A list of notable National Hunt horse races which take place annually in Great Britain, under the authority of the British Horseracing Authority, including all races which currently hold Grade 1, 2 or Premier Handicap status.
A National Hunt (NH) Pattern of important races was first recognized in 1964 when the Horserace Betting Levy Board made a grant of £64,000 to fund a "prestige race allocation" split between the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National. In 1968 a Jump Racing Pattern Committee headed by Lord Leverhulme recommended the creation of a formal NH Pattern, which came into being in 1969 with 14 races initially. The Pattern underwent further revisions in the 1980s and was subject to a major change in 1989 when the Jockey Club, the governing body of British horseracing at the time, overhauled the Pattern to create a mid-season and season-ending Grade 1 race in each of twelve categories, with lead-up Grade 2 races and a set of 14 major handicaps of Grade 3 status.[1] This forms the basis of the current Pattern, which has since been subject to further changes in status and number of races, most recently for the 2023–24 season.[2] Major changes took place in the 2022–23 season when the Grade 3 handicaps were renamed Premier Handicaps and Listed handicaps were removed from the pattern, either becoming Premier Handicaps or being downgraded to Class 2 status.[3][4]
Month |
Race Name |
Type |
Racecourse |
Distance † |
Age/Sex |
2024–25 winner |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
October | Robert Mottram Memorial Trophy | Chase | Chepstow | 2m 3½f | 4yo+ | Springwell Bay |
October | Trustatrader Approved & Reviewed Trades People Hurdle | Hurdle | Kempton | 2m | 4yo+ | Rubaud |
Oct / Nov | Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle | Hurdle | Wetherby | 2m | 3yo | Liam Swagger |
Oct / Nov | Wetherby Mares' Hurdle | Hurdle | Wetherby | 2m | 4yo+ m | Take No Chances |
November | Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase | Chase | Carlisle | 2m 4f | 4yo+ | Marble Sands |
November | Houghton Mares' Chase | Chase | Carlisle | 2m 4f | 4yo+ m | Terresita |
November | Yorton Stallions Mares' Novices' Chase | Chase | Bangor | 2m 1½f | 4yo+ | Shecouldbeanything |
November | Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 3m ½f | 5yo+ | Hyland |
November | Karndean Designflooring Mares' Open National Hunt Flat Race | Flat | Cheltenham | 2m ½f | 4–5yo m | Seo Linn |
November | Junior Jumpers Open National Hunt Flat Race | Flat | Cheltenham | 2m ½f | 4–5yo | Fortune De Mer |
November | Racing TV Mares' Hurdle | Hurdle | Kempton | 2m 5f | 4yo+ m | |
November | Bud Booth Mares' Chase | Chase | Market Rasen | 3m | 4yo+ m | |
Nov / Dec | Bet In-Race With Coral Filles' Juvenile Hurdle | Hurdle | Newbury | 2m ½f | 3yo f | |
Nov / Dec | Coral Racing-Super-Series Mares' Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Newbury | 2m ½f | 4yo+ | |
December | Boylesports Acca Boost Juvenile Hurdle | Hurdle | Aintree | 2m 1f | 3yo | |
December | Claremont Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Sandown | 2m | 4yo+ | |
December | Henrietta Knight Mares' Open National Hunt Flat Race | Flat | Huntingdon | 2m | 4–5yo | |
December | Lady Godiva Mares' Novices' Chase | Chase | Warwick | 2m 4f | 4yo+ | |
December | Doncaster Mares' Hurdle | Hurdle | Doncaster | 3m | 4yo+ m | |
December | Thomas Materials Open National Hunt Flat Race | Flat | Ascot | 2m | 4–5yo | |
December | Abram Hurdle | Hurdle | Haydock | 2m 3f | 4yo+ | |
December | Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares' Chase | Chase | Doncaster | 2m 4½f | 4yo+ m | |
December | Byerley Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Taunton | 2m ½f | 3yo+ m | |
January | Family Fun "Junior" National Hunt Flat Race | Flat | Cheltenham | 1m 6f | 4yo | |
January | Unibet Try Unibet's New Acca Boost Mares' Hurdle | Hurdle | Sandown | 2m 4f | 4yo+ | |
January | Alan Swinbank Mares' National Hunt Flat Race | Flat | Market Rasen | 2m ½f | 4-6yo m | |
January | Make Your Best Bet At BetVictor Mares' Chase | Chase | Newbury | 2m 7½f | 4yo+ m | |
January | SBK Fillies' Juvenile Hurdle | Hurdle | Doncaster | 2m ½f | 4yo f | |
February | Scottish Triumph Hurdle | Hurdle | Musselburgh | 1m 7½f | 4yo | |
February | Lady Protectress Mares' Chase | Chase | Huntingdon | 2m 4f | 5yo+ m | |
February | Agatha Christie Mares' Novices' Chase | Chase | Exeter | 2m | 5yo+ m | |
February | Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Huntingdon | 2m 3½f | 4yo+ | |
February | Warwick Mares' Hurdle | Hurdle | Warwick | 2m 5f | 4yo+ m | |
February | Betfair Exchange Beacons Bumper | Flat | Newbury | 2m ½f | 4-6yo | |
February | Trustatrader Fully Vetted Tradespeople Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Exeter | 2m ½f | 4yo+ | |
February | Trustatrader You Can Trust Our Traders Mares' Chase | Chase | Exeter | 3m | 5yo+ m | |
March | bet365 Premier Chase | Chase | Kelso | 2m 7½f | 5yo+ | |
March | Tips For Every Race At raceday-ready.com Mares' Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Doncaster | 3m ½f | 5yo+ m | |
March | British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NHF Race | Flat | Sandown | 2m | 4-6yo m | |
March | UNNAMED Mares' Hurdle | Hurdle | Kelso | 3m | 4yo+ m | |
April | Changing Young Lives At Jamie's Farm Mares' Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Cheltenham | 2m 4½f | 4yo+ m | |
April | Gold Castle 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Perth | 3m | 5yo+ | |
April | Fair Maid Of Perth Mares' Chase | Chase | Perth | 3m | 5yo+ m |
Criteria for inclusion;
Month |
Race Name |
Type |
Racecourse |
Status |
Distance † |
Class |
Value £K† |
Age |
2024–25 winner |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
November | Rising Stars Silver Bowl Novices' Chase | Chase | Exeter | Novice | 3m | 2 | 40 | 4yo+ | Captain Teague[a] |
November | Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Graduation Chase | Chase | Carlisle | Conditions | 2m | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | Nells Son |
November | Betfair Graduation Chase | Chase | Haydock | Conditions | 2m 5½f | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
December | Howden Graduation Chase | Chase | Ascot | Conditions | 2m 5f | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
January | Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hdl | Hurdle | Windsor | Conditions | 2m 4f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
January | Fleur De Lys Chase | Chase | Windsor | Conditions | 2m 6½f | 2 | 165 | 5yo+ | |
January | Grand Military Gold Cup | Chase | Sandown | Conditions | 3m | 3 | 17.5 | 6yo+ | |
February | Royal Artillery Gold Cup | Chase | Sandown | Conditions | 3m | 2 | 17.5 | 6yo+ | |
February | Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle | Hurdle | Haydock | Juvenile | 1m 7½f | 2 | 30 | 4yo | |
March | Goffs UK Spring Sale Bumper | Flat | Newbury | Sales | 2m ½f | 2 | 100 | 4-5yo |
† Prize money figures in italics are from the previous season, updated when available.
