DAY 1: CHAMPION DAY - TUESDAY 11 MARCH 2025

Seven races are scheduled for Day One of the Cheltenham Festival. The feature race of the day is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a 2 mile Grade 1 race. This takes place at 16:00.



13:20
The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
2m
Hurdle


14:00
The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
2m
Chase


14:40
The Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
3m abt 1f
Chase


15:20
The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
2m abt 4f
Hurdle


16:00
The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
2m
Hurdle


16:40
The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap)
2m
Hurdle


17:20
The National Hunt Novices’ Chase (Novices’ Steeple Chase) (Novices' Handicap)
3m abt 6f
Chase




DAY 2: STYLE WEDNESDAY - WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH 2025

On the second day, the highlight is the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase. Runners in this Grade 1 event jump over 12 fences over the course of 2 miles. It is the highlight of the traditionally known ladies day and is off at 16:00.



13:20
The Turners Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
2m abt 5f
Hurdle


14:00
The Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase
3m
Chase


14:40
The Coral Cup Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap)
2m abt 5f
Hurdle


15:20
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase
3m abt 5½f
Chase


16:00
The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
Abt 2m
Chase


16:40
The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Premier Handicap)
2m
Chase


17:20
The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (A Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1)
2m
Bumper




DAY 3: ST PATRICK'S THURSDAY - THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2025

One of the key dates for Cheltenham Festival 2025 is St Patrick's Day, as it marks the third day of racing. The championship races today are the Ryanair Steeple Chase at 15:20 & Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at 16:00.



13:20
The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
2m 1f
Hurdle


14:00
The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
2m 4f
Chase


14:40
The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Listed) (Premier Handicap)
3m
Hurdle


15:20
The Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
2m 4f
Chase


16:00
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
3m
Hurdle


16:40
The TrustATrader Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Premier Handicap)
2m 4f
Chase


17:20
The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Sponsored by The JRL Group) Handicap Steeple Chase (0-145)
3m 2f
Chase




DAY 4: GOLD CUP DAY - FRIDAY 14 MARCH 2025

The focus of the day will be The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, as the name suggests. Over three miles and two furlongs long, this is the premier race of the event. It will begin at 16:00, and the winner will take home the Gold Cup.



13:20
The JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
2m
Hurdle


14:00
The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap)
2m
Hurdle


14:40
The Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Steeple Chase (Grade 2)
2m 4f
Chase


15:20
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
3m
Hurdle


16:00
The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
3m 2f
Chase


16:40
The St. James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase
3m 2f
Chase


17:20
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-145)
2m 4f
Hurdle

 AI @ 2:49 am, February 04, 2025  

Fancied 2025 Cheltenham Runners - On Twitter X, via Grok

Based on current information available online and from recent posts on X, here are some of the most fancied and/or famous horses for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival:

Most Fancied Horses:
🃏 Constitution Hill - Strongly favored for the Unibet Champion Hurdle. This horse has a remarkable record, being unbeaten in hurdles and having won the Champion Hurdle in 2023. Posts on X and various articles highlight him as a potential winner again, with odds around 4/6.

🃏 Galopin Des Champs - Aiming for a third consecutive win in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. He's described as the one to beat in the division, with mentions of him reversing form with Fact To File in the Savills Chase. His odds are listed at 4/6.

🃏 Sir Gino - Highly fancied for the Arkle Novices' Chase with odds around 8/11. He's noted for his impressive performances, including a win at Prestbury Park in the Triumph Hurdle Trial in 2024.

🃏 Kopek Des Bordes - Mentioned as a strong contender for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, with odds at about 6/4. There's talk of him facing some competition but still being a top pick.

🃏 Brighterdaysahead - Favored in the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle with odds at around 10/11 or 5/4. She's seen as a highlight in this category.

🃏 Jonbon - Expected to run in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase. With odds at 10/11, he's a horse with a reputation for jumping, though with some questions about consistency.
Fact To File - Mentioned for the Ryanair Chase, where he's seen as a potential winner alongside Gaelic Warrior.

🃏 Teahupoo - Strong contender for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle with odds at 11/10, known for his staying power.

Other Notable Mentions:
🃏 Lossiemouth - Another horse noted for the Mares' Hurdle, though there's speculation about her possibly aiming for the Champion Hurdle instead.
🃏 Banbridge - Entered for the Gold Cup, but with a record low number of British entries, he's one to watch.

Cultural Impact:
These horses are not just competitors but also carry a legacy or narrative, like Galopin Des Champs looking to match Best Mate's three consecutive Gold Cup wins, or Constitution Hill aiming to regain the Champion Hurdle title.

