Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Latest news, odds, tips and more ahead of opening day
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
The biggest meeting in National Hunt racing is back as the 2024 Cheltenham Festival takes place this week. Beginning on Tuesday, the Festival is a celebration of jump racing spread over four days with the best horses, jockeys and trainers going head-to-head to see who will come out on top.
Cheltenham has champion races on each of its four days with the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday, the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle of Thursday and this year’s Festival sees Friday host the 100-year anniversary of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Last year’s Gold Cup was won by jockey Paul Townend riding atop Galopin des Champs who is heavily backed to repeat his success for a second year in a row. The Willie Mullins trained horse is the current favourite with the bookmakers though faces some stiff competition from the likes of Fastorslow and Shishkin.
Today, we’ll have all the latest news and updates about the Cheltenham Festival and you can find odds and tips right here:
Cheltenham Festival 2024 LIVE
The Cheltenham Festival 2024 takes place this week
Festival runs from Tuesday 12th - Friday 15th March
Jockey Paul Townend backed with win consecutive Gold Cups with Galopin des Champs
How the Cheltenham Festival provides the finest climax to the jump racing season
JJ Slevin going for gold at Cheltenham
Bowen hoping for Cheltenham success
Monday 11 March 2024 21:28 , Mike Jones
Jockey James Bowen is yet to win at the Cheltenham Festival despite going close on his very first festival ride atop Shantou Flyer who was beaten by a neck by Coo Star Sivola in the 2018 Ultima.
The 22-year-old Welshman hopes to end that drought this week telling BBC Sport Wales: “I’m hoping for a bit of luck. I came close on my first ever festival ride and I thought it was going to be easy.
“I thought it would be plain sailing and I’d have a winner at that festival, but it has gone pear-shaped since.
“If I had a winner at the festival, it’d be one of the biggest days for sure. Even the handicaps and the lower-level races at the Cheltenham Festival are a big deal.
“What makes it so special is because it’s so hard to do - not many people do it.”
Cheltenham news
Monday 11 March 2024 20:04 , Mike Jones
Rachael Blackmore is confident Slade Steel can deliver victory on day one of the Cheltenham Festival in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The superstar jockey is primed for another big week at ‘The Greatest Show on Turf,’ and has four chances of a win on Tuesday.
The Irish woman delivered wins on Honeysuckle in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle and Envoi Allen in the Ryanair Chase last year.
Rachael Blackmore tips Slade Steel for Cheltenham victory
See you tomorrow!
Monday 11 March 2024 19:00 , Mike Jones
That’s all the news from us today but come back early tomorrow morning as we’ll be covering all the goings on at the Cheltenham Festival throughout the day.
For now, here’s a preview for the main event:
How the Cheltenham Festival provides the finest climax to the jump racing season
Every sport has its peak. That one test of endurance, ability, skill, and luck. For professional footballers and rugby stars it would be the World Cup, England cricketers may point to the Ashes, for National Hunt jockeys? That pinnacle is the Cheltenham Festival.
Four days of demanding racing, against the best horses and riders, in front of a bumper-packed crowd with prestige, glory, and prize money all on the line.
At Cheltenham there’s a champion race each day with Tuesday hosting the Champion Hurdle, Wednesday the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Thursday the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and Friday culminating with the 100-year anniversary of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
How the Cheltenham Festival provides the finest climax to the jump racing season
Slevin going for gold at Cheltenham
Monday 11 March 2024 18:45 , Mike Jones
Jockey J J Slevin is doing his best to remain focused and donwplay expectations as he gears up for a shot at winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup glory aboard Fastorslow on Friday.
The County Wexford-born rider has a couple of Festival victories on his CV, winning aboard Champagne Classic in the 2017 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle before triumphing on Band Of Outlaws in the Boodles two years later.
Yet, over the last 12 months, Slevin appears to have come across his horse of a lifetime, with Fastorslow elevating himself from high-class handicapper to a major contender for the sport’s highest honours.
“He always felt like a nice horse, but the unfortunate thing is there’s loads of horses that feel like a nice horse but don’t get there,” said Slevin, “It would have been hard to envisage he’d get to where he’s got to, in all honesty.”
Fastorslow has twice narrowly lost at the Cheltenham Festival, going down by just a short head to Commander Of Fleet in the 2022 Coral Cup and pushing subsequent Corach Rambler to a neck in last season’s Ultima Handicap Chase.
Since then Fastorslow has gone up a level having beaten last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Galopin Des Champs, in the Punchestown Gold Cup and in the John Durkan at the same venue.
“Very few horses would give you a feel like him, he’s pure class, all quality and a real athlete,” added Slevin, “He’s loads of speed and Galopin is the same.
“Those Gold Cup horses, they could turn up against the top two milers and probably give them a race, that’s the sort of horse you need. They’re the best beasts over fences in these isles at the moment.
“It would be massive to win a Gold Cup, you don’t even dream about it really, it’s that sort of stuff. I don’t even let myself think about it at the moment, to be second-favourite for a Gold Cup. We just take it day by day.”
Willie Mullins confirms race decision over Ballyburn at Cheltenham Festival
Monday 11 March 2024 18:30 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins has confirmed the newly-named Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle as Ballyburn’s Cheltenham Festival target, with Mystical Power and Tullyhill both bound for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Beaten by Firefox on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in December, Ballyburn subsequently bolted up over two and a half miles at Leopardstown before successfully reverting to two miles to strike Grade One gold at last month’s Dublin Racing Festival.
The six-year-old has been at the head of ante-post lists for both the Supreme and the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle since that latter triumph and Mullins moved to clarify running plans on Thursday.
Willie Mullins confirms race decision over Ballyburn at Cheltenham Festival
British trainer Harry Derham on the Cheltenham Festival
Monday 11 March 2024 18:15 , Mike Jones
Like most professional sports finding an entryway into the National Hunt industry is a difficult task but 29-year-old British trainer Harry Derham is earning plaudits for his growing stable.
