The 2026 Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase: stats, trends and replays

The Jockey Club announced a number of changes to the Cheltenham Festival in September 2024, ranging from alterations to the race programme over the four days to a series of new initiatives for racegoers.With a focus on providing more competitive racing and a better experience and value for all visitors to the Home of Jump Racing, the changes were the result of a full review of the event and a period of consultation with participants, racegoers, racing fans, members of the media, sponsors and a wide range of industry stakeholders.The changes included the 2m 4f Turners (Golden Miller) Novices’ Chase being replaced by a Grade Two Limited Novice Handicap Chase, the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, over the same distance.

Winners of the Golden Miler included Vautour (2015), Samcro (2020) and, lastly, Grey Dawning (2024).

The Jack Richards is similar to the the former Centenary Novices' Handicap Chase, run at the Festival between 2005 and 2021 before it was axed and replaced by the Mares' Chase. A Plus Tard, the future Gold Cup winner, won the 2019 edition.

Caldwell Potter was a brilliant first winner of the Jack Richards in 2025.