The Queen Mother Champion Chase takes place in under two weeks and as such, now is an excellent time to register with any of our featured UK betting sites where you can enjoy some excellent Cheltenham Festival offers such as cash-backs, price boosts, free bets and enhanced places.
Queen Mother Champion Chase Preview and Best Odds
The Queen Mother Champion Chase, a highlight of the Cheltenham Festival, is the premier two-mile steeplechase in National Hunt racing. Scheduled for March 12, 2025, this Grade 1 event challenges elite chasers over 13 fences on Cheltenham’s Old Course.
Leading Contenders and Betting Odds
As the race approaches, several top-tier horses are vying for favour among punters:
-
Jonbon: Currently leading the market at 4/5, Jonbon boasts an impressive record. However, his performances at Cheltenham have been less convincing, with three defeats on this track, including notable losses to Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and El Fabiolo in the Arkle Novices’ Chase.
-
Gaelic Warrior: Priced at 9/2, this Willie Mullins-trained gelding secured victory in last season’s Arkle Novices’ Chase. Despite a second-place finish to Solness in the Paddy’s Reward Club Chase at Leopardstown, his potential for improvement keeps him in contention.
-
Il Est Francais: Also at 9/2, Il Est Francais has shown versatility over varying distances. Connections are contemplating entries in both the Ryanair Chase and the Champion Chase, with ground conditions likely influencing their decision.
-
Energumene: A two-time Champion Chase victor, Energumene is available at 6/1. After a significant injury hiatus, his recent comeback showcased his enduring class, though his prospects may hinge on softer ground conditions.
-
El Fabiolo: Offered at 10/1, El Fabiolo’s previous triumph over Jonbon in the Arkle positions him as a formidable contender. Despite a setback in last year’s Champion Chase, his capabilities warrant attention.
Key Race Statistics and Trends
Analyzing historical data provides insights into potential outcomes:
-
Age: The majority of winners over the past decade have been between 7 and 9 years old, suggesting horses in this age bracket are at their peak for this event.
-
Recent Form: Notably, 13 of the last 19 winners had secured victory in their preceding race, underscoring the importance of entering the Champion Chase in winning form.
-
Course Experience: A strong Cheltenham record is advantageous; 17 of the past 19 winners had prior experience over fences at this venue, with 11 having previously won here.
-
Favouritism: While favorites often attract significant support, only 7 of the last 19 favorites have justified their status by winning, indicating that upsets are not uncommon.
Historical Context
Established in 1959 and renamed in 1980 to honor the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday, the Champion Chase has witnessed multiple repeat winners. Notably, Badsworth Boy achieved a remarkable hat-trick from 1983 to 1985.
Conclusion
The 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase promises a compelling contest, blending seasoned champions with emerging talents. While Jonbon leads the betting markets, his Cheltenham record introduces a layer of uncertainty. Punters should weigh factors such as recent form, course experience, and prevailing ground conditions when making their selections.
