Nicky Henderson is preparing for another run at the Cheltenham Festival with his star horse Jonbon, aiming to secure victory at the highly anticipated Queen Mother Champion Chase. Jonbon, who is the full brother to the legendary Douvan, will be trying to break his streak of near-misses at the prestigious event. Although he has come close twice, this season has seen him flourish, making him the horse to watch once the race kicks off on March 12, 2025.
Last year saw the prestigious Champion Chase claimed by Ireland, with Captain Guinness from Henry de Bromhead's stable taking the victory after early favorite El Fabiolo faltered. The 2025 renewal is set for another thrilling showdown, promising to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Fans excited for the Queen Mother Champion Chase 2025 can mark their calendars for Wednesday, March 12, with the race expected to start at 4 PM. The event will be broadcast live on paddypower.com, the Paddy Power app, and ITV1, providing ample opportunity for racing enthusiasts to catch all the action.
Leading up to the race, 26 horses are entered, and among them are some key contenders like American Mike, Banbridge, and, of course, Jonbon, who stands out as the favorite following his exceptional performances this season. Other notable horses include Gaelic Warrior, who won last season's Arkle race, and Energumene. Fans can check the latest Champion Chase odds on the Paddy Power website and app, where they can find competitive futures pricing.
While the Champion Chase captures significant attention, the Cheltenham Festival also features its crown jewel: the Cheltenham Gold Cup, considered the biggest event in the jumps racing calendar. Over the years, the Gold Cup has become the ultimate test of stamina and jumping prowess, previously dominated by Galopin Des Champs, who has clinched the title for the past two years. The upcoming festival may see him chase history as he aims to secure a hat-trick win.
The Gold Cup is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025, with the post time set for 4 PM as well. Racing fans won’t want to miss this, as it’s not only the hallmark of the festival but also the battle of the best horses, sprinting over 22 fences across 3 miles and 2½ furlongs on the New Course.
Galopin Des Champs, coming off of impressive victories, remains the favorite for the 2025 Gold Cup, particularly following his standout performance during the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period. Other horses set to compete include the likes of Ahoy Senor, Gerri Colombe, and the strong contender, Fact To File, who showed remarkable form last season.
Betting enthusiasts can find Cheltenham Gold Cup odds on the Paddy Power platform, with the prices reflecting the strength of the competitors. Galopin Des Champs not only carries the weight of expectations but has proven his mettle by overcoming high-stakes challenges. The early odds may indicate his strength, yet the unpredictability of racing ensures surprises are always possible.
With March quickly approaching, the buzz around the Cheltenham Festival is reaching fever pitch. Both the Champion Chase and Gold Cup promise to showcase thrilling races with top tier competition. Horse racing fans are gearing up for these momentous events, eager to see if past champions can hold their ground or if new challengers will emerge victorious.
For those planning to catch the action live, both events will be available for viewing on paddypower.com and IT1V, bringing the excitement straight to fans. With the specified dates and start times approaching, enthusiasts are encouraged to stay informed on the runner changes and any developments leading up to race day.
Anticipation builds as the days inch closer to the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, and with it, the promise of extraordinary feats of equine athleticism and perhaps a chance to witness history being made once again. Betting markets continue to fluctuate with each passing day, reflecting the shifts among the competitors and the overall racing community’s sentiments.