Grade 1 Jump Races

The UK National Hunt Grade 1 Horse Race events are the championship races for jumps racing.

Grade-one races are known as ‘Weight-for-Age’ races because no penalties for previous wins apply and the weight of the horse is determined by age and sex only.

The handicap system used in Grade 1 racing is based purely on the age and sex of the horse taking part. Whether or not the horse has won previous races is irrelevant.

Grade 1 Jump racing is the highest-ranked race of the jump season and usually offers the biggest prize money along with the best racehorse running.

There are a total of 40 Grade 1 National Hunt races held in Britain, which consist of 20 over the bigger chase fences, 19 over hurdles, and one National Hunt flat race (aka bumper).

In our Grade 1 National Hunt horse racing guide, we take a closer look at every grade one content in the 2024 Horse Racing Calendar. (link to calendar)

List of All Grade 1 Races

Here are all the grade 1 jump races for the British National Hunt horse racing calendar.

Month	Race Name	Type	Racecourse	Distance	Age
November	Betfair Chase	Chase	Haydock	3m 1½f	5yo +
December	Fighting Fifth Hurdle	Hurdle	Newcastle	2m	4yo +
December	Henry VIII Novices’ Chase	Chase	Sandown	2m	4yo +
December	Tingle Creek Chase	Chase	Sandown	2m	4yo +
December	Long Walk Hurdle	Hurdle	Ascot	3m 1f	4yo +
December	Kauto Star Novices’ Chase	Chase	Kempton	3m	4yo +
December	Christmas Hurdle	Hurdle	Kempton	2m	4yo +
December	King George VI Chase	Chase	Kempton	3m	4yo +
December	Formby Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Aintree	2m ½f	3yo +
December	Challow Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Newbury	2m 4½f	4yo +
January	Clarence House Chase	Chase	Ascot	2m 1f	5yo +
Jan / Feb	Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase	Chase	Sandown	2m 4½f	5yo +
February	Ascot Chase	Chase	Ascot	2m 5f	5yo +
March	Supreme Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Cheltenham	2m ½f	4yo +
March	Arkle Challenge Trophy	Chase	Cheltenham	2m	5yo +
March	Champion Hurdle	Hurdle	Cheltenham	2m ½f	4yo +
March	Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Cheltenham	2m 4f	4yo +
March	Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Cheltenham	2m 5f	4yo +
March	Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase	Chase	Cheltenham	3m ½f	5yo +
March	Queen Mother Champion Chase	Chase	Cheltenham	2m	5yo +
March	Champion Bumper	Flat	Cheltenham	2m ½f	4–5yo
March	Turners Novices’ Chase	Chase	Cheltenham	2m 4f	5yo +
March	Ryanair Chase	Chase	Cheltenham	2m 5f	5yo +
March	Stayers’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Cheltenham	3m	4yo +
March	Triumph Hurdle	Hurdle	Cheltenham	2m 1f	4yo
March	Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Cheltenham	3m	4yo +
March	Cheltenham Gold Cup	Chase	Cheltenham	3m 2½f	5yo +
April	Manifesto Novices’ Chase	Chase	Aintree	2m 4f	5yo +
April	Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Aintree	2m 1f	4yo
April	Betway Bowl	Chase	Aintree	3m 1f	5yo +
April	Aintree Hurdle	Hurdle	Aintree	2m 4f	4yo +
April	Top Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Aintree	2m ½f	4yo +
April	Mildmay Novices’ Chase	Chase	Aintree	3m 1f	5yo +
April	Melling Chase	Chase	Aintree	2m 4f	5yo +
April	Sefton Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Aintree	3m ½f	4yo +
April	Mersey Novices’ Hurdle	Hurdle	Aintree	2m 4f	4yo +
April	Maghull Novices’ Chase	Chase	Aintree	2m	5yo +
April	Liverpool Hurdle	Hurdle	Aintree	3m ½f	4yo +
April	Celebration Chase	Chase	Sandown	2m	5yo +

Here are all the grade one competitions below.

