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Cheltenham Festival: Day One Tips

The Cheltenham Festival, The Greatest Show on Turf and the most anticipated national hunt festival in the UK racing calendar, is held annually in March and includes four days of top-class racing, including multiple grade 1 contests. 

As the curtain is raised on the Cheltenham Festival, the famous Cheltenham roar can be heard accompanying the first race and informs all punters that Cheltenham Festival day 1 has begun.

The racing gets underway at the Cheltenham Festival 2024 on Tuesday 12th March, with the opening day colloquially called Champion Hurdle day. During the opening day, there will be seven races for punters to place bets on and follow our Cheltenham Festival Day 1 tips, which will cover all of the handicaps, hurdles and steeple chase contests so you can make an educated betting selection.

As well as the key runners and riders in our day 1 Cheltenham tips, we've also included the key trends and betting information which can influence your strategy. These include recent winners and current form for runners in the Supreme Novices and Champion Hurdle and the other feature races.

View Betting Tips per race

Arkle Novices' Chase Tips & Predictions

Arkle Chase Betting Tips

Our Arkle Chase betting tips focus on the second of seven races on day one at Cheltenham. It's a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase run over approximately two miles and is the second event of the day.

As the title suggests, this race is for Novice chasers only, which means these are horses without a win in their respective category (chasing, in this example) before the existing season got underway.

The Arkle tends to be a close affair between runners at the top of the market, so seeking out the best Arkle Chase trophy tips is crucial! Expert bettors in the field understand the nuances of present and previous form, pedigree, and ground conditions.

Arkle Novices Chase Betting Odds

2.10 - Arkle Novices’ Chase Tip (Grade 1, 2m)

Number of Expected Runners: 10

Favourite: Gaelic Warrior - 7/2

The Arkle is wide open this season with no standout runner. At a right-handed track this could have gone to Found A Fifty or Gaelic Warrior, but in going the other way perhaps HUNTERS YARN will be the answer. It is difficult to know the extent of his ability, but he won in the manner of a top-class novice last time and is surely better than we have seen. Matata, who is also owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, might fare best of the British novices.

Selection: Hunters Yarn - 11/2

Understanding the Arkle Chase

The Arkle Chase was initially introduced to the event in 1969 and is named after festival legend Arkle, who triumphed in three consecutive runnings of the Gold Cup in 1964, 1965, and 1966.

It's a race where the fortunes of certain horses depend heavily on ground conditions. Recent runnings have favoured the frontrunners in the market -- indeed, the favourite won six of the last eight Arkle races.

You only have to look at the list of recent winners to see the level required to win this race. Winners enclosure inhabitants of recent times include the likes of Shishkin (2021), Altior (2017), and Douvan (2016)!

Top Arkle Chase Contenders

The top of the Arkle Chase market is a fascinating dogfight between Marine Nationale and Il Etait Temps Marine Nationale has come out of nowhere in 2022 to become one of the favourites for the 2023 Supreme Novices Hurdle and bested the favourite Facile Vega with ease last year. Meanwhile, Il Etait Temps had a difficult 2022, losing at the hands of Vauban on three occasions before rising through the ranks.

The french horse has been one of the more active potential participants in the lead-up to the event with two wins in the Thurles Beginners Chase and the Leopardstown Arkle Novice Chase, the latter featured Facile Vega and Marine Nationale and it was the first defeat of the latter's career.

Arkle Chase Betting Tips

Types of Bets Available

There are several Arkle Chase tips to follow through, which are laid out as follows:

Win Bet Pick the runner and rider you think will cross the finishing line first. You are betting on this result on the nose, meaning the horse has to win for you to make a financial return.

Each Way Bet The same as a Win Bet, but your stake is doubled for the place part, too. The place part typically divides the winner's odds by 1/5 or 1/4. That means if you bet £10 on a horse each way (£20 in total) at 5/1 and it finishes third in a race with eight runners or more, you will be paid the place part of this bet, which amounts to £20.

This punt is typically reserved for bigger-priced horses due to the potential for more significant returns.

Place Bet You are betting on a horse finishing in the nominal placings. However, if your horse wins the race, you will only receive returns according to the odds of a place rather than a win.

Strategies for betting on the Arkle Chase

What is the best approach to finding a winner in this race and kickstarting your festival with some success?

Assessing The Form of the Horses

Investigate recent runnings from your fancy. Has it beaten anything of note? What ground does it thrive on? How old is the horse and does it match up with recent winners of the race in question?

Identifying the Value Bets

Ultimately, betting is subjective, but the best bettors can establish value in their picks. For example, are you seeing a horse at bigger odds without good reason? Have the oddsmakers considered all the elements? Does the horse have previous against market leaders? All are factors to consider.

