Last Updated on 23/01/2026 by Andy Clark
Ciaran Murphy is a seasoned horse racing analyst with a keen eye on the Cheltenham Festival ante-post markets. A passionate follower of National Hunt racing, he has spent years studying trends, form, and betting strategies to uncover value in novice hurdles, chases, and Championship races. Known for combining insightful analysis with practical betting advice, Ciaran provides readers with expert previews, tips, and market commentary to give them an edge ahead of every Cheltenham Festival.
Our racing expert Cheltenham tipsters look at the 2026 Brown Advisory Novice Chase tips for their latest ante-post bet on the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.
Race Overview
Contested over 3m ½f on the second day of the Festival, the Brown Advisory seeks to find the best staying Novice chaser in Britain and Ireland. Ran on the Old Course (the tighter of the 2 tracks), it is historically a race that has an excellent record of producing future Gold Cup winners. Bob’s Worth and Lord Windermere (remember him?) won this contest in consecutive years, while Al Boum Photo and Minella Indo also ran in this race the year before they went on to win the big one.
Traditionally, the race attracts the leading second-season chasers who have shown the ability to handle longer distances earlier in the campaign. Unlike shorter novice events, the emphasis here is firmly on staying power, with the stiff Cheltenham finish exposing any weaknesses late on.
From a betting perspective, the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase has a reputation for rewarding well-profiled stayers rather than pure speed types, making it a race where understanding trends, race conditions, and preparation routes can be just as important as raw form.
2026 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase Preview and Predictions
The first graded chase of the day is for the long-distance Novice Chasers, all of whom will aim to catapult themselves into next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup picture. None more so than short price favourite Final Demand, who solidified his place at the top of the market with a visually impressive debut at my local track, Navan.
While his jumping that day was undoubtedly breathtaking (especially for his first time fencing over rules), the subsequent runs of the second, Wingman, haven’t exactly boosted the form. At Christmas, he didn’t sparkle, yet he managed a comfortable win. Yet again, at 5/4 I need all boxes ticked and I have a major black mark against him.
Last year, in the preceding race, he was beaten (and arguably outstayed) by both The New Lion and The Yellow Clay, the latter of whom has badly let down the form. There is also a worry that he may simply not like the Cheltenham track. He is a worthy favourite and undoubtedly a good horse, but again, I’ll be taking him on with my two Cheltenham day 2 betting tips for the Brown Advisory.
Of the 2, a very strong preference is for Henry De Bromhead’s mare THE BIG WESTERNER (10/1). Despite always looking like she would (as most do from the stable) improve for fences, she found only a former Champion Bumper winner and strong stayer too good in the Albert Bartlett. Jumping 20 fences rather than 12 hurdles will only help her case. She lost out on her seasonal debut, but last time out, she was well on top of fellow mare, the Grade 1 winning Jade de Grugy. Despite some saying she is better on soft ground, she handled the track and ground perfectly well last year, and I think she is highly likely to turn up here rather than the open Mares Chase.
The second selection, at a bigger price, is one that I can’t take sole credit for. In a recent video, the shrewd Tony Keenan pointed out that the reigning Galway Plate champion is actually still a novice and eligible for the race. WESTERN FOLD (20/1) is already rated 157 over fences and has strong form tying in with Savills chase winner Affodale Fury. With the likes of Galvin, Gordon Elliot has shown an ability to freshen up a novice chaser from an early-season start to win first time up at the Festival, and I’m hoping that the pattern repeats here.
Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase 2026 Betting Tips
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Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – Key Facts (Cheltenham Festival 2026)
- 🏆 Race Name: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
- 📅 Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026
- 🏟️ Festival Day: Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival
- 🏁 Racecourse: Cheltenham Racecourse
- 🧭 Course Layout: Old Course
- 🏷️ Grade: Grade 1
- 🐎 Eligibility: Novice chasers aged 5 years and older
- 📏 Distance: Approximately 3 miles (3m 110 yards)
- 🚧 Number of Fences: 20
- ⚖️ Weights: Set novice chase conditions (mares receive an allowance)
- 💰 Prize Money: One of the richest novice chases at the Festival
- 📜 First Run: 1946 (formerly the Broadway / RSA Novices’ Chase)
- 🏆 Race Status: Widely regarded as the premier staying novice chase
- ⛰️ Key Test: Stamina, jumping accuracy, and finishing strength up the Cheltenham hill
Cheltenham Festival Trends – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Strong Finishing Stamina Matters
- Horses with proven form over longer distances (≥3m) in their prep races tend to outperform speedier types.
- Cheltenham’s uphill finish makes stamina a deciding factor, especially in the final two furlongs.
Experience Over Fences Is Valuable
- Novice chasers with multiple runs over fences typically perform better than those jumping for the first time.
- A solid jumping rhythm throughout the race greatly increases the chance of staying on strongly.
Grade 1 or Close-Class Preps Translate Well
- Competitors coming off high-class novice chase performances — particularly in Grade 1/2 company — often outperform outsiders.
- Horses with strong form in top novice races at Haydock, Leopardstown, or Newbury have a notable record.
Trainer Targeting Pays Dividends
- Trainers known to specifically target the Festival and prep their horses through well-timed campaigns generally fare better.
- Consistent novice chase campaigns (two or more runs over fences) are a positive indicator.
Cheltenham Form Counts
- Past Cheltenham experience — especially at longer trips — can be a key asset, even if gained in hurdle races.
- Horses that previously handled the unique undulations and hill finish often outperform those without course experience.
Rising Young Chasers Improve Significantly
- The Brown Advisory often rewards progressive two-season chasers — horses that have shown clear improvement from early novice hurdling to chasing.
- Many winners have a clear upward profile rather than flat form lines.
Irish Trained Horses Are Prominent
- Irish trainers generally have a strong record in this race, particularly those who focus on staying novice chasers built for Cheltenham conditions.
- Horses from Closutton and County Carlow yards often show excellent preparation and stamina profiles.
Favourites Win, But Look for Depth
- While market leaders often make solid chances, Brown Advisory fields can be wide enough that well-handicapped second or third choices offer value.
- The depth of staying novice chases means strong bettors often look beyond the obvious favourite.
Jockeys With Festival Success Have an Edge
- Riders with previous Cheltenham success — particularly in staying chases — are more likely to extract the best from their mounts.
- Familiarity with the course’s unique jumping and galloping requirements pays off.
How These Trends Help You Bet
- Prioritise stamina records and experience over fences rather than early-season hurdle wins.
- Give weight to horses from top novice chase campaigns and those showing upward form progression.
- Consider trainer and jockey Cheltenham experience as an added plus, not just raw form.
Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase FAQs
What type of horse usually wins the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase?
Horses with proven stamina, consistent jumping ability, and experience over fences are most successful. Novice chasers who can handle Cheltenham’s uphill finish often have the edge.
What is the distance and course layout for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase?
The race is run over approximately 3 miles on the Cheltenham Old Course, featuring 20 fences and a testing uphill finish.
Which trainers have the best record in the Brown Advisory?
Trainers who target the Cheltenham Festival with well-prepared novice chasers, particularly Irish yards and experienced UK trainers, have a strong history of success in this Grade 1 staying chase.
Are favourites usually reliable in this race?
While favourites often perform well, the Brown Advisory can be competitive and wide open, meaning there is frequently value in horses slightly off the top of the market.
Does Cheltenham experience matter for runners in this race?
Yes — horses with prior Cheltenham experience or familiarity with long-distance staying races often handle the undulating course and hill finish better than newcomers.
What betting strategies work best for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase?
Look for each-way value, progressive novices, and horses with proven stamina. Comparing odds across bookmakers and considering trainer/jockey trends can also improve your chances of finding value.