Tolworth Novices Hurdle

In Great Britain, horses four years of age or older can compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race known as the Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle. Running roughly two miles, it takes place at Sandown Park. Every year in January this race is held.

Clarence House Chase

The Clarence House Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase which is open to horses aged 5 years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of about 2 miles and 1 furlong. The race is scheduled to take place each year in January.

Scilly Isles Novices Chase

Horses five or older are eligible to compete in this Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase. It is held at Sandown for approximately two miles, four furlongs, and ten yards. Every year, the race is scheduled to occur in late January or early February.

Ascot Chase

Horses 5 years of age or older are eligible to compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, known as the Ascot Chase. It is run over a course of around two miles and five and a half furlongs at Ascot. Every year, in February, the race is scheduled to occur.

Champion Hurdle

The Champion Hurdle is a race for horses aged 4 and over. It is held at Cheltenham on the Old Course, covering a distance of approximately 2 miles and ½ furlong. Every year, on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival in March, the event is scheduled to take place.

Arkle Chase 

Horses five years of age or older are eligible to compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase, known as the Arkle Challenge Trophy. There are roughly two miles that it is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham. This annual event, which takes place in March during the Cheltenham Festival, is aimed at novice chasers.

Supreme Novices Hurdle

In Great Britain, horses four years of age or older can compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race known as the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. It is held on the Old Course at Cheltenham and is roughly two miles and a half in length. Every year, the race is scheduled to happen in March during the Cheltenham Festival.

Mares Hurdle

The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, currently known as the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, is a Grade 1 hurdle race open to mares aged four years or older. It is run at Cheltenham over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs. The race is planned to take place each year during the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Queen Mother Champion Chase

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a steeplechase that is open to horses aged 5 years or older. The race is now known as the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. It is run at Cheltenham over a distance of about 2 miles. The race is scheduled each year during the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Brown Advisory Chase

Horses five or older are eligible to participate in the Grade 1 National Hunt Chase, the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. The race is roughly 3-mile race that takes place on Cheltenham’s Old Course. Every year, in March, the event is scheduled to take place during the Cheltenham Festival.

Ballymore Novices Hurdle Race

the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle (sometimes called the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle) is for horses four years of age and older, they may enter the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race. It is run over a course of around two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham. Every year, in March, the event is scheduled to take place during the Cheltenham Festival.

Champion Bumper

Race horses between the ages of four and six are eligible to compete in the Champion Bumper, a Grade 1 National Hunt flat event held in Great Britain. Every year, during the Cheltenham Festival in March, it is held on the Old Course at Cheltenham, covering a distance of approximately 2 miles and ½ furlong.

Stayers Hurdle

The Stayers’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt Hurdle competition. Horses four years of age and up are welcome to enter. There are twelve hurdles to clear during the roughly 3-mile race on Cheltenham’s New Course. Every year, in March, the event is scheduled to take place during the Cheltenham Festival.

Festival Novices Chase

For horses 5 years of age or older, the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt Chase in Great Britain. The race is roughly 3-mile race that takes place on Cheltenham’s Old Course. Held annually in March during the Cheltenham Festival, the race is intended for novice chasers.

Golden Miller Novices Chase

Open to horses 5 years of age or older, the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase, presently renamed as the Turners Novices’ Chase for sponsorship purposes, is a Grade One National Hunt Chase. Every year on the 3rd day of the Cheltenham Festival in March, it is held on the New Course at Cheltenham and covers a distance of roughly 2 miles and 4 furlongs.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

A Grade 1 National Hunt horse event, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is held on the New Course at Cheltenham Racecourse. It is run over a distance of approximately 3 miles, 2½ furlongs. Every year, the event takes place in March as part of the Cheltenham Festival.

