Horse Racing stats man, Andy has contributed to OLBG for 18 years - An Ipswich fan and F1 fanatic, he also contributes EFL football and Motor Sport opinion.
2026 Freebooter Handicap Chase Preview
Scheduled to take place in April of each year at the Aintree racecourse, the Premier Handicap Chase which is registered as the 'Freebooter Handicap Chase' takes place during the Grand National meeting.
This premier handicap chase is open to runners aged five or older, it is run over a trip of three miles and one furlong in which there will be a total of nineteen fences for the runners to contend with.
Freebooter Handicap Chase Information:
- Freebooter Handicap Chase Past Winners
- Freebooter Handicap Chase Trainer Statistics
- Freebooter Handicap Chase Jockey Statistics
If you are interested in other predictions at Aintree then head over to the Aintree tips page to see which runners are being supported by the OLBG racing tipsters and also compare those predictions to the runners that make the trend shortlist when added below. We cover every race at the Aintree Grand National Meeting and below you can find links to all of the races for each of Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites 2025
How competitive is the Freebooter Handicap Chase market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2005 when the race had an over-round of 114%. The race in 2019 was a race that was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 136%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Freebooter Handicap Chase, the over-round has been 124%, which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £124 which is bet.
Below you will find the 2026 Freebooter Handicap Chase Trends, see which patterns have occurred over the recent renewals that you may be able to use for the next renewal, we also have a section that looks at the Freebooter Handicap Chase Trend Analysis.
These are the top three quickest-run Freebooter Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals:
- Cruz Control (6:17.60) in 2025
- From Dawn To Dusk (6:18.50) in 2010
- Duke Of Lucca (6:19.10) in 2015
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? From the past 20 if you had followed the winner of the Freebooter Handicap Chase next time out then you would have backed a total of 3 winners. Backing all 19 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out, would have returned an LSP of +4.50. Ahead of the 2026 Freebooter Handicap Chase why not head over to the racing predictions for tips on other races today?
Over the last 20 renewals, it was Cruz Control, trained by Tom Lacey and ridden by Stan Sheppard who set the fastest winning time in the Freebooter Handicap Chase, the runner won the race in a time of 6:17.60 when winning the race in 2025. At the other end of the scale, it was the combination of trainer Tom Lacey and jockey Richard Johnson with Thomas Patrick who set the slowest winning time, the race-winning time was 6:44.70 in the 2018 renewal.
What the expert says...
Andy Powell - Horse Racing Betting Expert - OLBG.com
Freebooter Handicap Chase Past Winners
Here are the Freebooter Handicap Chase past winners for the last 10 renewals. Each row details the year of the race, the horse which won along with the age & weight of the horse. The horse's trainer and the jockey at the time of winning the Freebooter Handicap Chase are also displayed, along with the starting price at which the horse was sent off.
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 6:17.60 | Cruz Control (FR) 8yo 10-11 10/1 | Stan Sheppard Tom Lacey (GB) |
| 2024 6:34.81 | Cruz Control (FR) 7yo 10-10 9/1 | Stan Sheppard Tom Lacey (GB) |
| 2023 6:20.08 | Midnight River (GB) 8yo 11-7 15/2 | Harry Skelton Dan Skelton (GB) |
| 2022 6:22.64 | Sam Brown (GB) 10yo 11-4 28/1 | Aidan Coleman Anthony Honeyball (GB) |
| 2021 6:28.70 | Happygolucky (IRE) 7yo 11-7 11/4F | David Bass Kim Bailey (GB) |
| 2019 6:21.10 | Kildisart (IRE) 7yo 11-12 8/1 | Daryl Jacob Ben Pauling (GB) |
| 2018 6:44.70 | Thomas Patrick (IRE) 6yo 10-10 3/1F | Richard Johnson Tom Lacey (GB) |
| 2017 6:23.60 | Sizing Codelco (IRE) 8yo 11-3 10/1 | Robbie Power Colin Tizzard (GB) |
| 2016 6:39.50 | Maggio (FR) 11yo 10-9 50/1 | James Reveley Patrick Griffin (IRE) |
| 2015 6:19.10 | Duke Of Lucca (IRE) 10yo 10-4 9/2 | Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs (GB) |
Where have the winning runners come from?
Here are the countries where the winning trainers of the Freebooter Handicap Chase have been based:
- GB: 19 winners with an additional 44 placings from 277 runners
- IRE: 1 winner with an additional 5 placings from 22 runners
- FR: 0 winners with an additional 1 placing from 4 runners
Freebooter Handicap Chase Trainer Statistics
There are two leading trainers in the Freebooter Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals with both Philip Hobbs and Tom Lacey who have both won the race three times. Philip Hobbs winners have been with From Dawn To Dusk (2010) and Duke Of Lucca (2014 & 2015). Tom Lacey winners have been with Thomas Patrick (2018) and Cruz Control (2024 & 2025). Multiple trainers have not had the best of times over the last 20 renewals in the Freebooter Handicap Chase, Venetia Williams (0-18), Nigel Twiston-Davies (0-12) and Peter Bowen (0-10) have all failed to produce a single winner despite sending multiple runners to the race.
