Cross Country Handicap Chase

The Cross Country Handicap Chase is the first major cross country chase of the Cheltenham Festival. The race challenges entries to cover a distance of 3 miles 7 furlongs over the Cheltenham Cross Country Course, clearing 32 fences on the way to the finishing post.

The Cross Country Handicap Chase is one of the longest handicap races at the Cheltenham Festival. Entry to the race is open to qualified cross country chasers over the age of 5. Introduced to the Cheltenham Festival race program in 2005, the Cross Country Handicap Chase is one of only three races run on the Cheltenham Cross Country Course every year.

Cross Country Chase Betting & Trends

Weight: Winners of the Cross Country Handicap Chase have carried weights ranging from 10st 2lbs to top weight of 11st 12lbs. Weights therefore seem to have little effect on the outcome of this handicap.
Age: Experience counts in this race, with all winners between 9- and 12-years of age.
Odds: Unlike most handicaps, the Cross Country Handicap Chase consistently produces short odds winners. Two antepost favourites have taken the race in the past five years, with all winners priced under 4/1.
Jockey: Nina Carberry has taken two wins in this race in the past five years.
Trainer: Edna Bolger has an excellent record in the Cross Country Handicap Chase, taking two race wins and a place in the past five years.
Cross Country Handicap Chase Tip: Winners of this race tend to be priced too low to provide value on an each-way or place bet. Punters should consider backing two entries priced below the 4/1 margin. Use an odds comparison service to secure the best prices.

Cross Country Handicap Chase Winners

Edna Bolger’s Garde Champetre is the stand-out winner of the Cross Country Handicap Chase. Garde Champetre became the first racehorse to score to wins in the race by taking the title for the second consecutive year in 2009, giving Nina Carberry her second ride on a Cross Country Handicap Chase winner.

 

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