Steeplechasing is a proper test in jump racing. The fences are big, the ground can turn in an instant, and the races often demand more heart than flair. It’s the kind of racing where you quickly learn which horses cope with pressure – and which don’t. For fans and anyone wagering on steeplechase events, understanding which runners handle these challenges year after year can make the whole season feel clearer.
Some horses just settle into a rhythm over fences, others grow stronger the further they go, and a few seem to come alive when the weather turns or the spring meetings roll around. These are the types worth keeping on your radar.
Galopin Des Champs
Galopin des Champs remains the highest-rated jumps horse in Britain and Ireland, according to recent Timeform data, and he continues to set the pace for the staying chase division. Over three miles and beyond, he combines stamina, fluent jumping and a turn of foot that most stayers simply don’t have, making him dangerous in both strongly run and more tactical races.
As long as he’s fit and in a good rhythm, he’ll always be among the favourites for major staying chases – especially on soft or heavy ground, which he handles with ease. His consistency at the top level means rivals know exactly what they’re up against: a horse who rarely runs a bad race.
Fact To File
Among the newer chasers this season, Fact To File stands out. Last season, he showed real quality, and he’s been recommended as a horse with scope to improve over fences, especially in races beyond two and a half miles. He now ranks as the second-best chaser according to Timeform.
What makes him particularly interesting is how much improvement there could still be. He’s a big, scopey type who should mature with racing, and stepping up in distance is likely to bring out even more.
Gentlemansgame
Gentlemansgame has been tipped as one to watch, and the excitement around him is justified. He’s a strong staying type with a clean jumping style and a proven ability to handle softer ground – qualities that put him straight on the radar for the tougher winter chases.
There’s still more improvement to come from him. He finishes his races with purpose, he stays longer than most, and he’s got the kind of attitude that often separates the good stayers from the great ones. Aim him at a long-distance chase run on testing ground, and he becomes a very live contender – the sort who can turn a quiet campaign into a breakthrough one.
Marine Nationale
Marine Nationale is one of the most talented horses heading over fences this season, and he’s been tipped as a chaser who can make a real impact once everything comes together. He’s got the raw pace, athleticism and neat jumping style you’d want in a two-mile or intermediate-trip chaser.
He’s lightly raced, he’s got plenty of physical scope, and his best performances over hurdles hinted at a top-class engine. If he sharpens his jumping with experience and settles into a regular campaign, he can become one of this season’s headline chasers.