Last year’s Arkle third Majborough tops the 2026 Queen Mother Champion Chase confirmations. 13 remain in contention for the Wednesday feature at the Cheltenham Festival.
Looking to avenge his jumping frailties, Majborough returned to form when equipped with cheek-pieces when bolting up in the Grade 1 Dublin Chase last time out. If he turns up in that form once more, he may prove tough to pass.
Just five of the 18 entrants were omitted at the midday confirmation stage of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. One of those was Marine Nationale, who was ruled out with a sore neck earlier this week. Both Calico and Thistle Ask were taken out for Dan Skelton. Successful pot hunter Senecia wasn’t confirmed, nor was JPR One who looks Ryanair bound.
Despite it being reported that Jonbon was ruled out of Cheltenham, connections have decided to keep him in. It looks unlikely that he’ll run at the festival, with it hinging on whether Fact To File contests the Ryanair. It’s a surprise he was kept in the Champion Chase, perhaps as a back up if anything happens to Majborough.
Arkle form to the fore
Majborough may also face Only By Night once again, who was ahead of him in last year’s Arkle. The mare was among the Champion Chase runners list despite an alternative engagement in the Mares’ Chase.
L’Eau Du Sud was confirmed after Dan Skelton’s glowing reports of his Arkle fourth of late. He hasn’t been seen since his third to Il Etait Temps at Sandown in December. Skelton announced he regretted running him soon after the Shloer, with him boasting a better record when fresh.
Il Etait Temps was also confirmed as one of two for Willie Mullins. The Tingle Creek hero took a tired fall in the Clarence House last time out, putting him out of Leapardstown. The Jukebox Jury gelding has a record of 553 at the festival, but he looks a different proposition this season.
Quilixios is one of two in for Henry De Bromhead and hasn’t been seen since falling here last season. He jumped into a slender leader two out before coming down, leaving Marine Nationale comfortably in front. The nine-year-old Maxios looks to return to the Cheltenham, winners enclosure after his Triumph Hurdle success in 2021.
De Bromhead also confirmed 2024 winner Captain Guinness, who placed in both the 2023 and 2025 renewals.
Outsider Saint Segal was given the green light by Jane Williams after his career best form this season. He was second to Lulamba at Newbury last time out, and could spring a surprise if maintaining his excellent form.