The Cheltenham Showcase 2025 officially marks the start of the 2025/26 jumps season — and there’s no better place to launch the winter campaign. Across two thrilling days (October 24–25), racing fans got their first real look at the form, fitness, and future stars to follow through the season ahead.
While this meeting rarely defines the year, it always shapes it. From promising novices finding their rhythm to hardened handicappers landing early blows, the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 results offered early clues that could prove crucial once the big spring festivals roll around.
Below, we break down each of the 14 races from the opening weekend — who won, how they did it, which favourites faltered, and which horses you’ll want in your notebook for the months ahead. You can also revisit the official event details and race programme on the Cheltenham Racecourse website for a full overview of The Showcase 2025 weekend.
Cheltenham Showcase 2025 – Friday & Saturday Highlights (Race-by-Race Analysis)
Race 1 – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (2m 3f 200y)
The opening contest of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 — the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle — perfectly set the tone for the weekend: competitive, incident-packed, and full of clues for the season ahead. French Ship (6/1), trained by Philip Hobbs & Johnson White, travelled smoothly in midfield before making his move after the seventh. Once he jumped to the front approaching the last, he hung left but still ran on strongly to win decisively, and his current mark of 115 now looks lenient given the RPR 125.
Navajo Indy (11/2) made much of the running and looked the likely winner turning for home, only to lose momentum with a mistake two out. Bowensonfire (9/2) finished well for third and looks one to follow for Gordon Elliott — still learning, but shaping like a stayer in the making. The favourite East India Express fell early, while others such as Classic King and Jazzy Matty showed enough potential to remain of interest next time.
A solid start to the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 results, offering early insight into form and fitness as the new jumps season begins.
Race 2 – Holland Cooper “Chasing Excellence” Novices’ Chase (2m)
The second race of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025, the Holland Cooper “Chasing Excellence” Novices’ Chase, delivered one of the most eye-catching performances of the opening day. A polished round of jumping from Alnilam (9/4 JF) gave Olly Murphy a big early-season boost and confirmed the six-year-old as a chaser to follow. Tracking the leader early, Sean Bowen kept things simple — letting his mount stride into rhythm before taking control four fences out. From there, Alnilam cruised clear and always looked the winner, finishing with plenty in hand and posting an impressive RPR of 142.
The Irish raider Relieved Of Duties (12/1) ran a fine race in second for Gordon Elliott, staying on strongly once the race was gone — a sign he could land something similar over this trip soon. Country Mile (9/4 JF) travelled like a danger before a bad mistake two out ended his challenge, while King Of Kingsfield, also from Elliott’s yard, never recovered from an early blunder.
A decisive display in the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 results, with Alnilam marking himself as a progressive novice likely to step up in class before Christmas.
Race 3 – Foundation Developments Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)
The third race of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 Friday card, the Foundation Developments Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, produced one of the standout performances of the opening day. Leloopa (14/1), representing the Fergal O’Brien yard, travelled powerfully through the field under Tom Broughton, making smooth progress after the second last. Once switched wide and sent on, he quickened smartly to take command before the final hurdle and drew clear on the run-in — marking himself as one to follow from a new handicap mark of 109.
Prince Quattro (20/1) outran big odds to grab second for James Owen, staying on gamely late, while Gold For Alec (9/2 co-fav) finished strongly for third and remains a reliable type in this grade. King William Rufus tried to make all but paid for early exertions. The fall of Liverpool Knight, also trained by O’Brien, briefly interrupted his stablemate’s rhythm but didn’t alter the result.
A strong performance in the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 results, with Leloopa showing both class and composure — clear signs that another win could be on the horizon once reassessed.
Race 4 – Oddschecker Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m½f)
The Grade 2 Oddschecker Novices’ Hurdle on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the entire meeting. Fortune De Mer (14/1), trained by Dan Skelton, came from off the pace to deny Doctor Blue (11/1) in a thrilling drive to the line. Keen early but settled at the back, Fortune De Mer made smooth headway into midfield before pressing the leaders turning for home. Despite being carried left on the run-in, he dug deep to prevail by the narrowest of margins.
Doctor Blue, who tracked the pace and stayed on strongly, just failed to get his head in front after bumping a rival before two out. Jaminska (18/1) led approaching the last and looked the likely winner before being caught late, while The Last Cloud ran on despite being hampered in the closing stages.
