Kim Muir Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase Tips: Kim for the Kim

Day 3 (Thursday) of the Cheltenham Festival closes with the Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase, a highly competitive handicap run over three miles two-furlongs for amateur riders.

A maximum field of 24 have been declared in what promises to be a thrilling spectacle on Thursday.

Our in-house Horse Racing tipster Owen McMahon has gone through the card for Thursday's Races and made a selection for every race. Read who he's backing and why with our Cheltenham Day 3 Tips. 

To add to that, former Jockey Katie Walsh has passed on her Cheltenham Thursday Tips to us here at Betfred.

Kim Muir Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase Odds

Kim Roque @ 8/1

Trainer Joseph O’Brien can enjoy another fine afternoon at Prestbury Park by taking the Kim Muir with his progressive young chaser KIM ROQUE, who has shown improvement since switching from Daniela Mele’s stable in France.

Kim Roque’s debut for O’Brien’s yard resulted in a promising second at Cheltenham in November, finishing three lengths behind Kdeux Saint Fray.

The six-year-old then returned to the Gloucestershire track in December, coming home fourth in the Gold Cup having been held up during the race.

After being given a short break, Kim Roque returned with a fifth-placed effort in a hot 23-runner handicap at Leopardstown last month.

There was plenty to like about that performance in Ireland, particularly with the ease in which he travelled with the strong pace, and connections are hopeful of a strong showing at the Festival.

John L Gleeson, a very experienced amateur jockey, has been booked in for the ride and he looks capable of steering Kim Roque to victory.

Next Best: Jeriko Du Reponet @ 7/2

Nicky Henderson has few peers at the Cheltenham Festival and his charge, JERIKO DU REPONET, looks primed for a bold showing in this fascinating finale.

This smart seven-year-old enjoyed a fine end to last season in valuable staying handicap hurdles, posting a fine second in the Pertemps Hurdle at the Festival before going one better in a listed contest at the Punchestown Festival.

His attentions were switched to fences this season and it soon became clear the JP McManus-owned gelding was being trained to peak in the spring again.

A considerately handled second at Kempton in November was followed by another patiently-ridden runners-up effort at Wincanton in December to round off the year.

Jeriko Du Reponet’s first outing of 2026 ended in a fifth-placed finish at Windsor in January, but he was once again ridden with an eye to the future.

The cheekpieces he wore to excellent effect at both Cheltenham and Punchestown last spring are refitted for the first time over fences and that should bring about an improved showing.

Top amateur Derek O'Connor, who has won this race twice in the past seven years, is also a notable jockey booking.

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