Criteria for inclusion;
Month |
Race Name |
Type |
Racecourse |
Distance † |
Class |
Value £K |
Age |
2024–25 winner |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
May | Staffordshire Plate | Chase | Uttoxeter | 3m | 2 | 35 | 5yo+ | Imperial Alex |
May | Norfolk National | Chase | Fakenham | 3m 5f | 3 | 25 | 5yo+ | Trincomalee |
May | Pertemps Network Long Distance Hurdle | Hurdle | Haydock | 3m ½f | 2 | 40 | 4yo+ | Zain Nights |
May | Clarke Chase | Chase | Uttoxeter | 2m 4f | 2 | 40 | 5yo+ | Your Darling |
June | Perth Gold Cup | Chase | Perth | 3m | 2 | 34 | 5yo+ | Statuario |
June / July | Summer Cup | Chase | Uttoxeter | 3m 2f | 2 | 75 | 5yo+ | Hang In There |
June / July | Oakmere Homes Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Cartmel | 2m 1f | 2 | 40 | 4yo+ | Fiveonefive |
June / July | Oakmere Homes Handicap Chase | Chase | Cartmel | 2m 5f | 2 | 40 | 5yo+ | Charlie Uberalles |
July | Summer Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Market Rasen | 2m ½f | 2 | 60 | 3yo+ | Castel Gandolfo |
July | Cumbria Crystal Cup Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Cartmel | 2m 6f | 3 | 35.65 | 4yo+ | Sea The Clouds |
September | Fixed Brush Hurdle Series Final Novices' Hcap Hurdle | Hurdle | Worcester | 2m 4f | 2 | 70 | 3yo+ | Flying Fortune |
September | Prelude Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Market Rasen | 2m ½f | 2 | 40 | 3yo+ | Saint Riquier |
October | Simply Ned Handicap Chase | Chase | Kelso | 2m 1f | 2 | 40 | 4yo+ | Breizh River |
October | Native River Handicap Chase | Chase | Chepstow | 2m 7½f | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | Neon Moon |
October | Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Chepstow | 2m 3½f | 2 | 75 | 4yo+ | Josh The Boss |
October | Welsh Champion Hurdle | Hurdle | Ffos Las | 2m | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | Lump Sum |
October | Durham National | Chase | Sedgefield | 3m 5f | 2 | 27.5 | 4yo+ | Jesuitique |
October | Prestbury Handicap Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 2m | 2 | 100 | 4yo+ | Calico |
October | William Hill Committed To Top Prices Handicap Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 3m 1f | 2 | 100 | 4yo+ | Senior Chief |
October | Edinburgh Gin Chase | Chase | Kelso | 3m 2f | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | Elvis Mail |
Oct / Nov | Lavazza Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Ascot | 1m 7½f | 2 | 60 | 3yo+ | Our Champ |
Oct / Nov | Castletown Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Carlisle | 2m 4f | 2 | 35 | 4yo+ | Castle Rushen |
Oct / Nov | Cumberland Handicap Chase | Chase | Carlisle | 3m 2f | 3 | 35 | 4yo+ | Val Dancer |
November | Grand Sefton Chase | Chase | Aintree | 2m 5½f | 2 | 75 | 6yo+ | King Turgeon |
November | Portek Limited Handicap Chase | Chase | Bangor | 3m | 2 | 40 | 4yo+ | Celebre D'Allen |
November | Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 3m 5½f | 2 | 35 | 5yo+ | Sweet David |
November | Southern National | Chase | Fontwell | 3m 3½f | 3 | 22 | 4yo+ | Unanswered Prayers |
November | Three Counties Christmas Handicap Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 2m | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | Matata |
November | Betfair Racing Podcasts Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Haydock | 2m 3f | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
November | Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase | Chase | Haydock | 3m 1½f | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
November | Hurst Park Chase | Chase | Ascot | 2m 1f | 2 | 100 | 4yo+ | |
November | Berkshire National | Chase | Ascot | 3m 5½f | 2 | 75 | 5yo+ | |
Nov / Dec | Coral Racing Club Handicap Chase | Chase | Newbury | 2m 4f | 2 | 55 | 4yo+ | |
Nov / Dec | Jim Joel Memorial Trophy | Chase | Newbury | 2m ½f | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
December | Betfair Plays Different Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Sandown | 2m | 2 | 50 | 3yo+ | |
December | London National | Chase | Sandown | 3m 4½f | 2 | 50 | 5yo+ | |
December | Scottish Borders National | Chase | Kelso | 4m ½f | 3 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
December | Richard Landale Memorial Handicap Chase | Chase | Kelso | 2m 1f | 2 | 75 | 4yo+ | |
December | Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 3m 5½f | 2 | 40 | 5yo+ | |
