The Cheltenham Festival is arguably the biggest event in the British horse racing calendar. Alongside the Grand National, the four-day festival attracts the leading horses, jockeys, trainers and owners in the sport.
Whether it be the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase or the famous Gold Cup, Cheltenham betting has long attracted the interest of punters. The Championship races are highlights of the National Hunt racing calendar. Our Cheltenham Festival betting guide will deliver everything in which there is to know about the event that began back in 1907.
As well as looking at the best betting sites for Cheltenham, our experts will also discuss the top Cheltenham Festival betting offers. So, if it is Cheltenham 2024 betting you are looking for, this page has it all!
Who is the favourite to replicate Galopin Des Champs’ success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting odds and who is fancied to win the leading trainer award this time around? Our top ranked sites offer the best Cheltenham Festival betting odds around.
Cheltenham Betting Markets
Those new to horse racing betting may fail to realise the large number of bets that are actually available. So, ahead of this year’s festival, punters are likely to come across the following Cheltenham betting markets:
Race Winner
As you would expect, the most common Cheltenham betting market is to simply wager on the winner of a particular race. While this market is easy to understand, it is a whole different matter actually picking a winner. Given the quality of the runners and riders at Cheltenham, there are no guarantees, even when there is an overwhelming favourite. Those betting on Cheltenham Gold Cup last year would have won their bet if backing A Plus Tard. The margin of victory is not important.
Each Way
Many punters will place each way bets in order to give themselves more margin for error. An each way bet is made up of two parts. The first is for the horse to win, while the other is for it to place. Placing is when the horse fails to win, but finishes in one of the top places, normally up to 5. While each way returns are smaller, with Cheltenham races betting odds here sitting at around a fifth or quarter of outright prices for a place, it’s still better than a loss.
Accumulator
Those looking for larger wins will consider placing an accumulator, or multiple, bet. This involves betting on a variety of competitive races across the four days. Whether it be betting on the winner of each race on day one or placing each way bets on one race from each day, the odds quickly stack up. However, remember that just one incorrect pick will mean that your bet loses. As this Cheltenham betting guide will discuss in more detail later on, many bookies now offer acca insurance.
Exchange Bet
The majority of bets placed on the Cheltenham Festival are done so on sportsbooks. However, punters should also consider betting exchanges. Here, rather than betting against the bookmaker, punters go head to head amongst themselves. Back and lay bets are available on an increasing number of betting exchanges, with Betfair’s being the most popular in the UK. While you may well have to pay commission on winning bets, the potential earnings can still be greater than on a sportsbook.
Tote Betting on Cheltenham
Tote betting is another popular option when it comes to the Cheltenham Festival. Rather than fixed odds returns, winnings here are paid from a cumulative pool. Each bet is its own pool, with odds being determined by the number of bets placed, as well as their value. So, the fewer punters backing the same horse as you, the greater the returns will be. When the Cheltenham Festival rolls around each year, many bookmakers will place greater emphasis upon their tote betting options.
However, it remains the likes of William Hill, Paddy Power and Unibet that are among the best. For Cheltenham betting, tote markets are well worth considering. The rewards can be significant, with this method of wagering also being a little more exciting than traditional betting. Tote betting pools are not only available on race winner markets, with everything from each way to trifecta options also being found.
Cheltenham Ante Post Betting
As we have already mentioned, Cheltenham betting odds are often introduced months in advance of the actual Festival. As such, plenty of ante post bets are placed. Simply put, this involves backing a runner before the race line-ups have been confirmed. For example, you may wish to bet on Honeysuckle to win the Champion Hurdle or Envoi Allen to come out on top in the Ryanair Chase. In the event of your pick not ultimately running, it is likely that your stake will be refunded. However, be sure to check this with your chosen bookie beforehand.
Cheltenham Betting Odds 2024
With the 2023 Cheltenham Festival set to run between March 13-17, time is running out to place your bets. Prices are already available on all Cheltenham races, with the following being among the standout selections to keep an eye on:
Champion Hurdle
Runner | Odds |
State Man | 2/5 |
Irish Point | 5/1 |
Iberico Lord | 12/1 |
Bar | 20/1 |
Champion Chase
Runner | Odds |
El Fabiolo | 4/9 |
Jonbon | 100/30 |
Bar | 16/1 |
Stayers’ Hurdle
Runner | Odds |
Teahupoo | 2/1 |
Crambo | 5/1 |
Noble Yeats | 9/1 |
Bar | 12/1 |
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Horses | Gold Cup Odds |
Galopin Des Champs | 11/8 |
Fastorslow | 5/1 |
Shishkin | 13/2 |
Gerri Colombe | 10/1 |
L’Homme Presse | 16/1 |
Bravemansgame | 16/1 |
Bar | 18/1 |
How to Bet on Cheltenham Online
Given the excellent usability of the best Cheltenham betting sites, wagering on the Festival online is now very simple. However, it is still worth familiarising yourself with the process before getting started. The following is a step by step guide, using Betfred as an example:
Step 1: Select Your Cheltenham Betting Site
From our list of recommended bookies, select which best meets your needs when it comes to betting on the Cheltenham Festival. Look at how easy the site is to use, before checking out available Cheltenham betting markets, odds and promotions.
