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.
2025 William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Preview
Scheduled to take place in April of each year at the Aintree racecourse, the Premier Handicap Chase currently sponsored by William Hill takes place during the Grand National meeting.
This handicap chase has a Grade 3 status and 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.
William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Information:
- William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Past Winners
- William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Trainer Statistics
- William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Jockey Statistics
If you are looking at Aintree picks then you may be interested in the Grand National tips as this is the course showpiece race of the season, forty runners over the national fences is a favourite among racing fans. 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.
How competitive is the William Hill National Festival 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 William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase, the over-round has been 124%, which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £124 which is bet.
William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Trends:
- 2025 William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Trends
- William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Trend Analysis
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 William Hill National Festival 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. Whilst we wait for the 2025 William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase remember you can get daily racing predictions from the expert tipsters on the racing predictions page.
Over the last 20 renewals, it was the Philip Hobbs trained From Dawn To Dusk ridden by Richard Johnson who set the fastest winning time in the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase, the runner won the race in a time of 6:18.50 was set when winning the race in 2010. 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.
These are the top three quickest-run William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals:
- From Dawn To Dusk (6:18.50) in 2010
- Duke Of Lucca (6:19.10) in 2015
- Duke Of Lucca (6:19.80) in 2014
William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Past Winners
Here are the William Hill National Festival 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 trainer of the horse at the time of winning the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase as well as the jockey is also displayed along with the starting price the horse was sent off.
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 2014 6:19.80 | Duke Of Lucca (IRE) 9yo 10-7 12/1 | Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs (GB) |
Where have the winning runners come from?
Here are the countries where the winning trainers of the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase have been based:
- GB: 19 winners with an additional 44 placings from 279 runners
- IRE: 1 winner with an additional 5 placings from 22 runners
- FR: 0 winners with an additional 1 placing from 4 runners
William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Trainer Statistics
The leading trainer in the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals is Philip Hobbs who has won the race three times with those three winners coming from From Dawn To Dusk (2010) and Duke Of Lucca (2014 & 2015). Other trainers who have recorded multiple wins in the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase are Nicky Henderson (2 wins) and Tom Lacey (2 wins). Multiple trainers have not had the best of times over the last 20 renewals in the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase, Venetia Williams (0-17), Nigel Twiston-Davies (0-11) 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 William Hill National Festival 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 | 16-3-6 | +15.50 | +10.51 |
| Nicky Henderson | 10-2-4 | +21.00 | +16.76 |
| Tom Lacey | 6-2-3 | +8.00 | +5.14 |
| Paul Nicholls | 18-1-5 | -14.00 | -8.42 |
| Evan Williams | 7-1-2 | +16.00 | +10.00 |
| Jonjo O'Neill | 7-1-2 | +3.00 | +1.63 |
| Dan Skelton | 7-1-5 | +1.50 | +4.51 |
| Tim Vaughan | 6-1-1 | +6.00 | +1.88 |
| Anthony Honeyball | 4-1-3 | +25.00 | +18.81 |
| Ben Pauling | 4-1-2 | +5.00 | +4.00 |
William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Jockey Statistics
The leading jockey in the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals is Daryl Jacob who has won the race two times with those two winners coming from Battle Group (2013) and Kildisart (2019). There is one jockey who has not had the best of times in the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase, Sam Twiston-Davies has ridden a total of 10 runners to the race without recording any wins.