Pro-golfers Brooks Koepka and Graeme McDowell have even entrusted him with their horse, Givemefive, who finished second at Kempton Park back in February.
In an interview with OLBG, Derham provided his outlook on the Cheltenham Festival and what he hopes to achieve there this year. .
“We’re right to focus on those four days [at Cheltenham], because they showcase our sport,” said Derham, “I think it’s sometimes a little bit boring in November and December when a horse wins a novice chase then we immediately start talking about Cheltenham.
“Having said that, where does everyone want a winner? Where does everyone want their horse to run? Cheltenham.
“I love it, I’m a massive fan and I look forward to it. I don’t think we put too much focus on it, but I think that, perhaps, it’s not quite as competitive as it once was.”
When asked if he was glad the Festival remains a four day event, Derham added: “Without question, I think sometimes you can have more and more of something but it doesn’t necessarily make it better. I don’t particularly remember having a three day Festival, but I think that the higher quality the Festival can be, the better.
“You want to see the best horses taking on one another in very competitive fields. It’s not Willie Mullins’ fault he has all the best horses at the moment and, in fairness to him, he runs them against each other.
“Sometimes less is more, and I think that five days of Cheltenham would not have been a good thing at all.”
Cheltenham Festival race schedule
Monday 11 March 2024 18:00 , Mike Jones
Gold Cup Day – Friday, March 15
13:30 - Triumph Hurdle
14:10 - County Handicap Hurdle
14:50 - Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
15:30 - Cheltenham Gold Cup
16:10 - Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase
16:50 - Mares’ Steeple Chase
17:30 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey’s Handicap Hurdle
Cheltenham Festival race schedule
Monday 11 March 2024 17:45 , Mike Jones
St Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday, March 14
13:30 - Turners Novices’
14:10 - Pertemps Network Final
14:50 - Ryanair Steeple Chase
15:30 - Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
16:10 - Magners Plate
16:50 - Jack de Bromhead Mares Novices’ Hurdle
17:30 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Cheltenham Festival race schedule
Monday 11 March 2024 17:30 , Mike Jones
Ladies Day – Wednesday, March 13
13:30 - Novices’ Hurdle
14:10 - Novices’ Steeple Chase
14:50 - Coral Cup Hurdle
15:30 - Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase
16:10 - Cross Country Steeple Chase
16:50 - Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
17:30 - Champion Bumper
Cheltenham Festival race schedule
Monday 11 March 2024 17:15 , Mike Jones
Champion Day – Tuesday, March 12
13:30 - Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
14:10 - Arkle Challenge Trophy
14:50 - Handicap Steeple Chase
15:30 - Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
16:10 - Mares’ Hurdle
16:50 - Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
17:30 - National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
Bowen hoping for Cheltenham success
Monday 11 March 2024 17:00 , Mike Jones
Jockey James Bowen is yet to win at the Cheltenham Festival despite going close on his very first festival ride atop Shantou Flyer who was beaten by a neck by Coo Star Sivola in the 2018 Ultima.
The 22-year-old Welshman hopes to end that drought this week telling BBC Sport Wales: “I’m hoping for a bit of luck. I came close on my first ever festival ride and I thought it was going to be easy.
“I thought it would be plain sailing and I’d have a winner at that festival, but it has gone pear-shaped since.
“If I had a winner at the festival, it’d be one of the biggest days for sure. Even the handicaps and the lower-level races at the Cheltenham Festival are a big deal.
“What makes it so special is because it’s so hard to do - not many people do it.”
Rachael Blackmore tips Slade Steel for Cheltenham victory in Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Monday 11 March 2024 16:58 , Mike Jones
Rachael Blackmore is confident Slade Steel can deliver victory on day one of the Cheltenham Festival in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The superstar jockey is primed for another big week at ‘The Greatest Show on Turf,’ and has four chances of a win on Tuesday.
The Irish woman delivered wins on Honeysuckle in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle and Envoi Allen in the Ryanair Chase last year.
Rachael Blackmore tips Slade Steel for Cheltenham victory
Cheltenham Gold Cup, in numbers: From Rachael Blackmore to Galopin Des Champs
Monday 11 March 2024 16:45 , Mike Jones
To mark 100 years of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, here are some key numbers associated with jump racing’s most prestigious contest:
Cheltenham Gold Cup, in numbers: From Rachael Blackmore to Galopin Des Champs
Cheltenham Day 1 tips: 3 selections to consider on Tuesday
Monday 11 March 2024 16:31 , Mike Jones
The waiting is nearly over for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and the opening day of racing is sure to be full of intrigue and excitement.
In the search for winners on horse racing betting sites, we’re going to swerve the Grade One races which could end up being uncompetitive and instead focus on some of the other encounters that are taking place.
Cheltenham Day 1 tips: 3 selections to consider on Tuesday
Constitution Hill ruled out of Cheltenham Festival
Monday 11 March 2024 16:30 , Mike Jones
The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival following a poor workout at Kempton Park in early March.
Trainer Nicky Henderson said the horse was unwell and struggling with a build up of mucus, but hopefully would recover in time for the Festival but that is not the case.
After medical test results were “quite a way from being satisfactory” he is not fit to run.
“Very sadly we are going to have to admit defeat in the battle to get Constitution Hill ready for the Champion Hurdle,” Henderson said on X, formerly Twitter, on March 4th.
“We therefore have to declare that he will not be running there this year.
“He has undoubtedly improved over the weekend and seems noticeably brighter than he was at the end of last week, and I really did think he was much perkier when ridden this morning.
“This is very sad for all of us but it is in everybody’s best interests that we have a fit and healthy Constitution Hill to win back his crown next year.”
Statement from Nicky Henderson regarding Constitution Hill pic.twitter.com/rRDVOOcLKV
— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) March 4, 2024
The Somerset-based trainer hoping for Cheltenham glory
Monday 11 March 2024 16:15 , Mike Jones
Joe Tizzard runs is a horse trainer who runs his yard from Milbourne Port in Somerset after taking over from his father a few years ago.
