Arkle Challenge Trophy 2026 Tips: Cheltenham 2:00 Preview & Best Bets

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Arkle Challenge Trophy Tips

Best Bet: Kopek Des Bordes
Main Danger: Lulamba
Each-Way Value: Kargese

Predicted Finish:

1. Kopek Des Bordes
2. Lulamba
3. Kargese
4. Steel Ally

The Arkle Challenge Trophy is one of the highlight races on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. Run over two miles at Cheltenham Racecourse, the Grade 1 contest is widely regarded as the championship race for novice chasers.

The Arkle regularly produces future stars of the sport. Previous winners have gone on to become legends of National Hunt racing, making the race one of the most anticipated novice events of the season.

The 2026 renewal looks particularly intriguing, with two standout contenders dominating the betting: Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba. Both bring exceptional talent and strong form into the race, setting up what could be one of the most exciting clashes of the meeting.

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Kopek Des Bordes – The One To Beat

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Paul Townend

Last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner, Kopek Des Bordes has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting novice chasers in training.

Although he has limited experience over fences, his class is undeniable. His debut victory over fences demonstrated both his ability and his jumping technique, suggesting he has taken well to chasing.

The six-year-old has already proven he handles the Cheltenham track, having won the Supreme at the Festival last year. That experience is often a major advantage in races of this nature.

With the powerful Mullins–Townend partnership behind him and strong recent form in the yard, he looks the horse they all have to beat.

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Lulamba – Unbeaten Over Fences

Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico de Boinville

The biggest threat to the favourite is likely to come from Lulamba, who has been one of the most impressive novice chasers in Britain this season.

The five-year-old is unbeaten over fences, winning all three starts in convincing fashion. His performances have drawn comparisons with previous Henderson-trained stars who followed the same route to the Arkle.

His slick jumping and strong travelling style make him perfectly suited to the demands of a fast-run two-mile chase at Cheltenham.

With a top rating and an unbeaten chasing record, he clearly deserves his place near the head of the market.

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Kargese – Strong Irish Challenger

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Danny Mullins

Another intriguing runner from the Mullins yard is Kargese, who brings strong Festival form into the race.

The six-year-old won the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, proving that she handles the course and the intense Festival atmosphere.

She also ran an excellent race when finishing second in the Irish Arkle, losing out only after a dramatic battle.

Receiving a weight allowance and possessing plenty of class, she could be a serious each-way contender.

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Steel Ally – Progressive Chaser

Trainer: Sam Thomas

One of the more interesting outsiders in the field is Steel Ally, who has shown significant improvement since switching to fences.

The eight-year-old arrives with a perfect three-from-three record over fences, including a convincing victory at Warwick. Each performance has suggested he is continuing to progress.

However, the Arkle represents a major step up in class and he will likely need to produce a career-best performance to trouble the leading contenders.

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Other Runners

The rest of the field includes several runners who may find this assignment challenging.

Jax Junior has made a solid start to his chasing career with three wins from five starts and jumps well, though he may need further improvement to match the top pair.

Hansard has been consistent but lacks the level of form required to compete with the leading contenders in this Grade 1 contest.

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Race Tactics

The Arkle is typically run at a strong pace with several runners eager to attack the fences early.

The speed of the race places huge importance on accurate jumping and positioning. Horses that travel smoothly behind the leaders before making their move approaching the final two fences often perform best.

Given the aggressive style of several runners in the field, another fast and exciting renewal looks likely.

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Verdict

The 2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy appears to revolve around two exceptional novices.

Kopek Des Bordes brings the strongest overall profile to the race, combining proven Grade 1 class with Cheltenham Festival winning form. If his jumping holds up under pressure, he could provide another Arkle success for Willie Mullins.

Lulamba is an obvious danger with an unbeaten chasing record and impressive ratings, while Kargese looks capable of running into the places at attractive odds.

The stage is set for a thrilling duel between Britain and Ireland in one of the most exciting novice chases of the season.

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Cheltenham 2:00 – Final Tips

Best Bet: Kopek Des Bordes
Main Danger: Lulamba
Each-Way: Kargese

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