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The Arkle Chase is a fast-paced steeplechase event at Cheltenham Festival. Here’s everything you need to know about the 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 Cheltenham takes place on Tuesday 11th March, which is Day 1 of the Cheltenham 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 race starts at 2pm, which is between the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race (1:20pm) and the Handicap Chase (2:40pm).
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 11th March at 2pm 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 2025 entries
The number of runners that compete in the Arkle Challenge Trophy differs each year. The initial entry list for this year comprised 25 runners, which was reduced to a maximum of 15 following the February forfeit stage. The current list of anticipated Arkle Chase horses includes:
|
Majborough |
Touch Me Not |
Jordans |
|
Leau du Sud |
Firefox |
Fascile Mode |
|
Ballyburn |
Gidleigh Park |
Jeannot Lapin |
|
Jango Baie |
Springwell Bay |
San Salvador |
|
Only by Night |
Caldwell Potter |
Inthepocket |
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 1/5 each way odds, which includes a win bet and a place bet (in this case, if your horse finishes in the top 3).
With that in mind, for the latest advice from our experts, explore our complete collection of Cheltenham betting tips[AN1] , or check out our full range of horse racing antepost odds.