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Lightning Novices’ Chase
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The Lightning Novices’ Chase is a prestigious Grade 2 hurdle race run at Windsor Racecourse on the third Saturday in January each year. The race is run over two miles and there are twelve fences to be jumped. The race is worth approximately £42,000 to the winning connections. The race is open to novice chasers aged five and older.
Lightning Novices' Chase Racecard
BetMGM Winter Oaks Fillies' Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Morrophore made it two wins from four outings in handicap company when making her way through the field in the trial over C&D and she commands respect, despite having a 3lb higher mark to contend with. However, SKY SAFARI maintained her unbeaten record on the all-weather over a mile here in Listed company and with the step up in distance expected to unlock further improvement, she looks the one to beat. Wujjood is another to note.
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Lightning Novices’ Chase Overview
The Lightning Novices’ Chase is a prestigious Grade 2 chase that sees many aspiring young chasers turn up to compete for this £42,000 first prize. This race focuses their mind on jumping fences as there are twelve to be jumped over the minimum two-mile trip.
Notable winners of this race in the past include Shishkin, Third Time Lucki and Mister Fisher.
Lightning Novices’ Chase Betting Trends and Statistics
The leading trainer in the Lightning Novices’ Chase in recent years is Nicky Henderson who has won the race three times. His winners have been with Shishkin (2021), Mister Fisher (2020) and Vaniteux (2015). Alan King has also won this race on two occasions with Sceau Royal (2018) and Valdez (2014).
This is a great race for favourite backers. Seven out of the last eleven winners of this race were sent off as favourites. Nico De Boinville has won the race twice when riding for Nicky Henderson and French and Irish Bred horses tend to dominate this particular race.
Lightning Novices’ Chase History
The Lightning Novices’ Chase was first run in 1979 and was originally held at Ascot Racecourse, contested over a distance of 2 miles. It was then switched to alternative venues for three years beginning in 2005, and it returned to Ascot with a distance of 2 miles and 1 furlong back in 2008.
The race was then transferred to Doncaster Racecourse in 2010, and at the same time, its length was cut by 110 yards. It was then run in late January or early February (weather-dependent).
In April 2023, the British Horseracing Authority announced that the race would be moved to Lingfield Park and would be run one week earlier as part of a restructuring of the 2023/24 programme.
The race was transferred to Windsor in 2025 and run as part of the Berkshire Million Weekend.
This race is seen as an appetiser for the Arkle Chase and is seen as a trial for that race at the Cheltenham Festival six weeks down the line. Although only one horse in recent history has managed to win both races.
Lightning Novices’ Chase Winners
Lightning Novices' Chase FAQ
Who won the Lightning Novices’ Chase in 2025?
Harry Fry’s Gidleigh Park took the first running at it’s new home at Windsor in 2025 turning over the odds on chance Caldwell Potter by 4L under Bryan Carver.
What is the prize money for the Lightning Novices’ Chase?
The first prize is usually worth around £42,000 to winning connections.
When is the Lightning Novices’ Chase?
The Lightning Novices’ Chase has been switched about in recent years, but the race now takes place at Windsor on the third Saturday in January.
How many fences are there to be jumped in the Lightning Novices’ Chase?
There are usually twelve fences to be jumped in this race.
How many horses race in the Lightning Novices’ Chase?
On average there are between three and five runners that line up for this prize. Irish horses tend to stay at home due to the more valuable prize money on offer at the Dublin Racing Festival just a few days after this race. Other trainers prefer to wait for Cheltenham itself instead of risking their novice chasers in a race such as this.
Which horses are eligible for the Lightning Novices’ Chase?
Any horse aged five and older is eligible to run in the Unibet Hurdle.