He is hoping to run seven horses at the Cheltenham Festival this week with his nephew Freddie set to ride Elixir de Nutz in the Queen Mother chase, after the horse won on Cheltenham trials day.
It was Freddie’s first ever Grade One winner and he said: “I’m incredibly proud of him, I’m proud of how he handles everything at 18-years-old, the horses, the crowd and the pressure that goes with it.
“He’s put himself in a beautiful position to have a successful career.”
The Tizzards won the Gold Cup in 2018 with Native River but Joe has never had a winner at Cheltenham as a trainer and he is hungry to emulate his father’s success.
“I’m hungry for a Cheltenham winner under my own name and I really do think that can make a season,” he said, “I need to get on the Cheltenham Map. It attracts the big owners and shows that you can do it.
“The Gold Cup is unbelievable. There isn’t a winner like it. They’re our Olympics. There’s nothing quite like it. Trainers get a bit emotional because there’s been a lot of pressure in the build up to get there.”
Ruby Walsh’s Day One tips
Monday 11 March 2024 16:00 , Mike Jones
It wouldn’t be the Cheltenham Festival without expert tips from former jockeys and trainers. Ruby Walsh, two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, spoke to Paddy Power about tomorrow’s races and here are the horses he’s tipping to do well:
1.30pm – TULLYHILL
“Paul Townend’s on the right one. He obviously didn’t have the choice of Mystical Power but I’d be happy to be going to the start on Tullyhill. His jumping has been an issue but it’s not a massive field and with no real tearaway frontrunner this could get tactical so that might not matter as much.”
2.10pm – MASTER CHEWY (EACH-WAY)
“They’ll go that quick that these could fall in a hole so I was looking for one to keep going from behind and I’ve landed on Master Chewy each-way. He could come and pick up pieces in a race that is really tricky. You’d have to worry about Gaelic Warrior going this direction, a mistake would be the difference between Il Etait Temps and Found A Fifty, while Hunters Yarn is a weak finisher.”
2.50pm – TRELAWNE
“Meetingofthewaters is in great form but his price in a 23-runner race is not for me. He likes to come from off the pace and he might be well handicapped but there’s better value and options elsewhere. David Bass had a big decision to make between Chianti Classico and Trelawne – he’s gone for Chianti Classico but I’d have gone the other way. Trelawne has been crying out for a trip and with Harry Cobden stepping in to ride, I’d prefer to have a few quid each-way on him than Meetingofthewaters.”
3.30pm – STATE MAN
State Man‘s the first leg of a great double on Tuesday and barring an accident he’s the best horse in the race. He just doesn’t need bad luck. I’d be watching Jeriko Du Reponet in the Supreme to see how he gets on and if he runs well then I think Iberico Lord will get in the first three.”
4.10pm – LOSSIEMOUTH
“I’m a huge fan of Lossiemouth and she’s the second leg of the double with State Man. She’s in great form and has improved a good bit from last year. Ashroe Diamond is a two-and-a-half mile winner so she should stay but I would prefer Lossiemouth.
“For an each-way angle, Rachael Blackmore’s decision to ride Telmesomethinggirl is a sign. She was running well in the race a couple of years ago before falling and has had a couple of goes over hurdles this year. She improved from her run behind Jetara to chase home Zarak The Brave, who’s in the Champion Hurdle.”
4.50pm – OSE PARTIR
“I’ll chance Ose Partir based on his Christmas run at Leopardstown rather than a disappointing run at the Dublin Racing Festival.”
5.30pm – CORBETTS CROSS
“Corbetts Cross and Embassy Gardens both wear hoods for the first time and are both rated 150. Embassy Gardens is 2-2 over fences and Corbetts Cross is 1-4. I’m slightly with Corbett’s Cross and I’m going back to last year’s Albert Barlett when one came to the fore and one blew out. That’s the only way I can split them. I don’t think there’ll be much in it.”
JJ Slevin on racing at Cheltenham
Monday 11 March 2024 15:50 , Mike Jones
Along with Fastorslow, jockey JJ Slevin has a plethora of chances to earn success at this year’s Cheltenham Festival as he is riding Ryanair Chase favourite Banbridge, Triumph Hurdle hopeful Nurburgring and Stayers’ Hurdle outsider Home By The Lee.
To be heading such a showpiece meeting with a handful of chances is not something jockeys take for granted and Slevin is aware of that saying:
“You did dream growing up and then as you get older, you think it’s never going to happen, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a while since my last Cheltenham winner, they’re hard to come by and another one would definitely be nice.”
Galopin des Champs vs Fastorslow
Monday 11 March 2024 15:40 , Mike Jones
Despite a couple of wins for Fastorslow against the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in the Punchestown Gold Cup and the John Durkan, Galopin Des Champs comprehensively turned the tables when they clashed again in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Fastorslow jockey JJ Slevin said: “It was a good run (at Leopardstown), hopefully we’ll have a different scenario in the [Cheltenham] Gold Cup and hopefully we can turn the tables on him. It won’t be easy, but we’ll see,
“I got upsides him and made him work and I was hoping he might not pick up, but he did. For a minute, I thought it might be on, but your man found another gear and he’s a very good horse, isn’t he?
“Galopin probably likes a bit softer ground and our lad is versatile enough. I’d say Leopardstown really suits Galopin as well, any track suits him, but he really likes Leopardstown.
“I think a different scenario of the race is probably going to be a big thing, I’d imagine it’ll unfold a good bit different to Leopardstown, with a bigger field and flowing along, with a few more going forward – and we can use his jumping and use his travelling.”
How the Cheltenham Festival provides the finest climax to the jump racing season
Monday 11 March 2024 15:30 , Mike Jones
Every sport has its peak. That one test of endurance, ability, skill, and luck. For professional footballers and rugby stars it would be the World Cup, England cricketers may point to the Ashes, for National Hunt jockeys? That pinnacle is the Cheltenham Festival.