Step 2: Sign Up
Once you are happy, click on the “Register” button, located in the top-right hand corner of the page. Complete the registration form by entering your personal details. Create a username and password as requested. Complete the form and verify your new account via email.
Step 3: Claim Welcome Bonus
Login to your account for the first time, before entering the cashier page. Select the “Deposit” option, before choosing your preferred payment method from the drop-down list. Enter the deposit amount, before providing your payment details. Confirm the payment, before waiting a matter of seconds for funds to appear.
Step 4: Browse Cheltenham Betting Markets
Select “Horse Racing” on the left-hand side of the page. Click on the “Future” races button. Select the Cheltenham race you wish to bet on. Consider the runners and riders, as well as the odds given. Add selections to your bet slip.
Step 5: Place Bet
Select your chosen bet type, whether it be a single or multiple. Then, enter your chosen stake, before confirming the bet by clicking on the “Place Bet” button.
Step 6: Withdraw Winnings
If possible, watch the race/s in question in order to follow the progress of your picks. If you have placed a winning bet, it could be that funds are available to withdraw. Again, enter the cashier page of your account. Enter your withdrawal amount, based on your available balance. Withdrawals will take between 1-5 days.
Cheltenham Live Stream & Live Commentary
There is nothing quite like watching the Cheltenham Festival live as horse race up and down Cleeve Hill. This way, British and Irish racing fans can enjoy all of the action, without actually travelling to Cheltenham Racecourse. Each and every race will be broadcast live on Channel 4 in the UK. However, for those looking to watch online, a number of bookies offer live streaming.
For Cheltenham Festival live streaming, be sure to check out the following betting sites:
Bookmaker | Stream Criteria | Visit Site |
Funded account or £1 bet | Visit Coral | |
Funded account | Visit Bet365 | |
Funded account or £1 bet | Visit Ladbrokes |
Best Betting Apps for Cheltenham
An increasing proportion of Cheltenham bets are being placed on smartphones and tablets. As a result, it is vital that bookies cater well for mobile customers. The best Cheltenham Festival betting sites are fully functional via mobile browsers. Meanwhile, some bookies go the extra mile by offering a dedicated mobile betting app. Such apps are hugely efficient, allowing users to quickly and easily place bets on Cheltenham races. Available on both iOS and Android devices in most cases, apps are free to download and are generally faster than mobile betting sites. In terms of the best apps for Cheltenham betting, the following are among our favourites:
Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide
While enjoyment is the main benefit of placing bets on the Cheltenham Festival, punters will ultimately wish to make money from doing so. However, given the competitive nature of the event, this is easier said than done. With that being said, we have put together the following Cheltenham betting tips, designed to give you the edge over the bookies:
Set a Budget
With 28 races taking place over just four days at Cheltenham, there is a risk that punters can get a bit trigger-happy with their wagering. As a result, it is much wiser to set a budget ahead of the Festival getting underway. This should be based on your disposable income. Don’t go over your budget at any point, regardless of how appealing the Cheltenham betting odds appear to be.
Do Your Homework
Before backing a particular runner, ensure that you carry out research. A large amount of information is available online today including past horse racing results and form, so there is no excuse to miss this step! Look at form, trainers, going and head to head, among other things. This will give you a better understanding of a potential pick’s chances of coming out on top.
Utilise Different Bookies
It is well worth signing up with different bookies ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. Doing so will enable punters to take advantage of nothing but the very best odds and promotions. Don’t go overboard and sign up with all of our recommended bookies. However, have two or three to turn to during the Festival.
Lower Profile Races
The Gold Cup, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle are among the races to attract the most interest from punters at Cheltenham. However, better value can often be found elsewhere. As a result, be sure to not overlook less high profile races.
Don’t Chase Losses
For punters placing numerous bets over the course of the Cheltenham Festival, it is almost certain that not all will be winners. Therefore, it is important to stick to your strategy when unsuccessful. Avoid placing additional bets or going overboard by backing all Lucky 15 tips for today in an attempt to claw back losses. This will likely result in additional losses.
Follow Tipsters
There are loads of free horse racing tips today available online, including right here on SportsLens. Finding an expert tipster you like, because you understand their reasons for putting a horse forward, can certainly help on races as competitive as those taking place at Cheltenham.
