Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase

Introduced | 2005 |
Racecourse | Cheltenham, Old Course |
Race Distance | 2 miles & 4 1/2 furlongs |
Entry Conditions | Novice horses aged 5 and over |
Current Sponsor | Close Brothers |
Date & Time | Formally on Day 1 at 16:50 |
Leading Jockey | Graham Lee & Brian Hughes with 2 wins |
Leading Trainer | Ferdy Murphy with 2 wins |
The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase, also known as the Centenary Novices Handicap Chase, was the 2nd last race to take place on day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival before the race was discontinued in 2021 when the The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase was introduced.
It was run over a distance of around 2 miles and 4 1/2 furlongs on the old course at Cheltenham and features 16 fences.
The race is one of the newer races to feature at the Cheltenham Festival having been introduced in 2005 when a fourth day was added to the festival.
Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase Past Winners
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey | Distances | |
2020 | 1st | Honeysuckle | 6 | 9-4 | H De Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore | |
2nd | Benie Des Dieux | 9 | 4-6f | W P Mullins | P Townend | 1/2 length | |
3rd | Elfile | 6 | 16-1 | W P Mullins | D E Mullins | 6 1/2 lengths | |
– | |||||||
2019 | 1st | A Plus Tard | 5 | 5-1F | H De Bromhead | R Blackmore | |
2nd | Tower Bridge | 6 | 6-1 | J P O’Brien | J J Slevin | 16 Lengths | |
3rd | Ben Dundee | 7 | 33-1 | G Elliott | K M Donoghue | 4 1/2 Lengths | |
– | |||||||
2018 | 1st | Mister Whitaker | 6 | 11-1 | M R Channon | B S Hughes | |
2nd | Rather Be | 7 | 15-2 | N J Henderson | J McGrath | Head | |
3rd | Rocklander | 9 | 16-1 | T R George | A Heskin | 3 1/4 Lengths | |
– | |||||||
2017 | 1st | Tully East | 7 | 8-1 | A Fleming | D F O’Regan | |
2nd | Gold Present | 7 | 14-1 | N J Henderson | J McGrath | 1 1/4 Lengths | |
3rd | Two Taffs | 7 | 7-1 | D Skelton | D N Russell | Neck | |
– | |||||||
2016 | 1st | Ballyalton | 9 | 12-1 | I Williams | B S Hughes | |
2nd | Bouvreuil | 5 | 14-1 | P F Nicholls | Sam Twiston-Davies | 1/2 a Lengths | |
3rd | Double Shuffle | 6 | 8-1 | T R George | P J Brennan | 4 1/2 Lengths | |
– | |||||||
2015 | 1st | Irish Cavalier | 6 | 11-1 | R Curtis | P Townend | |
2nd | Thomas Crapper | 8 | 6-1 | R Dickin | C Poste | 2 1/2 Lengths | |
3rd | Generous Ransom | 7 | 8-1 | N J Gifford | D A Jacob | 1/2 a Length |
Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase Trends
- 11 of the last 15 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase winners either finished 1st or 2nd last time out
- 11 of the last 15 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase winners were aged 6 or 7 years old
Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase Betting Offers
The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase was the second last race to take place on day 1 of the Cheltenham festival and so whether you’ve hit a few winners already or luck hasn’t been on your side, you should look at taking advantage of some of the betting offers available on the race to increase your chances of being in profit.
There will be a number of betting offers for the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase, as there will be for every race at Cheltenham. These include free bet offers, enhanced prices, money-back on losing bets, best odds guaranteed and extra places to name a few. These offers can add extra value to your bets and are worth taking advantage of.
Below is a list of Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase betting offers which are currently available.

Money Back if 2nd or 3rd to SP Favourite – Cheltenham
Get a refund as a free bet up to £20 if your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd to the SP Favourite in ANY RACE at Cheltenham
Free Bet if your selection finishes 2nd or 3rd to the SP favourite at the Cheltenham Festival. 18+. UK/IRE customers only. Max refund £/€20. Win or win part of e/w outright singles only. Min field size required. 1st bet on each race. Free bet expires after 7 days. Applies to Ante Post bets placed from 3/3/2020. Free/void bets don't qualify. T&Cs apply.

Cheltenham Money Back if 2nd
Cash refund up to £10 if your horse finishes 2nd at Cheltenham
Money back credited as cash to £10 per race. First bet qualifies on the Race Winner market only. Min odds 3/1 and 4+ runners. Other terms and restrictions apply.