The Festival Hunters’ Chase asks you to compare form gathered in a different part of the sport. Some runners bring hunter-chase evidence, others a strong point-to-point background, and some are familiar names from earlier careers. Those records need interpreting on their own terms. A once lofty rating is interesting history, but it does not tell you exactly what the horse can produce now.
The Princess Royal Challenge Cup
The race was named the Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase in 2026. It follows the Gold Cup and uses the same extended three-and-a-quarter-mile New Course trip. The familiar Festival Hunters’ Chase name remains useful for finding earlier results.
It is an amateur-rider event with its own hunter eligibility requirements. Check the current published conditions rather than assuming that any former professional chaser can simply turn up. The partnership and qualification both matter.
Festival Hunters’ Chase
Stats & trends.
Go beyond the winner. Study the price, the preparation and the next run. The detail is yours to explore.
Winners returned as favourite, joint or co-favourite
calculated from listed winner records
Above: shares calculated from the listed winners. These are historical characteristics, not a runner’s chance of winning.
Every winner. Every detail.
2015–2026 · Follow the same horses from their preparation to what happened next.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Age | Weight | Price | Runners | Fav. position | Rating | Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runs | Wins | ||||||||||
| 2026 | Barton Snow | Henry Crow | J J O'Shea | 9 | 12-0 | 9/2 3F | 23 | 2nd | 142 | 3 | 3 |
| 2025 | Wonderwall | Rob James | S Curling | 9 | 12-0 | 28/1 | 24 | 9th | 118 | 7 | 2 |
| 2024 | Sine Nomine | John Dawson | Fiona Needham | 8 | 11-7 | 8/1 | 12 | 2nd | 124 | 4 | 2 |
| 2023 | Premier Magic | Bradley Gibbs | Bradley Gibbs | 10 | 12-0 | 66/1 | 23 | 7th | 122 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | Billaway | P W Mullins | Willie Mullins | 10 | 12-0 | 13/8 F | 19 | 1st | 140 | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 | Porlock Bay | Lorcan Williams | Will Biddick | 10 | 12-0 | 16/1 | 18 | 2nd | 135 | 2 | 1 |
| 2020 | It Came To Pass | M O'Sullivan | Eugene O'Sullivan | 10 | 12-0 | 66/1 | 21 | 2nd | 126 | 5 | 2 |
| 2019 | Hazel Hill | Alex Edwards | Philip Rowley | 11 | 12-0 | 7/2 F | 24 | 1st | 139 | 2 | 2 |
| 2018 | Pacha Du Polder | Harriet Tucker | Paul Nicholls | 11 | 12-0 | 25/1 | 24 | 8th | 138 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 | Pacha Du Polder | Bryony Frost | Paul Nicholls | 10 | 12-0 | 16/1 | 23 | 4th | 138 | 4 | 1 |
| 2016 | On The Fringe | N Carberry | E Bolger | 11 | 12-0 | 13/8 F | 24 | 1st | 147 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | On The Fringe | N Carberry | E Bolger | 10 | 12-0 | 6/1 2F | 24 | 3rd | 141 | 2 | 0 |
2026Barton SnowAGE 9 · 12-09/2 3F
- Jockey
- Henry Crow
- Trainer
- J J O'Shea
- Age
- 9
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 9/2 3F
- Runners
- 23
- Favourite position
- 2nd
- Rating
- 142
- Season R / W
- 3/3
2025WonderwallAGE 9 · 12-028/1
- Jockey
- Rob James
- Trainer
- S Curling
- Age
- 9
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 28/1
- Runners
- 24
- Favourite position
- 9th
- Rating
- 118
- Season R / W
- 7/2
2024Sine NomineAGE 8 · 11-78/1
- Jockey
- John Dawson
- Trainer
- Fiona Needham
- Age
- 8
- Weight
- 11-7
- Price
- 8/1
- Runners
- 12
- Favourite position
- 2nd
- Rating
- 124
- Season R / W
- 4/2
2023Premier MagicAGE 10 · 12-066/1
- Jockey
- Bradley Gibbs
- Trainer
- Bradley Gibbs
- Age
- 10
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 66/1
- Runners
- 23
- Favourite position
- 7th
- Rating
- 122
- Season R / W
- 2/2
2022BillawayAGE 10 · 12-013/8 F
- Jockey
- P W Mullins
- Trainer
- Willie Mullins
- Age
- 10
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 13/8 F
- Runners
- 19
- Favourite position
- 1st
- Rating
- 140
