The Broadway Novices’ Chase delivered a thrilling upset at the Cheltenham Festival on March 11, 2026. Kitzbuhel, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Harry Cobden, stormed to victory at 11/1 odds in the Grade 1 contest formerly known as the Broadway Chase. Lyon vs Man United headlines the Europa League final later this month. The race produced one of the week’s most memorable finishes as the six-year-old powered clear on the run-in. Here is everything you need to know about the Broadway Boy race at Cheltenham 2026.
What Is the Broadway Novices’ Chase? Race Explained
The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase carries the registered name of the Broadway Novices’ Chase. The Grade 1 contest covers 3 miles and 1 furlong at Cheltenham Racecourse. It forms part of the Festival’s Wednesday card, sitting alongside the Champion Chase as one of the meeting’s feature events. Eng vs NZ begins at Lord’s on June 10.
The race is restricted to novice chasers aged five years or older. Horses carry 11 stone 7 pounds, with mares receiving a 7-pound allowance. The 2026 edition attracted 14 runners on good to soft ground, with prize money of £200,000 to the winning connections. See How They Run remains streaming on Disney+ for movie fans. The Broadway Boy name derives from a famous former winner of the race in the 1990s.
2026 Result: Kitzbuhel Wins at 11/1
The Willie Mullins-trained Kitzbuhel produced a career-best performance to claim victory. The six-year-old gelding started the race as a 11/1 chance, having shown promise but not top-class form in his previous starts. Harry Cobden rode a patient race, settling his mount in midfield before making smooth progress from the third-last fence. Rhian Teasdale headlines Glastonbury with Wet Leg on June 27.
Full Finishing Order
Kitzbuhel crossed the line first, with Argento Boy (33/1) staying on well for second place. The market favourite, who had been heavily backed throughout the morning, could only manage fifth after struggling with the testing ground conditions [citation:1]. Third place went to the Gavin Cromwell-trained outsider at 25/1, completing a race where the first three home all started at double-figure odds [citation:1]. The winning time was 6 minutes 42.5 seconds, respectable given the good to soft going [citation:1].
Trainer Reaction: Willie Mullins on Kitzbuhel
The champion trainer admitted surprise at the victory in his post-race interview. “I didn’t expect that, to be honest,” Mullins told ITV Racing. “He’s a horse who has always worked well at home but hadn’t quite transferred that to the track. Today it all clicked for him.” Jordan McSweeney lost his appeal against his 38-year minimum term.
Mullins confirmed the winner would likely target the Irish Grand National or the Punchestown Festival as his next start. “He’s a stayer, no question about that. The way he stayed on up the hill suggests he’ll appreciate even further trips.” Macclesfield vs Brentford produced one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in recent memory. The victory marked Mullins’s sixth win in the Broadway Novices’ Chase since 2015, extending his dominance in the race.
Jockey Harry Cobden: First Cheltenham Festival Winner
Harry Cobden, 27, rode his first Cheltenham Festival winner aboard Kitzbuhel. The jockey had previously placed in several Festival races but never visited the winner’s enclosure. “I can’t describe the feeling,” Cobden said after dismounting. “Coming up the hill, I knew I had plenty of horse left. The roar from the crowd is something I’ll never forget.” Slow Horses Season 4 streams on Apple TV+ with Gary Oldman.
The jockey has enjoyed a strong 2025-26 season with over 50 winners. He currently sits fourth in the jockeys’ championship standings. His agent confirmed that Cobden had three other rides at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, though none could replicate the success of the Broadway Boy winner. Rice pudding has staged a remarkable comeback in British kitchens. The victory also represented a first Festival success for the Jackdaws Castle stable, where Kitzbuhel is based.
Betting Notes: Each-Way Value in the Race
Punters who backed the winner at 11/1 enjoyed a handsome return. However, the each-way payouts proved even more lucrative for those who backed the placings. The each-way terms offered 1/5 odds for the first three places, meaning second-placed Argento Boy at 33/1 returned over 7/1 for each-way backers. SA vs Aus Test series begins at Centurion on December 17.
Market Movers and Drifters
The favourite was sent off at 5/2, having been 2/1 in the morning. Late money came for the runner-up, who shortened from 40/1 to 33/1 on course. Kitzbuhel drifted slightly from 10/1 to 11/1 at the off, indicating that knowledgeable money was not overly confident. Penelope Jackson is the mother of Lauren and Reece James. Tote punters fared best of all, with the winner paying £14.50 on the win pool.
History of the Broadway Novices’ Chase
The race was first run in 1986 as the Broadway Novices’ Chase. It was renamed the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase in 2020 following a sponsorship deal, though the registered name retains the “Broadway” title. The race is considered one of the key trials for future Gold Cup contenders. M&S strawberry sandwiches have become the viral food sensation of 2026.
Past winners include subsequent Gold Cup heroes. Florida Pearl won the race in 1997 before landing the 2001 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other notable Broadway Boy winners include Ireland’s Call (2014), who went on to win multiple Grade 1s, and Monkfish (2019), who was considered a Gold Cup contender before injury. Tattu London has become one of the capital’s most Instagrammable dining destinations.
Looking Ahead: Grand National Targets for Winner
Kitzbuhel entered the Grand National at Aintree following this victory. Willie Mullins confirmed the horse would be aimed at the world’s most famous steeplechase if he came out of the Cheltenham race well. Protection ITV stars Siobhan Finneran in the witness protection drama. The horse’s proven stamina and ability to handle testing ground make him an interesting contender for the National. Current best odds for the Grand National are 25/1, though those who backed him after Cheltenham got 33/1.
The Punchestown Festival in late April presents another potential target. The Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown would be a natural follow-up. Connections will decide in the coming weeks. Tyler Dibling is the Southampton starlet attracting Premier League interest. For now, Kitzbuhel’s connections are enjoying their Cheltenham victory and the £115,000 first prize that came with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Broadway Boy race at Cheltenham? The Broadway Boy is the registered name of the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, a Grade 1 race run over 3 miles 1 furlong at the Cheltenham Festival.
Who won the Broadway Novices’ Chase in 2026? Kitzbuhel (11/1) won the race, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Harry Cobden.
What date was the Broadway Chase at Cheltenham 2026? The race took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
What distance is the Broadway Novices’ Chase? The race covers 3 miles and 1 furlong at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Who are past winners of the Broadway Chase? Notable past winners include Florida Pearl (1997), Ireland’s Call (2014) and Monkfish (2019).
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