The Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick: Complete Guide

The Kingmaker Novices' Chase was established in 1991. It was originally run in May over two miles and four and a half furlongs — a longer distance that suited staying novice chasers. The race was part of Warwick's spring programme, and it quickly established itself as a useful trial for horses heading to the end-of-season festivals.

The Move to February

In 1996, the race was moved to February and shortened to two miles. The logic was clear. The Arkle Chase at Cheltenham is run over two miles. A trial at the same distance, six weeks before the Festival, would give connections a clear guide. The move transformed the Kingmaker. It became a proper Arkle trial — the race that trainers wanted to win before heading to Cheltenham. The distance was extended by 110 yards in 2000, and it has stayed at that trip since.

The Wincanton Years

Between 2005 and 2007, the Kingmaker was temporarily transferred to Wincanton. Warwick was undergoing work — the exact nature of the changes varies in the records — and the race needed a home. Wincanton's sharp, left-handed track was a reasonable fit. Voy Por Ustedes won at Wincanton in 2006 before going on to win the Arkle. But the race belonged at Warwick. It returned in 2008 and has remained there since. The Kingmaker and Warwick are now inseparable.

Grade 2 Status

The race holds Grade 2 status. That puts it below the Arkle and the other Championship races at Cheltenham, but above the average novice chase. The prize money reflects that — it's a serious race. The race is also part of the British Horseracing Authority's Graded Race Programme, which means it attracts quality horses and quality fields. The Kingmaker has earned its place in the National Hunt calendar.

The Kingmaker roll of honour is impressive. Flagship Uberalles won in 1999 for Paul Nicholls before finishing second in the Arkle. Voy Por Ustedes won at Wincanton in 2006 — when the race was temporarily transferred — and then won the Arkle at Cheltenham. Long Run won the Kingmaker in 2010 before going on to win the Gold Cup the following year. Finian's Rainbow won in 2012 and then won the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. The race finds champions.

Paul Nicholls and the Kingmaker

Paul Nicholls has trained five Kingmaker winners — more than any other trainer. Lake Kariba (1998), Flagship Uberalles (1999), Whitenzo (2001), Armaturk (2002) and Vibrato Valtat (2015). When Nicholls sends a novice chaser to Warwick for the Kingmaker, it's worth taking notice. His horses are often well prepared, and the sharp track suits his style. Nicholls has made the Kingmaker a target — and his record shows it.

Robert Thornton's Three

Robert Thornton rode three Kingmaker winners — Flagship Uberalles (1999), Kadount (2005, at Wincanton) and Voy Por Ustedes (2006, at Wincanton). Thornton was one of the most talented jump jockeys of his generation, and his record in the race reflects that. His ability to get a horse jumping and travelling was perfectly suited to the Kingmaker's demands.

Recent Winners

Recent renewals have continued to produce quality. The race remains a key trial for the Arkle. Horses that win or run well in the Kingmaker often go on to Cheltenham with strong claims. The form holds up. If you're studying the Arkle, the Kingmaker is one of the first races to check.

The Kingmaker is run over approximately two miles and 110 yards. There are twelve fences to jump. The track is left-handed and sharp — the bends come quickly and horses need to jump accurately. The run-in is about two furlongs, so there's time to make up ground if you're behind, but not much. Tactical speed and fluent jumping matter.

Ground Conditions

The race is run in early February. The ground is often soft or good to soft. Warwick's winter meetings rarely run on quick ground. Horses that have proven form on soft ground tend to excel. That said, the best novice chasers often handle a range of conditions — the Arkle hopefuls are classy animals. If the ground is heavy, favour horses that have shown they can handle it. If it's good to soft, the race can suit a slightly different profile.

What Suits the Course

Handy, accurate jumpers tend to excel. The sharp track rewards horses that can quicken into the bends and jump fluently. Long-striding gallopers can struggle. The Kingmaker is a test of technique as much as stamina. Horses that have won at similar sharp tracks — Kempton or Wincanton — often translate their form well. For more on how the track plays, see our betting guide.

The Kingmaker often goes to the favourite or a short-priced runner. The best novice chasers in training turn up, and the market usually identifies them correctly. But there's value to be found. The place market can offer better returns — the race often has a small field, and the favourite may win but at odds that don't reward a win bet. Each-way backers can sometimes find value in the second or third favourite.

The Paul Nicholls Angle

When Paul Nicholls sends a runner to the Kingmaker, take notice. He's won it five times. His horses are often well prepared and the track suits his style. If his runner isn't the favourite, there can be value. If it is the favourite, the form is usually strong. Nicholls doesn't send horses to Warwick for a day out — he targets the race.

Form from Similar Tracks

Horses that have won or run well at sharp tracks tend to go well. Form from Kempton, Wincanton or Sandown on the chase course can translate. Form from galloping tracks like Cheltenham or Newbury doesn't always translate. Warwick's sharp circuit rewards a different type of horse. If a horse has shown it can handle sharp tracks, that's a positive.

The Arkle Connection

The Kingmaker is an Arkle trial. Horses that win or run well often go on to Cheltenham. If you're backing a horse in the Kingmaker, consider whether it's likely to run in the Arkle. The form from this race is one of the most reliable guides to the Festival. Backing the Kingmaker winner for the Arkle can sometimes offer value — especially if the Cheltenham market hasn't fully caught up.