How to bet on the 2024 Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is more popular than it has ever been and the spectacle of the finest national hunt racehorses battling up the famous ‘Cheltenham hill’ before tens of thousands of racegoers in full cry is truly a sight to behold.

Champion Chase Cheltenham Betting

Make no mistake, the Cheltenham Festival is a betting feast. Unlike Royal Ascot, where pomp and ceremony comes hand and velvet glove with champagne and fiver bets, most people bet on the Cheltenham Festival in serious way.

Bookmakers predict that approximately £600 million will be wagered on the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. To accommodate this, a vast array of online betting sites have streamlined the process, making it incredibly easy for bettors to place their wagers on the event.

Online you will find dedicated ‘Cheltenham Festival’ micro sites featuring simple-step betting options. That’s not to say you cannot bet on the Cheltenham Festival in ways far more elaborate than straight-forward win and each-way bets.  Multiple and exotic bets are not only accepted, they are encouraged.

Cheltenham Festival Form & Form Guides

When it comes to National Hunt racing at the highest echelon, all roads lead to Cheltenham and every race during the season beforehand is pretty much considered to be a prep-race by the form experts who dissect form and results under a microscope.

Unlike the Grand National, that other jump racing betting feast, the average punter will be pretty clued-up when it comes to assessing horses chances and therefore the dumbed-down newspaper pull-outs are not exactly an idiot’s guide.

In fact, as most newspapers and major online sites have exclusivity agreements with jockeys and trainers (Nicky Henderson with Unibet, Gordon Elliott with Betfair for example), you can learn plenty from these Cheltenham form guides.

Of course you can do the leg-work yourself and burn the midnight oil while swotting up on past results, either in the form books or by video form guides which the major bookmakers now archive.

Cheltenham Betting Options

You can place bets on the Cheltenham Festival in dozens of different ways.  Traditional win and each-way bet options have been joined by ‘place only’ betting as popular options in recent years but Cheltenham being Cheltenham, bookmakers tend to push their boat out so far it floats in the Pacific Ocean.

This is one of the few occasions during the year when the Tote pools will be brimming with cash and landing an exotic Tote bet could see you residing on your own private island. A Scoop6 bet is in operation for each of the four Cheltenham Festival days, as is a Jackpot, Quadpot and the ever-popular Placepot.

Traditional forecasts and tricasts are also likely to yield big dividends but, for the most part, the bookmakers biggest liabilities will be in multiple bets such as Lucky 15’s, Luck 31’s and Lucky 63’s. These multi-leg bets are a favourite with people who like to support one jockey or one trainer in the weeks biggest races.

Cheltenham Free Bets

And online sportsbooks, keen to keep your loyalty for the entire four days of action will be giving away Cheltenham free bets aplenty. Be sure to lookout for their Cheltenham free bet offers which can add up to be worth a pretty penny and may be the difference between winning and losing at the end of the 28 race feast.

Understanding the Cheltenham Odds

The glory of the Cheltenham Festival is the build-up.  The moment the horses cross the line in the main ‘Championship races’ betting markets are in place for the following year’s renewal.

Around the turn of Christmas bookmakers tend to remove the ‘ante post’ rules from these markets (meaning if your horse does not run you lose your money) and make them ‘Non Runner No Bet’ (NRNB).  This sees betting on the main Cheltenham races go into a frenzy and Cheltenham betting odds can and do fluctuate wildly as trainers make form plans as to what race their horses will be aimed at.

Unquestionably betting early will give you the best chance of getting the best prices and in this day and age of ‘ Best Odds Guaranteed’ you would be mad not to take an early fixed-price. There is nothing to be gained (and a lot to lose) by simply placing your bets at SP. (Starting Price)

Keep your eyes peeled for ‘Price Boosts’ offered by the major online bookmakers and, naturally, always shop around for the best Cheltenham betting odds as this will definitely increase your chances of winning in the long run.

