Plate Handicap Chase 2026 Runners

Find the latest Plate Handicap Chase odds and likely runners right here. Oddschecker updates this page in real-time, so you can track the market movers and see which horses are being backed for one of the most competitive handicap chases of the Cheltenham Festival.

The Plate Handicap Chase is a fiercely contested Grade 3 handicap run on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival. Open to horses aged five and over, it regularly attracts a strong field of seasoned two-and-a-half-mile chasers from leading British and Irish yards.

First run in 1951, the race has long been a staple of the Festival programme and remains one of the meeting’s most popular handicap chases. Its competitive nature and demanding test of jumping make it a race where experience and tactical positioning are often decisive.

The race is run over 2 miles 4 furlongs (2m4f) on Cheltenham’s New Course and features 17 fences. The intermediate trip requires a balance of speed and stamina, while accurate jumping is essential to hold a position in what is typically a tightly packed field.

The Plate Handicap Chase carries Grade 3 status and is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 10th March 2026 during the Cheltenham Festival (Day One).

Notable Winners

• Siruh Du Lac – produced a bold front-running performance to land the 2019 renewal.
• The Shunter – gained a memorable victory in 2021, completing a remarkable Festival gamble.
• Coole Cody – popular winner in 2022, showcasing strong course form.
• Imperial Commander – won this race in 2008 before later claiming Cheltenham Gold Cup glory.

Key Race Details

• Race Type: Handicap Chase
• Grade: Grade 3
• Distance: 2 miles 4 furlongs
• Number of Fences: 17
• Location: Cheltenham Racecourse (New Course)
• Date: Tuesday 10th March 2026 (Cheltenham Festival – Day One)
• Prize Money: Typically in excess of £100,000 to the winner (varies year-on-year)
• Inaugurated: 1951

The Plate Handicap Chase is often targeted by connections with well-handicapped chasers who possess solid Festival or graded form. With pace and jumping precision crucial, the race regularly produces dramatic finishes and can act as a springboard to higher-level staying chases later in a horse’s career.

Plate Handicap Chase FAQs

1. Who are the confirmed runners for the Plate Handicap Chase?

Runners are not officially confirmed until the final declarations stage, which takes place 48 hours before the race. The Plate Handicap Chase regularly attracts a competitive field, with strong representation from leading British and Irish trainers.

2. When are Plate Handicap Chase runners officially confirmed?

Final declarations for the 2026 renewal will be made at 10:00am on the Sunday prior to the race, confirming the final field set to line up on Tuesday 10th March 2026.

3. How many horses usually run in the Plate Handicap Chase?

The race typically features a large field, often close to the safety limit of around 24 runners. As one of the Festival’s premier handicap chases, it consistently draws deep and competitive line-ups.

4. What type of horse profile tends to perform best?

Horses aged between 7 and 9 have historically performed well, particularly those with proven form over intermediate distances and solid jumping records. Previous experience at Cheltenham — especially on the New Course — is often a significant advantage.

5. Which trainers have a strong record in the Plate Handicap Chase?

Several leading trainers have enjoyed success in the race over the years, including Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson. Irish yards have also become increasingly competitive in recent renewals, frequently targeting the contest with progressive handicap chasers.