A Championship Relocated
The Queen Mother Champion Chase finding its way to Carlisle is one of racing's more intriguing developments. This £400,000 Grade 1 has always been Cheltenham's jewel in the crown, but circumstances have brought it north for 2026. Don't let the venue change fool you – this remains the championship race for two-mile chasers.
The good to soft ground plays perfectly into the hands of several contenders, and with level weights throughout, we're looking at raw ability rather than handicapping nuances. I've walked this track more times than I care to remember, and Carlisle's undulating nature will sort the wheat from the chaff quickly.
The Mullins Battalion
Willie Mullins arrives with two live chances, and both deserve serious respect. Majborough (174) carries the highest rating in the field, and that's no accident. This six-year-old has been carefully campaigned by Mullins, who knows exactly when to produce his stars. Mark Walsh takes the ride, and their partnership has been profitable this season.
What catches my eye with Majborough is his course-winning form flag. He's proven he handles Carlisle's quirks, which matters more than people think. The good to soft conditions suit his style perfectly – he's a grinder rather than a flashy speedster.
Il Etait Temps (172) represents Mullins' other string to his bow. At eight, he's in his prime years, and P. Townend rarely gets these big-race calls wrong. The tongue-strap goes on, suggesting connections want him sharp from the off. His distance-winning form gives confidence he'll see out the trip strongly.
Between the two Mullins runners, I lean toward Il Etait Temps. He's got that bit more experience in these championship affairs, and Townend's presence suggests he's the stable's number one fancy.
The Challengers
Found A Fifty (164) can't be dismissed lightly. Gordon Elliott has him primed for another big-race assault, and Jack Kennedy knows his way around this level. The nine-year-old's distance-winning form is solid, though I question whether he's quite good enough at the weights against this opposition.
L'Eau du Sud (163) is Dan Skelton's flagbearer, and both course and distance winner flags make compelling reading. Harry Skelton's booking adds confidence – he wouldn't be wasting his time if the horse wasn't well. The tongue-strap suggests they want him on his toes from the start.
Captain Guinness brings Henry de Bromhead's expertise to the table. At eleven, you might think his best days are behind him, but Jordan Gainford has been riding with real confidence lately. The course and distance winner flags are appealing, though that rating of 154 looks a touch light for this level.
Ground and Pace Considerations
The good to soft going is crucial here. It's testing enough to find out the genuine stayers but not so heavy that it becomes a slog. In my experience, this ground favours horses with a turn of foot rather than pure galloping types.
Pace shouldn't be an issue with ten runners. Quilixios and Libberty Hunter are both capable of making the running, ensuring we get a true test. The undulating nature of Carlisle means positioning will be key – you can't afford to be caught out of your ground on the climb to the line.
Value and Dangers
If you're looking for value, Saint Segal at likely big odds could surprise a few. Jane Williams has him in good heart, and Ciaran Gethings is riding well. The tongue-strap goes on, and his distance-winning form gives him a squeak at the weights.
Brookie is the other potential surprise package. Anthony Honeyball doesn't send many to this level, but when he does, they're usually well-prepared. Sam Twiston-Davies knows the horse well, and that tongue-strap suggests they want him sharp.
The danger horse for me is Irish Panther. The Harty team doesn't get many chances at this level, but when they do, they make them count. Kieren Buckley is an underrated pilot, and the hood going on suggests they want him focused.
The Verdict
This shapes up as a proper championship contest despite the venue change. Mullins holds strong cards with both his runners, but I'm siding with Il Etait Temps to land the spoils. His rating, experience, and Townend's presence all point toward a big performance.
The eight-year-old is at the perfect age for this type of race, and the good to soft ground will suit his staying style. Expect him to be held up before producing a telling challenge up the Carlisle hill.
At bigger odds, L'Eau du Sud makes appeal as the each-way alternative. The Skelton team have him spot-on for these big occasions, and his course form gives him a significant edge over several rivals.
Who is the favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase?
Majborough is likely to start favourite based on his superior rating of 174, but don't be surprised if Il Etait Temps attracts plenty of support given Townend's booking and Mullins' confidence in running two.
Can any outsider win the Queen Mother Champion Chase?
L'Eau du Sud represents the best value among the leading contenders, while Saint Segal could outrun his odds if the race falls apart. Both have the form credentials to be competitive at this level.
How important is the ground for this Queen Mother Champion Chase?
The good to soft conditions will suit the majority of runners, particularly the Mullins pair and L'Eau du Sud. It's testing enough to ensure stamina comes into play but won't disadvantage the speedier types in the field.