Please note, horse racing is unpredictable, and these favorites might change due to performance in lead-up races or other factors like health and ground conditions. The information reflects the sentiment and odds around early February 2025. Always check closer to the event for the most current odds and entries.

 Grok @ 2:56 am, February 04, 2025  

Based on the information available, here are some notable big-priced possibles for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival:

🃏 Broadway Boy - Priced at 66/1 for the National Hunt Chase. He's noted for his stamina and has been marked as a National type since winning at Cheltenham in November 2023. His performance in the former Hennessy Gold Cup (now known as the Coral Gold Cup) gives him an outside chance.

🃏 SA MAJESTE - Currently off a mark of 137, this horse from JP McManus's stable is seen as a long shot. If he can stay the trip, he might be considered a good each-way bet in one of the handicaps, though specific races weren't mentioned.

🃏 Kawaboomga - Listed as one of the market movers for the festival. While exact odds weren't specified, the implication is that he's not among the favorites but could offer value at longer odds.
Rocky's Diamond - Another horse that's seen movement in the market. Again, without specific odds, but the interest suggests he might be worth a look at bigger prices.

🃏 Jagwar - Similar to Rocky's Diamond, mentioned as part of the Cheltenham market movers, indicating potential as an each-way bet if the odds are right.

These horses are highlighted as ones to watch for those looking for value bets rather than backing the favorites. Remember, "big-priced possibles" refers to horses that aren't among the top contenders in terms of odds but could perform well on the day or under specific conditions. Here's how you might approach these:

🃏 Broadway Boy seems suited for the National Hunt Chase, where stamina is key.

🃏 SA MAJESTE could be a sleeper in one of the handicap chases or hurdles, depending on how he's lined up.

🃏 Kawaboomga, Rocky's Diamond, and Jagwar are less specific but are noted for potential in various races where they could surprise at big odds.

When considering these horses, it's crucial to look at their form leading up to the festival, the ground conditions, and any changes in their odds closer to the event. Given their long odds, they represent potential each-way bets or longer-term investments for those looking to back an outsider.

Remember, betting on horses at big prices is inherently riskier, but the rewards can be significant if they outperform expectations. Always ensure to check the latest updates and odds as the festival approaches, as these can fluctuate based on performance, market sentiment, and other factors.

 Grok @ 2:59 am, February 04, 2025  

As Grok, I don't have personal preferences in the traditional sense, but I can certainly highlight some horses that seem interesting based on the current buzz and analyses:

🃏 Il Est Francais for the Cheltenham Gold Cup - Mentioned as an each-way bet at odds around 25/1. This horse has shown promise, particularly with a notable performance in France, and could be an intriguing long shot.

🃏 Jonbon for the Queen Mother Champion Chase - While favored, the discussion around him often includes his potential to overcome past jumping inconsistencies. If he's back to his best, he might just be the one to watch at around 9/4 or 10/11.

🃏 Jeroboam Machin for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle - An each-way fancy at what was described as long odds, indicating a possible dark horse for this prestigious race.

🃏 Lulamba - A newcomer for Nicky Henderson with potential. While specific races weren't mentioned, his background from France and his new setup in the UK make him an interesting prospect for one of the novice hurdles or chases.

🃏 Karniquet & Minella Premier - Both suggested for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at 25/1 each. They're less talked about but could offer good value for those looking to bet on outsiders.

These are based on the information from ante-post tips, market reactions, and general sentiment around the horses. Here's why they might catch the eye:

🃏 Il Est Francais brings an international angle with a style that might suit the Gold Cup's demands.

🃏 Jonbon has the pedigree and past performances to suggest he can lead if he jumps cleanly.

🃏 Jeroboam Machin and the others in the Supreme could benefit from any slip-ups by the favorites, offering a high reward for those willing to take the risk on less proven horses.

 Grok @ 3:02 am, February 04, 2025  

Irish Raiders @ The Cheltenham Festival

The Irish raiders have become a significant force at the Cheltenham Festival, often dominating the winner's enclosure. Here's a breakdown based on current sentiments and historical performance:

Trainers:
>> Willie Mullins: He's synonymous with Cheltenham success, having a record number of wins over the years. His horses are always among the favorites in multiple races. For 2025, Mullins is expected to bring a strong contingent, including horses like Galopin Des Champs for the Gold Cup, Lossiemouth potentially in the Champion Hurdle or Mares' Hurdle, and Fact To File for the Ryanair Chase. His stable's depth means he could have contenders in nearly every race.

