Ultima Handicap Chase Tips

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The first handicap on day one of the Cheltenham Festival is the Festival Handicap Chase.

More commonly known as the Ultima, this three-mile handicap has been won by some really classy horses down the years, with many of it's runners going on to take part in the Aintree Grand National the following month.

2024 Ultima Handicap Chase Bookmakers & Free Bets

Check out which free bet offers and extra place specials you can use on the Festival Handicap Chase here:

Day 1 Cheltenham Festival Free Bets 2024

BookmakerFree BetPromo CodeClaim Free Bet
Super Boost: State Man at EvensCode: NEWBONUSState Man Boost
€20 No Deposit & €70 Bundle (IRELAND ONLY)Code: BET10GE70€20 No Deposit
£/€10 Back for CheltenhamCode: NEWBONUS£10 ReFUND
Bet £10, Get £30 plus 25% extra winnings on the SupremeCode: NEWBONUSJOIN BET365
£100 RefundCheltenham Special£100 REFUND
$600 to Play PokerCode: NEWBONUS$600 Poker

Ultima Handicap 2024 Betting Tips


Our verdict on the Ultima Handicap chase is available and you can find out winning selection for the Festival Handicap Chase here once available.

Ultima Handicap Chase Specials

Check out all Cheltenham promotions and Festival Handicap Chase Bookie Specials here.

Ultima Handicap Chase Key Facts


DateTuesday March 12th, 2024
Time2:50pm
TrackCheltenham
Distance3m 1f
StatusGrade 3 Handicap
Prize Money£110,000
Age5YO+

Ultima Handicap Chase History

The Ultima Handicap Chase was first added to the Cheltenham Festival schedule in 1946. Run over three miles and one furlong, this handicap is a stern test of stamina and class and has seen some top-quality winners down the years.

Verly Bewicke's Kerstin won the Festival Handicap Chase in 1956, before going on to beat the boys in the Cheltenham Gold Cup two years later.

Sentina was the first back-to-back winner when she claimed victories in 1957 and '58. That achieve was matched by Scot Lane in the early 1980s and Un Temps Pour Tout, who successfully defended his title under top-weight at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival.

Many horses often go from the Festival Handicap Chase to the Grand National at Aintree. Five horses have completed the Festival Handicap, Grand National double. The most recent being Rough Quest, who completed that grueling double under Mick Fitzgerald in 1996.

Viewers were treated to a thrilling renewal of the Festival Handicap Chase in 2019, with David Bridgewater's The Conditional narrowly holding off Kildisart to claim his first Cheltenham Festival victory.

Ultima Handicap Chase FAQs

When is the Ultima Handicap Chase 2024?

The Ultima Handicap Chase takes place on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival, on Tuesday March 12th.

What time is the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham?

The 2024 Ultima Handicap is due off at 14:50 GMT on Tuesday March 12th. It is the third race on the opening day of Day One at the Cheltenham Festival.