The first race over fences at the Cheltenham Festival is the Arkle Challenge Trophy, a Grade One named in honour of the greatest National Hunt horse in history.
We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Arkle tips for 2026, including our best bet and race verdict.
Last Updated: 09.03.2026
Race Info
| Race | Arkle Challenge Trophy |
| Date | Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 2:00pm |
| Status | Grade One |
| Distance | 2m |
| First Prize | £112,540 |
| Going | NA |
| Runners | 19 |
| Favourite | Lulamba (13/8) |
2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy Runners
Lulamba will carry the tag of favouritism into this year's Arkle. Nicky Henderson's star has won all three of his starts over fences, winning at Exeter and in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown, before taking down his elders in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
At the start of the season, Kopek Des Bordes rivalled Lulamba for Arkle favouritism. Willie Mullins' charge was cut into a very short price after a wildly impressive chasing debut at Navan, but suffered a set-back that caused him to miss both big meetings at Leopardstown, and Paul Townend's mount will have to travel to the Cheltenham Festival fresh.
Romeo Coolio narrowly got the better of Kargese to win the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival. Gordon Elliott's three-time Grade One winner is entered in the Arkle, the Brown Advisory and the Ryanair Chase, and plans are still yet to be finalised. However, the prospect of soft ground at the Cheltenham Festival could see Elliott run his top chaser in the shortest of his three options.
Irish Panther is a likely runner for Eddie and Patrick Harty, following his narrow defeat to Romeo Coolio over Christmas. Sam Thomas' Steel Ally has been extremely impressive since switching to fences, and will step up into top-level company following a pair of Grade Two victories.
Jax Junior impressed when winning the Pendil and Lucy Wadham has pointed her stable star at Cheltenham. No Questions Asked and Hansard seem likely to take up their entries too, which should ensure a healthy field for the second Grade One on Champions' Day.
2026 Arkle Challenge Trophy Tips
| Bet Type | Name | Odds (9/3/26) |
|---|---|---|
| Value Bet 1 | Steel Ally | 16/1 |
Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes are the clear standouts in this year's Arkle. I do, however, have reservations about both.
I was hugely impressed with Lulamba at both Sandown and Newbury, but Nicky Henderson's star has shaped like he would benefit from step up in trip, and they always go hell-for-leather in the Arkle.
The vibes coming out of Closutton are suggesting that Kopek Des Bordes has been working the house down. Yet, I can't bring myself to back a horse at such a short price who has only had one run over fences, and hasn't been seen since November.
Despite a small field being declared for this year's Arkle, I'm still going to take the market leaders on with STEEL ALLY (16/1). Sam Thomas' charge ran to a good level over hurdles last season, but has taken his game to a whole new stratosphere since being pointed at fences.
Dylan Johnston's mount jumped well when beating experienced rivals in a Graduation Chase at Carlisle on his seasonal reappearance. Steel Ally then ran out a hugely impressive winner of the Noel Novices' Chase at Ascot, hammering two fellow Arkle entrants in No Questions Asked and Jax Junior - both of whom have won Grade Twos since.
Thomas opted to bypass the Scilly Isles and return to two miles in the Lightning Novices' Chase. Mambonumberfive massively underperformed on the heavy ground, leaving Steel Ally to track the front-running Mirabad throughout, and cruise into a ten-length lead down the home straight.
Johnston's mount certainly didn't have a hard race at Warwick, and slightly better ground around Cheltenham would suit. Steel Ally is a strong stayer at two miles, and there could be plenty more to come from this talented eight-year-old.
Live Stream
Visit our Arkle Challenge Trophy Live Stream page if you want to watch any race on day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival via a mobile or tablet.
Arkle 2026 FAQs
- When is the Arkle 2026?
The Arkle Challenge Trophy will take place on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 10th March, 2026.
- What time does the Arkle go off?
The Arkle Challenge Trophy is scheduled to start at 2:00pm on March 10th.
- Who will win the 2026 Arkle?
Everyone is anticipating a mouth-watering showdown between Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes in this year's Arkle. There are some dangerous outsiders in the field too, with Steel Ally and July Flower entering with a real chance.
- Where can I watch the 2026 Arkle?
The Arkle Challenge Trophy will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information.