The Cheltenham Showcase 2025 results showed this to be a deep and competitive Grade 2, with the front three pulling well clear — a race likely to produce several future winners as the season unfolds.
Race 5 – squareintheair.com Handicap Chase (2m)
The feature two-mile handicap chase on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 went the way of the Dan Skelton team, as Calico (5/1) produced a fluent front-running display to land another success for the yard. Always prominent, he disputed the lead early, jumped soundly throughout, and asserted clearly four out. Despite a slight mistake at the third last, he kept on strongly under Harry Skelton, proving sharp and consistent from start to finish.
Jasko Des Dames (9/4F) raced handily and moved into second after the third-last fence but couldn’t match the winner’s finishing kick, fading late on. Brookie (7/1) jumped right early yet finished well to grab third, while Traprain Law (15/2) kept on steadily for fourth after losing ground mid-race.
Stablemate Unexpected Party (16/1) stayed on from the rear without ever threatening, as confirmed in the stewards’ report. Sadly, Third Time Lucki was pulled up and fatally injured after the water jump.
A decisive and emotional result that added further strength to the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 Friday results, with Calico underlining his reliability and class over the minimum trip.
Race 6 – Champions: Full Gallop Streaming On ITVX Novices’ Hurdle (2m4f)
The penultimate contest of Day 1 at the Cheltenham Showcase 2025, the Champions: Full Gallop Streaming On ITVX Novices’ Hurdle (2m4f), produced one of Friday’s most dramatic finishes. De Temps En Temps (22/1), trained by Martin Keighley, snatched victory in the final strides after a gritty late rally. Always up with the pace, he took the lead at the third, survived a bad mistake two out, and battled back under Freddie Keighley to reclaim the advantage after the last — holding on bravely up the hill.
Percy Shelley (11/2) loomed up strongly three out and briefly led when a rival fell two out, only to be caught late on the run-in. Etna Bianco (14/1) stayed on from the rear for third, while Arch Empire also shaped well before tiring in the closing stages.
The favourite Dalston Lad (11/8F) pulled too hard early and faded before the last. It was a deserved win for the local Keighley yard, and a memorable addition to the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 Friday results, showcasing both resilience and heart from the front pair.
Race 7 – Santa: The Visit Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (3m1f)
The final race of Day 1 at the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 brought a fittingly dramatic conclusion, as Smugglers Haven (100/30F) dug deep to land the Santa: The Visit Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (3m1f) for Sara and Lily Bradstock. Always in touch, the six-year-old moved into a prominent position after the third fence and took command after the eighth. Although briefly headed when hitting the third last, he rallied gamely, responding to every call from the saddle to regain the lead on the run-in and secure a determined success.
Beaufort Scale (12/1) finished with a flourish to grab second for Gordon Elliott, while Regarde (13/2) ran consistently throughout before flattening out late. Kelce (9/1) led three out and battled bravely until headed close home, earning plenty of credit in defeat.
Behind them, Unanswered Prayers and Solly Attwell both made quiet late headway, while Rockinastorm fell at the last when beaten.
A tough and honest finish to the opening day of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025, capturing the spirit and competitiveness of these traditional amateur riders’ chases that make Friday’s results so compelling.
Saturday, October 25 – Day 2 of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025
The second and final day of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 delivered another fascinating card at Prestbury Park, featuring progressive chasers, sharp novices, and early-season handicaps rich with potential. With the ground officially Good and a lively Saturday crowd in full voice, several performances stood out as clear Day 2 highlights, offering valuable clues for the weeks and festivals ahead.
Race 1 – William Hill Each Way Extra Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2m4f)
The Saturday opener of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 produced a standout performance from Zurich (10/1), who extended his unbeaten start to the season for Henry De Bromhead. Ridden confidently by Darragh O’Keeffe, the six-year-old raced smoothly in touch, made steady progress four out, and moved into contention before the second last. Taking command shortly after, he stayed on strongly up the hill to record back-to-back victories — following up his win at Killarney on October 5 — and confirm himself as one of the early-season chasers to follow.
