Twenty-four runners are set to tackle an extended three-mile course, navigating twenty fences, primarily featuring seasoned stayers. Below are our best tips for the Ultima in 2025.
This gruelling contest often sees former Grand National contenders, as well as those eyeing future Nationals, among its ranks.
Despite its large field, the victor typically emerges from the top four favourites. Notably, Golden Chieftain secured the biggest upset in the past 15 years, triumphing at odds of 28/1 under Colin Tizzard and Brendan Powell.
Older horses tend to excel, with eight and nine-year-olds particularly strong performers, although ten-year-olds have claimed victory only twice in the last twenty editions (Chief Dan George in 2010 and Joes Edge in 2007), with most races completed in around six minutes.
David Pipe and Jonjo O’Neill have each enjoyed success in this race, with three wins apiece, while Nicky Henderson, Lucinda Russell and Alan King have secured victory twice in this handicap.
Remarkably, only two Irish-trained horses have clinched victory since the year 2000 (Youlneverwalkalone in 2003 and Dun Doire in 2006).
Conversely, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Venetia Williams, Paul Nicholls and Philip Hobbs have all made multiple attempts to win but fell short.
Runners To Watch
Remember to shop around as many bookmakers will offer enhanced place betting on this type of race.
In 2024, Chianti Classico, trained by Kim Bailey and ridden by David Bass, claimed victory in this gruelling 3-mile-1-furlong contest.
Chianti Classico’s win was a testament to his endurance and skill, as he led strongly before the final fence and maintained his position to the finish line.
As we approach the 2025 edition, several key trends and factors will influence the outcome.
Previous course form is crucial, with six of the last seven winners having previously won at Cheltenham.
Novices and second-season chasers often perform well due to being less exposed from a handicapping perspective.
Broadway Boy and Victtorino
Given these trends, horses like Broadway Boy, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, and Victtorino, trained by Venetia Williams, could be strong contenders.
Broadway Boy has shown consistent form and has the benefit of a seasoned trainer, while Victtorino’s recent performances suggest he is peaking at the right time.
Richmond Lake
Among the declared runners, Richmond Lake, trained by Donald McCain and ridden by Brian Hughes, stands out due to his impressive recent form and high official rating of 143.
His ability to handle challenging conditions and his experience in long-distance races make him a serious contender for a top finish.
The Changing Man
Another notable entry is The Changing Man, trained by Joe Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell.
With a strong recent performance and a favourable weight, he could capitalise on any mistakes made by the leaders.
Katate Dori
For those looking for a potential outsider, Katate Dori, trained by Sam Thomas and ridden by Dylan Johnston, might offer value.
Carrying a lower weight, Katate Dori has shown promising form and could benefit from a fast pace, allowing him to stay in contention for a place.
On the other hand, Henry’s Friend, trained by Ben Pauling, has demonstrated consistent form and could be a dark horse if he can maintain his recent level of performance.
Tips For The Ultima Handicap Chase 2025
Katate Dori is my standout pick for the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
Trained by Sam Thomas, this talented chaser has been in scintillating form, most notably routing his rivals by 15 lengths in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton.
Despite a 12lb rise, Katate Dori’s ability to thrive in hold-up tactics and his improving handicap mark make him a compelling choice.
With Dylan Johnston on board, who has a strong affinity with the horse, Katate Dori is well-positioned to capitalise on his recent momentum.
His odds offer excellent value given his current form and the trainer’s success this season.
TIP: Katate Dori to win the Ultima
Runner & Odds in 2025
*odds correct at time of publication
| Number | Name | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Broadway Boy | Sam Twiston-Davies | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 13/2 |
| 13 | The Changing Man | Brendan Powell | Joe Tizzard | 7/1 |
| 17 | Crebilly | Jonjo O’Neill Jr | Jonjo & A J O’Neill | 8/1 |
| 18 | Katate Dori | Dylan Johnston | Sam Thomas | 8/1 |
| 22 | The Short Go | Rachael Blackmore | Henry De Bromhead | 10/1 |
| 8 | Henry’s Friend | Ben Jones | Ben Pauling | 11/1 |
| 19 | Whistle Stop Tour | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell | 11/1 |
| 23 | Myretown | Patrick Wadge | Lucinda Russell | 11/1 |
| 9 | Sequestered | Jack G Gilligan | Paul John Gilligan | 14/1 |
| 12 | Malina Girl | Keith Donoghue | Gavin Cromwell | 14/1 |
| 15 | King Turgeon | Jack Tudor | David Pipe | 16/1 |
| 10 | Famous Bridge | Sean Quinlan | Nicky Richards | 18/1 |
| 7 | Search For Glory | Sam Ewing | Gordon Elliott | 20/1 |
| 6 | Victtorino | Charlie Deutsch | Venetia Williams | 22/1 |
| 1 | Trelawne | Tom Bellamy | Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls | 25/1 |
| 14 | Happygolucky | Jonathan Burke | Mel Rowley | 25/1 |
| 16 | Grandeur D’ame | Tom Cannon | Alan King | 25/1 |
| 4 | Zanahiyr | Carl Millar | Gordon Elliott | 33/1 |
| 5 | Stay Away Fay | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | 33/1 |
| 11 | Richmond Lake | Brian Hughes | Donald McCain | 33/1 |
| 20 | Frero Banbou | Ned Fox | Venetia Williams | 40/1 |
| 21 | Guard Your Dreams | Kielan Woods | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 40/1 |
| 24 | Straw Fan Jack | Sean Houlihan | Sheila Lewis | 40/1 |
| 2 | Farouk D’Alene | Richie McLernon | Gary Brown | 66/1 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2025 Ultima Handicap Chase promises to be an exciting and unpredictable race.
With a strong field of contenders, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, predicting a winner is challenging.
However, by focusing on horses with previous Cheltenham success, recent form, and favourable handicapping, you can make informed decisions.
Whether you’re backing a favourite like Broadway Boy or taking a chance on an outsider like Katate Dori, the Ultima Handicap Chase is sure to deliver an exhilarating spectacle for racing fans worldwide.
As the race approaches, keeping an eye on the latest odds and any last-minute changes in the field will be crucial for those looking to pick a winner.
BETFRED