Triumph Hurdle

The Triumph Hurdle is for horses up to four years old, they compete in Great Britain’s Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle contest. The race is held on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of around 2 miles and 1 furlong. Held annually during the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The Spa Novices’ Hurdle Race

The Spa Novices’ Hurdle, also known as the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle for sponsorship purposes, is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle competition that is available to horses five years of age and up. It is held over a course of roughly three miles on Cheltenham’s New Course. Every year, in March, the event is scheduled to take place during the Cheltenham Festival.

Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle

The Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle is eligible for horses aged 4 and above, they can compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race. The race is roughly two miles and one furlong and is run at Aintree. Held annually during the Grand National meeting in early April, the race is intended for beginner hurdlers.

Aintree Bowl Chase 

Horses five or older can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl. The race is held at Aintree over a course of approximately 3 miles and 1 furlong, with 19 jumps to be jumped. It is planned for the event to happen in early April every year.

Aintree Hurdle

Horses 4 years of age and over are eligible to compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race held in Great Britain, the Aintree Hurdle. It is held at Aintree and spans approximately 2,023 meters (2 miles and 4 furlongs). It is planned for the event to happen in early April every year.

Manifesto Novices Chase

Horses five or above can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, the Manifesto Novices’ Chase. The race is roughly 2 miles and 4 furlongs and is run at Aintree. Held annually during the Grand National meeting in early April, the race is intended for beginner chasers.

Top Novices Hurdle

Available to horses four years of age or older, the Top Novices’ Hurdle is a Grade One National Hunt hurdle competition in Great Britain. The race is held at Aintree over a course of approximately two miles and half a furlong. Every year, in early April, during the Grand National meeting, the race takes place

Melling Chase

The Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, the Melling Chase (now sponsored as the Marsh Chase), is available to horses five years of age and up. It is held at Aintree and is 2 miles and 4 furlongs long. It is planned for the event to happen in early April every year.

Mildmay Novices Chase 

Horses five or above are eligible to participate in the Grade One Novices’ chase. It covers a distance of around 3 miles and 1 furlong over the Mildmay course at Aintree. Held annually during the Grand National meeting in early April, the race is intended for beginner chasers.

Sefton Novices Hurdle 

Thirteen hurdles must be cleared throughout the 3-mile and half-furlong race that takes place at Aintree. Horses four years of age or older can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain, the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. Held annually during the Grand National meeting in early April, the race is intended for beginner hurdlers.

Liverpool Hurdle

Horses four years of age or older are eligible to compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race held in Great Britain, the Liverpool Hurdle. It covers a course of around 3 miles and ½ furlongs at Aintree. Every year, in early April, at the Grand National meeting, the race is planned to take place.

Maghull Novices Chase 

Held annually during the Grand National meeting in early April is the Maghull Novices’ Chase. Horses five or older can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, it is held at Aintree and spans around two miles, with twelve obstacles to clear in the process.

The Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 1)

Horses four years of age or older can enter the Grade One National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain, the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. It is held in Aintree, Merseyside, and spans 2 miles and 4 furlongs. Held annually during the Grand National meeting in early April, the race is intended for beginner hurdlers.

Celebration Chase 

The Celebration Chase is held at Sandown Park and lasts for roughly one mile and seven and a half furlongs. Every year, the event is scheduled to happen in late April. Horses five years of age or older can enter the Grade One National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain.

Betfair Chase

Horses five or older can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, the Betfair Chase. It’s run at Haydock Park, covering roughly 3 miles and 1 and a half furlongs, with 19 obstacles to clear in the process. Every year in November, the race is scheduled to occur.

Fighting Fifth Hurdle

In Great Britain, horses 4 or older are eligible to compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle competition known as the Fighting Fifth Hurdle. It covers a course of roughly two miles and half a furlong in Newcastle. Every year in late November or early December, the race serves as the opening leg of the Triple Crown of Hurdling.