Four days of demanding racing, against the best horses and riders, in front of a bumper-packed crowd with prestige, glory, and prize money all on the line.
At Cheltenham there’s a champion race each day with Tuesday hosting the Champion Hurdle, Wednesday the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Thursday the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and Friday culminating with the 100-year anniversary of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
How the Cheltenham Festival provides the finest climax to the jump racing season
As Willie Mullins eyes Cheltenham milestone, here are six horses that could reach it for him
Monday 11 March 2024 15:20 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins is on the brink of registering a landmark 100th winner at the Cheltenham Festival. He currently sits on 94 winners and could reach three figures this week.
Here we take a look at the horses most likely to take Mullins to an unprecedented milestone:
Galopin Des Champs (Gold Cup)
Willie Mullins will hope Galopin Des Champs succeeds in the Gold Cup
While Mullins treasures every Cheltenham winner as if it is his last, there is no doubt that having your biggest weapon in the blue-riband event among an arsenal of ammunition must be something of a comfort blanket.
Things may be going smoothly now and he is coming in off the back of two utterly dominant performances, but Mullins deserves credit for getting him back to top form as he was beaten on his two subsequent outings after winning the Gold Cup last year.
He is going to take some stopping.
As Willie Mullins eyes Cheltenham milestone, here are six horses that could reach it for him
Monday 11 March 2024 15:10 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins is on the brink of registering a landmark 100th winner at the Cheltenham Festival. He currently sits on 94 winners and could reach three figures this week.
Here we take a look at the horses most likely to take Mullins to an unprecedented milestone:
El Fabiolo (Queen Mother Champion Chase)
Perhaps the best example of Mullins‘ strength in depth is that his Energumene has been denied the chance to bid for a third Champion Chase through injury and yet the stable will still field the odds-on favourite for the race.
Winner of the Arkle last year, he did have the tendency to make the odd mistake as a novice but in two runs this season, while he has not been forced to come out of second gear, his jumping has looked assured.
With his major rival Jonbon blotting his copybook last time out, El Fabiolo will be a banker for many.
As Willie Mullins eyes Cheltenham milestone, here are six horses that could reach it for him
Monday 11 March 2024 15:00 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins is on the brink of registering a landmark 100th winner at the Cheltenham Festival. He currently sits on 94 winners and could reach three figures this week.
Here we take a look at the horses most likely to take Mullins to an unprecedented milestone:
Fact To File (Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase)
When Mullins announced in the autumn that Fact To File was to eschew a hurdling campaign and be sent straight over fences, it was easy to be reminded of the ‘Florida Pearl’ route.
Of course, the difference being that Florida Pearl, perhaps Mullins‘ first really great horse, won the Champion Bumper while Fact To File finished second to A Dream To Share (as he had done at the Dublin Racing Festival).
He was beaten on his chasing debut but November is always early for a Mullins horse and he has shown the last twice what he is made of, most recently when completely demoralising Gaelic Warrior, a stablemate who previously had looked imperious over fences.
There is no doubt Fact To File is seen as a major Gold Cup contender next season.
As Willie Mullins eyes Cheltenham milestone, here are six horses that could reach it for him
Monday 11 March 2024 14:50 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins is on the brink of registering a landmark 100th winner at the Cheltenham Festival. He currently sits on 94 winners and could reach three figures this week.
Here we take a look at the horses most likely to take Mullins to an unprecedented milestone:
Ballyburn (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle/Gallagher)
While many love playing a game of ‘Mullins Bingo’ before the Festival, trying to guess which race his horses will run in, the form book says it is undisputable that Ballyburn is his best novice hurdler.
His pedigree suggest he will stay three miles no problem, and he did win over two and a half miles by 25 lengths.
However, dropped back to two miles at the Dublin Racing Festival he won a Grade One by seven lengths and that could easily have been doubled.
Mullins has other novices that in different yards would be their best chance of the Festival, such as Tullyhill, Ile Atlantique and Mystical Power, but Ballyburn is surely Closutton’s best chance in those events wherever he goes.
As Willie Mullins eyes Cheltenham milestone, here are six horses that could reach it for him
Monday 11 March 2024 14:40 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins is on the brink of registering a landmark 100th winner at the Cheltenham Festival. He currently sits on 94 winners and could reach three figures this week.
Here we take a look at the horses most likely to take Mullins to an unprecedented milestone:
Lossiemouth (Mares’ Hurdle)
The standout juvenile last season, the decision was taken to miss the first half of the term after Vauban, who represents the same connections, struggled against the very best in his second season over hurdles.
Commentators of the sport did not seem to disagree with the decision, that was until a sparkling reappearance at Cheltenham on Trials day when she blitzed the field, albeit lacking any Champion Hurdle contenders.
Mullins has not got to nearly 100 Cheltenham winners by over-facing his horses, though, and will be quite content to have a go at the big one next year with her, all being well.
As Willie Mullins eyes Cheltenham milestone, here are six horses that could reach it for him
Monday 11 March 2024 14:30 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins is on the brink of registering a landmark 100th winner at the Cheltenham Festival. He currently sits on 94 winners and could reach three figures this week.
Here we take a look at the horses most likely to take Mullins to an unprecedented milestone:
State Man (Champion Hurdle)
Constitution Hill’s defection has left the door open for Mullins to land the opening-day feature for the first time since Annie Power in 2016. State Man has won 10 of his last 11 starts, with the only defeat coming against Nicky Henderson’s ailing superstar in this race 12 months ago.
February’s Irish Champion Hurdle success at the Dublin Racing Festival was his third Grade One triumph of the current campaign and this consummate professional has a happy knack of getting the job done with the minimum of fuss.
Paul Nicholls previews his best horses for Cheltenham Festival 2024
Monday 11 March 2024 14:20 , Mike Jones
14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls spoke to Betfair about the upcoming Cheltenham Festival and previewed his best picks for the week.