Bankroll management

Most importantly, it's vital you only bet what you can afford. Failure to adhere to a strict betting budget could result in substantial losses. Betting at Cheltenham should be a fun and friendly experience.

Factors to Consider When Placing a Bet

Several essential factors of a race can influence a result, some of which won't be understood until the day of the race, while others are known weeks before the starter's call. All of these should be considered when placing a bet.

Ground Conditions

Has it been pouring it down ahead of the festival? Or is it unseasonably warm? Ground conditions depend on the weather leading up to the festival. The more rain the course has had, the softer the ground will be, which will suit stamina-type horses with good records on this surface.

Weight Carried by the Horse

Is your preferred runner handicapped fairly? Remember, the purpose of the handicap is to equalize the chances of every runner at the start. Sometimes, the handicapper can be too fair, while on other occasions, too strict.

Jockey's Riding Style The horse may be the star of the show, but the jockey is a vital co-pilot, and their ability can decide a race. Research the jockey, their previous winners, and their past relationship with their ride to give you the best insight ahead of the race.

Arkle Chase Betting Trends and Statistics

Historical Trends and Statistics

  • The favourite has won eight of the last twelve runnings of the Arkle.
  • five of the previous seven winners were aged six.
  • There have only been two winners in the past 15 runnings of this race that have been priced in the double digits.

Analysis of Recent Results

It's clear that the cream often rises to the top in this race, so it makes sense for bettors to stay close to the top of the market. The dearth of recent big-priced winners also means it could pay to Win Only bets.

How to Use Trends and Statistics to Inform Your Bets

A debate often rages about the importance of trends and statistics and their effectiveness when using them to make predictions. Your job is to interpret the figures in a way that best supports your selection whilst considering the odds and risk/reward factors.

Arkle Chase Final Tips

Remember, a sensible Arkle Chase betting strategy involves thorough research and expert insight. Seek out knowledgeable voices to support your picks, do in-depth research, and make a judgement call based on all the available information.

Our pick for the Arkle is Marine Nationale. As it stands, the favourite looks unbeatable but the battle between Marine Nationale and Facile Vega will be a fascinating one but we need to see more from Vega in the lead-up.

When is the Arkle Chase?

The Arkle Chase is the feature race on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. It will be held at 2:10 pm on the 12th of March 2024.

Who is the Favourite to Win the 2024 Renewal?

The current bookmakers favourite to win the Arkle Chase is Marine Nationale, but it’s a close call between him and Il Etait Temps.

Who Won the 2023 Renewal of the Arkle Chase?

The 2023 Arkle Chase was won by El Fabiolo for trainer Willie Mullins.

What is the Distance of the Arkle Chase?

There are 10 fences to negotiate across a 2-mile circuit. .

Who is the Most Successful Trainer in the Arkle Chase?

Nicky Henderson has trained seven winners in this race – Remittance Man (1991), Travado (1993), Tiutchev (2000), Sprinter Sacre (2012), Simonsig (2013), Altior (2017) and Shishkin (2021).

Mares Hurdle Tips & Predictions

The Mares' Hurdle is a National Hunt steeplechase taking place annually during the Cheltenham Festival. It is open to mares aged four years or older. The distance of the race is two miles, four furlongs, and a total of eight hurdles are jumped during the race. The prize money for winning the Mares Hurdle is £60,000.

Mares Hurdle Betting Odds

Before betting on the Mares' Hurdle, you should sift through the best Mares' Hurdle Betting Tips, using trends, statistics, and expert insight to give you the best possible chance of returning a profit.

4.10 - Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m4f)

Number of Expected Runners: 11

Favourite: Lossiemouth - 4/6

Lossiemouth will be a tough nut to crack in the Mares’ Hurdle but has something to prove regarding stamina at this distance. This is a venture into the unknown for her and she faces a proven stayer over the longer trip in stablemate ASHROE DIAMOND. She appears to be on an upward curve and will be well positioned to exploit any chinks in the favourite’s armour.

Selection: Ashroe Diamond - 5/1

Understanding the Mares' Hurdle

The Mares' Hurdle has been a popular staple of the Cheltenham Festival since 2008. It was designed to allow mare-only jumpers to compete in an exclusive event.

Since the Mares' Hurdle is a steeplechase, horses must cope with the demands of jumping over fences and navigating tricky terrain. That means thorough research will help guide bettors to potential profit.

Top Mares' Hurdle Contenders

At the time of writing, Lossiemouth heads the betting in the Mares Hurdle at odds of 1/2, closely followed by Maries Rock and Ashroe Diamond

Trainer Henry de Bromhead is excited to see his two-time Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle bow out in style and is confident his legendary Irish mare can get the job done. It will be her last race at the festival, and punters will hope favouritism rewards a fairytale story.