Here are some of the top Freebooter Handicap Chase trainer statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Trainer | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Hobbs | 15-3-6 | +16.50 | +11.51 |
| Tom Lacey | 7-3-4 | +18.00 | +11.39 |
| Paul Nicholls | 16-1-4 | -12.00 | -9.42 |
| Nicky Henderson | 9-1-3 | +12.00 | +11.13 |
| Dan Skelton | 8-1-5 | +0.50 | +3.51 |
| Evan Williams | 7-1-2 | +16.00 | +10.00 |
| Tim Vaughan | 6-1-1 | +6.00 | +1.88 |
| Jonjo O'Neill | 6-1-2 | +4.00 | +2.63 |
| Anthony Honeyball | 5-1-3 | +24.00 | +17.81 |
| Ben Pauling | 5-1-2 | +4.00 | +3.00 |
Freebooter Handicap Chase Jockey Statistics
The leading jockey in the Freebooter Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals is Stan Sheppard who has won the race two times with those two winners coming from Cruz Control (2024 & 2025). There is one jockey who has not had the best of times in the Freebooter Handicap Chase, Sam Twiston-Davies has ridden 11 runners to the race without recording any wins.
Here are some of the top Freebooter Handicap Chase jockey statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Jockey | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stan Sheppard | 3-2-2 | +18.00 | +10.88 |
| Harry Skelton | 8-1-5 | +0.50 | +3.51 |
| James Reveley | 5-1-2 | +46.00 | +30.25 |
| Dougie Costello | 3-1-1 | +9.00 | +4.88 |
| David Bass | 3-1-1 | +0.75 | -0.28 |
| Sam Twiston-Davies | 11-0-1 | -11.00 | -10.05 |
| Brian Hughes | 7-0-2 | -7.00 | -2.50 |
| Adam Wedge | 5-0-2 | -5.00 | +0.88 |
| Brendan Powell | 5-0-1 | -5.00 | -3.75 |
| Sean Bowen | 4-0-1 | -4.00 | -1.75 |
2026 Freebooter Handicap Chase Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): 2, (4, PU), 1, F, PU, 4, 6, 3, 1, PU, 5, PU, 4, 1, 10, 1, 2, (4, F), 8, 2
The percentage shown is the percentage of the total number of runners who fell under that factor. High percentages are less appealing than lower ones as you would expect them to do well.
- 20 / 20 (80%) - Not in a G3/LST/Cl2-3 (Debut)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Achieved an RPR of 130+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Fewer than 20 races (Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Achieved a TS of 55+ (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - No more than -24lbs (Vs Max Weight)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Not in a Cl4/Cl6 (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Furthest Placed 2m4½f - 3m2½f
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Highest Run is not LST/Cl2
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Achieved a TS of 92+ (Season)
- 19 / 20 (75%) - Within the first 11 of the market
- 19 / 20 (79%) - Achieved a TS of 122+ (Career)
- 19 / 20 (83%) - Placed within last 4 starts
- 19 / 20 (86%) - No bigger than 16/1 (Career Win)
- 18 / 20 (81%) - No more than +3yrs (Vs Min Age)
- 18 / 20 (85%) - Won within last 8 starts
Remember to use the trends listed above along with the Aintree racing predictions to see if you can find the winner of the Freebooter Handicap Chase. Did you know that we have an OLBG Betting School section on OLBG? It is a place to help you improve your betting experience with articles covering numerous topics.
Are you already a member? If not, then why not? With over £6,000 given away each month in the tipster competition, why not get involved? Remember, It is completely FREE! So, head over to the registration page to sign up today! If you are already a member, then share your thoughts on the Freebooter Handicap Chase by adding a tip on the race here.
101 Ways to find Winners in Horse Racing
Freebooter Handicap Chase Trend Analysis
✅ The trend factor which had produced 10+ winners and shows the best LSP, an LSP of +59.25 is when runners had 1 start in the past 90 days.
❌ The worst performing factor that has failed to produce a single winner is when runners had 1 career win with the jockey, when backing these the trend shows a record of 0-54.
The course which has produced the most winners of the Freebooter Handicap Chase is Cheltenham, there has been a total number of 12 winners of this race who ran at Cheltenham last time out.
The race is open to both sexes with the Male runners having produced a total of 20 winners from a total of 296 runners whilst the Female runners have produced 0 winners from a total of 7 runners.
Looking over the past renewals, these are the stallions whose offspring have produced multiple winners of the Freebooter Handicap Chase:
- Milan (2 Wins)
- Saint Des Saints (2 Wins)
These are the stallions whose offspring have not produced a winner of the Freebooter Handicap Chase despite multiple attempts:
- Kayf Tara (0 Wins from 11 runners)
- Oscar (0 Wins from 8 runners)
- Presenting (0 Wins from 6 runners)
- Beneficial (0 Wins from 5 runners)
- Poliglote (0 Wins from 5 runners)
Looking at the winning odds over the last 20 renewals, the biggest-priced winner was Maggio in 2016, winning for Patrick Griffin at odds of 50/1 under the guidance of James Reveley. Looking at the runners at the head of the market over the last 20 renewals there have been 4 winning favourites in the race. Remember to use the best racing tipsters along with the information on this page to find you a bet on the 2026 Freebooter Handicap Chase.