Nicholls has stable stars Bravemansgame and Saty Away Fay prepared to compete in the Gold Cup and Brown Advisory and has a dark horse he feels will perform well.
Lastly, Nicholls explained how he feels Bravemansgame will go in Friday’s Gold Cup race saying:
"Bravemansgame is right back on it in his schooling. I know we have got him better than he was in the autumn, which I made a bit of a pig’s ear of for various reasons.
"Last year, he ran a blinding race to finish second in the Gold Cup and I think he has a chance again. It’s between the favourite - Galopin Des Champs - and Fastorslow, Shishkin and Bravemansgame.
"He has a chance of running in this race and being placed again. Whether anyone can beat the favourite, nobody knows, but Bravemansgame looks great. I love this race and would love to win it again."
Paul Nicholls previews his best horses for Cheltenham Festival 2024
Monday 11 March 2024 14:10 , Mike Jones
14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls spoke to Betfair about the upcoming Cheltenham Festival and previewed his best picks for the week.
Nicholls has stable stars Bravemansgame and Saty Away Fay prepared to compete in the Gold Cup and Brown Advisory and has a dark horse he feels will perform well.
The Turners Novice Chase at 1.30pm on Thursday will see Nicholls field Ginny’s Destiny and he told Betfair:
"His improvement has been phenomenal. Each race he has got better and better. The only other horse I have seen improve like this was Masterminded. There may even be a bit of improvement to come yet. He must have a lovely chance."
“Masterminded was a multiple Grade 1 winner, who won back to back Champion Chases at the Cheltenham Festival in 2008 and 2009, so that is a flattering comparison.”
Paul Nicholls previews his best horses for Cheltenham Festival 2024
Monday 11 March 2024 14:00 , Mike Jones
14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls spoke to Betfair about the upcoming Cheltenham Festival and previewed his best picks for the week.
Nicholls has stable stars Bravemansgame and Stay Away Fay prepared to compete in the Gold Cup and Brown Advisory and has a dark horse he feels will perform well.
Captain Teague is running in either the Albert Bartlett or Baring Bingham (if the ground is favourable) with Nicholls calling him ‘one of our best chances’.
“The ground will be the deciding factor in which race he runs,” said Nicholls,"Captain Teague is a big price in the Albert Bartlett and the Baring Bingham. He will only run in the Baring Bingham if the ground is very testing.
“He is a Grade 1 winner and is probably one of our best chances."
Paul Nicholls previews his best horses for Cheltenham Festival 2024
Monday 11 March 2024 13:50 , Mike Jones
14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls spoke to Betfair about the upcoming Cheltenham Festival and previewed his best picks for the week.
Nicholls has stable stars Bravemansgame and Saty Away Fay prepared to compete in the Gold Cup and Brown Advisory and has a dark horse he feels will perform well.
Stay Away Fay is riding in the 21.0pm Brown Advisory on Wednesday and Nicholls said: "He had a nice gallop at Kempton last week and he is ready now.
“He races behind the bridle so we are thinking about putting cheek-pieces on him, to focus his mind a bit. We will put them on him to work and if that sharpens him up then he will wear them in the Brown Advisory."
How can I watch every race?
Monday 11 March 2024 13:40 , Mike Jones
The final two races of each day will not be shown on ITV but fans wanting to watch can do so via Racing TV.
Subscriptions for the channel, which shows every race from the festival, are available through Sky and Virgin Media and online through its website and app.
Coverage on Racing TV begins at 12.30pm GMT every day, with coverage ending after the final race.
Where can I watch the Cheltenham Festival on TV?
Monday 11 March 2024 13:30 , Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the first five races of the day on ITV 1, with coverage on the channel beginning at 1pm GMT every day until 4.30pm GMT. The races can also be streamed online via ITVX.
There is also a preview show each morning from 8.30am GMT to 10am GMT which is shown on ITV4 and ITVX.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Broadway Boy ruled out of Brown Advisory
Monday 11 March 2024 13:20 , Mike Jones
Broadway Boy, who had been a 10-1 shot for Wednesday’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival.
The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained six-year-old had been given the go-ahead last week but a setback means he will not be racing against Fact To File.
Twiston-Davies’s son and assistant, Willy, said: “It’s very, very depressing, especially for it to happen so close to the race. He’s just not 100 per cent to run on Wednesday and you cannot be taking chances going into such a contest.
“We haven’t thought much about where we go next, but we’ll get him right first and then we could be having Aintree on the radar with him.”
Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast ahead of racing
Monday 11 March 2024 13:10 , Mike Jones
Fans are set to flock to Gloucestershire for the annual Cheltenham Festival, one of the fixtures of the racing calendar.
Four action-packed days will see the runners and riders battle it out for some of the most coveted jump races in the sport, including the Gold Cup.
The festival runs from Tuesday 12 March to Friday 15 March, with 28 races across the four days.
Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast ahead of racing
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 13:00 , Mike Jones
Galopin Des Champs (Martin Pipe 2021 and Gold Cup 2023)
Unfortunate not to be going for a fourth successive win at the meeting given he tipped up when miles clear as a novice in 2022, he must have been some certainty in the Martin Pipe the year before off 142.
Mullins has got him right back to his best mid-season after two defeats and he looks to hold massive claims of emulating his former stablemate Al Boum Photo and you would not put it past him to go one better.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:54 , Mike Jones
Allaho (Ryanair Chase 2021 and 2022)
If ever a race and a horse were a match made in heaven it was surely Allaho and the Ryanair Chase.
Viewed as a stayer in his younger days, when he was third in the Albert Bartlett and RSA in his novice hurdle and chase seasons, it was not until the intermediate trip was settled upon that he was seen to his best.
Eschewed by Paul Townend in favour of Min in 2021, Rachael Blackmore made no mistake and the punters sent them off favourite, suggesting Townend had made the wrong call pre-race and so it proved, with Allaho winning by 12 lengths.