Tingle Creek Chase

Horses four years of age or older can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, the Tingle Creek Chase. It is run at Sandown Park and covers around two miles. Every year, in early December, the race is scheduled to occur.

Henry Viii Novices Chase

Horses four years of age or older can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase. It is run at Sandown Park and covers around two miles. Every year in early December, the race takes place.

The Long Walk Hurdle

Every year in December, the Long Walk Hurdle is scheduled to occur. Horses four years of age or older can compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain. It is held at Ascot over a course of approximately 3 miles and 1 furlong, with twelve hurdles to clear in the process.

Kauto Star Novices Chase 

Horses four years of age or older can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. It is held at Kempton Park and covers roughly three miles. Held annually on Boxing Day during the King George VI Chase meeting, the race is intended for novice chasers.

Christmas Hurdle

Held annually on Boxing Day during the King George VI Chase meeting, the Christmas Hurdle is the second leg of the Triple Crown of Hurdling. Horses four or older are eligible to compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race held in Great Britain, known as the Christmas Hurdle. It is held at Kempton Park and covers roughly two miles.

King George Vi Chase

Horses four years of age and over are eligible to compete in the Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain, known as the King George VI Chase. It is held at Kempton Park and covers roughly three miles. Every year on December 26, the race is planned to occur as a part of the course’s Christmas festival.

Finale Juvenile Hurdle

Held annually in late December during the Welsh Grand National meeting is the Finale Juvenile Hurdle. In Great Britain, horses up to three years old are eligible to compete in the Grade 2 National Hunt hurdle race. It covers a span of almost two miles at Chepstow.

Challow Novices Hurdle

Horses four years of age or older can enter the Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain, the Challow Novices’ Hurdle. It covers a course of roughly 2 miles and 4½ furlongs at Newbury. Every year in late December, a race intended for inexperienced hurdlers is scheduled.

Irish Grade 1 Horse Races

Here are the Irish Grade 1 National Hunt races:

Month	Race Name	Type	Racecourse	Distance	Age
November	Ladbrokes Champion Chase	Chase	Down Royal	3m	5yo +
November	Morgiana Hurdle	Hurdle	Punchestown	2m	4yo +
Nov / Dec	Royal Bond Novice Hurdle	Hurdle	Fairyhouse	2m	4yo +
Nov / Dec	Drinmore Novice Chase	Chase	Fairyhouse	2m 4f	5yo +
Nov / Dec	Hatton’s Grace Hurdle	Hurdle	Fairyhouse	2m 4f	4yo +
December	John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase	Chase	Punchestown	2m 4f	5yo +
December	Racing Post Novice Chase	Chase	Leopardstown	2m 1f	4yo +
December	Faugheen Novice Chase	Chase	Limerick	2m 3½f	4yo +
December	Paddy’s Reward Club Chase	Chase	Leopardstown	2m 1f	5yo +
December	Future Champions Novice Hurdle	Hurdle	Leopardstown	2m	4yo +
December	Christmas Hurdle	Hurdle	Leopardstown	3m	4yo +
December	Savills Chase	Chase	Leopardstown	3m	5yo +
December	Matheson Hurdle	Hurdle	Leopardstown	2m	4yo +
December	Neville Hotels Novice Chase	Chase	Leopardstown	3m	4yo +
January	Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle	Hurdle	Naas	2m 4f	5yo +
February	Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle	Hurdle	Leopardstown	2m 6f	5yo +
February	Dublin Chase	Chase	Leopardstown	2m 1f	5yo +
February	Arkle Novice Chase	Chase	Leopardstown	2m 1f	5yo +
February	Irish Champion Hurdle	Hurdle	Leopardstown	2m	4yo +
February	Spring Juvenile Hurdle	Hurdle	Leopardstown	2m	4yo
February	Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle	Hurdle	Leopardstown	2m	5yo +
February	Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase	Chase	Leopardstown	2m 5f	5yo +
February	Irish Gold Cup	Chase	Leopardstown	3m	5yo +
April	Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final	Hurdle	Fairyhouse	2m 4f	4yo + m
April	WillowWarm Gold Cup	Chase	Fairyhouse	2m 4f	5yo +
April / May	KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle	Hurdle	Punchestown	2m	5yo +
April / May	William Hill Champion Chase	Chase	Punchestown	2m	5yo +
April / May	Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase	Chase	Punchestown	3m 1f	5yo +
April / May	Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle	Hurdle	Punchestown	3m	4yo +
April / May	Punchestown Gold Cup	Chase	Punchestown	3m 1f	5yo +
April / May	Champion INH Flat Race	Flat	Punchestown	2m	4–7yo
April / May	Champion Stayers Hurdle	Hurdle	Punchestown	3m	4yo +
April / May	Barberstown Castle Novice Chase	Chase	Punchestown	2m	5yo +
April / May	Punchestown Champion Hurdle	Hurdle	Punchestown	2m	4yo +
April / May	Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle	Hurdle	Punchestown	2m 4f	4yo +
April / May	Champion Four Year Old Hurdle	Hurdle	Punchestown	2m	4yo
April / May	Mares Champion Hurdle	Hurdle	Punchestown	2m 4f	4yo + m

Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final

Mares that are four years of age or older are eligible to compete in Ireland’s Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race, the Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final. It is run over a course of around two miles and four furlongs at Fairyhouse Racecourse. Every year, the race is planned for Fairyhouse’s Easter meeting in late March or early April.

WillowWarm Gold Cup

The WillowWarm Gold Cup takes place on the second day of Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival.

The WillowWarm Gold Cup is a Grade 1 novice chase over two and a half miles at Fairyhouse.

It takes place each year on Easter Sunday during the Irish Grand National Festival meeting.

Irish Grand National

For horses five years of age or older, the Irish Grand National is a National Hunt steeplechase held in Ireland. The race is roughly three miles and five furlongs, and it is run at Fairyhouse. Every year on Easter Monday, the handicap race is planned to occur.

Grade 1 Race Facts

Here are some facts about grade one horse races in the UK:

• To enter a Non-Novice Steeple Chase or Hurdle Grade 1 race, the thoroughbred racehorse must have an official rating of 130 or above
• For a Grade 1 Novice Chase, this barrier to entry is set at a minimum official rating of 120
• Grade 1 Novice Hurdle races have no minimum official rating restriction as they generally take place at the beginning of a runner’s National Hunt career
• The fillies and mares receive a 7-pound allowance in most Grade 1 events
• In Grade 1 hurdle events, four-year-olds carry more than three-year-olds
• In Grade 1 chases the five-year-olds carry more than the younger runners
• Grade 1 betting events are known as “weight for age” races

What is the Difference Between a Grade 1 and Grade 2 horse race?

The main difference between a grade 1 and grade 2 is a grade one horse race is considered the highest racing grade for the best jumpers in the world.

The graded events is a type of National Hunt horse race that denotes its quality. 

Both grade one and grade two racing events are the elite-level horse racing contests run over jumps such as hurdles and fences, and feature the most iconic horses in UK and Irish racing. 

What is the Difference Between a Grade 1 and Grade 3 horse race?

The main difference between a grade 1 and grade 3 is the grade one contests are the premier league of horse racing and grade 3 events are the third tier on the ranking ladder.

The National Hunt hierarchy is grade 1’s are the best races for horse racing in UK and Ireland. Grade 3’s are the third highest graded jumping competition.

Summary

Grade 1 jumping contests are the equivalent of Group 1 races on the flat.

The top of the National Hunt ranking ladder is the grade one races which have the largest prizes and best rated horses competing.

The grades of horse racing events allow greater competition within each race, and signifies the quality of the runners on show. The grade one contests are the highest tier of National Hunt jumps racing.

Grade 1 races are the cream of the crop when it comes to British National Hunt horse racing.