Cheltenham Festival 2024 - Daily Race Schedule With The Best Odds

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the world of horse racing. It is a four-day annual racing festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England. The festival typically takes place in March and attracts top horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the globe.

The Cheltenham Festival features a series of high-profile races, including several Grade 1 events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the Stayers' Hurdle. These races are contested over varying distances and are renowned for their competitiveness and excitement.

In addition to the thrilling races, the Cheltenham Festival is also known for its vibrant atmosphere and social events, with thousands of spectators attending each day to enjoy the racing action and participate in the festivities.

Overall, the Cheltenham Festival is a highlight of the horse racing calendar, attracting racing enthusiasts, punters, and celebrities alike for four days of exhilarating competition and entertainment. 

Day 1: Champion Day Results

The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival provides punters with seven races, including the prestigious and final leg of the Triple Crown of Hurdling, the Champion Hurdle. Apart from the odds, check out the best horse racing betting sites with in-depth reviews, where you can see further Cheltenham odds listings.

Get the Festival off with a bang by selecting winners from the races below

Feature Race - Unibet Champion Hurdle Odds and Places

The headline event on the Festival's opening day is the Champion Hurdle at 15:30, one to savour. Having boasted racing royalty like Night Nurse and Istabraq as previous winners, all eyes are on Willie Mullin's State Man, the current favourite at the start of the day.

Here are the runners and race positions.

Day 2: Festival Wednesday (Ladies Day) - Winners

Ladies' Day at the Cheltenham Festival celebrates elegance and excitement. Women dazzle in their finest attire, showcasing fashion trends with hats and dresses adorned in vibrant colours and intricate designs. It's a spectacle of style and sophistication, where attendees relish in the occasion's glamour. But Day 2 is not just about fashion and the racing glitterati; it is again filled with seven world-class races.

So, whether you're captivated by the allure of fashion, the adrenaline of racing, or the excitement of betting on horses, the Cheltenham Festival Ladies' Day offers an unforgettable experience filled with glamour, thrills, and the chance to create lasting memories.

Feature Race - Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeplechase Odds and Places

The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase is a prestigious Grade 1 steeplechase race held annually at the Cheltenham Festival. It was first established in 1959 and is named in honour of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, an avid horse racing enthusiast.

The race covers approximately 2 miles (3,219 meters) on the Cheltenham Racecourse's Old Course and features a series of 12 challenging fences for the competing horses to navigate. It is open to horses aged five years and older and is renowned for attracting some of the finest two-mile chasers in National Hunt racing.

Over the years, the Queen Mother Champion Chase has seen many legendary winners grace its winner's enclosure. Some of the most famous past winners include:

• Badsworth Boy: A three-time winner of the race in 1983, 1984, and 1985, Badsworth Boy is one of the most celebrated champions in the Queen Mother Champion Chase's history.
• Moscow Flyer: This exceptional Irish racehorse won in 2003 and 2005, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances and impeccable jumping ability.
• Master Minded: Trained by Paul Nicholls, Master Minded dominated the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2008 and 2009, showcasing his incredible speed and athleticism on the track.
• Sprinter Sacre: Regarded as one of the greatest two-mile chasers of all time, Sprinter Sacre claimed victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2013 and 2016, thrilling fans with his breathtaking displays of speed and agility.

These illustrious champions, along with many others, have helped cement the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase's status as one of the highlights of the Cheltenham Festival, attracting top-class competitors and captivating audiences with its thrilling action and rich history.

Below, you will find the best Odds, compared across the top bookmakers by our Oddspedia team for the Front Runners of the 2024 race

*Odds at GMT 0550hrs on the 13th of March; Odds comparison across 14 bookmakers.

Best Cheltenham Festival Bookmakers

It is time for a breather, but time well spent to find the best bookmakers for betting on the Cheltenham Festival. For this, you should consider several factors:

1. Reputation: Look for bookmakers with a solid reputation for reliability, honesty, and prompt payouts. Check online reviews and ratings from other bettors.
2. Odds and Offers: Compare bookmakers' odds to ensure you get the best bet value. Additionally, look for special promotions and bonuses specific to the Cheltenham Festival, such as enhanced odds or free bets.
3. Coverage: Ensure the bookmaker covers a wide range of Cheltenham Festival races and offers diverse betting markets, including win, each-way, and exotic bets like forecasts and tricasts.
4. User Experience: Choose bookmakers with user-friendly websites or mobile apps that make it easy to navigate, place bets, and access relevant information such as race schedules, horse stats, and betting tips.
5. Customer Support: Opt for bookmakers with responsive and helpful customer support services, including live chat, email, or phone support, especially during peak times like the Cheltenham Festival.
6. Payment Options: Check if the bookmaker supports convenient and secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers, and if there are any associated fees or processing times.
7. Licensing and Regulation: Ensure the bookmaker is licensed and regulated by reputable gambling authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission, to guarantee fair play and consumer protection.