- Season R / W
- 2/1
2021Porlock BayAGE 10 · 12-016/1
- Jockey
- Lorcan Williams
- Trainer
- Will Biddick
- Age
- 10
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 16/1
- Runners
- 18
- Favourite position
- 2nd
- Rating
- 135
- Season R / W
- 2/1
2020It Came To PassAGE 10 · 12-066/1
- Jockey
- M O'Sullivan
- Trainer
- Eugene O'Sullivan
- Age
- 10
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 66/1
- Runners
- 21
- Favourite position
- 2nd
- Rating
- 126
- Season R / W
- 5/2
2019Hazel HillAGE 11 · 12-07/2 F
- Jockey
- Alex Edwards
- Trainer
- Philip Rowley
- Age
- 11
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 7/2 F
- Runners
- 24
- Favourite position
- 1st
- Rating
- 139
- Season R / W
- 2/2
2018Pacha Du PolderAGE 11 · 12-025/1
- Jockey
- Harriet Tucker
- Trainer
- Paul Nicholls
- Age
- 11
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 25/1
- Runners
- 24
- Favourite position
- 8th
- Rating
- 138
- Season R / W
- 1/0
2017Pacha Du PolderAGE 10 · 12-016/1
- Jockey
- Bryony Frost
- Trainer
- Paul Nicholls
- Age
- 10
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 16/1
- Runners
- 23
- Favourite position
- 4th
- Rating
- 138
- Season R / W
- 4/1
2016On The FringeAGE 11 · 12-013/8 F
- Jockey
- N Carberry
- Trainer
- E Bolger
- Age
- 11
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 13/8 F
- Runners
- 24
- Favourite position
- 1st
- Rating
- 147
- Season R / W
- 1/0
2015On The FringeAGE 10 · 12-06/1 2F
- Jockey
- N Carberry
- Trainer
- E Bolger
- Age
- 10
- Weight
- 12-0
- Price
- 6/1 2F
- Runners
- 24
- Favourite position
- 3rd
- Rating
- 141
- Season R / W
- 2/0
| Year | Winner | Cheltenham | Distance Form (26-27f) | Hurdle | Chase | Previous race | Days since run | Previous result | Grade Wins | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runs | Wins | Runs | Wins | Runs | Wins | Runs | Wins | Grade 1 wins | Grade 2 wins | Grade 3 wins | |||||
| 2026 | Barton Snow | 1 | 1 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | Hunters Chase (Ludlow) | 37 | 1 / 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Wonderwall | 3 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 0 | PTP Race (Damma House) | 131 | 1 / 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Sine Nomine | 2 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | Hunters Chase (Wetherby) | 41 | 1 / 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Premier Magic | 1 | 0 | 15 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | PTP Race (Garthorpe) | 40 | 1 / 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Billaway | 2 | 0 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 5 | Hunter Chase (Naas) | 34 | 1 / 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Porlock Bay | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 5 | 6 | 0 | Hunter Chase (Wincanton) | 43 | 2 / 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | It Came To Pass | 1 | 0 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 4 | PTP Race (Kilfeacle) | 47 | PU / 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Hazel Hill | 0 | 0 | 18 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | Hunters Chase (Warwick) | 53 | 1 / 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | Pacha Du Polder | 5 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 8 | Hunters Chase (Doncaster) | 23 | 3 / 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2017 | Pacha Du Polder | 4 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 25 | 7 | Hunters Chase (Bangor-on-Dee) | 35 | 1 / 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2016 | On The Fringe | 3 | 1 | 17 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 9 | Hunters Chase (Leopardstown) | 41 | 7 / 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | On The Fringe | 2 | 0 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 6 | Hunters Chase (Leopardstown) | 33 | 2 / 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2026Barton SnowBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 1/1