December | Get Raceday Ready Handicap Chase | Chase | Doncaster | 3m | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
December | Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Doncaster | 2m ½f | 2 | 50 | 3yo+ | |
December | Tommy Whittle Chase | Chase | Haydock | 3m 1½f | 2 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
December | Lincolnshire National | Chase | Market Rasen | 3m 3½f | 3 | 22 | 4yo+ | |
December | Ladbrokes Get Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase | Chase | Kempton | 3m | 3 | 50 | 4yo+ | |
December | Mandarin Handicap Chase | Chase | Newbury | 3m 2f | 2 | 75 | 4yo+ | |
January | Auld Reekie Handicap Chase | Chase | Musselburgh | 2m 4½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
January | Staythorpe Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Southwell | 2m | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
January | Veterans' Chase Series Final | Chase | Sandown | 3m | 2 | 10yo+ | ||
January | Sussex Stayers Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Plumpton | 3m 1f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
January | Sussex National | Chase | Plumpton | 3m 4½f | 3 | 5yo+ | ||
January | North Yorkshire Grand National | Chase | Catterick | 3m 6f | 3 | 5yo+ | ||
January | Lanzarote Hurdle | Hurdle | Kempton | 2m 5f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
January | Somerset National | Chase | Wincanton | 3m 2½f | 3 | 5yo+ | ||
January | Sovereign Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Windsor | 2m | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
January | Holloway's Hurdle | Hurdle | Ascot | 2m 3½f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
January | bet365 Handicap Chase | Chase | Ascot | 2m 5f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
January | Godstone Handicap Chase | Chase | Windsor | 2m ½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
January | Weatherbys Hamilton Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Windsor | 3m | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
January | Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 2m 4½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
Jan / Feb | Virgin Bet Handicap Chase | Chase | Sandown | 1m 7½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
Jan / Feb | Masters Handicap Chase | Chase | Sandown | 3m | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
February | Edinburgh National | Chase | Musselburgh | 3m 7½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
February | Scottish County Hurdle | Hurdle | Musselburgh | 1m 7½f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
February | Scottish Champion Chase | Chase | Musselburgh | 2m 4½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
February | Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Hurdle | Hurdle | Ascot | 2m 3½f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
February | Devon National | Chase | Exeter | 3m 6½f | 3 | 5yo+ | ||
February | Eider Chase | Chase | Newcastle | 4m 1½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
February | North Wales National | Chase | Bangor | 3m 5½f | 4 | 5yo+ | ||
March | Forbra Gold Cup | Chase | Ludlow | 3m | 3 | 5yo+ | ||
March | Free Digital Racecard At raceday-ready.com Hcap Chase | Chase | Doncaster | 2m ½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
March | Grimthorpe Handicap Chase | Chase | Doncaster | 3m 2f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
March | Morebattle Hurdle | Hurdle | Kelso | 2m 2f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
March | Imperial Cup | Hurdle | Sandown | 2m | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
March | National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Limited Hcap Ch | Chase | Cheltenham | 3m 6f | 2 | 100 | 5yo+ | |
March | Glenfarclas Cross Country Limited Handicap Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 3m 5½f | 2 | 75 | 5yo+ | |
March | Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup | Chase | Cheltenham | 3m 2f | 2 | 75 | 5yo+ | |
March | Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Cheltenham | 2m 4½f | 2 | 75 | 4yo+ | |
March | bet365 Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Uttoxeter | 2m 7½f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
