The Arkle Novices' Chase card follows the opening race at Cheltenham 2026 on Tuesday. Check our preview and betting trends for the race here.
Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is almost upon us, and the Supreme Novices' Hurdle kicks off Day 1 on Tuesday – perfect time to dive into your research and bag the best Cheltenham Free Bet Offers.
The Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase is one of the standout races on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival, showcasing the best two-mile novice chasers in training. Run over just under two miles and featuring 13 fences, the race demands both speed and precise jumping, with many past winners going on to become Champion Chase stars.
Arkle Novices' Chase Runners and Jockeys
Kopek Des Bordes (Paul Townend) and Lulamba (Nico de Boinville) head the market for the Arkle Novices' Chase.
Arkle Novices' Chase Runners & Jockeys:
- Hansard - Caoilin Quinn
- Jax Junior - Tom Cannon
- Kopek Des Bordes - Paul Townend
- Lulamba - N de Boinville
- Steel Ally - Dylan Johnston
- Kargese - Danny Mullins
Two Willie Mullins runners (Kopek Des Bordes and Kargese) highlight the trainer's strength in the Arkle field, with Paul Townend and Danny Mullins aboard.
Who's favourite to win the 2026 Arkle Novices' Chase?
Kopek Des Bordes is the clear betting favourite to win the 2026 Arkle Novices' Chase. Latest odds imply roughly a 40% chance to win, ahead of Lulamba at 38% and Kargese at 14%.
| Race Winner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Kopek Des Bordes | 6/4 | bet365 |
| Lulamba | 13/8 | BetTom |
| Kargese | 13/2 | AK Bets |
| Steel Ally | 16/1 | AK Bets |
| Jax Junior | 25/1 | AK Bets |
| Hansard | 125/1 | AK Bets |
Kopek Des Bordes heads the market after an impressive novice chase debut and arrives with strong expectations. The former Supreme winner has been well supported in betting and is widely viewed as the horse to beat if he jumps cleanly under pressure.
Lulamba represents a major threat and comes into the race unbeaten in his three starts over fences. His preparation route mirrors that of previous Arkle winners such as Sprinter Sacre and Altior, which has added to confidence in his chances.
Kargese could be the value alternative near the front of the market. The mare has strong spring form and ran well in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown, suggesting she has the class and experience to challenge the favourites.
Outside the leading trio, Steel Ally is viewed by some tipsters as a potential value bet, while Jax Junior and Hansard would likely need significant improvement to trouble the principals.
2026 Arkle Novices' Chase Betting Trends
Recent betting activity points to Kopek Des Bordes as the clear punters’ favourite in the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase. Over the past 12 hours, he has attracted 44% of all bets, showing strong market support.
Close behind is Lulamba, backed by 34% of punters, while Kargese has received 11% of the wagers. Steel Ally and Jax Junior account for 5% and 4% respectively, with Hansard trailing on around 1%.
The figures highlight a two-horse battle at the head of the market, with Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba attracting the bulk of attention, while a few outsiders could offer value for those looking to stray from the favourites.
Arkle Novices' Chase Race Trends
- 11 of the previous 12 winners were aged 6 or 7
- 11 of the previous 12 winners had at least 2 runs over fences
- 10 of the previous 12 winners had at least one previous run at Cheltenham
- 10 of the previous 12 winners had won last time out
- 9 of the previous 12 winners were rated 153 or higher
- 8 of the previous 12 winners were favourites
Arkle Novices' Chase Betting Tips
Here is the summary from some of Oddschecker's expert tipsters on who they believe will win the Arkle Novices' Chase.
Road to Cheltenham - KOPEK DES BORDES
All KOPEK DES BORDES, aren’t we? I’ve been a huge admirer of this horse since he won his bumper at Fairyhouse and he has always looked like a chaser in the making. We’ve seen him just once over fences so far but I’d say his talent makes up for inexperience.
Find all of Road to Cheltenham's Betting Tips here.
Steve Ryder - Lulamba
Find all of Steve Ryder's Cheltenham Portfolio here.
Oddschecker Verdict - Kopek Des Bordes - 1pt Win
Best Betting Offers and Free Bets for Cheltenham Day One
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Your Next Cheltenham Read
Racing Lee's Day One Cheltenham Festival Tips
Ginger Joe's Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Tips
Andy Holding's Full Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post Portfolio
Road to Cheltenham's NAPs for Each Day of the Festival
Jake Price's Full Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post Portfolio
