Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase Odds, Tips, Free Bets & Betting Offers

Updated: April 1, 2026 at 2:31 pm GMT+1
Fact Checked by Craig Jones

The second race on day three at Cheltenham, and a race that's changed plenty in recent years.

The Jack Richards Novices' Chase is now a handicap, it's no longer a graded race, a move that's there to try and increase field sizes and competitiveness across the whole novice division.

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Read on forJack Richards Novices’ Chase betting odds, tips, and Cheltenham free bets.


Race Details
When:Thursday, March 12th - 2:00pm
Winner’s Prize:£98,472
Distance:Two-miles & four-furlongs
Race Type:Novice Handicap Chase
Age:5-Years+
Course:New Course
Weights:11st 3lb (5yo), 11st 4lb (6yo+), 7lb allowance for mares
Where to watch?ITV Racing, Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams

Jack Richards Novices’ Chase Betting Offers & Free Bets

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Jack Richards Novices’ Chase Betting Odds

Now a different event all together, as we saw last season, this should lead to betting sites giving bigger odds, more each way places and a far more competitive environment for punters overall.


Jack Richards Novices’ Chase Tips

REGENT'S STROLL (Nap) fits the profile of recent winners for the Paul Nicholls–Harry Cobden partnership and looks a strong contender in this Grade 2 novices' handicap. With solid novice form and further improvement likely over fences, he can prove better than his current mark of 145.

Recommendation: Regent’s Stroll (Nap) - 6/1 with Ladbrokes


Check out Alan's and Charlie's Cheltenham Festival tips via the links below.

Charlie McCann Tips
Get exclusive daily horse racing tips from Charlie McCann here at Freebets.
Alan Kelly Tips
Get exclusive selections from Alan Kelly on daily horse racing here at Freebets.

What Happened in 2025?

The first running of this race as a handicap was won by Cadwell Potter for Paul Nicholls.


Jack Richards Novices’ Chase Key Stats

  • 11 of the last 12 winners were aged 6 or 7
  • 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 win in a Grade 1 or 2 race
  • It’s a strong race for favourites, with nine of the last 13 winners coming from the first three in the betting

Previous Winners of the Jack Richards Novices’ Chase

Check out the last five winners of the Jack Richards Novices’ Chase in the table below.

YearWinner
2025Cadwell Potter
2024Grey Dawning
2023Stage Star
2022Bob Olinger
2021Chantry House

FAQs

What is the Jack Richards Novices' Chase?

The Jack Richards Novices' Chase has previously been called the JLT Chase and Marsh Chase, it is now a handicap for novices over fences.

How far is the Cheltenham Jack Richards Novices' Chase?

The Jack Richards Novices’ Chase is run over two and a half miles, with seventeen fences jumped.

Who is the leading trainer in the Jack Richards Novices' Chase?

Willie Mullins has trained the winner of the race on four occasions - Sir Des Champs in 2012, Vautour in 2015, Black Hercules in 2016, and Yorkhill in 2017.


More Cheltenham Tips

Check out our tips for all the other Cheltenham Day 3 races:

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Scott McGlynn
Scott McGlynn

Scott McGlynn draws on over 30 years of sports betting and casino experience, bringing data-led insights and first-hand knowledge to our readers. An authoritative and trusted voice in the gambling industry, Scott ensures our readers are always informed on the very latest sports and casino offerings.

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