Arkle Novices Chase Kopek Des Bordes vs Lulamba 

Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins renew their rivalry in Tuesday’s Arkle Novices’ Chase, with the race widely expected to revolve around a head to head between Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes for the two mile novice chasing crown.

Henderson has an outstanding record in the race, winning it eight times since Remittance Man landed the prize in 1991. His most recent success came just 12 months ago with Jango Baie and the Seven Barrows trainer again relies on a leading contender in the unbeaten Lulamba.

Mullins is not far behind in recent years. The Closutton handler has won the race six times since Un De Sceaux provided his first Arkle victory in 2015. Successes for El Fabiolo and Gaelic Warrior mean Mullins has claimed two of the last three renewals and six of the past eleven.

Both Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes have been at the head of the betting for much of the season but arrive here via very different routes.

Lulamba is unbeaten in three starts over fences. The former Triumph Hurdle runner up stepped outside novice company on his latest outing when taking on experienced rivals in the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. Although briefly under pressure before the fourth last, he responded well for Nico de Boinville to confirm his class.

Kopek Des Bordes, winner of last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival, has taken a quieter path. After a surprise defeat at Punchestown on his final hurdles start last spring, he made an impressive chasing debut at Navan in November when comfortably beating Lovely Hurling. A minor setback kept him off the track through the winter but Mullins reports the gelding to have worked strongly at Punchestown in preparation for Cheltenham.

Mullins also runs Kargese, the only mare in the field and next best in the betting behind the two principals. She was beaten in the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival after a demanding race on heavy ground, with Romeo Coolio going on to win. That rival instead heads for the longer Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase later in the week.

The remainder of the field is made up of British challengers. Sam Thomas saddles Steel Ally, who impressed when winning the Grade 2 Kingmaker Chase at Warwick last month. Ben Pauling’s Mambonumberfive finished third behind Steel Ally that day and must bounce back quickly if he is to play a major role.

Gary and Josh Moore run Hansard, who was runner up to Mambonumberfive at Kempton earlier in the season, while Lucy Wadham’s Jax Junior arrives seeking a hat trick after two wins since undergoing wind surgery.

With two standout contenders at the head of the market and several improving British rivals in opposition, this year’s Arkle promises to be one of the most anticipated novice races of the Cheltenham Festival.

Arkle Novices’ Chase 2026 date

The Arkle Novices’ Chase takes place at Cheltenham on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Arkle Novices’ Chase 2026 start time

The race is scheduled for 14:00.

How to watch the Arkle Novices’ Chase 2026

The race will be shown live on Bet365.com. It will also be broadcast on ITV1.

Day One – Tuesday, 10 March

Time	Race
13:20	Supreme Novices Hurdle
14:00	Arkle Novices Chase
14:40	Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
15:20	Ultima Handicap Chase
16:00	Champion Hurdle
16:40	Plate Handicap Chase
17:20	National Hunt Chase