The countdown is on to the 2026 Queen Mother Champion Chase, one of the marquee showpieces of the Cheltenham Festival and the definitive test of speed, precision and bravery over fences. Every year, the race delivers a whirlwind two miles of high-octane drama, and this season’s renewal is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. With a blend of established stars, rising talents, and a division still searching for a true long-term ruler, the stage is set for a fiercely contested battle for the crown.
As anticipation builds ahead of the Festival roar, all eyes will soon turn to Prestbury Park — where fleeting margins, flawless jumping and sheer pace decide everything.
For those who will be following the 2026 renewal with a close eye – read on as we take a look at the most backed runners in the Champion Chase when looking at the early Cheltenham odds.
Sir Gino
Topping many early betting markets, Sir Gino is widely regarded as one of the frontrunners for the 2026 Champion Chase. According to many bookies, he is priced at 4/1 at the time of writing.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, this talented chaser has shown tremendous ability over two miles. However, his campaign was disrupted by injury, having missed the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Despite that setback, backers remain confident. Henderson has a strong track record with young two-mile chasers, and many believe that once fully fit, Sir Gino could pose a serious threat at Cheltenham.
That said, some analysts caution that his fitness remains a question mark.
Marine Nationale
As the defending Champion Chase winner, Marine Nationale is a natural pick among early contenders. In 2025, he produced an emphatic performance at the Festival, winning by a large margin under Sean Flanagan. Barry Connell’s stable will likely aim to have him primed for another tilt, and his proven ability over the Cheltenham fence is a major plus.
Experts note that his 2025 victory came in part because some big names failed to fire — but they also highlight his clean jumping as a key strength – in such a sharp two-mile test, a blemish-free round often makes all the difference. With relatively little emerging in the division to challenge him, Marine Nationale remains a serious early pick to retain his crown.
Majborough
Another very early contender is Majborough, often priced around 5/1 for the 2026 Champion Chase in ante-post markets.
Trained by Willie Mullins, Majborough is not new to big-time racing — he has already shown excellent form in Grade 1 and high-profile novice events. While he wasn’t able to land the Arkle in 2025 (finishing third), his supporters argue that he has the raw talent and scope to improve, especially over the Champion Chase distance.
Some punters and analysts see him as “value” in the market: despite recent mistakes (particularly in jumping), his potential is high. If he can sharpen up his technique and keep improving, he could be a very dangerous one to discount next March.
