Champion Bumper 2026 Runners

Find the latest Champion Bumper odds and likely runners right here. Oddschecker updates this page in real-time, meaning you’ll always see the freshest Champion Bumper odds as they move.

The Champion Bumper is one of the Cheltenham Festival’s most exciting contests and the premier National Hunt Flat race of the season. It showcases the best young jump prospects before they go over obstacles and is often a first glimpse of future stars of hurdling and chasing.

First run in 1992, the race has become a key target for leading trainers in Britain and Ireland with their top bumper horses. Many winners and placed horses have gone on to achieve Grade 1 success over hurdles and fences.

Run over 2 miles ½ furlong (3,219 metres) on Cheltenham’s Old Course, the Champion Bumper is run on the Flat with no obstacles. Despite that, the undulating track and strong pace provide a thorough test of speed, balance and potential.

The race holds Grade 1 status and takes place on Wednesday 11th March 2026 during the Cheltenham Festival. For young National Hunt prospects, it is one of the most prestigious prizes available before embarking on a hurdling career.

Notable Winners

• Cue Card – winner in 2010 who went on to become a multiple Grade 1 chase star.
• Envoi Allen – dominant winner in 2019 before top-level success over hurdles and fences.
• Fayonagh – impressive 2017 winner for Gordon Elliott.
• Relegate – 2018 winner who later competed at the highest level.

Key Race Details

• Race Type: National Hunt Flat (Bumper)
• Grade: Grade 1
• Distance: 2 miles ½ furlong (3,219 metres)
• Obstacles: None
• Location: Cheltenham Racecourse (Old Course)
• Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026 (Cheltenham Festival – Day Two)
• Prize Money: Typically over £75,000 in total prize fund (varies year-on-year)
• Inaugurated: 1992
• Sponsor: Weatherbys (varies by year)

The Champion Bumper remains a cornerstone of the Cheltenham Festival programme, highlighting raw talent and future potential in National Hunt racing. With no hurdles to jump but plenty of pressure, it is a fascinating contest that often points the way to future Festival champions.