Townend did not make the same mistake again, with a 14-length success a year later. Unfortunately injury has ruled him out of the past two Festivals.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:48 , Mike Jones
Al Boum Photo (Gold Cup 2019 and 2020)
Despite dominating the Festival by now, Mullins had yet to win the blue riband, coming close on several occasions. Step forward the unglamourous Al Boum Photo.
No star over hurdles, he would have gone close in the 2018 RSA Novices’ Chase when falling two out, breaking Ruby Walsh’s leg in the process. The following season he ran once before the Gold Cup, winning a minor race at Tramore, and his 12-1 success at Cheltenham caught a few out.
But he repeated the trick 12 months later, with Mullins sticking to the same routine. He finished a five-length third to Minella Indo when bidding to emulate Best Mate.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:42 , Mike Jones
Douvan (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2015, Arkle 2016)
Oh what might have been. Super talented but also, ultimately, incredibly fragile.
There were no signs of the heartache to come as he waltzed through his novice hurdle season unbeaten, or when he won all six of his novice chases the year after.
That he had a subsequent Gold Cup winner in Sizing John seven lengths behind him in the Arkle spoke volumes.
However, when 2-9 favourite for the Champion Chase the year after, he made mistakes and trailed in seventh, finishing lame. He had a year off but returned for the same race only to fall four out when leading the field a merry dance.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:36 , Mike Jones
Faugheen (Neptune Novices’ Hurdle 2014, Champion Hurdle 2015)
One of Mullins’ most popular trainees, on his day he looked nigh on unbeatable.
A very easy winner of what is now the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle, the following season he endured a very un-Mullins-like preparation for the Champion Hurdle by running at Ascot and Kempton first.
His only run in Ireland that season came after he had already won the Champion, when he went to Punchestown and was even more impressive. Sadly, injury curtailed him after that and he did not run between January 2016 and November 2017.
Never quite the same, he did win a Grade One novice chase at Limerick and it was to his credit that his final start came at Cheltenham when third in the 2020 edition of the Marsh (Turners) Novices’ Chase.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:30 , Mike Jones
Vautour (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2014, JLT Novices’ Chase 2015, Ryanair Chase 2016)
In terms of pure natural ability, Vautour has to be among the best Mullins has ever trained. The day he won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by six lengths he looked impregnable and he would have taken all the beating in the Champion itself.
Sent straight over fences, he recovered from a blip at Leopardstown to bolt up by 16 lengths in what is now the Turners.
A horse who certainly saved his best for Cheltenham, he won the Ryanair with a display that took the breath away, even if it met a muted reception due to owner Rich Ricci stating at a Cheltenham preview evening the horse would run in the Gold Cup.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:24 , Mike Jones
Hurricane Fly (Champion Hurdle 2011 and 2013)
Another who created his own piece of history. Hurricane Fly, who came with a tall reputation as a Listed winner on the Flat in France, became the first horse to win the Champion Hurdle, lose it and then regain the crown.
Injury meant he missed the first two Cheltenham Festivals he was eligible for, and given he beat that year’s Supreme winner, Go Native, by 10 lengths at Leopardstown in the Christmas of his novice season, you would have to think that is one that got away, and the year after that he came back from injury to win at Punchestown.
His defeat in the 2012 Champion came on the fastest ground he encountered and the winner of 24 of 32 hurdle races certainly loved the mud.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:18 , Mike Jones
Quevega (Mares’ Hurdle 2009-2014)
There was not much to the diminutive mare who arrived from France in 2007 but once Mullins worked out the key to her, she created her own piece of Cheltenham history.
While some disagreed with the way she was campaigned, as from 2010 onwards she made her seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham, there could be no doubting the execution of the plan.
The extra races have undoubtedly helped Mullins rack up his incredible numbers and many would have preferred to have seen Quevega try her luck in the Champion Hurdle or more likely the Stayers’ given she won the Punchestown equivalent four times.
Either way, just running in the same race six times is a notable achievement, never mind winning it.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:12 , Mike Jones
Cousin Vinny (2008 Champion Bumper)
By 2008, Mullins was a major player at the Festival and had begun to farm the Champion Bumper having won it five times in all.
However, there is no doubt if you were to ask him which was his most memorable success in the race, he would nominate Cousin Vinny, as it was a first Festival winner for his then 18-year-old son, Patrick, who has gone on to break all records as an amateur jockey.
The 10 best Willie Mullins horses in Cheltenham Festival history
Monday 11 March 2024 12:06 , Mike Jones
Tourist Attraction (1995 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle)
The very first Cheltenham Festival winner for Mullins. At a time when he was still an amateur rider himself, he entrusted Mark Dwyer with the mount on the mare who went off a 25-1 outsider.
In beating subsequent Arkle winner Ventana Canyon, Mullins proved he was capable of mixing it with the very best.
She only ran once more herself but went on to produce Pete The Feat, a prolific winner for Charlie Longsdon who went on to race until he was 15.
Willie Mullins confirms race decision over Ballyburn at Cheltenham Festival
Monday 11 March 2024 12:00 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins has confirmed the newly-named Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle as Ballyburn’s Cheltenham Festival target, with Mystical Power and Tullyhill both bound for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Beaten by Firefox on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in December, Ballyburn subsequently bolted up over two and a half miles at Leopardstown before successfully reverting to two miles to strike Grade One gold at last month’s Dublin Racing Festival.
The six-year-old has been at the head of ante-post lists for both the Supreme and the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle since that latter triumph and Mullins moved to clarify running plans on Thursday.
Willie Mullins confirms race decision over Ballyburn at Cheltenham Festival
British trainer Harry Derham on the Cheltenham Festival
Monday 11 March 2024 11:48 , Mike Jones
Like most professional sports finding an entryway into the National Hunt industry is a difficult task but 29-year-old British trainer Harry Derham is earning plaudits for his growing stable.
Pro-golfers Brooks Koepka and Graeme McDowell have even entrusted him with their horse, Givemefive, who finished second at Kempton Park back in February.
