The Weatherbys Champion Bumper is the premier flat race for National Hunt horses, run over 2 miles and half a furlong at Cheltenham. This race is a key pointer for future stars of the hurdling and chasing scene, with many winners going on to enjoy Grade 1 success over obstacles.
Since its inception in 1992, the Champion Bumper has become a stronghold for Irish-trained runners, with Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott dominating the race in recent years. Trends and patterns have emerged that can help narrow down the field and find the most likely winners.
📊 Key Trends & Winning Profile
✅ Unbeaten Since July: 🏇 10 of the last 12 winners arrived unbeaten in the season.
✅ Age Trends: 📏 7 of the last 9 winners were aged 5.
✅ Graded or Listed Bumper Experience: 🏆 7 of the last 9 winners had won at this level.
✅ Ratings Matter: 📈 All of the last 10 winners had a BHA rating of at least 120.
✅ Recent Form: 📅 8 of the last 9 winners ran within the last 45 days.
✅ Big Field Experience: 💨 All of the last 10 winners had won in fields of 11+ runners.
✅ Trainer Trends: 🏡 Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have dominated – winning 7 of the last 8.
✅ Irish Dominance: 🇮🇪 Irish-trained horses have won 11 of the last 13 renewals.
✅ Market Position: 💰 Winners come from all price ranges – but short-priced favourites have a poor record.
🏇 Recent Winners & Trends Analysis
| Year | Winner | Age | OR | SP | Trainer | Jockey | Last Race |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jasmin De Vaux | 5 | 126 | 9/2 | W Mullins | Mr P W Mullins | 1st Naas £5k (45) |
| 2023 | A Dream To Share | 5 | 135 | 7/2 | J Kiely | Mr J L Gleason | 1st G2 Leopardstown (39) |
| 2022 | Facile Vega | 5 | 138 | 15/8F | W Mullins | Mr P W Mullins | 1st G2 Leopardstown (39) |
| 2021 | Sir Gerhard | 6 | 132 | 85/40 | W Mullins | R Blackmore | 1st Lstd Navan (89) |
| 2020 | Ferny Hollow | 5 | 124 | 11/1 | W Mullins | P Townend | 1st Fairyhouse (18) |
| 2019 | Envoi Allen | 5 | 127 | 2/1F | G Elliott | Mr J J Codd | 1st G2 Leopardstown (39) |
🔍 Key Takeaways:
✅ 5-year-olds dominate – 7 of the last 9 winners were aged 5.
✅ Graded bumper form is crucial – Most recent winners had won at Grade 2 level or higher.
✅ Big field experience – The last 10 winners had won in fields of 11+ runners.
✅ Irish-trained dominance – Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have won 7 of the last 8 renewals.
✅ Market not always a guide – Longshots (25/1+) have won in 3 of the last 7 years.
✅ BHA rating of 120+ – The last 10 winners were rated at least 120.
🎯 Expert Verdict: Who to Bet On?
✅ Look for a 5-year-old unbeaten since July with strong bumper form.
✅ Focus on Irish-trained runners, especially from Willie Mullins or Gordon Elliott.
✅ Avoid horses beaten last time out – No horse this century has won after being a beaten favourite last time.
✅ The market can be deceptive – Mid-range priced horses tend to offer the best value.
✅ Avoid conditional jockeys – Top amateurs and pros have a strong record.
📈 Best Bets for Champion Bumper 2025 – Top Selections
| 🏇 Horse | 📉 Odds | 🎯 Trainer | 🔥 Age | 📊 OR | ⭐ RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalypso’chance | 11/2 | Gordon Elliott | 5 | 130 | 137 |
| Bambino Fever | 13/2 | W Mullins | 5 | 130 | 138 |
| Copacabana | 11/4 | W Mullins | 5 | 123 | 133 |
| Gameofinches | 4/1 | W Mullins | 6 | 124 | 136 |
| Aqua Force | 12/1 | W Mullins | 6 | 127 | 135 |
✅ Kalypso’chance (11/2)
- ✅ Trained by Gordon Elliott – Two-time winner of the race.
- ✅ Top BHA rating – 130, fits the winning trends.
- ✅ Strong bumper form – Won the Future Champions Listed bumper at Navan.
💪 Verdict: Ideal profile – Could provide Elliott with another win.
✅ Bambino Fever (13/2)
- ✅ Trained by Willie Mullins – 13 wins in this race.
- ✅ Strong RPR of 138 – Highest in the field.
- ✅ Big-field experience – Won a competitive 18-runner bumper.
💪 Verdict: Mullins’ number one? Big player.
✅ Copacabana (11/4)
- ✅ Trained by Willie Mullins – Top yard for this race.
- ✅ Unbeaten – Won last time out comfortably.
- ✅ Jockey booking – Patrick Mullins on board, always significant.
💪 Verdict: Short price but fits the profile.
✅ Gameofinches (4/1)
- ✅ Trained by Willie Mullins – Top stable for bumpers.
- ✅ Grade 1 potential – Placed in a Grade 2 bumper last time.
- ✅ Jockey – Paul Townend takes the ride.
💪 Verdict: Experience and class – Major player.
✅ Aqua Force (12/1)
- ✅ Trained by Willie Mullins – Proven Festival winner.
- ✅ Big-field form – Won in 14-runner field last time.
- ✅ BHA rating of 127 – Competitive mark.
💪 Verdict: Sleeper in the field – Strong each-way value.
🚫 Runners to Avoid
❌ Dalston Lad (50/1) – Poor RPR and lacks the class for this race.
❌ Lancelot Allen (66/1) – 4-year-old; no 4yo winner since 2010.
❌ Sortudo (40/1) – No significant bumper form – unlikely to feature.
❌ No Drama This End (16/1) – BHA rating too low (118).
❌ Caballero Cliff (100/1) – Exposed and outclassed.
💰 Each-Way Value
➡️ Kalypso’chance (11/2) – Gordon Elliott runner – Ideal profile.
➡️ Bambino Fever (13/2) – Mullins-trained – High RPR and unbeaten.
➡️ Aqua Force (12/1) – Under the radar – Big value.
🔥 Best Trend Fit: Kalypso’chance
✅ Unbeaten.
✅ Strong trainer and jockey combo.
✅ Perfect BHA rating and big-field experience.
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