Crest Of Fortune (15/2), trained by Anthony Honeyball, ran with credit to take second after a smooth round of jumping, while Double Powerful (14/1) finished fast from the rear to briefly threaten before being headed close home. Major Fortune (25/1) and True Testimony (66/1) also shaped well in behind.
Both Newton Tornado and Kdeux Saint Fray came down when still travelling strongly, but the focus belonged to Zurich — whose attitude, jumping and stamina marked him as a name to remember from the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 Day 2 results.
Race 2 – Play William Hill’s Final One Standing Novices’ Hurdle (3m)
The second race on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 saw a commanding display from Conman John (4/1), who produced a relentless front-running performance for Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore. Always in control, he led from the start, briefly joined at the fifth but quick to reassert after a minor mistake at the sixth. From there, he dictated the pace, jumping fluently in the closing stages and staying on resolutely up the hill to win with authority — a performance that marks him out as a novice hurdler to follow this season.
Great Fleet (20/1) ran a huge race in second for the Dan Skelton team, travelling powerfully before finding the hill just too much late on. Easy Love (10/1) shared the lead early but faded from contention, while Island Bridge (25/1) and Kasino Des Mottes (12/1) kept on steadily behind the principals.
The favourite Pour Les Filles (7/2F) was hampered two out and weakened sharply, while Sporting Glance and Catchintsavo both showed promise for the future despite losing touch late.
A strong and instructive Saturday novice hurdle that offered another piece of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 Day 2 analysis, highlighting Conman John’s blend of stamina and tenacity.
Race 3 – William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (3m1f)
The William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (3m1f) provided one of the standout moments of Day 2 at the Cheltenham Showcase 2025, as Three Card Brag (6/1) produced a determined front-running performance to give Gordon Elliott another notable Saturday success. Always prominent under Jack Kennedy, the seven-year-old took control turning for home, jumped soundly when it mattered, and stayed on powerfully up the hill to claim this valuable Class 2 contest with something in hand — a run that confirmed his stamina and class early in the new jumps season.
Backmersackme (13/2) ran a fine race for Emmet Mullins, recovering from a slow jump at the fifteenth to finish fast and grab second close home. Hoe Joly Smoke (12/1) travelled smoothly and looked a brief threat after the last before fading slightly on the climb, just holding on for third.
The favourite The Short Go (4/1F) had every chance but lacked a finishing kick, while Dunboyne and Inch House showed early promise before tiring. Sea Music fell four out when still travelling strongly.
A deserved success for Three Card Brag, whose resilience and fluent jumping made him a clear highlight of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 Day 2 handicap chases.
Race 4 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (3m) (Qualifier)
The Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 produced a performance of real authority from Ma Shantou (18/5F), who confirmed the promise shown last term for Emma Lavelle and Harry Cobden. Held up towards the rear, he travelled powerfully through the field and moved smoothly into contention two out before taking command at the last. Despite hanging slightly left on the run-in, he was always doing enough to win decisively — a polished effort that secured his place in the Pertemps Final later in the season.
Electric Mason (14/1) gave chase but couldn’t match the winner’s late strength after briefly leading between the final two hurdles. Supremely West (16/1) stayed on well from off the pace to take third, just ahead of Long Draw (11/2), who kept on steadily in fourth. Quantum Quest (11/1) and Prince Zaltar (14/1) also ran respectably, while others like Sermandzarak and Lisnamult Lad fell when tiring two out.
A commanding display from Ma Shantou, who handled the good ground beautifully and looks every inch a contender for stronger staying handicaps as the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 meeting continues to shape the early-season picture.
Race 5 – Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2m½f)
The Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2m½f) on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 delivered one of the most polished performances of the weekend, as Give It To Me Oj (4/9F) justified heavy market support with a slick front-running display for Gary & Josh Moore. The four-year-old jumped sharply throughout under Caoilin Quinn, dictated the pace confidently, and found plenty when challenged late — proving too strong for his rivals up the famous Cheltenham hill.
Hamlet’s Night (6/1), from the James Owen stable, chased the winner gamely and kept on well in second, while Loriko (15/2) made late progress into third. Caballo De Guerra (15/2) shaped nicely for much of the way before drifting left under pressure, losing third close home. The outsider The Egyptian Ginge (40/1) was never a factor but gained experience for future outings.
