The National Hunt season is one of the most thrilling periods in British and Irish horse racing, packed with iconic races that capture the imagination of jumps racing fans.
For those looking to get involved in wagering, platforms like Betdaq offer a popular betting exchange experience, allowing punters to back and lay horses in real time throughout the season’s biggest events.
Let’s take a closer look at the marquee races that define the National Hunt calendar.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is often regarded as the pinnacle of National Hunt racing. Held annually at the Cheltenham Festival in March, this race tests the very best staying chasers over three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs with 22 fences to jump.
This season’s renewal promises to be a cracker, with dual winner Galopin Des Champs hoping to win back his crown from Inothewayurthinkin. Could the Willie Mullins-trained star be about to become just the second horse, after the legendary Kauto Star, to regain the prestigious title?
The Grand National
No discussion of National Hunt racing would be complete without the Grand National. Run at Aintree in early April, this legendary handicap chase is famous for its enormous fences, such as Becher’s Brook and The Chair. Covering over four miles, the Grand National is as unpredictable as it is gruelling, making it a favourite for casual and seasoned bettors alike.
What makes the race even more special is the incredible storylines it produces. Last year, Patrick Mullins rode Nick Rockett to glory for his father Willie – producing incredibly emotional scenes at Aintree.
Cheltenham Festival Championship Contests
Besides the Gold Cup, the Cheltenham Festival hosts three other championship races that are among the season’s most prestigious:
- Champion Hurdle: A 2-mile hurdle race showcasing the fastest and most agile hurdlers. It’s a true test of speed and jumping precision. The New Lion is the ante-post favourite for this season’s contest
- Champion Chase: Also run over 2 miles, this race highlights the best two-mile chasers and is known for its lightning pace. Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino will be out to dethrone defending champion Marine Nationale in March
- Stayers’ Hurdle: The longest hurdle race at the festival, at three miles, testing stamina and endurance for top-class stayers. Ballyburn, Teahupoo and The Yellow Clay could make this often-scrappy race a thriller
Together, these championship contests provide a thrilling showcase of the sport’s elite over a single unforgettable week.
King George VI Chase
Taking place every Boxing Day at Kempton Park, the King George VI Chase is often considered the mid-season championship for staying chasers. Run over three miles, this race frequently acts as a key trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and attracts the very best in jump racing.
Tingle Creek Chase
The Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park is a highlight for two-mile chasers and is famed for its fierce competition and tight, tactical racing. Named after the legendary Tingle Creek, this race is a crucial stepping stone towards the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Jonbon has won this race for the last two years in a row and could seek a hat-trick if not stepped up in trip by Henderson.
Celebration Chase
Also held at Sandown, but in early April, the Celebration Chase is the final Grade 1 of the season. Raced over two miles and four furlongs, it often features horses that ran in the Champion Chase a month earlier, despite the extra distance. Il Etait Temps denied Jonbon a hat-trick earlier this year.
