Cheltenham Festival 2025 – Day 1 Preview & Betting Tips

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival kicks off on Tuesday, March 11, with a stacked lineup of races that will set the tone for the week. With championship races, top novices, and highly competitive handicaps, Day 1 promises plenty of excitement.

Let’s break down the key races, top contenders, and best betting tips for each event.

1:20 PM – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

The festival opener, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, is a thrilling two-mile contest for emerging stars. Kopek Des Bordes, trained by Willie Mullins, has been heavily backed after his impressive Dublin Racing Festival victory. Workahead, representing Henry de Bromhead, is another major player following his dominant win at Leopardstown.

Betting Tip:

✅ Kopek Des Bordes to Win
✅ Workahead Each-Way

2:00 PM – Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

This year’s Arkle looks like a fascinating battle between speed and jumping ability. Majborough, a standout performer all season, heads the market as the favourite. However, L’Eau du Sud has strong claims with four wins on the bounce for the Skelton’s.

Betting Tip:

✅ Majborough to Win

2:40 PM – Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

A tough three-mile handicap chase, the Ultima often sees a strong staying performance from a well-handicapped horse. Katate Dori has caught the eye after a series of consistent runs, while Whistle Stop Tour represents Lucinda Russell, a trainer who excels with staying chasers.

Betting Tip:

✅ Katate Dori Each-Way
✅ Whistle Stop Tour Each-Way

3:20 PM – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

All eyes will be on Lossiemouth, who swerves the Champion Hurdle in favour of this race. She is the class act in the field, and with last year’s impressive campaign behind her, she will be difficult to beat.

Betting Tip:

✅ Lossiemouth to Win

4:00 PM – Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

The highlight of Day 1, the Champion Hurdle, sees a star-studded lineup. Constitution Hill looks to regain his title after a minor setback, while Brighterdaysahead has emerged as a serious challenger following a 30-length win at Leopardstown.

Betting Tip:

✅ Constitution Hill to Win

4:40 PM – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)

The Fred Winter is a notoriously tricky handicap, often producing shock results. Stencil looks well-treated on the weights, and Kool One has been well backed in the markets.

Betting Tip:

✅ Stencil Each-Way
✅ Kool One Each-Way

5:20 PM – National Hunt Chase (Premier Handicap)

Day 1 closes with the National Hunt Chase, a gruelling race for staying chasers. Captain Cody brings solid festival form, but Haiti Couleurs could relish the stamina test and offer some each-way value.

Betting Tip:

✅ Haiti Couleurs to win

Final Thoughts

Day 1 of Cheltenham Festival 2025 is packed with elite-level competition and betting opportunities. With festival favourites, intriguing handicaps, and high-class clashes, the action is set to deliver unforgettable moments.

Stay tuned for more daily previews and betting tips throughout the week! 🎯🔥

Best Bets for Day 1:

💰 Kopek Des Bordes to Win (Supreme Novices’)

📈 Lossiemouth to Win (Mares’ Hurdle)

🏆 Constitution Hill to Win (Champion Hurdle)