the only flat race at the Cheltenham Festival.
Over time, it has shown an ability to help shape emerging talents, whether they win the race or not. Florida Pearl and Cue Card are a couple of the better-known products of the Champion Bumper, becoming top performers in jump racing over time.
Looking at the next edition of the race in 2026, it will be interesting to see which names could go on to have stellar careers. Below, we cover which horses will be competing and pick out a few of the top contenders! Or, if you’re ready to back your favourite, why not explore all things Champion Bumper betting.
What is the lineup for the Cheltenham Champion Bumper 2026?
Take a look at the full list of entries for the Champion Bumper, with many exciting talents being lined up for what promises to be an incredible clash:
Love Sign Daunou
Bentraghhill
Quiryn
The Irish Avatar
Bass Hunter
It’s Only A Game
Keep Him Company
Oh My Word
No Walkover
The Mourne Rambler
Wyoming Line
Charismatic Kid
Katkoriko
Saint Clovis
Kanzler
Look Me
Maximillian Lady
Risky Obsession
Sollys Gold
Timamzel
Hernando De Soto
Sparkling Wit
Celestial Tune
Cityofblindinlites
Green Hint
Heldam
Largy Go
Looking For Eight
Young Rebel
Arcadian Emperor
Grangeclare Park
Wildes Legacy
Bud Fox
Minella Machine
Who are the favourites among the Champion Bumper runners?
So, out of the list of competitors, which ones are looking like the cream of the crop? Here’s the list of favourites in the build-up to the race:
Love Sign Daunou
Despite lacking experience, one of the leading candidates to take home the victory is five-year-old Love Sign Daunou. Triumphant in his only race to date, he was able to win the Aloga Equestrian (Pro/Am) Flat Race comfortably in what proved to be a spectacular debut. Willie Mullins will rightly have high expectations for him, as he appears to be another one of his many gems.
Bentraghhill
The next of the top competing horses is Bentraghhill, who is another of Willie Mullins’ Cheltenham prospects. He may also be lacking in experience, recently completing his debut in the Forest Fest Flat Race, but he still came out on top comfortably. As he beat the favourite Lemmy Caution, who finished third, he has already shown an ability to outperform the odds.
Quiryn
After an impressive debut at the Fifty Stars At Sunnyhill Stud (Pro/Am) Flat Race, Quiryn has shown exciting potential so far. His trainer, Willie Mullins, has shown great belief in his abilities and trusts that he will only improve as time goes on.
The Irish Avatar
Another horse that won on their debut; The Irish Avatar has started his career well. He may have been the favourite in the Racing Again February 8th (Pro/Am) Flat Race, but he still had to live up to the expectations. As he stayed out strongly and put in an impressive performance, it’s clear he has an abundance of quality to offer.
Bass Hunter
He may sit at the top of the age range, but six-year-old Bass Hunter is still relatively fresh on the racing scene. Mind you; success appears to come effortlessly, as he won both races he’s competed in, leading with ease in both. With a solid reputation now established, the highly rated horse has certainly thrown his hat in the ring for the Champion Bumper.
It’s Only A Game
With two strong performances under his belt so far, It’s Only A Game has clearly demonstrated a desire to be one of the front-runners. Though he finished second in his debut race, he’s since improved, going on to win the Jimmy Hayes Memorial (Pro/Am) Flat Race. With the manner of his victory being so impressive, it’s no shock to see him as one of the horses touted to do well here.
Keep Him Company
Keep Him Company has also put himself in contention here, with two impressive races to date. Winning in both events he’s competed in, there is a clear ability to beat the odds, with him bettering the favourites each time. It may be a bigger task to overcome favourites at the Champion Bumper, but the potential is certainly there.
How to identify a contender for the Champion Bumper
Picking out contenders for a race can be difficult, but looking into the past can reveal a lot. For instance, Champion Bumper’s trends and stats can assist in your betting strategies, highlighting key indicators for who might be successful in the next edition of the event.
Though they may not be guarantees as to who will end up winning the race, these insights can give you a leg up on other bettors who aren’t doing the research. Whether it’s past form or success rates of the favourites, knowing how the Champion Bumper has panned out in the past is certainly a useful tool to have in your arsenal.
How to bet on the Cheltenham Champion Bumper
Now that we’ve given you an idea about who’s competing in the Champion Bumper and who the favourites appear to be, placing a bet may be on your mind. If so, Betway has everything you need to have a smooth betting experience.
With our guide on how to bet on the Cheltenham Festival, you can learn everything you need to know about Champion Bumper betting, alongside many other races too!
Champion Bumper FAQs
When is the Cheltenham Champion Bumper?
Though the date of the Champion Bumper may vary, it always takes place on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival. For 2026, it will be on Wednesday 11th March and is the last race to take place on the day.
What is the prize money for the Champion Bumper?
Though it isn’t the most money offered out at the festival, the Champion Bumper’s prize fund is nothing to be sniffed at, with a total of £80,000 being split between the competitors.
Who has won the Champion Bumper?
Over the years, there have been a variety of Champion Bumper winners, with some going on to see further success. Big names such as Envoi Allen, Florida Pearl, and Cue Card have featured here, each demonstrating top-level abilities to justify their victories.
