Cheltenham Races
The Cheltenham races are some of the most important events in the national hunt season. The festival comprises 25 races including hurdles, steeplechases, bumpers and hunter chases, covering a variety of distances and handicap grades. To read more about the Cheltenham Festival's most important races, check out our Cheltenham Festival race guide below:
Cheltenham Festival Feature Races
The most prestigious events at the Cheltenham Festival are the four feature races, one of which is run on each day of the meeting.
Day 1, 3:15 pm - Champion Hurdle
The Champion Hurdle is the most keenly anticipated hurdles race of the season and is one of a handful of Cheltenham races covered by ante-post betting markets year-round. The Champion Hurdle is run over a distance of 2 miles 110 yards, making it the faster of the two feature hurdles races. The Champion Hurdle takes place on Cheltenham Old Course and is open to to qualified 4 year old and above hurdlers.
Day 2, 3:15 pm - Queen Mother Champion Chase
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is one of the most important Grade 1 steeplchases of the season. The race is run over a distance of 2 miles on the Cheltenham Old Course, and features 12 fences. Many of the 5 year old and above chasers entered in the Queen Mother Champion Chase are primed for the race and can be backed in the Queen Mother Champion Chase betting markets months in advance of the Cheltenham Festival.
Day 3, 3:15 pm – The World Hurdle
The World Hurdle is a stern test for the finest staying hurdlers in national hunt racing. The race is run over a distance of 3 miles on the Cheltenham New Course by qualified 4 year old and above hurdlers. The World Hurdle features 12 hurdles, and is known for producing close, exciting finishes on the final stretch.
Day 3, 3:15 pm – The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the oldest and most prestigious feature race at the Cheltenham Festival. The Cheltenham Gold Cup features the top chasers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and a win in the 3 mile 2½ furlong race is considered to be the biggest prize in national hunt racing. The Cheltenham Gold Cup has been won by several of national hunts most famous racehorses, including the likes of Arkle, Golden Miller and Best Mate.
Betting on Cheltenham Races
Betting markets for all four of the Cheltenham Festival's feature races are open 12 months of the year. While ante-post bets aren't covered by a no runner no bet policy, many punters choose to make their selections early to take advantage of the high odds available in the month prior to the Cheltenham Festival.
Ladbrokes is a popular destination for punters betting on the Cheltenham Races. Not only does Ladbrokes cover these races with a selection of betting markets and top odds, but the site also offers users access to statistics, form guides and results that can be invaluable in making selections for the races at the Cheltenham Festival.