National Hunt Racing includes several classes with races having a number of fences and ditches. The most significant events with the biggest prize money are usually the class 1 races such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup. However, there many other very important class 1 races with good prize money and plenty of opportunities for betting.
The Stayers’ Hurdle
This is a class 1 hurdle race that is the biggest and arguably the best of the season, especially for distance. The race is 3 miles around Cheltenham which is a big test of endurance for hurdlers as they pass over 12 hurdles. The race happens on the second last day of the Cheltenham Festival. The well-known hurdler Big Bucks won four times in the years from 2009-12 and is well known among the National Hunt Racing fraternity.
Queen Mother Champion Chase
The 2 mile Queen Mother Champion Chase is the biggest event of the season for chasers doing the 2-mile distance. The race was titled as such in 1980 for the Queen Mother who has always shown dedication for the sport of racing. It features 13 fences and is held on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
King George VI Chase
King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 race only open to horses over the age of four. It is run at Kempton Park, and the distance is 3 miles (4,828 metres) with eighteen fences. The race is part of the Christmas festival of racing. It is named after King George VI and was first held in February of 1937. It is one of a handful of significant chasing races in England and is only slightly behind the Cheltenham Gold Cup. It is well worth a bet.
The National Hunt Races are not just about the Grand National, and there are many prestigious events held throughout the year in England.