National Hunt Chase Entries 2026 - Brave 48 Among Novice Marathon Entries

48 horses have been provisionally entered for the 2026 National Hunt Chase. It will be the second renewal of the race since professional jockeys have been allowed to compete.

The main story of the entries was a horse who did not appear among the 48. That horse is The Wallpark, who has not been given any Cheltenham Festival entries for 2026 and will instead be aimed at the Irish Grand National. That has instigated quite a change around the market as a result.

The new favourite represents last year’s winning stable. Newton Tornado is trained by Rebecca Curtis, who sent out Haiti Couleurs to win in 2025. That horse is now Gold Cup bound, so much can be expected of Newton Tornado in the near future too.

A strong Irish contingent is almost guaranteed in Cheltenham Festival handicaps. Backmersackme would represent the shrewd Emmet Mullins team, while Argento Boy would bid to give Willie Mullins a first ever handicap chase win at Cheltenham were he to be successful here. Joystick could also run for the Closutton maestro.

Wade Out has already won in Listed company at Cheltenham this season and shapes like a thorough stayer. That is also the case for Grand Geste, twice a winner of big handicaps in open company, as well as Holloway Queen and the Jukebox Kid, given entries by Nicky Henderson and Ben Pauling respectively.

2026 National Hunt Chase Entries