Here are some of the top William Hill National Festival 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daryl Jacob | 8-2-4 | +5.50 | +4.07 |
| Harry Skelton | 7-1-5 | +1.50 | +4.51 |
| 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 |
| Stan Sheppard | 2-1-1 | +8.00 | +4.63 |
| Sam Twiston-Davies | 10-0-1 | -10.00 | -9.05 |
| Paddy Brennan | 7-0-1 | -7.00 | -6.25 |
| Brian Hughes | 6-0-2 | -6.00 | -1.50 |
| Brendan Powell | 5-0-1 | -5.00 | -3.75 |
2025 William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): 5, 2, (4, PU), 1, F, PU, 4, 6, 3, 1, PU, 5, PU, 4, 1, 10, 1, 2, (4, F), 8
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 (78%) - Not in a G3/LST/Cl2-3 (Debut)
- 20 / 20 (81%) - Achieved an RPR of 132+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Fewer than 20 starts (Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Carried 126 - 161lbs (Debut)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Achieved a TS of 55+ (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Highest Run is not LST/Cl2
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Furthest Placed 2m4½f - 3m2½f
- 20 / 20 (88%) - No more than -24lbs (Vs Max Weight)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Not in a Cl4/Cl6 (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Achieved a TS of 79+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Achieved a TS of 92+ (Season)
- 19 / 20 (75%) - Within the first 11 of the market
- 19 / 20 (83%) - Placed within last 4 starts
- 19 / 20 (86%) - No bigger than 16/1 (Career Win)
- 18 / 20 (88%) - No more than 2 falls (Career)
Remember to use the trends listed above along with the Aintree racing predictions to see if you can find the winner of the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase. If you are looking to place on a bet this race well in advance of the actual running, then there may be an ante-post market available for you to place your bet. If you are unfamiliar with this type of betting then head over to the OLBG Betting School and read our Ante-Post Horse Racing article which explains how ante-post betting works.
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 William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase by adding a tip on the race here.
William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Trend Analysis
The trend factor which had produced 10+ winners and shows the best LSP, an LSP of +58.25 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 0-51.
The course which has produced the most winners of the William Hill National Festival 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 298 runners whilst the Female runners have produced 0 winners from a total of 7 runners.
Looking over the past renewals, there is only one stallion whose offspring have produced multiple winners of the William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase, that stallion Milan has produced 2 winners (2015,2014).
These are the stallions whose offspring have not produced a winner of the William Hill National Festival 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 2025 William Hill National Festival Handicap 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 | Il Etait Temps (FR) 6yo - 3/1 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 14:20 Aintree Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle | Sir Gino (FR) 4yo - 11/10 | Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville |
| 14:55 Aintree Bowl Chase | Gerri Colombe (FR) 8yo - 9/4 | Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy |
| 15:30 Aintree Aintree Hurdle | Impaire Et Passe (FR) 6yo - 1/1 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 16:05 Aintree Foxhunters Chase | Its On The Line (IRE) 7yo - 3/1 | Emmet Mullins Mr Derek O'Connor |
| 16:40 Aintree Red Rum Handicap Chase | Sans Bruit (FR) 6yo - 5/1 | Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost |
| 17:15 Aintree Nickel Coin Mares Bumper | Diva Luna (IRE) 5yo - 13/2 | Ben Pauling Kielan Woods |
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 | Inothewayurthinkin (IRE) 6yo - 6/4 | Gavin Cromwell Mark Walsh |
| 14:20 Aintree William Hill National Festival Handicap Hurdle | Kateira (GB) 7yo - 5/1 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 14:55 Aintree Top Novices Hurdle | Mystical Power (IRE) 5yo - 11/10 | W P Mullins Mark Walsh |
| 15:30 Aintree Melling Chase | Jonbon (FR) 8yo - 11/10 | Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville |
| 16:05 Aintree Topham Chase | Arizona Cardinal (GB) 8yo - 20/1 | Stuart Edmunds Ciaran Gethings |
| 16:40 Aintree Sefton Novices Hurdle | Dancing City (FR) 7yo - 4/1 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 17:15 Aintree Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle | El Jefe (IRE) 7yo - 40/1 | Andrew Hamilton Ben Smith |
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 Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle | Gwennie May Boy (IRE) 6yo - 9/2 | Dan Skelton Charlie Todd |
| 13:55 Aintree Mersey Novices Hurdle | Brighterdaysahead (FR) 5yo - 6/5 | Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy |
| 14:30 Aintree William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase | Cruz Control (FR) 7yo - 9/1 | Tom Lacey Stan Sheppard |
| 15:05 Aintree Liverpool Hurdle | Strong Leader (GB) 7yo - 8/1 | Olly Murphy Sean Bowen |
| 16:00 Aintree Grand National | I Am Maximus (FR) 8yo - 7/1 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 17:00 Aintree Maghull Novices Chase | Found A Fifty (IRE) 7yo - 11/8 | Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy |
| 17:35 Aintree Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race | Horaces Pearl (FR) 6yo - 14/1 | Fergal O'Brien Connor Brace |
Article Contributor Information
We are blessed with an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to creating and maintaining this William Hill National Festival Handicap Chase Preview are at hand, Andy and James. 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.
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