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 11/5
- Hurdle R / W
- 2/0
- Chase R / W
- 4/4
- Previous race
- Hunters Chase (Ludlow)
- Days since run
- 37
- Previous result
- 1 / 6
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2025WonderwallBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 3/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 5/2
- Hurdle R / W
- 11/1
- Chase R / W
- 3/0
- Previous race
- PTP Race (Damma House)
- Days since run
- 131
- Previous result
- 1 / 4
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2024Sine NomineBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 2/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 14/7
- Hurdle R / W
- 0/0
- Chase R / W
- 5/3
- Previous race
- Hunters Chase (Wetherby)
- Days since run
- 41
- Previous result
- 1 / 6
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2023Premier MagicBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 1/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 15/8
- Hurdle R / W
- 0/0
- Chase R / W
- 3/1
- Previous race
- PTP Race (Garthorpe)
- Days since run
- 40
- Previous result
- 1 / 5
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2022BillawayBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 2/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 11/4
- Hurdle R / W
- 0/0
- Chase R / W
- 15/5
- Previous race
- Hunter Chase (Naas)
- Days since run
- 34
- Previous result
- 1 / 6
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2021Porlock BayBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 0/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 1/0
- Hurdle R / W
- 12/5
- Chase R / W
- 6/0
- Previous race
- Hunter Chase (Wincanton)
- Days since run
- 43
- Previous result
- 2 / 16
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2020It Came To PassBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 1/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 15/4
- Hurdle R / W
- 0/0
- Chase R / W
- 12/4
- Previous race
- PTP Race (Kilfeacle)
- Days since run
- 47
- Previous result
- PU / 6
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2019Hazel HillBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 0/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 18/13
- Hurdle R / W
- 0/0
- Chase R / W
- 3/3
- Previous race
- Hunters Chase (Warwick)
- Days since run
- 53
- Previous result
- 1 / 12
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2018Pacha Du PolderBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 5/1
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 10/1
- Hurdle R / W
- 3/1
- Chase R / W
- 28/8
- Previous race
- Hunters Chase (Doncaster)
- Days since run
- 23
- Previous result
- 3 / 5
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/1/1
2017Pacha Du PolderBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 4/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 8/0
- Hurdle R / W
- 3/1
- Chase R / W
- 25/7
- Previous race
- Hunters Chase (Bangor-on-Dee)
- Days since run
- 35
- Previous result
- 1 / 5
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/1/1
2016On The FringeBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 3/1
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 17/7
- Hurdle R / W
- 0/0
- Chase R / W
- 18/9
- Previous race
- Hunters Chase (Leopardstown)
- Days since run
- 41
- Previous result
- 7 / 11
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
2015On The FringeBEFORE THE RACE
- Cheltenham R / W
- 2/0
- Distance Form (26-27f) R / W
- 14/5
- Hurdle R / W
- 0/0
- Chase R / W
- 14/6
- Previous race
- Hunters Chase (Leopardstown)
- Days since run
- 33
- Previous result
- 2 / 9
- Grade Wins 1 / 2 / 3
- 0/0/0
| Year | Winner | Next run | Date | Result | Rest-of-season runs | Rest-of-season results | Next Cheltenham Festival run | Festival result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Barton Snow | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2025 | Wonderwall | Open PTP (Dromahane) | Nov-25 | 1 / 12 | 0 | - | Hunters Chase | 7 / 23 |
