The story so far
History of British Jump Racing
From a 1752 wager between Irish gentlemen to the global spectacle of the modern Cheltenham Festival — here's how National Hunt racing became Britain's winter passion.
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1752
The first steeplechase
Two Irish riders, Mr O'Callaghan and Mr Edmund Blake, race four-and-a-half miles between two church steeples in County Cork — giving the sport its name.
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1815
Racing comes to Cheltenham
The first organised meeting is held on Cleeve Hill, drawing crowds from across the Cotswolds.
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1839
The first Grand National
The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase is run at Aintree — won by a horse named Lottery. The race becomes the Grand National in 1847.
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1866
National Hunt rules
The National Hunt Committee is formed to govern jump racing in Britain.
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1924
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Run for the first time as a championship steeplechase. Won by Red Splash.
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1960s
The age of Arkle
Arkle wins three Gold Cups (1964–66), becoming the most famous chaser of all time.
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1981
Aldaniti & Bob Champion
Bob Champion wins the Grand National on Aldaniti having both fought back from serious illness and injury — one of sport's great stories.
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2009
Kauto Star reclaims the Gold Cup
The first horse ever to regain the Gold Cup, cementing his place as a modern legend.
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Today
A modern golden era
Stars such as Constitution Hill, Galopin Des Champs and Honeysuckle continue to draw record crowds and a new generation of fans.