A history of Ultima Handicap Chase winners

The Ultima Handicap Chase is one of the biggest events at Cheltenham. Learn more about its recent winners alongside the best to have ever participated.

Being the third race on day one and a consistent standout at Cheltenham Festival, the Ultima Handicap Chase is the first of five handicap chases ran at the event. Although going by different names since it began, the race has a long history dating back to 1946 and has had multiple of its winners go on to compete and be successful in the Grand National.

But who exactly are these winners and who has proven to be the most successful? Read on to find our breakdown of everything you need to know.

Who are the last ten Ultima Handicap Chase winners?

Below is a list of the last ten Ultima Handicap Chase winners:

Who are the most successful horses in Ultima Handicap Chase history?

The Ultima Handicap Chase has seen some incredibly talented horses, with many winners going on to see considerable additional success. There are few horses that have won the Ultima Handicap Chase more than once, though, with no horse being able to reach three wins. Here are the most successful horses in Ultima Handicap Chase History:

Corach Rambler (2-time Ultima Handicap Chase winner)

The most recent champion to have won twice is Corach Rambler, seeing back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023 whilst carrying 6lb extra weight the second time around. Impressively, he then also went on to win the Grand National one year later in 2024, making him the only horse on this list to do so.

Un Temps Pour Tout (2-time Ultima Handicap Chase winner)

Also joining the list of those horses who’ve won the Ultima Handicap Chase multiple times is the Irish-bred and English-trained thoroughbred Un Temps Pour Tout. As all the horses on this list have managed to do, he won two years in a row, in 2016 and 2017. With a notable 7lb increase in weight from 2016 to 2017, it was a remarkable performance to come out on top for his second victory.

Scot Lane (2-time Ultima Handicap Chase winner)

Scot Lane became the second horse to triumph in the UItima Handicap Chase multiple times, accruing his wins in 1982 and 1983. With there being such a large period between his and Un Temps Pour Tout’s wins, it proves just how hard it is for a horse to win the chase on more than one occasion.

Sentina (2-time Ultima Handicap Chase winner)

Being the first two-time winner of the competition, Sentina is the longest holder of the record for most wins – claiming victory in 1957 and 1958. With Sentina being the first of so few to reach multiple wins, she cemented her legacy into this distinguished Cheltenham Festival handicap event.

Who are the most successful trainers in Ultima Handicap Chase history?

A horse’s success can be hugely dictated by their trainers, who play a massive part in curating a winner. Here is a list of the most decorated trainers in Ultima Handicap Chase history:

Fred Rimell (4)

The first phenomenally successful trainer in the race’s history, Fred Rimell won four times in the first ten years since the Ultima Handicap Chase inception. Rimell’s ability to win the Chase so many times complements his other successes in the National Hunt calendar. For instance, after training four winners of the Grand National, he earned himself the nickname “Mr Grand National.”

Fulke Walwyn (4)

Rimell may have reached four wins first, however Fulke Walwyn matched the record with his fourth in 1977. Walwyn’s influence is still evident today, with him being commemorated at Cheltenham racecourse in the title of the Festival’s Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.

Which other trainers have won the Ultima Handicap Chase multiple times?

Despite only two winning the chase four times, there are a few others who have managed three wins. These include Tom Dreaper, Jonjo O’Neill, David Pipe and Bob Turnell. Apart from Pipe, who won with Un Temps Pour Tout twice, each achieved their wins with different horses every time.

Who are the most successful jockeys in Ultima Handicap Chase history?

We’ve looked at the horses and trainers who’ve earned success in the Ultima Handicap Chase. But what about the multiple-time winner jockeys?

Robert Thornton (3)

The first three-time winning jockey, Robert Thornton won the race on a different horse each time, even winning back-to-back in 2004 and 2005. Incidentally, his first and last victories came with Alan King, demonstrating another successful trainer and jockey combination.

Tom Scudamore (3)

Joining Robert Thornton at the top with three wins is Tom Scudamore who has also cemented himself as one of the best to compete in the event. Scudamore was able to demonstrate a real longevity within the event after winning his first in 2008 with An Accordion, and then again in 2016 and 2017 with Un Temps Pour Tout. The partnership between him and trainer David Pipe also stood the test of time, having worked together on each victory.

Which other jockeys have won the Ultima Handicap Chase multiple times?

It may only be two jockeys who have succeeded in winning the Ultima Handicap Chase three times, but there have been eleven two-time winners:

• Derek Fox (2022, 2023)

• Brendan Powell Jr (2013, 2020)

• Barry Geraghty (2003, 2015)

• Richie McLernon (2012, 2014)

• Mick Fitzgerald, (1995,2000)

• Paul Carberry (1998, 2002)

• Richard Dunwoody (1985, 1990)

• Craig Smith (1982,1983)

• David Mould (1967, 1972)

• Pat Taffe (1957, 1966)

• Ted Vinall (1948, 1949)