Five Famous Winners of the Arkle Chase

The Arkle stands as one of the most prestigious races at the Cheltenham Festival, serving as a proving ground for the finest novice chasers in National Hunt racing. This two-mile Grade 1 contest has launched countless careers and cemented legacies since its inception in 1969.

As the 2025 Festival approaches, Majborough enters as the commanding 4/7 favourite with the Arkle odds to add his name to the illustrious list of winners. Success at Prestbury Park often marks a horse as a future contender for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, with many using this race as a springboard to further glory in Gloucestershire. 

Looking back through the archives, certain winners of this race have achieved legendary status in the sport. Their performances in the Arkle marked the beginning of remarkable careers that racing enthusiasts still discuss today. In this article, we take a look at five of the most memorable victors who have graced this historic contest in recent history.

Sprinter Sacre – 2012

Few horses have captured the imagination quite like Sprinter Sacre. His victory in the 2012 Arkle was nothing short of sensational, powering clear of his rivals to win by seven lengths as the 8/11 favourite. 

Nicky Henderson’s superstar exhibited his trademark effortless jumping style, barely touching a twig as he soared over each fence. This win marked the start of a remarkable sequence that would see him dominate the two-mile division for years to come, eventually claiming two Queen Mother Champion Chase victories.

Douvan – 2015

Willie Mullins’ brilliant chaser announced himself as a supreme talent with a devastating display in the 2015 renewal. 

Under Ruby Walsh, Douvan produced a masterclass in jumping at speed, drawing clear after the last to win by seven lengths.

His electric performance that day showcased the raw ability that had already seen him win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle the previous year, marking him out as one of the most talented horses of his generation. 

Altior – 2017

Following in the hoofprints of his stablemate Sprinter Sacre, Altior’s Arkle triumph in 2017 was perhaps the most impressive of his Festival victories. 

The manner of his success, pulling clear to win by six lengths, demonstrated the exceptional talent that would see him go on to set a modern-day record of 19 consecutive victories and live up to expectations in the racing betting. 

His performance that day combined speed, accuracy, and pure class, characteristics that would define his remarkable career at the highest level.

As well as his Cheltenham success, he also claimed victory in the Tingle Creek at Sandown, the Clarence House Chase at Ascot, the Desert Orchid at Kempton, and won the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury three times.

Put The Kettle On – 2020

Breaking new ground as the first mare to win the Arkle since 1980, Put The Kettle On’s success was a triumph of heart and determination. 

Henry de Bromhead’s charge refused to be denied up the famous Cheltenham hill, battling on gamely to secure a historic victory.  

Her win was made all the more remarkable as she would return the following year to claim the Queen Mother Champion Chase, proving her Arkle success was no flash in the pan and cementing her place in Festival folklore.

Shishkin – 2021

Henderson’s most recent Arkle star produced a performance worthy of his predecessors, showing tremendous courage to overcome adversity during the race.

After making a significant error at the fourth-last fence, Shishkin rallied magnificently to power up the hill and claim victory. 

Despite making it to the Queen Mother Champion Chase the following year, and the mass hype around his duels with Energumene that were all the talk of the town after their Clarence Chase encounter, he flattered to deceive in 2022 and was pulled up.