Champion Bumper
The Champion Bumper is a Grade 1 National Hunt flat race in Great Britain which is open to racing horses aged four to six years. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 2 miles and ½ furlong (2 miles and 87 yards, or 3,298 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year during the Cheltenham Festival in March.
| Grade 1 race | |
| Location | Cheltenham Racecourse Cheltenham, England |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1992 |
| Race type | National Hunt flat race |
| Sponsor | Weatherbys |
| Website | Cheltenham |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2m 87y (3,298 metres) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | Four to six years old |
| Weight | 10 st 11 lb (4yo); 11 st 7 lb (5–6yo) Allowances 7 lb for fillies and mares |
| Purse | £80,000 (2023) 1st: £45,560 |
| 2024 | ||
| Jasmin De Vaux | Romeo Coolio | Jalon D'oudairies |
| Previous years | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| A Dream To Share | Fact To File | Captain Teague |
| 2022 | ||
| Facile Vega | American Mike | James's Gate |
| 2021 | ||
| Sir Gerhard | Kilcruit | Elle Est Belle |
| 2020-2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ||
| Ferny Hollow | Appreciate It | Queens Brook |
| 2019 | ||
| Envoi Allen | Blue Sari | Thyme Hill |
| 2018 | ||
| Relegate | Carefully Selected | Tornado Flyer |
| 2017 | ||
| Fayonagh | Debuchet | Claimantakinforgan |
| 2016 | ||
| Ballyandy | Battleford | Bacardys |
| 2015 | ||
| Moon Racer | Modus | Wait For Me |
| 2014 | ||
| Silver Concorde | Shaneshill | Joshua Lane |
| 2013 | ||
| Briar Hill | Regal Encore | Golantilla |
| 2012 | ||
| Champagne Fever | New Year's Eve | Pique Sous |
| 2011 | ||
| Cheltenian | Destroyer Deployed | Aupcharlie |
| 2010-2001 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | ||
| Cue Card | Al Ferof | Frawley |
| 2009 | ||
| Dunguib | Some Present | Rite of Passage |
| 2008 | ||
| Cousin Vinny | Corskeagh Royale | Zaarito |
| 2007 | ||
| Cork All Star | Sophocles | Aranleigh |
| 2006 | ||
| Hairy Molly | Pressgang | Kicks For Free |
| 2005 | ||
| Missed That | De Soto | Rasharrow |
| 2004 | ||
| Total Enjoyment | Refinement | Master Albert |
| 2003 | ||
| Liberman | Trabolgan | Widemouth Bay |
| 2002 | ||
| Pizarro | Rhinestone Cowboy | Back in Front |
| 2000-1992 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | ||
| Joe Cullen | Inca | Be My Royal |
| 1999 | ||
| Monsignor | Golden Alpha | Canasta |
| 1998 | ||
| Alexander Banquet | Joe Mac | Frantic Tan |
| 1997 | ||
| Florida Pearl | Arctic Camper | All The Colours |
| 1996 | ||
| Wither Or Which | Alzulu | Mighty Moss |
| 1995 | ||
| Dato Star | Red Blazer | Skehanagh Bridge |
| 1994 | ||
| Mucklemeg | Aries Girl | Go Ballistic |
| 1993 | ||
| Rhythm Section | Heist | Winter Belle |
| 1992 | ||
| Montelado | Tiananmen Square | Maneree |
The event was established in 1992, and it was initially called the Festival Bumper. In its early years it had various sponsors, including the Tote and Guinness. A more sustained period of sponsorship began when Weatherbys began supporting the race in 1997, and since then it has been known by its present title.
The Champion Bumper is the most prestigious flat race, or "bumper", in the National Hunt calendar. It often features horses which go on to become leading performers over obstacles, such as Florida Pearl and Cue Card. Occasionally leading jockeys from Flat racing ride in the race and the 2002 winner, Pizarro, was ridden by Jamie Spencer, a Flat racing jockey.