And don’t forget many online sportsbooks will offer Cheltenham free bet concessions for people unlucky enough to have their horse beaten in a photo or simply finish second to the SP favourite.

How to Find a Cheltenham Winner

Unquestionably the major ‘Championship races’ and the novice races are the easiest place to identify Cheltenham winners.   As every horse carries the same weight it is far easier to assess each runner’s chances.

The handicaps are where things get really tricky.  One thing is certain, find a winner in some of these big-field handicap races and you are sure to be handsomely rewarded as double-digit priced winners are commonplace.

In the championship races and novice hurdles there are some rules you should stick to, namely a horse with:

  • Recent winning form
  • Course & distance form
  • Winner of the corresponding race last year
  • Or winner at the previous year’s Festival
  • Hailing from a top yard

As for those notoriously difficult handicap races, following the weight of money is not a bad system.  Most definitely lookout for horses with a progressive profile and stay away from exposed types.

Cheltenham Races 2024

The Cheltenham Races 2024 stand as a pinnacle event in the British horse racing calendar, captivating audiences with a blend of tradition, excitement, and top-tier competition.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Cotswolds, this festival of jump racing covers 28 races and draws enthusiasts from around the globe, eager to witness a spectacle where history is made, and legends are born. With races like the Cheltenham Gold Cup at its heart, the event promises four days of thrilling action, showcasing the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers in the sport.

As anticipation builds for the 2024 edition, the Cheltenham races remain a testament to the enduring allure of horse racing, marrying the sport’s rich heritage with the unbridled passion of its followers. Whether for the love of the sport, the allure of betting, or the charm of a quintessentially British experience, the Cheltenham Festival offers something for everyone, setting the stage for unforgettable moments and unparalleled excitement.

Cheltenham Day 1 Races – Tuesday, March 12 (Champions Day)

On Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, the racing world turns its eager gaze to the Champion Hurdle, a pinnacle hurdles speedsters event that showcases the pace and agility of the finest hurdlers, setting a high-octane tone for the festival’s exhilarating lineup.

  • 1:30pm – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
  • 2:10pm – Arkle Challenge Trophy
  • 2:50pm – Ultima Handicap Chase
  • 3:30pm – Champion Hurdle
  • 4:10pm – Mares’ Hurdle
  • 4:50pm – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
  • 5:30pm – National Hunt Chase

Cheltenham Day 2 Races – Wednesday, March 13 (Ladies Day)

Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival is highlighted by the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a race that captivates with its display of sheer speed and precision jumping, featuring the elite of two-mile chasers in a thrilling battle for supremacy.

  • 1:30pm – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle Race
  • 2:10pm – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
  • 2:50pm – Coral Cup
  • 3:30pm – Queen Mother Champion Chase
  • 4:10pm – Cross Country Chase
  • 4:50pm – Grand Annual Chase
  • 5:30pm – Champion Bumper

Cheltenham Day 3 Races – Thursday, March 14 (St Patrick’s Thursday)

On Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, the racing spotlight shines on the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase, presenting a dual showcase of endurance and agility as the finest long-distance hurdlers and top-class chasers vying for glory.

  • 1:30pm – Turners Novices’ Chase
  • 2:10pm – Pertemps Network Final
  • 2:50pm – Ryanair Chase
  • 3:30pm – Stayers’ Hurdle
  • 4:10pm – Festival Plate
  • 4:50pm – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
  • 5:30pm – Kim Muir Chase

Cheltenham Day 4 Races – Friday, March 15 (Gold Cup Day)

Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival culminates in the legendary Gold Cup, a race that embodies the pinnacle of jump racing, where the elite of the sport clash in a test of stamina, speed, and heart, capturing the essence of the festival’s competitive spirit.