A commanding juvenile performance from Give It To Me Oj, who looked the class act in this juvenile hurdle on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 — his blend of speed, rhythm, and composure marks him out as a juvenile star to follow as the season develops.
Race 6 – William Hill ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase (3m1f)
The William Hill ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase (3m1f) provided one of the most gripping finishes of Day 2 at the Cheltenham Showcase 2025, as Leave Of Absence (9/2) battled back bravely to regain the lead near the finish. Trained by Anthony Honeyball and ridden by Rex Dingle, the eight-year-old raced prominently throughout, disputing the lead from the ninth and asserting two out (the usual fourth) before being headed by Pied Piper in the straight. Refusing to give up, he rallied powerfully to reclaim the advantage close home — sealing a determined success in tricky light conditions.
Pied Piper (13/2), representing Gordon Elliott, travelled strongly and looked the likely winner entering the final furlong, but couldn’t resist the late surge of the winner. Stablemate Sporting Glory (6/1) stayed on for third, while Anyway (17/2) kept on steadily into fourth. The favourite Intense Approach (2/1F) led early but faded from two furlongs out, with Welcom To Cartries (4/1) and Baltic Bird (40/1) also weakening after early exertions.
A tenacious staying performance from Leave Of Absence, who handled the Cheltenham fences with authority and showed stamina, courage, and balance in a race where eight obstacles were omitted due to low sun — another memorable highlight of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025.
Race 7 – Oddschecker Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m½f)
The Oddschecker Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m½f) brought Day 2 of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 to an exciting close, as Chicker (7/2) produced a smart turn of foot to give Fergal O’Brien yet another winner at his beloved track. Held up towards the rear early, the four-year-old travelled strongly throughout and began to slice through the field four furlongs from home. Pushed along by Jonathan Burke two out, he quickened impressively inside the final furlong to hit the front and stayed on strongly to the line — a polished and professional display for such an inexperienced runner.
Le Beau Madrik (5/2F) ran well in defeat, staying on from the back but unable to catch the winner, while Bells Grove (11/1) briefly led over a furlong out before being passed late on. Hans Lippershey (22/1) and Wonder Flying (33/1) also finished with credit in a tight finish for the places.
A confident and mature effort from Chicker, whose smooth cruising speed and late acceleration make him a bumper winner to follow as the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 weekend concluded — another reminder of how competitive and revealing this opening meeting of the jumps season can be.
Final thoughts – The Showcase sets the tone for the season ahead
The opening two days of the Cheltenham Showcase 2025 offered exactly what racing fans hoped for — competitive fields, emerging talents, and several names to follow through the core jumps campaign. It also marked the true beginning of the winter season, now in full swing across the fixtures listed in our National Hunt 2025/2026 Calendar.
Friday highlights: early clues from the big yards
The Friday card reminded everyone that Zurich is quickly developing into one of the season’s early talking points, landing back-to-back wins for Henry de Bromhead, the second coming here at Cheltenham in style. Equally, Ballyburn’s sharp performance confirmed that Willie Mullins has yet another classy prospect ready to dominate the novice ranks. You can find both of them — along with other powerhouse yards shaping the early part of the campaign — featured in our Top Trainers National Hunt 2025/2026 guide.
Saturday stars: performances to follow
Saturday’s action built on that momentum, headlined by the emphatic front-running ride of Give It To Me Oj, whose slick hurdling and bravery set the standard among the juveniles. The Pertemps qualifier produced a gritty winner in Ma Shantou, while Leave Of Absence impressed with determination in a tactical novice chase that saw fences omitted due to low sun — proof of his mental toughness.
The bumper finale went to Chicker, a polished type who finished strongly and looked every inch a future hurdler in the making.
Looking ahead: trends and takeaways
Across both days, the ground held fair, the racing was honest, and the early signs point to a deep and open season ahead. The Cheltenham Showcase 2025 may be the curtain-raiser, but the tone it has set — progressive horses, sharp rides, and tight finishes — bodes well for what’s to come as Cheltenham’s roar edges ever closer.
If you’re already planning which names to track through the season, don’t miss our Horses to Follow 2025/26 Jumps Season guide — a detailed look at the standout performers from The Showcase and beyond.
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