Cathcart Challenge Cup – Discontinued 2004

The Cathcart Challenge Cup was a prominent fixture in the world of National Hunt racing, held annually at the Cheltenham Festival from its inception in 1938 until its final run in 2004.

The race was named in honour of Frederick Cathcart, a significant figure in the evolution of Cheltenham Racecourse. He served as Clerk of the Course and Chairman of Cheltenham from 1908 until his death in 1934, and was responsible for making Prestbury Park the home of National Hunt racing. Without him, there would be no Gold Cup, and no Champion Hurdle.

Run for the first time 4 years after Catchart’s death, the race was aimed at first and second season chasers, making it a critical race for ‘intermediate’ steeplechasers—horses that did not quite fit into the categories demanded by other major races at the festival.

Between 1975 and 1977, the race was temporarily replaced by the Cathcart Champion Hunters’ Chase, which was run over a longer distance of 3 miles and 1 furlong. This brief period as a hunter chase was an anomaly in its otherwise steady format, catering to a different class of racing during those years before reverting back to the norm.

When organisers decided to extend the festival to four days and add new races into the mix, the Cathcart Cup became a casualty of change. After 66 years, it was replaced by the Ryanair Chase (Festival Trophy). The new race continues to be run over a similar distance but differs in its eligibility criteria, being open to horses beyond their second year of chasing. This shift allowed for a broader spectrum of competitors.

The last ever Cathcart Challenge Cup was run in 2004, with Our Armageddon, trained by Richard Guest, claiming the victory.

Race Facts

This Grade Two steeplechase was traditionally contested over a distance of about 2 miles and 5 furlongs (4,225 meters) on Cheltenham’s New Course, making it a left-handed race. Over the course, competitors faced seventeen fences.

Entrants had to be at least 5 years old, with weight limits of 10st 9lbs for 5 year olds and 11st 0lb for 6 year olds and above.

Previous Winners