In an interview with OLBG, Derham provided his outlook on the Cheltenham Festival and what he hopes to achieve there this year. .
“We’re right to focus on those four days [at Cheltenham], because they showcase our sport,” said Derham, “I think it’s sometimes a little bit boring in November and December when a horse wins a novice chase then we immediately start talking about Cheltenham.
“Having said that, where does everyone want a winner? Where does everyone want their horse to run? Cheltenham.
“I love it, I’m a massive fan and I look forward to it. I don’t think we put too much focus on it, but I think that, perhaps, it’s not quite as competitive as it once was.”
When asked if he was glad the Festival remains a four day event, Derham added: “Without question, I think sometimes you can have more and more of something but it doesn’t necessarily make it better. I don’t particularly remember having a three day Festival, but I think that the higher quality the Festival can be, the better.
“You want to see the best horses taking on one another in very competitive fields. It’s not Willie Mullins’ fault he has all the best horses at the moment and, in fairness to him, he runs them against each other.
“Sometimes less is more, and I think that five days of Cheltenham would not have been a good thing at all.”
Champion Chase field set for Wednesday
Monday 11 March 2024 11:37 , Mike Jones
Last year’s Arkle winner El Fabiolo is set to face seven rivals as he bids to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30pm) at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday.
El Fabiolo is the 4-9 favourite to win the race with his competitiors headed by Jonbon and Edwardstone.
Jonbon is the only horse to have beaten El Fabiolo in Britain and Ireland – in the 2022 Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree – but proved no match in last year’s Arkle when trailing the winner by five and a half lengths.
Edwardstone, the 2022 Arkle winner, got back to winning ways in last month’s Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. The field is completed by Gentleman De Mee, Captain Guinness, Elixir De Nutz, Boothill and Funambule Sivola.
Slevin going for gold at Cheltenham
Monday 11 March 2024 11:27 , Mike Jones
Jockey J J Slevin is doing his best to remain focused and donwplay expectations as he gears up for a shot at winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup glory aboard Fastorslow on Friday.
The County Wexford-born rider has a couple of Festival victories on his CV, winning aboard Champagne Classic in the 2017 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle before triumphing on Band Of Outlaws in the Boodles two years later.
Yet, over the last 12 months, Slevin appears to have come across his horse of a lifetime, with Fastorslow elevating himself from high-class handicapper to a major contender for the sport’s highest honours.
“He always felt like a nice horse, but the unfortunate thing is there’s loads of horses that feel like a nice horse but don’t get there,” said Slevin, “It would have been hard to envisage he’d get to where he’s got to, in all honesty.”
Fastorslow has twice narrowly lost at the Cheltenham Festival, going down by just a short head to Commander Of Fleet in the 2022 Coral Cup and pushing subsequent Corach Rambler to a neck in last season’s Ultima Handicap Chase.
Since then Fastorslow has gone up a level having beaten last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Galopin Des Champs, in the Punchestown Gold Cup and in the John Durkan at the same venue.
“Very few horses would give you a feel like him, he’s pure class, all quality and a real athlete,” added Slevin, “He’s loads of speed and Galopin is the same.
“Those Gold Cup horses, they could turn up against the top two milers and probably give them a race, that’s the sort of horse you need. They’re the best beasts over fences in these isles at the moment.
“It would be massive to win a Gold Cup, you don’t even dream about it really, it’s that sort of stuff. I don’t even let myself think about it at the moment, to be second-favourite for a Gold Cup. We just take it day by day.”
Hollie Doyle proves talent knows no gender boundaries in horse racing world
Monday 11 March 2024 11:19 , Mike Jones
Whilst most sports are now moving to develop and promote their women’s game independently of the men’s, racing has the rare distinction of allowing both sexes to compete directly against one another.
The majority of jockeys are male, but there has been breakthrough after breakthrough in the women’s ranks and responsible for much of that progress is the great talent of Hollie Doyle.
Doyle is not just a supreme female jockey, but a leading rider regardless of gender and is one of only a handful of jockeys to enjoy a retained role as the go-to for Imad Al Sagar’s Blue Diamond Stud.
Hollie Doyle proves talent knows no gender boundaries in horse racing world
Trainers preparing for Cheltenham Festival
Monday 11 March 2024 11:09 , Mike Jones
Irish trainers, Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead, will both be expecting success at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Mullins will likely be hoping to continue his run as the trainer with the most wins over the week while De Bromhead will be targeting wins in the more prestigious races.
Mares' Hurdle set to be exciting and competitive
Monday 11 March 2024 11:00 , Mike Jones
One of the anticipated races on Tuesday is the Mares’ Hurdle at 4.10pm which follows on the heels of the Champion Hurdle (3.30pm).
It’s set to be a competitive race this year with plenty of contenders that have realistic chances of winning. Rachael Blackmore’s mare is Telmesomethinggirl who has previously had success in this race, though that win was three years ago which is a long time in horseracing.
Blackmore said: “This is very competitive again, Lossiemouth is last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner and she looked impressive at Cheltenham on her return this season, but Telmesomethinggirl goes there with a live chance.
“She won the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2021 and she was unlucky to be brought down at the second last flight in the Mares’ Hurdle the following year when she was travelling well.
“She was chasing last season, but she has improved with each of her runs this season back over hurdles. She ran really well last time in the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas, and I hope that she can run a big race.”
'Eklat De Rire has improved’
Monday 11 March 2024 10:53 , Mike Jones
Rachael Blackmore’s ride in the 2.50pm Ultima in day one is Eklat De Rire. He’s a tricky horse to ride and will be one of the outside bets but Blackmore is pleased with his progress telling Betfair:
“Eklat De Rire has had his issues, but he put up a much improved performance last time at Fairyhouse. Only two of us finished in the end, but his jumping was good and he kept on well.
“Unfortunately he unseated me in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham three years ago when we thought that he would run a big race. He is 10 now, but the handicapper has given him a chance.