  • 1:30pm – Triumph Hurdle
  • 2:10pm – County Hurdle
  • 2:50pm – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
  • 3:30pm – Cheltenham Gold Cup
  • 4:10pm – Festival Hunters’ Chase
  • 4:50pm – Liberthine Mares’ Chase
  • 5:30pm – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Cheltenham NRNB (Non-Runner No Bet)

“Non-Runner No Bet” (NRNB) is a betting term commonly used in horse racing, particularly in the context of major events like the Cheltenham Festival. When a bettor places a wager on a race that offers the NRNB condition, it means that if their selected horse does not start the race (becomes a non-runner), their bet will be refunded. This policy removes the risk for bettors of losing their stake if their horse withdraws from the race after they have placed their bet.

The Cheltenham Festival, being one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the UK, attracts significant betting interest months before the actual races take place. Given the uncertainty around horse participation in the lead-up to the event, bookmakers offer the NRNB condition to encourage early betting by mitigating the risk for punters.

This condition is particularly appealing for those looking to place ante-post bets, which are bets placed at least a day before a race. Ante-post betting typically offers higher odds and better value but comes with the risk that if the horse does not run, bettors usually lose their stake. The NRNB option provides a safety net, making it a popular choice for cautious bettors or those looking to secure high odds on a horse they believe will perform well, without the risk of losing their stake if the horse is withdrawn.

Betting Smart at the Cheltenham Festival – Tips & Tricks

As Cheltenham betting tips are plentiful, and this meeting represents the biggest feast of sport gambling you will find anywhere, you have a classic marketplace scenario where shopping around will guarantee you some outstanding bargains.Betting margins are notoriously small (that’s the percentage points bookmakers have in their favour) at the Cheltenham Festival and with odds boost, money back concessions, exchange betting and Tote betting, there are very real opportunities to turn those percentages around to be in your favour.As a rule of thumb it is often best to bet on the big priced horses on a Betting Exchange like Betfair, or into the Tote pools which you can do via all the major online bookmakers.Conversely, if you are backing a horse towards the head of the betting the ‘Fixed Odds’ option is best as you can benefit from several Cheltenham betting offers such as:

  • Best Odds Guaranteed
  • First Past the Post
  • Money Back as a Cheltenham Festival free bet

How To Use Cheltenham Free Bets

Most bookmakers today have sites that are incredibly easy to navigate and you’ll have no problem cashing in your Cheltenham Festival free bet.

How you use your free bet can vary from bookmaker to bookmaker, with some restrictions being in place when it comes to both spending it and withdrawing any winnings. However, those with another bookmaker account or an account with a betting exchange are able to lock-in a profit from free bets without any risk. You can calculate how much profit can be locked into your free bets using a Back/Lay Hedging Calculator.

Restrictions on free bets vary between bookmakers and it is in your best interests to know what to look for. It can save time and disappointment later down the line and will help you make the most of the your Cheltenham free bets.

What to Know Before Using Cheltenham Festival Free Bets

In this section, we’ll explore some essential considerations to maximize your Cheltenham Festival experience with free bets. From understanding wagering requirements to strategising your selections, we’ll equip you with the insights needed to make the most of these enticing offers.

  • Free Bet stakes are not included in returns: It’s not standard practice for bookmakers to include your Free Bet stake in any potential winning returns you claim. Typically you will only receive the winnings from your free bet.
  • Is there a minimum bet at Cheltenham?: The majority of free bet deposit bonuses come with a minimum odds qualifying requirement that usually varies between about 1/5 (1.20) and 6/4 (2.50).
  • Rollover Requirement: Bookmakers will often have a rollover requirement on your initial free bet deposit bonus that stipulates that your initial free bet bonus must be wagered a set number of times before you’re permitted to withdraw any potential free bet winnings.
  • Free Bet Expiry: Any Free Bets will almost always come with an expiry date. These cut off dates vary, but are usually within either 7 or 30 days of them being first awarded.
  • Bet Type Restrictions: Free Bets can almost always be used as a single bet and they are also usually fine to use in accumulators.
  • Betting Product Restrictions: A Cheltenham free bet is usually restricted to be used in the specific area it was allocated for so, for example, a sportsbook free bet will only be acceptable for use in the bookmaker sportsbook and can’t be used in the casino or poker room.

