Cheltenham October Meeting 2026: Novice Chase and Hurdle Preview

The Catesby Estates 'Chasing Excellence' Novices' Chase is a Class 2 contest run over approximately two miles on Cheltenham's Old Course, with 13 fences to negotiate and £40,000 in total prize money, including £21,784 for the winner. The race provides an early opportunity for novice chasers to demonstrate their jumping ability against stronger opposition. Cheltenham's undulating track, downhill sections and demanding uphill finish make accurate jumping and efficient energy management particularly important. The declared going is good, although conditions can change with the autumn weather. Notable runners include Bowensonfire, Ice Jet and Jarrive De Mee, each bringing a different background and level of chasing experience to the contest.

Six-year-old Bowensonfire represents Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, with Jack Kennedy booked to ride. The French-bred gelding has shown consistent recent form, finishing second once and third twice in his last three appearances. Although he has yet to win during that spell, those results suggest he has remained competitive against his recent opposition.

Bowensonfire's last victory came earlier in 2026, and his subsequent outings have provided further experience over obstacles. His official rating of 137 reflects his established ability, although Cheltenham presents a different challenge from many of the tracks he has previously encountered.

The relatively short distance should place particular emphasis on maintaining a good jumping rhythm, especially as the field accelerates towards the closing fences. His recent consistency offers an interesting comparison with rivals arriving on the back of victories but with varying levels of experience.

Ice Jet arrives from Dan Skelton's stable following a productive summer campaign that has included several victories and placed finishes. The four-year-old grey gelding has demonstrated his ability over shorter distances, with his latest appearance yielding another win.

Harry Skelton takes the ride, continuing the established trainer-jockey partnership. Ice Jet carries 11st and has an official rating of 127. His recent outings have given him valuable competitive experience ahead of his return to Cheltenham.

His age is an interesting consideration. As a four-year-old competing against older horses, he receives a weight allowance under the race conditions. However, Cheltenham's fences and uphill finish will provide a demanding test for a developing chaser.

Ice Jet's summer form offers evidence of his progress, but the quality of opposition and the particular demands of the Old Course make this a different assignment. His performance could provide a useful indication of how well his earlier achievements translate to a competitive autumn novice chase.

Seven-year-old Jarrive De Mee brings a different profile to the contest as a representative of Willie Mullins, with Patrick Mullins booked to ride. The French-bred gelding has previously shown ability over hurdles, but his transition to chasing has yet to yield a victory.

His two most recent appearances over fences ended in sixth-place finishes, including a beginners' chase at Galway in August, where he was beaten by fewer than five lengths in a field of 16. These outings have nevertheless provided valuable experience over the larger obstacles.

Friday's race presents a shorter-distance test. Jarrive De Mee has recently competed over longer trips, so the return to approximately two miles will require him to adapt to a different pace and jumping rhythm.

He has previously won on good-to-soft ground, although the current going at Cheltenham is reported as good. His jumping, ability to hold his position and response to the course's undulations will be key aspects to watch.

The Oddschecker Novices' Hurdle, registered as the Sharp Novices' Hurdle, is a Grade 2 contest run over approximately two miles and half a furlong. With £80,000 in total prize money and £47,552 going to the winner, it is one of the most valuable races on Friday's programme. The field faces eight hurdles on Cheltenham's Old Course, where maintaining momentum over the undulations and producing a strong finish are important considerations. As a Grade 2 event, the race gives developing hurdlers an opportunity to compete at a higher level early in the season. Cooltobecareless and Planters Punch are two notable runners, with their contrasting recent racing schedules adding interest to the contest.

Cooltobecareless represents Dan Skelton, with Harry Skelton booked to ride the five-year-old gelding. His recent form includes a victory earlier this month, providing an encouraging start to his latest campaign following a less successful run towards the end of the previous season.

The gelding's earlier record includes a second-place finish and a win, demonstrating his ability during the early stages of his racing career. His latest success came just 14 days before Friday's contest, giving him a relatively quick return to competitive action.

Friday's Grade 2 contest will provide a sterner test of that form. The race brings together horses from several leading National Hunt yards, many of which have already demonstrated considerable promise over hurdles.

Cooltobecareless carries 11st 2lb, while the race conditions grant a weight allowance to four-year-olds. His recent activity and experience in competitive racing are relevant factors, although the step up in grade presents a different challenge.

Planters Punch arrives at Cheltenham unbeaten after three appearances, all of which have resulted in victory. The four-year-old gelding is trained by Nicky Henderson, with Nico de Boinville booked to ride.

His three consecutive wins have established a promising foundation for his hurdling career, but Friday's contest marks a step up in class. He has not raced for approximately six months, with his most recent appearance coming in April.

That absence contrasts with Cooltobecareless, who has already returned to action this autumn. Planters Punch brings an unbeaten record to Cheltenham but has yet to demonstrate his current form in competitive action this season.

He carries 11st 1lb, one pound less than his older rival under the weight-for-age conditions. His official rating of 128 offers another indication of the ability he has shown in previous outings.

The Grade 2 classification makes this an important test of his potential against stronger opposition. A competitive performance at Cheltenham would provide a useful indication of his progress and suitability for more demanding novice hurdle contests later in the season.