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Marine Nationale delivered one of the most poignant moments of last season’s Cheltenham Festival when landing the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Barry Connell’s gelding stormed up the hill to claim a second Festival success, just weeks after the tragic death of jockey Michael O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan had partnered Marine Nationale to victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2023, adding further emotion to the achievement.
The defending champion is unlikely to have things his own way this time. Majborough has emerged as a major player after sharpening up his jumping and producing a polished display at the Dublin Racing Festival. The pair look set to renew their rivalry in the two-mile championship.
Willie Mullins also holds another strong hand with Il Etait Temps. He slipped to third in the non-runner no bet market following a heavy fall in the Clarence House Chase, having previously put together a four-race winning sequence over the minimum trip.
Majborough heads the betting after a decisive victory in the Dublin Chase, where he confirmed his standing among the leading two-mile chasers. Marine Nationale sits close behind in the early market as he bids to regain control of the division.
Queen Mother Champion Chase 2026 date
The Queen Mother Champion Chase takes place at Cheltenham on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
Queen Mother Champion Chase 2026 start time
The race is scheduled for 16:00.
How to watch the Queen Mother Champion Chase 2026
The Champion Chase race will be shown live on Bet365.com and will also be broadcast on ITV1.
Queen Mother Champion Chase 2026 entries
The following 18 horses currently hold entries ahead of confirmations and final declarations:
Brookie
Calico
Captain Guinness
Found A Fifty
Il Etait Temps
Irish Panther
Jonbon
JPR One
L’Eau Du Sud
Libberty Hunter
Majborough
Marine Nationale
Only By Night
Quilixios
Saint Segal
Senecia
Solness
Thistle Ask
Day Two – Wednesday, 11 March
| Time | Race |
|---|---|
| 13:20 | Turners Novices Hurdle |
| 14:00 | Brown Advisory Novices Chase |
| 14:40 | Coral Cup |
| 15:20 | Cross Country Chase |
| 16:00 | Champion Chase |
| 16:40 | Grand Annual |
| 17:20 | Champion Bumper |