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The National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival stands as a showcase of stamina, skill, and determination, with each edition adding another chapter to its rich tapestry of history.
The National Hunt Chase betting 2024 is favouring Embassy Gardens. But over the last five years, we’ve witnessed a parade of champions etch their names into racing lore with breathtaking performances.
As we reflect on these memorable victories, let’s revisit their triumphs, the drama, and the unforgettable moments that have defined the National Hunt Chase in recent memory.
2019: Le Breuil
In 2019, Le Breuil, ridden by jockey Jamie Codd and trained by Ben Pauling, emerged victorious in a shock victory.
One of just four horses to finish the race, the then seven-year-old rallied bravely up the hill to win by half-a-length from Discorama at outside odds of 14/1.
Le Breuil showcased remarkable resilience to hold off the challengers, securing a hard-fought victory and etching his name into Cheltenham’s annals.
2020: Ravenhill
The 2020 renewal of the National Hunt Chase saw Ravenhill, another outsider piloted by Codd but this time trained by Gordon Elliott, stormed to an emphatic victory.
12/1 in the Cheltenham horse racing odds, displayed an impressive turn of foot in the closing stages — surging clear of his rivals to claim a comfortable win over Lord Du Mesnil.
Despite being reduced in distance and having some fences removed, only six of the 14 runners still managed to finish the race — a slight improvement from the year before.
2021: Galvin
Under the brief stewardship of Ian Ferguson, as Elliott was serving his suspension, Galvin soared to glory in 2021 with the expert guidance of a young Jack Kennedy.
In the only race Ferguson’s name appeared next to Galvin’s in the race card, the then seven-year-old made a challenge at the last and kept on well to win by over a length from Next Destination.
Galvin has enjoyed further graded success since, winning the Grade 1 Savills Chase and a Grade 3. However, he has arguably not hit the heights expected of him.
2022: Stattler
Elliott and his fierce rival Willie Mullins have gone head-to-head countless times at Cheltenham, and the 2022 renewal of the National Hunt Chase was expected to be another close contest between runners from their esteemed yards.
There was very little to separate Run Wild Fred and Stattler in the pre-race market, with the former the slight favourite at 15/8 while the latter was fancied at 2/1.
However, Run Wild Fred was no match for Stattler as Mullins’ runner romped home for an eight-length victory over Elliott’s horse.
2023: Gaillard Du Mesnil
Mullins got the better of Elliott once again in 2023, as Gaillard Du Mesnil prevailed with a victory over Chemical Energy.
The Jessica Donnelly-owned horse set off as the 10/11 favourite for the National Hunt Chase but trailed Chemical Energy by three lengths at the last, and it looked like an upset might be on the cards.
However, the leader had no extra to give under Codd and Patrick Mullins pushed Gaillard Du Mesnil into the lead in the closing stages for the win.