| 2024 | Sine Nomine | Mares Chase (Market Rasen) | Nov-24 | UR / 5 | 0 | - | Kim Muir | PU / 23 |
| 2023 | Premier Magic | Hunters Chase (Cheltenham) | May-23 | 1 / 7 | 0 | - | - | - |
| 2022 | Billaway | Hunters Chase (Punchestown) | Apr-22 | 1 / 5 | 1 | 1 win, 0 placed | Hunters Chase | F / 23 |
| 2021 | Porlock Bay | Open PTP (Chaddesley Corbett) | Dec-21 | 2 / 6 | 0 | - | - | - |
| 2020 | It Came To Pass | Hunters Chase (Fairyhouse) | Nov-20 | 4 / 9 | 0 | - | Hunters Chase | 7 / 18 |
| 2019 | Hazel Hill | Hunters Chase (Cheltenham) | May-19 | 1 / 7 | 0 | - | - | - |
| 2018 | Pacha Du Polder | Hunters Chase (Haydock) | Feb-19 | 5 / 8 | 0 | - | Foxhunter Chase | PU / 24 |
| 2017 | Pacha Du Polder | Hunters Chase (Aintree) | Apr-15 | 4 / 28 | 1 | 0 wins, 0 placed | Foxhunter Chase | 1 / 24 |
| 2016 | On The Fringe | Hunters Chase (Aintree) | Apr-15 | 1 / 22 | 2 | 2 wins, 0 placed | Foxhunter Chase | 4 / 23 |
| 2015 | On The Fringe | Hunters Chase (Aintree) | Apr-15 | 1 / 29 | 2 | 2 wins, 0 placed. | Foxhunter Chase | 1 / 24 |
2026Barton SnowTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- -
- Date
- -
- Result
- -
- Season runs after
- -
- Season results after
- -
- Next Festival run
- -
- Festival result
- -
2025WonderwallTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Open PTP (Dromahane)
- Date
- Nov-25
- Result
- 1 / 12
- Season runs after
- 0
- Season results after
- -
- Next Festival run
- Hunters Chase
- Festival result
- 7 / 23
2024Sine NomineTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Mares Chase (Market Rasen)
- Date
- Nov-24
- Result
- UR / 5
- Season runs after
- 0
- Season results after
- -
- Next Festival run
- Kim Muir
- Festival result
- PU / 23
2023Premier MagicTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Hunters Chase (Cheltenham)
- Date
- May-23
- Result
- 1 / 7
- Season runs after
- 0
- Season results after
- -
- Next Festival run
- -
- Festival result
- -
2022BillawayTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Hunters Chase (Punchestown)
- Date
- Apr-22
- Result
- 1 / 5
- Season runs after
- 1
- Season results after
- 1 win, 0 placed
- Next Festival run
- Hunters Chase
- Festival result
- F / 23
2021Porlock BayTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Open PTP (Chaddesley Corbett)
- Date
- Dec-21
- Result
- 2 / 6
- Season runs after
- 0
- Season results after
- -
- Next Festival run
- -
- Festival result
- -
2020It Came To PassTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Hunters Chase (Fairyhouse)
- Date
- Nov-20
- Result
- 4 / 9
- Season runs after
- 0
- Season results after
- -
- Next Festival run
- Hunters Chase
- Festival result
- 7 / 18
2019Hazel HillTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Hunters Chase (Cheltenham)
- Date
- May-19
- Result
- 1 / 7
- Season runs after
- 0
- Season results after
- -
- Next Festival run
- -
- Festival result
- -
2018Pacha Du PolderTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Hunters Chase (Haydock)
- Date
- Feb-19
- Result
- 5 / 8
- Season runs after
- 0
- Season results after
- -
- Next Festival run
- Foxhunter Chase
- Festival result
- PU / 24
2017Pacha Du PolderTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Hunters Chase (Aintree)
- Date
- Apr-15
- Result
- 4 / 28
- Season runs after
- 1
- Season results after
- 0 wins, 0 placed
- Next Festival run
- Foxhunter Chase
- Festival result
- 1 / 24
2016On The FringeTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Hunters Chase (Aintree)
- Date
- Apr-15
- Result
- 1 / 22
- Season runs after
- 2
- Season results after
- 2 wins, 0 placed
- Next Festival run
- Foxhunter Chase
- Festival result
- 4 / 23
2015On The FringeTHE NEXT CHAPTER
- Next run
- Hunters Chase (Aintree)
- Date
- Apr-15
- Result
- 1 / 29
- Season runs after
- 2
- Season results after
- 2 wins, 0 placed.
- Next Festival run
- Foxhunter Chase
- Festival result
- 1 / 24
The winner profile.
