The Arkle Novices’ Chase, one of the most revered contests in National Hunt racing, will enter a new chapter in 2026 with Singer Capital Markets confirmed as the race’s new title sponsor. The Grade One championship will now be staged as the Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase, reinforcing the race’s standing at the heart of the Cheltenham Festival’s opening day.
Run over two miles on Champion Day, Tuesday 10 March 2026, the £200,000 contest is widely regarded as the definitive test for the season’s leading novice chasers. The race traditionally sets the tone for the week, demanding pace, precision and bravery from a field of emerging talents, many of whom go on to define the top level of the sport.
Singer Capital Markets, a London-based UK investment bank, is making its first formal step into horseracing sponsorship. The firm specialises in supporting UK growth companies through capital markets advice and execution, having worked on more than 130 transactions since 2020 with a combined value exceeding £8.4 billion. Its involvement in elite sport has previously included partnerships beyond racing, reflecting a broader alignment with high-performance environments.
Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase: A Natural Fit
Speaking on the announcement, Tim Cockroft, Chair of Singer Capital Markets, highlighted the shared values between the firm and the race itself. He described the Arkle Novices’ Chase as a contest defined by ambition, excellence and upward momentum, qualities he believes closely mirror the businesses Singer supports. The sponsorship also coincides with the firm’s 20th anniversary, adding further significance to the partnership.
Cheltenham Racecourse Chief Executive Guy Lavender welcomed the new sponsor, noting the Arkle’s reputation for showcasing fast, elite young chasers. He pointed to the race’s roll of honour, which includes names such as Flyingbolt and Sprinter Sacre, as evidence of its lasting influence on the National Hunt landscape. The alignment with a firm known for backing future success, he said, makes the partnership a fitting one.
A Race Steeped in History
First run under its current title in 1969, following Arkle’s historic Cheltenham Gold Cup treble, the two-mile novice chase has long been a proving ground for greatness. Previously known as the Cotswold Chase, the race has evolved into a springboard for champions, with several winners later claiming further Festival honours at the highest level.
Nicky Henderson stands as the most successful trainer in the race’s history with eight victories, while Barry Geraghty leads the jockeys’ table with four wins. Ireland has also left an indelible mark on the contest, producing more than 20 winners across the decades. The fastest recorded running remains Tiutchev’s 3 minutes 46.5 seconds in 2000, a performance that underlined the importance of speed as well as jumping accuracy.
The Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase will once again ask searching questions of the next generation in 2026, blending history, prestige and opportunity on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
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