“He goes into the race in good form, he should enjoy the ground and I hope that he can go well.”
Blackmore backing Quilixios in the Arkle
Monday 11 March 2024 10:45 , Mike Jones
The Arkle Challenge Trophy is one of the bigger races on Cheltenham’s opening day with plenty of horses racing in this one going on to compete in the champion races later down the line.
Rachael Blackmore is indeed riding in this one, which heads off at 2.10pm, and will be atop Quilixios.
“I’m really looking forward to riding Quilixios in the Arkle,” she said, “We were very happy with his run at Naas last time, dropped back down to two miles. His jumping was good and he won well.
“This is a very competitive Arkle, but Quilixios is a Triumph Hurdle winner, he has a touch of class and he won his only race at the track. I think that he can run a really big race.”
Rachael Blackmore talks Slade Steel chances
Monday 11 March 2024 10:38 , Mike Jones
2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Rachael Blackmore is ready to compete again at the Cheltenham Festival and as an ambassador for Betfair has been speaking about her rides on day one of the Festival.
Her first outing will be in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1.30pm on Tuesday when she sets off atop Slade Steel. Here’s what Blackmore had to say:
“Slade Steel runs in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle instead of in the Gallagher. Before I rode him in the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle over two miles at the Dublin Racing Festival, I would have said that he would have been better in the longer race.
“But he was sharp at Leopardstown, I don’t think that the two-mile trip will be an issue for him.
“Obviously this is a very good race, it’s a Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and it’s very competitive, but I think that he is bang there with his chance.
“He’s a horse we’ve always held in high regard and soft ground won’t be an issue for him. We’re hoping for a big run.”
How the Cheltenham Festival provides the finest climax to the jump racing season
Monday 11 March 2024 10:31 , Mike Jones
Every sport has its peak. That one test of endurance, ability, skill, and luck. For professional footballers and rugby stars it would be the World Cup, England cricketers may point to the Ashes, for National Hunt jockeys? That pinnacle is the Cheltenham Festival.
Four days of demanding racing, against the best horses and riders, in front of a bumper-packed crowd with prestige, glory, and prize money all on the line.
At Cheltenham there’s a champion race each day with Tuesday hosting the Champion Hurdle, Wednesday the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Thursday the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and Friday culminating with the 100-year anniversary of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
How the Cheltenham Festival provides the finest climax to the jump racing season
Cheltenham Festival 2024
Monday 11 March 2024 10:23 , Mike Jones
Preparations are well underway for the start of the Festival tomorrow.
Last year’s leading jockey, Paul Townend, has been getting to grips with State Man who is the overwhelming favourite to win the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday.
Rachael Blackmore, meanwhile, had a run out with Slade Steel who will be racing in the opening race of the Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Cheltenham Festival 2024
Monday 11 March 2024 10:13 , Mike Jones
There will be 28 races to enjoy this week beginning with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Arkle Challenge Trophy and the Champion Hurdle on the opening Tuesday, and Friday’s finale will feature the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Legendary Irish trainer Willie Mullins will be looking to make it six years in a row as the trainer with the most wins at the Festival, while his jockey Paul Townend has been the outstanding rider in three of the past four years.
The jockey who broke that streak, Rachael Blackmore in 2023, will also be riding at Cheltenham this year.
How to buy Cheltenham Festival tickets
Monday 11 March 2024 10:05 , Mike Jones
Tickets are being sold to the general public across the four days.
There are a number of options, including the Club Enclosure, the Tattersalls Enclosure and Best Mate Enclosure, which is the cheapest with prices from £52 per person.
Grandstand tickets have sold out.
Cheltenham Festival race schedule
Monday 11 March 2024 09:58 , Mike Jones
Gold Cup Day – Friday, March 15
13:30 - Triumph Hurdle
14:10 - County Handicap Hurdle
14:50 - Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
15:30 - Cheltenham Gold Cup
16:10 - Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase
16:50 - Mares’ Steeple Chase
17:30 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey’s Handicap Hurdle
Cheltenham Festival race schedule
Monday 11 March 2024 09:51 , Mike Jones
St Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday, March 14
13:30 - Turners Novices’
14:10 - Pertemps Network Final
14:50 - Ryanair Steeple Chase
15:30 - Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
16:10 - Magners Plate
16:50 - Jack de Bromhead Mares Novices’ Hurdle
17:30 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Cheltenham Festival race schedule
Monday 11 March 2024 09:44 , Mike Jones
Ladies Day – Wednesday, March 13
13:30 - Novices’ Hurdle
14:10 - Novices’ Steeple Chase
14:50 - Coral Cup Hurdle
15:30 - Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase
16:10 - Cross Country Steeple Chase
16:50 - Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
17:30 - Champion Bumper
Cheltenham Festival race schedule
Monday 11 March 2024 09:37 , Mike Jones
Champion Day – Tuesday, March 12
13:30 - Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
14:10 - Arkle Challenge Trophy
14:50 - Handicap Steeple Chase
15:30 - Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
16:10 - Mares’ Hurdle
16:50 - Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
17:30 - National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
When is the 2024 Cheltenham Festival?
Monday 11 March 2024 09:30 , Mike Jones
The Cheltenham Festival begins on Tuesday 12 March and concludes on Friday 15 March.
The first race is scheduled for 1.30pm GMT each day, and the final race of the day is set to begin at 5.30pm. The championship race will be run at 3.30pm.
Cheltenham Festival 2024
Monday 11 March 2024 09:25 , Mike Jones
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. The action is almost upon with the biggest meeting in jump racing beginning in earnest on Tuesday.
This year’s festival is set to be another stunning affair with plenty of quality contenders to keep the bookies and punters alike on their toes.
The main event is the centennial anniversary of the Cheltenham Gold Cup with the race celebrating it’s 100th edition on Friday afternoon.
Before that though there are plenty of races, news, odds and tips to get into to stick with us throughout the day as we build-up to the start of the Cheltenham Festival.