Considering these factors, you can find the best bookmaker for betting on the Cheltenham Festival, maximising your enjoyment and potential winnings while minimising any risks or hassles.

Day 3: St Patrick's Thursday - Results

St. Patrick's Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival is a vibrant and festive day that celebrates the excitement of horse racing and the spirit of Irish culture. Held annually on the festival's third day, it's filled with thrilling races, lively entertainment, and plenty of Irish-themed festivities. The day also marks when the races move from the old to the new course for the remainder of the Festival.

Aside from the racing action, St. Patrick's Thursday embraces the Irish heritage with gusto. Spectators are treated to traditional Irish music, dancing, and delicious food and drink offerings, including Guinness and Irish whiskey. The atmosphere is electric, with racegoers donning green attire and revelling in the festive spirit.

St. Patrick's Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival offers a unique blend of thrilling racing action and lively Irish festivities, making it a standout day on the racing calendar that captures the essence of sport and celebration.

Indeed, the Guinness will be flowing, but will the luck of the Irish be with you and your bets?

Feature Race - Ryanair Steeplechase Odds and Places

The Ryanair Steeplechase is one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar. It is run over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs and features challenging fences that test the competitors' speed and jumping ability.

The race was inaugurated in 2005 as the Festival Trophy and was later renamed the Ryanair Chase in 2008 after Ryanair, an Irish airline, became the sponsor. It quickly gained popularity and is now considered one of the highlight events of the Cheltenham Festival.

As the feature race of St Patrick's Thursday, the Ryanair Steeplechase attracts top-class horses, trainers, and jockeys worldwide. It often serves as a showcase for seasoned chasers, providing an exciting spectacle for racing enthusiasts.

Over the years, the Ryanair Steeplechase has seen some illustrious champions grace its winners' podium. Notable past winners include Cue Card, a beloved fan-favourite who triumphed in 2013, and the legendary jockey Ruby Walsh, who rode Vautour to victory in 2016. These champions have left an indelible mark on the race's history, contributing to its allure and prestige.

One of the newer races, also known as the Festival trophy, was added when the Festival was changed to 3 to 4 days in 2005. It has seen its fair share of great winning jockeys, such as Tony McCoy and Ruby Walsh.

See the 2024 runners and their places below

*Odds TBC at GMT 0640hrs on the 14th of March; Odds comparison across 14 bookmakers

Day 4: Gold Cup Day Winners

Day 4, the last day of the Cheltenham Festival, also known as Gold Cup Day, is the pinnacle of the event. It's special because it features the most prestigious race of the festival, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This race is the ultimate test of stamina, skill, and courage for both horses and jockeys. The atmosphere on Gold Cup Day is electric, with spectators eagerly anticipating the festival's climax. Aside from the Gold Cup, there are other top-class races throughout the day, making it a thrilling spectacle for racing fans. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable day of racing action, Gold Cup Day at the Cheltenham Festival is where it's at!

Feature Race - Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds and Places

The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is the highlight of the Cheltenham Festiva. It's a Grade 1 National Hunt horse race run over about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs (approximately 5,294 meters).

This prestigious race has a rich history, dating back to its inaugural running in 1924. Over the years, it has become one of the most coveted prizes in jump racing. Many legendary horses and jockeys have left their mark on the Gold Cup.

Some famous winners of the Gold Cup include:

• Golden Miller: A true legend of the sport, Golden Miller won the Gold Cup five consecutive times from 1932 to 1936. This remarkable achievement has never been matched.
• Arkle: Widely regarded as one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time, Arkle won the Gold Cup thrice from 1964 to 1966. His incredible performances captured the hearts of racing fans.
• Desert Orchid: Known affectionately as "Dessie," Desert Orchid was a popular grey horse who won the Gold Cup in 1989. His thrilling victory remains etched in the memories of many racing enthusiasts.
• Best Mate: Trained by Henrietta Knight, Best Mate was a modern-day great who won the Gold Cup three times consecutively from 2002 to 2004. He showcased exceptional talent and consistency on the biggest stage.

As for jockeys, names like Pat Taaffe, who rode Arkle to victory, and Jim Culloty, who partnered with Best Mate for his Gold Cup triumphs, are synonymous with success in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Overall, the Gold Cup is not just a race; it's a symbol of excellence, courage, and the enduring spirit of jump racing. Year after year, it continues to captivate audiences and produce unforgettable moments.

*Odds confirmed at GMT 0630hrs on the 15th of March; Odds comparison across 14 bookmakers

The Cheltenham Festival - Miscellaneous Facts and Figures

We have compiled some interesting facts and figures that are expected over the four days of racing at this year's Cheltenham Festival