The 2016 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup is run over a distance of about 3 miles and 1½ furlong and during its running there are 19 fences to be jumped. The class 2 handicap chase is for amateur riders only and is open to horses aged five years or older.

The event was established in 1946, and it was originally called the Kim Muir Amateur Riders' Steeplechase. It was introduced by Mrs Evan Williams, and it was named in memory of her brother Kim Muir, a cavalry officer who lost his life during World War II. The name of Fulke Walwyn was added to the title in 1991. This was in honour of the highly successful trainer, whose 211 victories at Cheltenham included 40 at the Festival.

There have been 2 dual winners of the race, Chu-Teh (1967, 1968) and Glyde Court (1985, 1986) and the most successful jockey in the race is Jamie Codd with 3 victories (Character Building in 2009, Junior in 2011 and The Package in 2015 - the latter 2 both for David Pipe). Fred Rimell with 4 wins is the leading trainer. Future Gold Cup winner Cool Ground won the race in 1989 and subsequent Grand National winner Ballabriggs won it in 2010.

There are 105 horses entered in this year's race with the weights headed by Colin Tizzard's Theatre Guide off 150. He is also entered in the 3 miles handicap chase on the Tuesday and they may prefer to carry 10-13 there rather than 12-03 here. We then have 3 horses on 11-12 rated 145 (Katkeau, Thunder And Roses and Mon Parrain) which would only put Merlin's Wish out of the handicap.

Most firms have Gordon Elliot's Our Father as favourite at around the 6/1 mark. He has been sent to Elliot from the Pipe yard "for a change of scenery" and goes well fresh (he will need to after an absence of 441 days but should have Nina Carberry doing the steering, which will be a massive plus).

Current betting from oddschecker

Entries and weights

 

With just over a week to go the ante post gamble on Gordon Elliot's Our Father has come to an abrupt end, with Elliot declaring the grey "out for the season" with an injury.