Day 1 · Champion Day · Tue 16 Mar 2027 · Old Course
Arkle Challenge Trophy
Cheltenham Festival 2027
2027 ante-post market
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2026 Festival
2026 result
SourcesSporting Life (opens in a new tab)accessed 14 September 2026
History
Past winners in our database
About the race
About the Arkle Challenge Trophy
The championship for two-mile novice chasers, named after the greatest steeplechaser of all. Winners frequently graduate to the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
- Distance
- 1m 7f 199y
- Race type
- Grade 1 Chase
- Age conditions
- 5yo+ novices
- Course
- Old Course
Editorial
Analysis & guides
Analysis
Queen Mother Champion Chase Guide: Distance, History, Last 10 Winners and the Trends That Hold Up
The two-mile chasing championship — 1m 7f 199y on the Old Course on Ladies Day — with a verified ten-year winners table, the counts computed from it, and the 2027 picture.
Cheltenham Betting Tips Editorial DeskUpdated 14 September 20265 min read
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Arkle Challenge Trophy?
The 2027 Arkle Challenge Trophy is scheduled for Tuesday, 16 March 2027 — Day 1 (Champion Day) of the Cheltenham Festival, on the Old Course. Race times are published by the Jockey Club nearer the Festival.
Who won the 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy?
Kargese won the 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Danny Mullins, at a starting price of 7/1. Kopek Des Bordes finished second (11/8).
How long is the Arkle Challenge Trophy?
The Arkle Challenge Trophy is run over 1m 7f 199y on the Old Course at Cheltenham. It is a Grade 1 Chase for 5yo+ novices.