The 2024/25 National Hunt season promises thrilling action, fierce rivalries, and moments of pure equine brilliance. As the jumps racing calendar unfolds, Under Starters Orders is here to guide you through the biggest races and the horses and trainers you should keep an eye on. From the buzz of Cheltenham to the iconic Grand National fences, here’s what’s in store.

The Championship Races

The heart of the National Hunt season lies in its championship races, where legends are made and dreams realised. Let’s take a closer look.

Cheltenham Festival (March)

The Cheltenham roar will once again signal the start of four unforgettable days of racing. Key races include:

• Champion Hurdle
  The ultimate test of speed and precision over hurdles. All eyes will be on Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill, the superstar who’s dominated this division. Can anyone topple the king of the hurdles?

• Queen Mother Champion Chase
  A two-mile spectacle for the fastest chasers. Willie Mullins’ Energumene returns to defend his crown, but challengers like Edwardstone will aim to upset the champion.

• Stayers' Hurdle
  Over three miles, this is where endurance reigns supreme. Look out for Teahupoo, who’s shown great promise and might just have what it takes to dethrone the established stars.

• Cheltenham Gold Cup
  The pinnacle of the jumps season, a gruelling 3 miles 2½ furlongs test of class and stamina. Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs is chasing a historic third win. His toughest competition? Possibly Henry de Bromhead’s Minella Indo, back for another crack at glory.

Grand National (Aintree, April)

The race that stops a nation. With its 4 miles 2½ furlongs of stamina-sapping jumps, the Grand National is as unpredictable as it is iconic. Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work, already proven over big fences, looks primed to challenge for the title this year. Watch out for any surprise entries from the Venetia Williams yard, which thrives in this type of test.

King George VI Chase (Kempton, December)

The mid-season highlight. Paul Nicholls’ Bravemansgame loves the flat track at Kempton, and he’s sure to make a big statement as he eyes another Gold Cup bid.

The Prestigious Handicaps

These races pit horses of all abilities against each other, with weights adjusted to level the playing field. They often produce surprise winners and epic battles.

• Coral Gold Cup (Newbury, November)
  A critical early-season target. Dan Skelton’s Protektorat has the quality to make an impact here.

• Welsh Grand National (Chepstow, December)
  A punishing test of stamina. Venetia Williams’ Quick Wave is bred for this kind of challenge and will relish the mud if conditions turn testing.

• Scottish Grand National (Ayr, April)
  Held shortly after the Aintree Grand National, this four-miler always attracts quality.

2024/25: A Season to Savour

The stage is set for another unforgettable National Hunt season. Trainers like Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson, and Paul Nicholls will undoubtedly dominate headlines, but don’t overlook the smaller yards ready to spring surprises. As always, Under Starters Orders will be here to keep you up to date with the latest news, tips, and insights.

Buckle up – it’s going to be one incredible ride!