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Cheltenham Racecourse is to rename the 2012 running of the National Hunt Chase at The Festival in honour of Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The four-mile contest, run on Wednesday, March 14, will be known as the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase for one year. The National Hunt Chase is the race around which The Festival was originally established and 2012 is the 142nd year of the contest. In its early years, the race moved around the country, but since 1911 it has been firmly located at Cheltenham.

In 2011, the race was won by Chicago Grey, trained in Ireland by Gordon Elliott. Recent graduates from the race who have gone on to win major prizes include Butler's Cabin, Silver Birch, Hot Weld, Miko De Beauchene, Celestial Gold, Niche Market, Hennessy, Tricky Trickster and Poker de Sivola.

Edward Gillespie, Managing Director of Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “The Royal connection with Cheltenham is something we are particularly proud of and we are delighted to be marking The Queen's Diamond Jubilee year by re-naming the most historic race of The Festival in her honour.

“In recent years, the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase has been restored to its former glory and is now the foremost novices' chase for long distance steeplechasers.

“I'm sure that the 2012 running will produce a thrilling spectacle and highlight the talents of more big-race winners of the future.”

The National Hunt Chase was previously renamed in 2008 to honour Sir Peter O'Sullevan's 90th Birthday.