Previous Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners

  • 2023: Galopin Des Champs – Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Paul Townend
  • 2022: A Plus Tard – Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Jockey: Rachel Blackmore
  • 2021: Minella Indo – Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Jockey: Jack Kennedy
  • 2020: Al Boum Photo – Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Paul Townend
  • 2019: Al Boum Photo – Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Paul Townend
  • 2018: Native River – Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Jockey: Richard Johnson
  • 2017: Sizing John – Trainer: Jessica Harrington, Jockey: Robbie Power
  • 2016: Don Cossack – Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Jockey: Bryan Cooper
  • 2015: Coneygree – Trainer: Mark Bradstock, Jockey: Nico De Boinville
  • 2014: Lord Windermere – Trainer: Jim Culloty, Jockey: Davy Russell

FAQs

When is the Cheltenham Festival?
March 12th to 15th, 2024 inclusive. The highlight of the opening day is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, the showpiece Cheltenham Gold Cup is on the final day.
How can I watch the action?
If you want to see the action live you are best advised to buy your tickets from the racecourse in advance. Gold Cup day is sure to be sold out so tickets will not be available on the day. But most will watch the action on TV with ITV being the official broadcaster. Specialist subscription horse racing channel, Racing UK, will also be represented at the racecourse and they always deliver a quality production. If you just want to watch the racing you can do so through all the major bookmakers who make live pictures available to their customers who place a bet of £1 or more.
What is a 'Starting Price'?
Commonly referred to as an SP, a Starting Price is the odds a horse was trading when the race began.  All horses in all races, win or lose, will have an official SP and it is the price you will receive about your selection unless you have taken an agreed price or ‘fixed odds’.
What are fixed odds bets?
If you are having a bet on the Cheltenham Festival as a novice you will probably place single and each-way bets.  With these and most bets placed via an online bookmaker you can take an agreed price, ‘fixed odds’ about your selection(s).  This is an agreed price which any potential winnings will be paid out.  It is a little like taking out a ‘fixed-rate’ mortgage as opposed to a ‘variable’ mortgage. However, bookmaking has changed in recent times and in this modern era punters have protection of ‘Best Odds Guaranteed’ which means if a horse starts at a price bigger than the odds which you struck your bet, these are the odds you will receive. So, if you take a ‘fixed odds’ price of 12/1 and your selection wins at 16/1, you will receive £16 in winnings and not £12.
What’s the most likely way to show a profit?
There are 28 races to bet on at the Cheltenham Festival but, while bookmakers are obliged to accept wagers on them all, you can pick and choose which ones to invest your money on. This allows you to be selective and only place bets on strong fancies in the races which are conceived to be easier to find a winner:  The Supreme Novices Hurdle, Champion Hurdle, Neptune Novices Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Stayers Hurdle and Triumph Hurdle. However, easier to pinpoint winners invariably means shorter prices and, in turn, smaller returns. Alternatively you could tackle some of the big handicap races and back several runners. It is all a case of what you want to achieve; small winnings and limited risk or huge potential winnings with a likelihood of a total loss? If you are happy to opt for the latter Jackpots, Placepots, trebles, accumulators and notoriously difficult tricasts are for you.
Are there any other Cheltenham bets to consider?
Every year there are more and more Cheltenham betting markets on offer. Irish trained horses have become prevalent during the past decade which means the Prestbury Cup (an award given to the country, England or Ireland, which trains the most winners) is a keenly contested accolade and an increasing popular betting medium. Ireland won ‘the Cup’ in 2023. In a similar theme you can back on the number of Irish trained winners, who will be the leading owner, trainer and jockey plus the number of winners individual trainers will supply.