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Princess Royal Honoured as Cheltenham Festival Renames National Hunt Chase
One of the Cheltenham Festival’s oldest and most prestigious races has been permanently renamed the Princess Royal National Hunt Chase in honour of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The decision reflects her lifelong dedication to equestrian sport and her influence within the racing community.
A Historic Tribute
The National Hunt Chase, first run in 1860, is the oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival. It has long been a test of stamina and jumping ability for novice chasers and was traditionally associated with amateur riders. The renaming follows in the footsteps of the Queen Mother Champion Chase, which was named in honour of The Queen Mother in 1980.
Cheltenham Racecourse officials confirmed that the decision was made to acknowledge Princess Anne’s contribution to equestrianism. A former Olympian in eventing, she has been a passionate advocate for horse welfare and national hunt racing.
Ian Renton, Managing Director of The Jockey Club’s West Region, said:
“The Princess Royal has been a stalwart of British equestrian sport, both as a competitor and as an ambassador. Renaming the National Hunt Chase is a fitting way to recognise her unwavering support of jump racing and horsemanship in general.”
Changes to the Race Format
In addition to the name change, the format of the race has been modified to modernise and enhance its appeal:
- Jockey Restrictions Lifted: Previously exclusive to amateur jockeys, the race is now open to both professional and amateur riders. This move aligns with a broader effort to enhance safety and competitiveness at the Festival.
- Handicap Structure Introduced: The race has shifted to a novices’ handicap chase for horses rated up to 145, ensuring a more balanced competition.
- Course Distance Unchanged: The race will continue to be run over 3 miles 6 furlongs, maintaining its demanding test of endurance.
Historical Significance of the Race
The National Hunt Chase has played a crucial role in the careers of many legendary chasers. Past winners include Tiger Roll (2017), who went on to claim two Grand Nationals, and Minella Rocco (2016), who finished runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The race has also been a breeding ground for future Gold Cup contenders, reinforcing its importance on the Festival calendar.
The renaming follows a wider review of the Cheltenham Festival programme, with the Jockey Club committed to ensuring the four-day meeting remains the pinnacle of national hunt racing.
Reaction from the Racing Community
The move has been widely welcomed by trainers, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts. Sir AP McCoy, 20-time champion jockey, commented:
“The Princess Royal has been an incredible ambassador for horse racing and equestrian sports. This is a great way to honour her contribution.”
As the Princess Royal National Hunt Chase takes centre stage on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, all eyes will be on Cheltenham to witness history being made in honour of one of Britain’s most dedicated equestrian figures.