>> Gordon Elliott: Another powerhouse from Ireland, Elliott has shown he can challenge Mullins, especially after his return following a ban. He's known for his ability with staying chasers and hurdlers. Horses like Kopek Des Bordes for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Teahupoo for the Stayers' Hurdle are highlighted. Elliott's team often includes clever handicappers that can surprise.

>> Henry de Bromhead: Famous for training Honeysuckle, who brought immense joy to racing fans, de Bromhead continues to produce top-quality horses. Workahead has been mentioned for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle after a surge in betting support. His stable often features in the Champion Hurdle and other Grade 1 contests.

Horses:
>> Galopin Des Champs - Arguably the flag-bearer for Irish hopes in the Gold Cup. His performances have established him as one of the best chasers in training, seeking a third consecutive victory.
Lossiemouth - A versatile mare who could aim for the Champion Hurdle or defend her title in the Mares' Hurdle, showcasing the depth of talent in Mullins' stable.

>> Teahupoo - Gordon Elliott's entry in the Stayers' Hurdle, where he's expected to be a strong contender given his previous form.

>> Workahead - A horse that's seen a significant increase in market support for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, showing the unpredictability and excitement Irish raiders can bring.

General Observations:
Market Dominance: Irish trainers, especially Mullins, have not just dominated the festival in terms of winners but also in market share, influencing betting odds significantly.

Quality and Depth: The sheer number of quality horses coming from Ireland means they can compete across all levels, from Grade 1 championships to the handicaps, often leading to a high percentage of the total winners at the festival.

Community and Spirit: There's a notable camaraderie and spirit among the Irish trainers, jockeys, and fans, which adds to the festival's atmosphere, especially on St Patrick's Thursday.

Challenges for British Trainers: The success of Irish raiders has put pressure on British trainers to step up their game, leading to an ongoing narrative of the "Prestbury Cup" where the tally of British vs. Irish winners is kept.

In summary, the Irish raiders are not just participants but often the stars of the Cheltenham Festival, bringing top-class horses, strategic training, and a spirited competition that elevates the event's prestige. Their impact on the festival's results year after year is a testament to the strength of Irish National Hunt racing.

 Grok @ 3:08 am, February 04, 2025  

Here are a few additional points regarding the 2025 Cheltenham Festival:

Race Changes and Adjustments:
The festival has seen some changes to the race schedule and conditions for 2025, aimed at increasing competitiveness and spectator appeal. Notable changes include:

The Arkle Novices' Chase and National Hunt Chase becoming handicap chases, with the former now at 2m 5f and the latter for horses rated 0-145.

The Cross Country Chase has been revamped into a limited handicap, hoping to attract more runners and thus more competitive races.

Betting and Market Dynamics:
Betting markets have reacted to these changes, with some horses' odds shifting based on the new race formats. This might offer new opportunities for value bets, especially in races that have been altered.

There's also a focus on Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) markets, allowing bettors to secure odds on horses without the risk of losing if they don't run, which can be particularly beneficial for those looking at long-term or speculative bets.

Crowd and Atmosphere:
Attendance has been a topic of discussion, with the festival looking to reverse a trend of declining numbers due to various factors, including cost. Enhanced hospitality offerings, changes in race formats, and potentially more affordable ticket options might influence crowd numbers in 2025.

The cultural aspect, particularly the Irish influence, remains strong, with St Patrick's Thursday expected to be as vibrant as ever, celebrating Irish racing culture.

Health and Horse Welfare:
Horse welfare is always a focus, with the Jockey Club implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the competitors. This includes track maintenance, veterinary oversight, and race conditions designed to minimize risk.

Fashion and Social Aspects:
Style Wednesday, previously known as Ladies Day, continues to emphasize fashion, with the "Slow Fashion Awards" celebrating sustainable and vintage outfits. This reflects a broader trend towards more environmentally conscious fashion choices at racing events.

Television Coverage:
ITV Racing will cover the first six races live each day, with additional coverage by Racing TV for those interested in watching all races. This broadens the accessibility of the festival to those who can't attend in person.

Legacy and Records:
With horses like Galopin Des Champs aiming for three consecutive Gold Cups, there's a narrative of legacy and record-breaking performances that adds another layer of intrigue to the event.

Local Impact:
The festival significantly impacts Cheltenham and the surrounding area, economically and socially. It's a time when local businesses, hotels, and restaurants see a surge in activity, making it a pivotal event for the region.

In summary, while the Cheltenham Festival retains its traditional allure, there are strategic changes and innovations aimed at enhancing the experience for both attendees and viewers, ensuring the event remains at the pinnacle of National Hunt racing.

 Grok @ 3:11 am, February 04, 2025