Future Champion Novices' Chase


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The Future Champion Novices' Chase was a Grade 2 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain which was open to horses aged five years or older. It was run at Ayr, Scotland, over a distance of about 2 miles, 4 furlongs and 110 yards (4,163 metres), and during its running there were seventeen fences to be jumped. The race was for novice chasers, but was cut from the race calendar ahead of the 2023/24 National Hunt season.

The event was formerly contested over 2 miles, and for a period it was known by various sponsored titles. It was renamed in 1988, and it was extended to 2 miles 4 furlongs and given Grade 1 status in 1991. It returned to its former length for a single running in 1995, and at this point it was relegated to Grade 2 level.

The Future Champion Novices' Chase is run at Ayr on the same afternoon as the Scottish Grand National. The winners Gingembre and Grey Abbey both subsequently achieved victory in the latter race.

In April 2023 the British Horseracing Authority announced the removal of the race from the 2023/24 programme.

Records
Leading jockey since 1968 (3 wins):
 * Ron Barry – The Benign Bishop (1973), Easby Abbey (1975), Little Bay (1981)
 * Jonjo O'Neill – Crofton Hall (1977), King Weasel (1978), Night Nurse (1979)
 * Ruby Walsh - Val Solitaire (2003), Natal (2007), Pacha du Polder (2012)

Leading trainer since 1968 (7 wins):
 * Paul Nicholls - See More Indians (1994), Valley Henry (2002), Val Solitaire (2003), Natal (2007), Pacha du Polder (2012), Le Mercurey (2016), Secret Investor (2019)

Earlier winners

 * 1968 – Certainement
 * 1969 – Chesapeake Bay
 * 1970 – Mischievous Monk