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Contenders for the Betfair Chase 2024

Contenders for the Betfair Chase 2024: A Preview of Britain's First Grade 1 Jump Race of the Season:

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Hewick's Connections Target Betfair Chase Glory

King George VI Chase winner Hewick is poised to contest Saturday's Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock, with trainer Shark Hanlon expressing confidence despite recent market drift due to forecast rain.

The nine-year-old, who will reunite with jockey Gavin Sheehan for the first time since their memorable Kempton triumph, looks set to run after Hanlon received positive ground reports.

"The plan is to run. The clerk says it's good, good to soft in places. If it stays good to soft on Saturday, Hewick will be there," Hanlon confirmed.

The remarkable €850 purchase, whose achievements include the bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate, and American Grand National, seeks to add another prestigious prize to his collection.

"I couldn't be happier with him," said Hanlon. "Haydock's lovely fences should suit him well, and being the season's first major chase, the ground won't have been damaged."

Haydock Park Parade Ring

Leading contenders for the Betfair Chase 2024

Grey Dawning

At the forefront of the betting markets is Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning, currently priced at 15/8.

In January he won the Trustatrader Hampton Novices' Chase (Grade 2)  at Warwick by, beating the runner up Apple Away by 14 lengths.

He followed that at the Cheltenham Festival by winning the Turners Novices' Chase (Grade 1)  against a top class field. 

Although he was a beaten favourite in the Close Brothers Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1) at Aintree in April, a race which may have come a bit too soon after his exertions at Cheltenham.

This Grade 1 winning chaser will be aiming to secure his first major victory outside of novice company, potentially giving the Skelton yard their second Betfair Chase triumph in just three years. The horse's impressive form and Skelton's recent success in the race make Grey Dawning a warm order.

Corbetts Cross

Hot on Grey Dawning's heels is the Irish raider Corbetts Cross, offered at 9/2. Trained by Emmet Mullins for owner JP McManus, this talented gelding will attempt to become only the second Irish-trained winner of the Betfair Chase, following in the footsteps of A Plus Tard's 2021 victory.

He followed a similar path to Grey Dawning in winning the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Chase (Grade 2)  at the Cheltenham Festival.

He then came up short in the William Hill Bowl Chase (Grade 1)  at Aintree in April, being beaten into 3rd place by Gerri Colombe and Ahoy Senor.

Corbetts Cross's Cheltenham Festival win earlier in the year underscores his class and ability to perform at the highest level.

Ahoy Senor

Another serious contender is Lucinda Russell's Ahoy Senor, priced at 6/1. This Grade 1 winner has shown tremendous potential and could well be ready to make his mark in this prestigious event. His inclusion adds further depth to an already competitive field.

The French Raiders

In an intriguing twist, the 2024 Betfair Chase could see a strong French presence.

Il Est Francais

Leading the Gallic charge is Il Est Francais, trained by the partnership of Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm. Priced at 8/1, this aptly named contender brings Grade 1-winning form to the table, having claimed the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton in December 2023 beating Hermes Allen by 11 lengths.

The French team may be double-handed, with General En Chef also entered, albeit as a 33/1 outsider.

Completing the potential French trio is Gold Tweet, a 50/1 longshot trained by Gabriel Leenders.

While the odds may be against him, his victory in the 2023 Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham proves he's capable of springing a surprise on British soil.

Previous Winners and Familiar Faces

Royale Pagaille

The Betfair Chase has a history of repeat winners, and 2024 could see that tradition continue. Last year's victor, Royale Pagaille, is set to defend his crown for trainer Venetia Williams. Priced at 7/1.

The Rich Ricci-owned gelding will be looking to overcome the trend against older horses in the race – no runner aged 10 or above has won since Cue Card's third triumph in 2016.

Bravemansgame

Paul Nicholls, a name synonymous with success in British jump racing, has entered three horses for the 2024 renewal. Bravemansgame, last year's runner-up and recent second in the Charlie Hall Chase, leads the Nicholls contingent at 10/1.

Stablemates Ginny's Destiny (14/1) and Hitman (16/1) complete a strong hand for the 14-time champion trainer.

Dan Skelton could also be double-handed, with previous winner Protektorat entered alongside Grey Dawning. At 14/1, Protektorat offers an intriguing each-way proposition as he seeks to regain his Betfair Chase crown.

The Irish Challenge

Beyond Corbetts Cross, the Irish challenge looks formidable.

Hewick

Shark Hanlon's Hewick, winner of the 2023 King George VI Chase, is quoted at 8/1. His recent neck second to Envoi Allen in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal suggests he's in fine form heading into the Betfair Chase.

Other Irish entries include the Cheltenham Festival-winning mare Limerick Lace (16/1) and 2023 Charlie Hall Chase victor Gentlemansgame (33/1), further underlining the depth of talent crossing the Irish Sea for this race.

British Hopefuls

The home team is well-represented beyond the aforementioned favorites. The Real Whacker, fresh from victory in the Charlie Hall Chase, enters calculations at 16/1. Kim Bailey's Chianti Classico, a potential 2025 Grand National prospect, is available at 20/1 and could use the Betfair Chase as a stepping stone to greater targets.

Minella Drama, winner of the 2024 Grade 2 Old Roan Chase, offers each-way value at 25/1, while the veteran Sam Brown rounds out the British challenge at 33/1.

Legendary Chaser Kauto Star

Historical Context and Significance

The Betfair Chase, inaugurated in 2005, has quickly established itself as a key early-season target for the best staying chasers in Britain and Ireland.

Initially part of the Betfair Million bonus scheme, it now forms the first leg of the Chase Triple Crown, which offers a £1 million bonus to any horse winning this race, the King George VI Chase, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season.

The race has been a launching pad for some of the greatest chasers of the modern era, including three-time winner Cue Card and the legendary Kauto Star. Its position as the first Grade 1 of the British National Hunt season makes it a crucial indicator of form and fitness for the challenges ahead.

Conclusion to Contenders for the Betfair Chase 2024

As we approach the 20th running of the Betfair Chase, the 2024 renewal promises to be a truly international affair, bringing together the cream of British, Irish, and French staying chasers.

The race is shaping up to be intriguing clash between established stars, up-and-coming talents, and potential dark horses, this year's race has all the ingredients to be a classic.

There's no doubt Grey Dawning is a chaser going places while Corbetts Cross at the top of his game leads the Irish charge and the French raiders are very much respected.  The 2024 Betfair Chase is set to be an unmissable spectacle.

As the first Grade 1 of the season, it will not only provide thrilling racing action but also offer vital clues for the big races to come.  The stage is set for a memorable contest at Haydock Park, kicking off the jump racing season in grand style.

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