Route to the Freebooter Handicap Chase
Many trainers will target races to use as prep races before coming to the Freebooter Handicap Chase, these are the races which the recent winners ran in before coming here:
| Info | Last Race |
|---|---|
| 2025 - Cruz Control Wetherby - PU of 7 (11/4) | Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase |
| 2024 - Cruz Control Newcastle - 1st of 5 (6/5) | Guinness Microdraught Handicap Chase |
| 2023 - Midnight River Cheltenham - 11th of 23 (15/2) | Festival Plate |
| 2022 - Sam Brown Haydock - PU of 11 (6/1) | Haydock Grand National Trial |
| 2021 - Happygolucky Cheltenham - 2nd of 16 (10/3) | Ultima Handicap Chase |
| 2019 - Kildisart Cheltenham - 4th of 10 (9/1) | Discontinued Golden Miller (LINK ERROR) |
| 2018 - Thomas Patrick Newbury - 1st of 8 (5/1) | Insure With Be Wiser Handicap Chase |
| 2017 - Sizing Codelco Cheltenham - 15th of 24 (14/1) | Festival Plate |
| 2016 - Maggio Kelso - 6th of 7 (33/1) | totepoolliveinfo.com Premier Chase |
| 2015 - Duke Of Lucca Cheltenham - 8th of 16 (5/1) | Cross Country Chase |
Schedule for Thursday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
The three-day Grand National meeting kicks off on Thursday with four Grade 1 events on the seven-race card which features both the Aintree Hurdle and the Bowl Chase.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:45 Aintree Manifesto Novices Chase | Impaire Et Passe (FR) 7yo - 9/4 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 14:20 Aintree Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle | Murcia (FR) 4yo - 11/4 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 14:55 Aintree Bowl Chase | Gaelic Warrior (GER) 7yo - 11/4 | W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins |
| 15:30 Aintree Aintree Hurdle | Lossiemouth (FR) 6yo - 5/4 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 16:05 Aintree Foxhunters Chase | Gracchus De Balme (FR) 9yo - 22/1 | J J O'Shea Mr Huw Edwards |
| 16:40 Aintree Red Rum Handicap Chase | Sans Bruit (FR) 7yo - 5/1 | Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden |
| 17:15 Aintree Nickel Coin Mares Bumper | Seo Linn (IRE) 5yo - 15/8 | P Twomey W J Lee |
Schedule for Friday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
Day 2 of the Grand National meeting is Ladies Day or Fabulous Friday, the highlights on the track being the Melling Chase plus there is the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:45 Aintree Mildmay Novices Chase | Caldwell Potter (FR) 7yo - 11/4 | Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden |
| 14:20 Aintree National Meeting 2m4f Handicap Hurdle | Wellington Arch (GB) 6yo - 14/1 | Jonjo & A J O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr |
| 14:55 Aintree Top Novices Hurdle | Salvator Mundi (FR) 5yo - 7/2 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 15:30 Aintree Melling Chase | Jonbon (FR) 9yo - 4/6 | Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville |
| 16:05 Aintree Topham Chase | Gentleman De Mee (FR) 9yo - 14/1 | W P Mullins Mark Walsh |
| 16:40 Aintree Sefton Novices Hurdle | Julius Des Pictons (FR) 6yo - 14/1 | Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan |
| 17:15 Aintree National Meeting 2m Handicap Hurdle | Shes A Saint (IRE) 8yo - 25/1 | Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell |
Schedule for Saturday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
The Grand National is obviously the showpiece of the Aintree meeting and day 3 also includes three Grade 1 events, the feature of those being the Liverpool Hurdle.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:20 Aintree National Meeting 3m Handicap Hurdle | Deep Cave (IRE) 7yo - 28/1 | Christian Williams Jack Tudor |
| 13:55 Aintree Mersey Novices Hurdle | Honesty Policy (IRE) 5yo - 5/1 | Gordon Elliott Mark Walsh |
| 14:30 Aintree Freebooter Handicap Chase | Cruz Control (FR) 8yo - 10/1 | Tom Lacey Stan Sheppard |
| 15:05 Aintree Liverpool Hurdle | Hiddenvalley Lake (IRE) 8yo - 12/1 | Henry De Bromhead Darragh O'Keeffe |
| 16:00 Aintree Grand National | Nick Rockett (IRE) 8yo - 33/1 | W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins |
| 17:00 Aintree Maghull Novices Chase | Kalif Du Berlais (FR) 5yo - 15/8 | Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden |
| 17:35 Aintree Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race | Green Splendour (GB) 5yo - 100/30 | W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins |
Article Contributor Information
We are blessed with an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to creating and maintaining this Freebooter Handicap Chase Preview are at hand, Andy and Darren. They both work on the Horse racing tips team team looking after the tipsters and managing the tips settlement, whilst also creating and managing all of the horse racing event previews for National Hunt Racing.
Darren Brett
Tipster Competition Manager
Andy Powell
Content Editor
