John Francome Novices' Chase

The John Francome Novices' Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Newbury over a distance of about 2 miles and 7½ furlongs (2 miles 7 furlongs and 86 yards, or 4,706 metres), and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped. The race is for novice chasers, and it is scheduled to take place each year in late November or early December.

Worcester Novices' Chase

2019
Danny Whizzbang	Reserve Tank	Ardlethen

Previous years
2018
Santini	Rocky's Treasure	Le Breuil
2017
Elegant Escape	Black Corton	Sir Ivan
2016
Thistlecrack	Bigbadjohn	Ibis Du Rheu
2015
Native River	Un Temps Pour Tout	Port Melon
2014
Carraig Mor	Southfield Theatre	My Silver Cloud
2013
Just A Par	Third Intention	Ardkilly Witness
2012
Harry Topper	Benefficient	Highland Lodge
2011
Grands Crus	Sonofvic	Viking Blond
2010
Aiteen Thirtythree	Voramar Two	Be There in Five
2009
Michel Le Bon	Bench Warrent	Pettifour
2008
Gone To Lunch	Tartak	Hold Em
2007
Joe Lively	Here's Johnny	Only two finished
2006
Boychuk	Gungadu	Wee Robbie
2005
Darkness	Iris's Gift	Unleash
2004
Cornish Rebel	Distant Thunder	St Matthew
2003
Ballycassidy	Native Emperor	Celestial Gold

The race was first run in 1990 and was originally held at Worcester, where it was contested over distances of up to 2 miles and 7½ furlongs and run as the Worcester Novices' Chase. It was transferred to Newbury and extended to its present length in 2000.

In 2017 the race was renamed in honour of John Francome, with the press release explaining that the race "was transferred from Worcester racecourse 17 years ago, so the geographical connection with the Pitchcroft is no longer relevant."[1]