While this comes with no guarantees, they can help you make better betting decisions. That’s the main thing. Sometimes, tipsters will be far from in agreement about a particular race. On its own, that may be a tip in itself about whether that event is worth getting heavily involved in. We have a free NAP of the Day for horse racing every single day on this site, not just for Cheltenham Festival betting, so check that out.
What is the Cheltenham Festival?
Alongside the Grand National and Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival is one of the top horse racing events in the UK. Dating back to 1860, the event spans four days in March, with a total of 28 races taking place. With 13 Grade 1 races, including steeplechasers and hurdles events, it is clear to see why Cheltenham is so popular. Cheltenham Racecourse is known for its unique atmosphere, with hundreds of millions of pounds being bet on races before and during the event.
Many of the races are lucrative in terms of prize money. However, it is the Cheltenham Gold Cup which leads the way in this regard, offering a total purse of £625,000. With many focusing their attention on this race after the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park, it is worthwhile taking a closer look at its history. Below are the most recent winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup:
Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
2023 | Galopin Des Champs | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
2022 | A Plus Tard | Rachael Blackmore | Henry De Bromhead |
2021 | Minella Indo | Jack Kennedy | Henry De Bromhead |
2020 | Al Boum Photo | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
2019 | Al Boum Photo | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
2018 | Native River | Richard Johnson | Colin Tizzard |
2017 | Sizing John | Robbie Power | Jessica Harrington |
2016 | Don Cossack | B.J. Cooper | Gordon Elliott |
2015 | Coneygree | Nico de Boinville | Mark Bradstock |
2014 | Lord Windermere | Davy Russell | Jim Culloty |
2013 | Bobs Worth | Barry Geraghty | Nicky Henderson |
2012 | Synchronised | A.P. McCoy | Jonjo O’Neill |
2011 | Long Run | Sam Waley-Cohen | Nicky Henderson |
Cheltenham Festival 2024 Dates & Schedule
The 2024 Cheltenham Festival will be held between March 14-17 at Cheltenham Racecourse. The opening race will be the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, taking place at 1:30pm. Meanwhile, the much talked about Cheltenham Gold Cup takes place at 3:30pm on the final day. Below is the complete schedule for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, perfect for punters looking to plan their betting:
Tuesday 12th March – Champion Day
Time | Race | Distance | Type |
13:30 | Sky Bet Supreme’ Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 87y | Novice Hurdle |
14:10 | My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) | 1m 7f 199y | Novice Chase |
14:50 | Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | 3m 1f | Handicap Chase |
15:30 | Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 87y | Hurdle Race |
16:10 | Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 3f 200y | Hurdle Race |
16:50 | Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) | 2m 87y | 4yo Handicap Hurdle |
17:30 | Maureen Mullins National Hunt Chase (Grade 2) | 3m 5f 201y | Novice Chase |
Style Wednesday 13th March
Time | Race | Distance | Type |
13:30 | Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 5f | Novice Hurdle |
14:10 | Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) | 3m 110y | Novice Chase |
14:50 | Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) | 2m 5f | Handicap Hurdle |
15:30 | Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) | 1m 7f 99y | Steeplechase |
16:10 | Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Class 2) | 3m 5f 56y | Cross Country Race |
16:50 | Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | 1m 7f 99y | Handicap Chase |
17:30 | Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) | 2m 87y | NH Flat Race |
St Patrick’s Thursday 14th March
Time | Race | Distance | Type |
13:30 | Turners Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) | 2m 3f 166y | Novice Chase |
14:10 | Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) | 2m 7f 213y | Handicap Hurdle |
14:50 | Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) | 2m 4f 127y | Steeplechase |
15:30 | Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 7f 213y | Hurdle Race |
16:10 | Festival Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | 2m 4f 127y | Handicap Chase |
16:50 | Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m 179y | Novice Hurdle |
17:30 | Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Class 2) | 3m 2f | Handicap Chase |
Friday 17th March – Cheltenham Gold Cup Day
Time | Race | Distance | Type |
13:30 | JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 179f | 4yo Novice Hurdle |
14:10 | County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) | 2m 179f | Handicap Hurdle |
14:50 | Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 7f 213y | Novice Hurdle |
15:30 | Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) | 3m 2f 70y | Steeplechase |
16:10 | Festival Open Hunters Chase (Class 2) | 3m 2f 70y | Hunter Chase |
16:50 | Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2) | 2m 4f 127y | Steeplechase |
17:30 | Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) | 2m 4f 56y | Handicap Hurdle |
Cheltenham Festival Betting Summary
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest sporting events around, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans in person, as well as millions from around the world. Cheltenham betting is going from strength to strength, with top bookmakers accepting bets on races. Our Cheltenham betting guide has delivered information in a number of different areas, including available horse racing markets, promotions and features. So, whether it be an ante post bet or a wager on race day, our top ranked Cheltenham betting sites have all bases covered. As always, our recommended bookies are completely legal and safe, providing the perfect platforms to back some of the hundreds of runners and riders heading to Gloucestershire in March.
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