Champion Bumper

This race is considered to be the penultimate flat race on the entire National Hunt circuit. Contenders that line up in this race generally go on to excel over hurdles and a win here sets a horse up nicely for a kick at the Supreme Novices Hurdle the following year. The race has been run each year since 1992 and it is considered the best opportunity for a four year-old to pick up a score at the festival. This is one of the few opportunities to score at a high-graded level without actually going over obstacles. Contenders with credible experience on the flat have been able to boss this race in recent years. 

Notable Runners

Ericht - He enters the race with a Grade 2 score to his credit already. The Nicky Henderson charge will likely get Barry Geraghty again for this one and trades as a lukewarm favourite. 

Raise The Beat - He scored in back-to-back bumpers in Ireland and acquitted himself well on both occasions. Look for him to take a fair amount of money from the Irish contingent. 

Cinders And Ashes - The Juddmonte-bred four year-old just missed out on New Year's Day in a listed bumper. Literally headed on the line, he'll be looking for revenge here as it tarnished his unbeaten record.