Ultima Handicap Chase Odds, Tips, Free Bets & Betting Offers
Craig Jones
Also known as the Festival Trophy Handicap, the Ultima often features past and future Grand National runners. It’s a real stamina test, often run at a good gallop and over three miles and one furlong, tough for even the strongest of stayers.
The Ultima is the first big handicap of the festival, so draws interest for that reason, and for punters, it’s always worth looking for each way betting offers, with many bookmakers enhancing their terms on this race.
Read on for Ultima Handicap Chase betting odds, tips and Cheltenham free bets for the 2026 race.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Tuesday, March 10th - 3:20pm |
| Winner’s Prize: | £70,338 |
| Distance: | Three-miles & one-furlong |
| Race Type: | Handicap Chase |
| Age: | 5-Years+ |
| Course: | Old Course |
| Weights: | Handicap |
| Where to Watch? | ITV Racing, Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams |
Ultima Handicap Chase Betting Offers & Free Bets
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Ultima Handicap Chase Betting Odds
The Ultima is often wide open, and here's what the best betting sites think of this years' renewal.
Ultima Handicap Chase Tips
MYRETOWN (Each-Way) won this race in dominant fashion 12 months ago and could bounce back to defend his crown after a couple of below-par efforts this season. With proven course form and a race profile that suits previous winners, the Russell/Scudamore-trained runner looks capable of going well again at a price.
Recommendation: Myretown (Each-Way) - 10/1 with bet365 (6 places)
Check out Alan's and Charlie's Cheltenham Festival tips via the links below.
What Happened in 2025?
Last year saw an all the way success for Myretown, trained in Scotland by Lucinda Russell.
Ultima Handicap Chase Key Stats
- 10 of the last 13 winners were aged between seven and nine
- The last Irish-trained winner was back in 2003, so this is a very good race for British trainers
- Five of the last ten winners were rated 145 or more
Previous Winners of the Ultima Handicap Chase
Check out the last five winners of the Ultima in the table below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Myretown |
| 2024 | Chianti Classico |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler |
| 2022 | Corach Rambler |
| 2021 | Vintage Clouds |
FAQs
What day is the Utima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham?
The Festival Handicap Chase takes place on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. It is the fourth race on the card.
What distance is the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham?
The race is run on the Old Course over a distance of three miles and one furlong (5,029 metres to be precise).
What time is the Ultima Handicap Chase?
The scheduled race off-time is set for 3:20pm on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
More Cheltenham Tips
Check out our tips for all the other Cheltenham Day 1 races:
