National Hunt Challenge Cup Tips

Over the distance of 3m6f, the National Hunt Challenge Cup is the joint-longest race of the week at the Cheltenham Festival. Some of the runners in this field have a Grand National entry, so this will be their final outing before Aintree.

This race is for amateur riders only and is only open to novice chasers. It was won in 2017 by Tiger Roll, while in 2023, Gaillard Du Mesnil came out on top for Willie Mullins.

National Hunt Betting Odds

A maximum field of 16 runners will compete on the Old Course in the final race on day one this year. Jonjo O’Neill holds the record for the most wins as a trainer with six successes. The Jackdaws Castle man could saddle two runners this year, as Coeur Serein and Iron Bridge both have entries.

2024 Challenge Cup National Hunt Tips

Horses who sit high in the odds tend to perform well here with 14/1 winner Le Breuil being the largest winner in recent history back in 2012. Nine horses currently sit under 14/1 in the odds. However, most winners also have a good record at the racecourse and sit between the ages of six and eight.

The two who head the National Hunt Chase betting, Corbetts Cross and Embassy Gardens, are fitted with first-time headgear and have shown their quirks in recent starts.

They have a bit to prove regarding stamina for this extreme test as well, and it seems significant that Gordon Elliott has earmarked this race for SALVADOR ZIGGY from such a long way out.

He is the one to beat on ratings, possesses strong course form and can land this big prize en route to his intended next run in the Grand National.

Selection: Salvador Ziggy

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