This Ungraded handicap race is run as the seventh on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival. Taking place on Thursday, 15th March at 17.30 GMT, the handicap chase is for horses over five years of age, and is run over 3 miles and one and a half furlongs over fences. This Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup is only open to amateur jockeys, and takes place on the New Course at Prestbury Park.
The 2017 winner was Domesday Book, at (40/1), with Pendra in second place at (16/1) and Premier Bond at (9/1) in third place.
Interesting facts about this Challenge cup are that there has not been, for more than 30 years, an Irish Trained winner of this race, while 10 of the previous 13 winners were unplaced in their earlier races. This year’s race has 74 scheduled runners, with the prize fund to the winning rider standing at £41, 972.00. Looking back at past winners, it obviously takes a very determined, tough, strong horse to win this race, especially given the distance of three miles and almost two furlongs.
Favourites have yet to be announced, but Jamie Codd, who has ridden 4 winners in recent years looks to have high stakes. Other contenders could be Abolitionist, Squouateur and Tintern Theatre.
