The valuable Betfair Imperial Cup is set to take centre stage at Sandown on Saturday. First run in 1907, the historic handicap was thought to be the most important hurdling contest in the National Hunt calendar prior to the inception of the Champion Hurdle in 1927. The two mile race requires a blend of speed and stamina to gallop up the Sandown hill, acting as a precursor to the competitive handicaps upon Prestbury Park the following week.
2026 Imperial Cup Runners
Gary & Josh Moore’s Mondo Man made a solid start to his hurdling career when second to Lulamba at Ascot last January. He brings plenty of back-class from the flat, having been fifth in a French Derby, and caught the eye when fourth in a Premier Handicap at Ascot in December. He returned to the winner’s enclosure when a 33 length winner at Plumpton last month, and could be well-handicapped off a mark of 123.
Wreckless Eric is winless since 2024 but is 3lbs lower than last year’s second in this contest. He needs to improve on this season’s form, but first time cheek-pieces could perk him up. Go Dante has won the last two runnings of this race and returns on the back of wind surgery. He’s 5lbs higher than last year, but he’ll likely be primed for his life here.
Rubber Ball continued Neil King’s fantastic form when a five length winner at Newbury last weekend and is back on the same mark he began the season on. His form beating Tutti Quanti last year suggests he can overcome it. General Briar also comes from the back of a Newbury success and arrives on the third leg of a hat-trick.
Paddy Brennan failed to win this as a jockey but his syndicate horse Jack Hyde is of interest having his second run after a wind operation. He was a two length fifth in the Grade 2 Sharp Novices’ in October, and it’ll be no surprise should he come on for his latest run when returning from 90 days off.
Imperial Cup Racecard
14:27 Sandown
SoftBetfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £51440
- 1m 7f 216y
- Class 2
- 19 runners
- Win time: 4m 11s
5/2F (Won)
- Win: £3.50
- Place: £1.60
11/1
- Place: £2.60
12/1
- Place: £3.20
50/1
- Place: £13.50
18/1
50/1
12/1
11/2
8/1
14/1
28/1
50/1
14/1
11/1
7/1
50/1
25/1
25/1
33/1
Non-runners
Knickerbockerglory, Gibbs Island, Ooh Betty, Nardaran, Mr McLoughlan
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £43.20 |
| Straight Forecast | £33.25 |
| Tricast | £306.73 |
| Trifecta | £572.70 |
Selections
Daily Record:
Mondo ManImperial Cup Handicap Trends
Imperial Cup Handicap Tips
The Neil King yard can do no wrong at the moment with recent form figures of 17111151, including Lookaway landing the Ladbrokes Trophy. Rubber Ball is taken to continue that record and back up his facile Newbury success last weekend. That was a commanding front running performance, where his stamina kicked in late on.
He pulled five lengths clear of the second and further 18 from the third. He could have more to give at this trip, particularly on the form of his length success against Tutti Quanti who’s now rated 151 and potentially lines up in the Champion Hurdle. Jack Hyde can finish second for the third time in a row, while Go Dante is sure to give his running but a 5lbs higher mark than last year means he may have to settle for the minor placings.
FAQs
When and where will the Imperial Cup be run?
The Imperial Cup will take place at Sandown racecourse on Saturday 7 March, 2026 at 2.27pm.
How can I watch the Imperial Cup on Saturday?
The Imperial Cup will be shown live on ITV Racing at 2.27pm.
When were the Imperial Cup tips published?
The tips for the Imperial Cup were published at 9.23am on Friday 6 March.
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