The 2025 Cheltenham festival gets underway this afternoon
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival gets underway today and as such, now is an excellent time to register with any of our featured UK betting sites where you can enjoy a wide range of Cheltenham free bets and other exclusive offers.
Guide to Day One of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival gets underway this afternoon, with Champion Day offering a thrilling start to the four-day event. The day features seven races, including four Grade 1 events, attracting top talent from the UK and Ireland. Below is a detailed overview of each race, the key confirmed runners, and their respective best betting odds as of 11th March 2025.
1:20 pm – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
The festival opens with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, a two-mile (2m½f) race showcasing the best novice hurdlers. The ‘Cheltenham roar’ from the crowd marked the beginning of this eagerly awaited event.
Key confirmed Runners and Odds:
- Kopek Des Bordes – Evens
- Romeo Coolio – 15/2
- William Funny – 17/2
- Workahead – 17/2
- Irancy – 14/1
- Salvator Mundi – 16/1
- Tripoli Flyer – 25/1
- Karbau – 33/1
- Karniquet – 50/1
Race Analysis:
Kopek Des Bordes, trained by Willie Mullins, enters as the favourite, boasting an impressive unbeaten record. Romeo Coolio, under Gordon Elliott’s guidance, is anticipated to be a strong contender.
2:00 pm – My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
This race, covering nearly two miles (1m7f199y), feature novice chasers competing over fences.
Key confirmed Runners and Odds:
- Majborough – 4/9
- L’Eau Du Sud – 5/1
- Jango Baie – 8/1
- Only By Night – 16/1
- Touch Me Not – 25/1
Race Analysis:
Majborough, another of Willie Mullins’ top prospects, is heavily favoured here, reflecting his consistent performance in previous outings.
2:40 pm – Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
The Ultima Handicap Chase, a three-mile (3m1f) contest, is the first handicap race of the festival, often presenting a wide-open field.
Key confirmed Runners and Odds:
- The Changing Man – 8/1
- Broadway Boy – 8/1
- Katate Dori – 8/1
- Crebilly – 9/1
- Myretown – 11/1
- Whistle Stop Tour – 12/1
- Sequestered – 12/1
- The Short Go – 12/1
- Henry’s Friend – 12/1
- Malina Girl – 14/1
- Famous Bridge – 20/1
Race Analysis:
Broadway Boy attracted attention due to his strong form at Cheltenham, making him a popular choice among punters.
3:20 pm – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Registered as The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle) (Grade 1)
This race, over two and a half miles (2m3f200y), is exclusively for mares and has a rich history of showcasing top-class talent.
Key confirmed Runners and Odds:
- Lossiemouth – 4/6
- Jade De Grugy – 5/1
- July Flower – 8/1
- Joyeuse – 11/1
- Kala Conti – 14/1
- Take No Chances – 33/1
- Dysart Enos – 33/1
- Jetara – 40/1
- Queens Gamble – 40/1
- Gala Marceau – 50/1
- Casa No Mento – 150/1
Race Analysis:
Lossiemouth, trained by Willie Mullins, is the defending champion and the clear favourite, having opted for this race over the Champion Hurdle.
4:00 pm – Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)
The feature race of the day, the Champion Hurdle, is a two-mile (2m½f) contest that crowns the best hurdler of the season.
Key confirmed Runners and Odds:
- Constitution Hill – 4/6
- Brighterdaysahead – 15/8
- State Man – 12/1
- Golden Ace – 40/1
- Burdett Road – 50/1
- Winter Fog – 150/1
- King Of Kingsfield – 150/1
Race Analysis:
Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, aims to reclaim his Champion Hurdle crown after missing the previous year’s race. However, Brighterdaysahead, a mare trained by Gordon Elliott, poses a significant challenge, especially after her remarkable performance at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.
4:40 pm – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
This two-mile (2m½f) contest, officially registered as the Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, is tailored for four-year-old hurdlers. Renowned for its competitive nature, the race often highlights future stars in the National Hunt scene.
Key confirmed Runners and Odds:
- Stencil – 7/2
- Beyond Your Dreams – 6/1
- Puturhandstogether – 15/2
- Total Look – 9/1
- Hot Fuss – 10/1
- Lion Swagger – 12/1
- Murcia – 12/1
- Sony Bill – 14/1
- Holy See – 16/1
- Quantock Hills – 18/1
Race Analysis:
Stencil, trained by Nicky Henderson, enters the race as the favourite. His recent performances, including a commendable run behind Triumph Hurdle favourite East India Dock, positioned him as a leading contender.
Total Look, under the guidance of Willie Mullins, has also garnered significant attention. His consistent form throughout the season makes him a formidable opponent. Beyond Your Dreams, trained by Gordon Elliott, showcased promise in previous outings, adding depth to the competition.
5:20 pm – Princess Royal National Hunt Chase (Novices’ Handicap) (Grade 2)
The day’s finale, the National Hunt Chase, is a marathon event covering three miles and six furlongs (3m6f). Designed for novice chasers, this race tests stamina and jumping prowess, often serving as a stepping stone to future Grade 1 successes.
Key confirmed Runners and Odds:
- Haiti Couleurs – 7/2
- Transmission – 9/2
- Now Is The Hour – 6/1
- Resplendent Grey – 8/1
- Gericault Roque – 9/1
- Captain Cody – 14/1
- Hasthing – 14/1
- Kyntara – 16/1
- Will Do – 16/1
Race Analysis:
Now Is The Hour, trained by Rebecca Curtis, stands out as a serious contender here. His recent performances indicated a readiness for the extended distance, with experts highlighting his potential for significant improvement over the marathon trip.
Haiti Couleurs, under the tutelage of Gordon Elliott, also emerged as a strong contender and is current favourite. His consistent form throughout the season and ability to handle longer distances makes him a formidable opponent. Transmission, with Patrick Mullins aiming for his fifth win in the event, adds further intrigue to the race.
Captain Cody, trained by Willie Mullins, showcased promise in previous outings, making him a horse to watch.Resplendent Grey, noted for his strong performances, is also highlighted as a potential finisher.
Best Cheltenham Festival Free Bets
