The Kingmaker Novices' Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Warwick over a distance of about 2 miles (3,219 metres), and during its running there are twelve fences to be jumped. The race is for novice chasers, and it is scheduled to take place each year in February.
The event was established in 1991, and it was originally contested in May over a distance of 2 miles and 4½ furlongs (4,124 metres). It was switched to February in 1996, and at the same time its length was cut to 2 miles. This was extended by 110 yards in 2000. The race was abandoned at Warwick in 2005, 2006 and 2007, and it was transferred on each occasion to Wincanton. At this venue it was run over 2 miles, and there were thirteen fences to jump. This distance was kept when it returned to Warwick in 2008. The race is currently sponsored by Betway.
The title of the race refers to the 16th Earl of Warwick, who was known as the "Kingmaker" during the Wars of the Roses.
Winners
1 The 2005, 2006 and 2007 runnings took place at Wincanton.
2 The 2009 edition was run at Sandown Park.
3 The 2012 running was abandoned due to a frozen track.