The Champion Bumper is a unique horse racing betting event at the Cheltenham Festival in that it is the only flat race at the meeting.
Often viewed as an early stepping stone for the following year’s Supreme Novice Hurdle, the Champion Bumper is one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the week and it will be a popular feature in Cheltenham Day 2 tips.
The inaugural renewal took place in 1992 and the Champion Bumper is now an ever-present on the Cheltenham Festival card.
Here, we discuss the most key Champion Bumper trends in a bid to pick out a winner at the 2026 meeting.
Champion Bumper Trends:
Trends are essential when placing bets on the Cheltenham Festival – here are some of the biggest and most important Champion Bumper trends to consider.
- 11 of the last 12 winners were aged 5 or 6. (Cue Card is the only 4-yo)
- Only 2 of the last 12 winners were Champion Bumper betting favourites.
- 12 of the last 12 winners won on their previous run before the Cheltenham Bumper.
- 2 out of 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham.
- 10 out of 12 winners had at least 2 previous runs over 2m.
- 11 out of 12 had a previous win over 2m.
- 12 out of the last 12 winners had a rating of 118 or more.
- 12 out of 12 winners had at least 1 run and 1 win that season.
- 7 out of the last 12 winners were trained in Ireland.
Champion Bumper Trainers:
Willie Mullins has dominated this race, with 14 victories to his name.
However, rival trainer Gordon Elliott will have a stronghold in the 2026 Champion Bumper if the latest Cheltenham betting odds are to go by.
Champion Bumper Prize Money:
The total prize money on offer for the Champion Bumper at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is £75,000, with winning connections claiming £42,203.
*Credit for the photo in this article belongs to Alamy*