March | Unibet New And Improved Bet Builder Handicap Chase | Chase | Kempton | 2m 4½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
Mar / Apr | Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final | Hurdle | Haydock | 1m 7½f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
Mar / Apr | Challenger Stayers' Hurdle Series Final | Hurdle | Haydock | 3m ½f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
Mar / Apr | Middle Distance Veterans' Handicap Chase Finale | Chase | Haydock | 2m 4f | 2 | 10yo+ | ||
Mar / Apr | West Wales National | Chase | Ffos Las | 3m 4f | 3 | 5yo+ | ||
Mar / Apr | Sussex Champion Hurdle | Hurdle | Plumpton | 2m | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
Mar / Apr | Sussex Champion Chase | Chase | Plumpton | 2m 3½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
April | Challenger Staying Chase Series Final | Chase | Warwick | 3m | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
Mar / Apr | Herring Queen Series Final Mares' Novices' Hcap Hdl | Hurdle | Kelso[a] | 2m | 2 | 50[b] | 4yo+ m | Lily Du Berlais[c] |
April | Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle (Conditionals & Amateurs) | Hurdle | Aintree | 2m ½f | 2 | 4yo+ | ||
April | Challenger Mares' Handicap Chase Final | Chase | Cheltenham | 3m 1½f | 2 | 5yo+ m | ||
April | Challenger Mares' Handicap Hurdle Final | Hurdle | Cheltenham | 2m 4½f | 2 | 4yo+ m | ||
April | Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase | Chase | Ayr | 2m 4½f | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
April | Novices' Champion Handicap Chase | Chase | Ayr | 3m | 2 | 5yo+ | ||
April | Highland National | Chase | Perth | 3m 6½f | 3 | 5yo+ | ||
April | Novices' Championship Final Handicap Hurdle | Hurdle | Sandown | 2m | 2 | 4yo+ |
Month |
Race Name |
Racecourse |
Distance † |
Age |
2025 winner |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
March | St James's Place Foxhunter Chase | Cheltenham | 3m 2½f | 5yo+ | |
April | Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase | Aintree | 2m 5f | 6yo+ | |
May / June | Stratford Foxhunters' Champion Hunters' Chase | Stratford | 3m 3½f | 5yo+ |
Last Run |
Race Name |
Type |
Racecourse |
Distance † |
Age |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
February 1990 | Greenall Whitley Gold Cup | Chase | Haydock Park | 3m | 5yo+ |
January 1994 | West of Scotland Pattern Novices' Chase | Chase | Ayr | 2m 4f | 5yo+ |
February 1996 | Timeform Chase | Chase | Haydock Park | 2m 4f | 5yo+ |
March 1996 | Beaufort Hurdle | Hurdle | Chepstow | 2m ½f | 5yo |
February 1997 | Fairlawne Chase | Chase | Windsor | 3m | 5yo+ |
January 1998 | New Year's Day Hurdle | Hurdle | Windsor | 2m | 4yo+ |
November 1999 | Hurst Park Novices' Chase | Chase | Ascot | 2m | 5yo+ |
January 2000 | Anthony Mildmay, Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase | Chase | Sandown Park | 3m 5½f | 5yo+ |
December 2000 | Knights Royal Hurdle | Hurdle | Ascot | 2m ½f | 4-5yo |
January 2003 | John Bull Chase | Chase | Wincanton | 2m 5f | 5yo+ |
January 2004 | ASW Handicap Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 4m 1f | 5yo+ |
January 2004 | Premier Stayers' Hurdle | Hurdle | Haydock Park | 2m 7½f | 5yo+ |
March 2004 | Cathcart Challenge Cup | Chase | Cheltenham | 2m 5f | 5yo+ |
November 2004 | Terry Biddlecombe Challenge Trophy | Chase | Wincanton | 2m 5f | 5yo+ |
November 2004 | Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase | Chase | Haydock | 3m | 5yo+ |
January 2006 | Churchill Road Hurdle | Hurdle | Lingfield | 2m 3½f | 4yo+ |
February 2008 | Jim Ford Challenge Cup | Chase | Wincanton | 3m 1½f | 5yo+ |
December 2021 | Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Ascot | 2m | 4yo+ |
December 2021 | December Novices' Chase | Chase | Doncaster | 3m | 4yo+ |
January 2022 | Altcar Novices' Chase | Chase | Haydock Park | 2m 4f | 5yo+ |
January 2022 | Champion Hurdle Trial | Hurdle | Haydock Park | 2m 4f | 4yo+ |
February 2022 | Contenders Hurdle | Hurdle | Sandown | 2m | 4yo+ |
December 2022 | Many Clouds Chase | Chase | Aintree | 3m 1f | 4yo+ |
December 2022 | John Francome Novices' Chase | Chase | Newbury | 3m | 4yo+ |
January 2023 | Dipper Novices' Chase | Chase | Cheltenham | 2m 4½f | 5yo+ |
January 2023 | Leamington Novices' Hurdle | Hurdle | Warwick | 2m ½f | 4yo+ |
April 2023 | Future Champion Novices' Chase | Chase | Ayr | 2m 4f | 5yo+ |
† Distances in miles and furlongs