The supplied summary ratios, preserved separately from the table calculations above. Check the sample notes before combining them.
| Category | Profile angle | Winners | Share of winners | Study list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgeREPORTED SUMMARY | Aged 8+ | 12/12 | ||
| MarketREPORTED SUMMARY | Favourite or joint favourite | 3/12 | ||
| MarketREPORTED SUMMARY | Top three in betting | 5/12 | ||
| TrainerREPORTED SUMMARY | UK-trained | 6/12 | ||
| TrainerREPORTED SUMMARY | Ireland-trained | 6/12 | ||
| Recent formREPORTED SUMMARY | Won previous start | 7/12 | ||
| Recent formREPORTED SUMMARY | Top three on previous start | 10/12 | ||
| Recent formREPORTED SUMMARY | Raced within 53 days | 11/12 | ||
| CourseREPORTED SUMMARY | At least one Cheltenham start | 10/12 | ||
| CourseREPORTED SUMMARY | Had won at Cheltenham | 3/12 | ||
| DistanceREPORTED SUMMARY | 8+ starts at 24–27f | 10/12 | ||
| DistanceREPORTED SUMMARY | 2+ wins at 24–27f | 9/12 | ||
| ChasesREPORTED SUMMARY | 4+ chase starts | 9/12 | ||
| ChasesREPORTED SUMMARY | 1+ chase win | 10/12 | ||
| RatingREPORTED SUMMARY | Rated 126+ | 9/12 | ||
| SeasonREPORTED SUMMARY | 2+ starts that season | 10/12 | ||
| SeasonREPORTED SUMMARY | 1+ win that season | 9/12 |
Follow-up summary
Reported follow-up figures remain distinct from the detailed winner tables.
Won on next start
Placed on next start
Raced again that season
Won again that season
Placed again that season
Next-start destinations
| Destination | Went | Won | Placed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foxhunters Chase (Aintree) | 3/12 | 2/3 | 0 |
Festival returns
| Destination | Went | Won | Placed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunters Chase | 6/12 | 3/6 | 0 |
Sample notes and interpretation
- R / W = runs / wins before the Festival race. A dash is a missing or unreported value, not zero. Price suffixes: F = favourite, JF = joint favourite, CF = co-favourite, 2F / 3F = second / third favourite.
- The favourite-position column records the listed result of the favourite(s). Price suffixes identify the winner’s position in the market. These fields are retained independently.
- All listed rows are retained, including blank years. Winner counts exclude rows with no named winner. Later missing results do not imply a loss.
- Summary ratios are retained as reported and may not reconcile with every detailed table cell. They are displayed separately from calculations made from the winner records. A high winner share is not a selection strike rate or evidence of profit.
- “Won” and “placed” are retained as separate reported outcomes. No combined place rate or profit is inferred.
Compare current hunter form
Look at the quality of recent opposition and the manner of the performance. A comfortable win can demonstrate wellbeing without establishing the same level as a hard-fought success against strong hunters. Point-to-point form needs similar care because courses and race strength can differ considerably.
For an older horse, examine enthusiasm and jumping as well as finishing position. A change of scene may help it enjoy racing again, but a falling profile cannot be repaired merely by remembering its best professional-season run.
A partnership for a long race
An amateur who knows the horse well may understand how to settle it, when to ask and how it responds under pressure. That is useful, practical information. It does not replace the horse’s need for stamina and a sound round.
Assess the likely pace and how much ground each runner may need to make up. A horse that takes time to organise itself can leave its rider with a difficult task late on. The strongest case combines current ability with a rideable temperament and convincing evidence that the partnership can handle this particular test.
Previous renewals
The 2027 runners
Declarations will settle the field.
The 2027 runners are not yet declared. A past winner or a horse quoted in an ante-post market is not a confirmed runner. Check entries, connections’ published plans and the final declarations before treating a horse as part of this field.
No live prices or confirmed 2027 runner list are presented in this guide. Reviewed 11 November 2026.
Your questions, answered
Is this still the Festival Hunters’ Chase?
Yes. It was renamed the Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase in 2026; the established description remains a useful historical alias.
Does it use the Gold Cup distance?
Yes. It follows the Gold Cup over the same extended three-and-a-quarter-mile trip, subject to the current racecard’s exact distance.
Sources & editorial notes
Reviewed 11 November 2026. Interpretation is Puntrr’s; factual results and conditions are linked below.