The Arkle Chase is a fast-paced steeplechase event at Cheltenham Festival. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Arkle Novices’ Chase Cheltenham.
The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase, also known as the Arkle Chase or Arkle Challenge Trophy, is a truly exhilarating fixture of Cheltenham Festival. A Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase, you can expect high tension and some outstanding performances from this year’s runners.
We’re sure you’ll be pondering when the Arkle Chase is and wondering how to place a bet – which is why we’ve put together all of the key details (and a little history to boot)! Alternatively, why not review the full festival schedule, or explore our complete guide to Cheltenham?
What is the Arkle Chase?
Named after the legendary Irish racehorse Arkle, who dominated National Hunt racing in the 1960s, the Arkle Challenge Trophy has secured its rightful place as an important event in the Cheltenham Festival schedule. A key fixture for horses aged five years or older that are new to steeplechasing, the Arkle Novices’ Chase Cheltenham is run over a distance of two miles and there are 13 fences to be jumped.
A fast-paced and challenging race, the Arkle Chase Cheltenham often acts as a rite of passage for many horses, as it can set them up for a prestigious career in steeplechasing.
What day is the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham?
The Arkle Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham takes place on Tuesday, 10th March, which is Day 1 of the Festival (AKA Champion Day).
When is the Arkle Chase?
So, we know the date, but when is the Arkle Chase expected to kick off? Taking place on day one of the festival, the 2026 race starts at 2pm, which is between the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race (1:20 pm) and the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2:40 pm).
Where does the Arkle Challenge Trophy take place?
The Arkle Chase is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham Racecourse. This course allows for a faster and more intense race, with tighter turns testing each runner’s speed and precision to the max. With fewer long straights compared to the New Course, horses must be agile and quick over fences, making jumping accuracy a vital element of this exciting race.
How can you watch the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham?
If you can’t make it down to see the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham in person, fear not! Simply tune into ITV1 on Tuesday, 10th March at 2 pm to watch the runners take on this nail-biting spectacle.
If you really want to make an event of it, a Racing TV subscription allows you to watch all four days of this year’s Cheltenham Festival as the races take place.
The Arkle Chase 2026 entries
The number of runners competing in the Arkle Challenge Trophy varies each year. While ante-post betting is available on the early favourites to compete, some horses are likely to withdraw closer to the event. Here’s a full list of the runners you might expect to see on the course this year:
Lulamba | Kopek Des Bordes | Romeo Coolio |
Kargese | Irish Panther | Kappa Jy Pyke |
Mambonumberfive | Steel Ally | Diva Luna |
July Flower | Kala Conti | Downmexicoway |
No Questions Asked | Port Joulain | Salvator Mundi |
Be Aware | Jax Junior | King Of Kingsfield |
Sixmilebridge | Break My Soul | Hansard |
Mirabad | Relieved Of Duties |
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Who are the favourites for the Arkle Chase
It’s too early to tell which horses are the out-and-out favourites to win the 2026 Arkle Chase, but we’ll have the latest betting odds as the race draws closer. Make sure to keep an eye on our Cheltenham content, as we’ll update our pages to include all the favourites soon!
Arkle Novices’ Chase expert tips
Looking for some expert advice to help pick your ideal horse in the Arkle? Our panel of horse racing veterans will be ready with their analysis of the race shortly. Check back soon to see which horses they’ll be looking out for in the race.
How to bet on the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham
At Betway, we make it easy to bet on the Arkle Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. Whether you’re a first timer who fancies a flutter or a seasoned follower of the Cheltenham Festival, we have everything you need to back your favourite. You can either place a race win bet on your chosen horse, or take advantage of our 1/4 each way odds, which includes a win bet and a place bet (in this case, if your horse finishes in the top 2 places).
With that in mind, for the latest advice from our experts, explore our complete collection of Cheltenham betting tips, or check out our full range of horse racing antepost odds.