She faces a challenging task, though, with many believing this represents the best renewal of recent years.

Mares' Hurdle Tips

Looking to capitalise on your Mares Hurdle betting tips? Check out some of the betting options available below:

Win Bet

A Win Bet is a wager where the bettor selects one horse to win the race. The horse must finish first for the bettor to receive any payouts.

Each Way Bet

Comprising two parts: the first part is a Win Bet, which means that the bettor will win if their chosen horse finishes first; and the second part is a Place Bet, which means that the bettor will receive some form of payout (usually a fraction of the win bet) if their chosen horse finishes in either first, second or third place. This type of bet gives the bettor a better chance of winning, as it offers them some form of return even if their chosen horse does not finish first.

Place Bet

Horses that finish in any place will return punters their winnings, depending on the odds.

Strategies for Tips on the Mares' Hurdle

When it comes to selecting the right horse for a race, research is key. Analyse each horse's form, and pay close attention to past performances and other factors that may impact their current performance. Consider factors like trainer and jockey experience, weather conditions, track conditions, and even the crowd's mood.

Assessing the Form of Horses

The key to analysing a horse's chances in a race is to review their past performance and learn as much as you can about them. Look at their recent races, record times and placings, any injuries they may have sustained, any course or distance wins they have achieved, the weight they carry, and any other factors that could affect their performance.

Identifying Value Bets

Value bets often manifest when the odds of a horse winning are greater than the chances of it coming out on top. This means you should look for horses with higher odds than their competitors and consider whether they have a better chance of placing or winning. Value is in the eye of the beholder, however. Compiling comprehensive research on a horse will prove vital for your chances of uncovering the best value.

Bankroll Management

A sensible approach to spending throughout the Cheltenham Festival will allow you to keep track of your wins and losses while also helping you set realistic profit expectations. It can help prevent significant losses and protect your capital long-term. Setting limits on how much you are willing to bet each race or day will help ensure you don't overspend or gamble more than you can afford to lose.

Factors to Consider When Using a Tip

Before placing a bet on a horse race, it is essential to thoroughly research the form and performance of the horses in the race. When selecting your horse, it is also important to consider factors such as turf composition, weather conditions, and jockey form.

Ground Conditions

Ground conditions are vitally important in a horse race because they will affect the horses' performance. A soft, muddy track can slow down horseracing as it is difficult for them to grip and get traction on such surfaces. Harder surfaces may be better suited to faster racers, while softer, wetter surfaces benefit horses better suited for slower paces.

Weight Carried by the Horse

Although the physical strength and size of the horses may not matter as much as skill or speed, weight can significantly impact how well a horse performs in any given race.

Mares' Hurdle Betting Trends and Statistics

  • Irish trainers have had a winner in every Mares' Hurdle since 2008, with Willie Mullins claiming nine champions.
  • Class could prove a key element in this race, with 10 of the previous 15 winners having won a Grade 1 or 2 hurdle.
  • A winning habit is important. Eleven of the previous 15 winners of this race had won a race last time out.

Mares Hurdle FAQs

When is the Mares' Hurdle?

The Mares' Hurdle takes place at 4.10 pm on Tuesday 12th, March.

Who is the Favourite to Win the 2024 Renewal?

The current favourite to win the Mares' Hurdle is Honeysuckle, trained by Henry de Bromhead.

Who Won the 2023 Renewal of the Mares' Hurdle?

The 2023 champion of this race was Honeysuckle, who won't be running in this years event.

What is the Distance of the Mares' Hurdle?

Horses battle it out over a stiff 2-mile 4-furlong course.

Who is the Most Successful Trainer in the Mares' Hurdle?

Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer in this race, with nine winners, including the iconic Quevega, who provided six victories.

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Tips & Predictions

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Tips

The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle is the penultimate race on day one of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. It comes at 4.50pm and it takes place over the extended 2m distance on the Old Course.

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Betting Odds

The race is named in the memory of a legendary National Hunt racing jockey Fred Winter, who won seventeen times at the Cheltenham Festival as a jockey and another 28 times as a trainer. This race is one of the newest races to be added to the festival in 2005 starting off as a listed contest before being promoted to a Grade 3 race in 2009, it has now been re-classified as a Premier Handicap Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott has the record for the most wins in this race as trainers, with four successes, including 2023 winner - Jazzy Matty.

Most Successful Horse: No horse has won this race more than once.

Most Successful Jockey: Mark Walsh (2 Wins)

Most Successful Trainer: Gordon Elliott (4 wins)

4.50 - Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Tips (2m)

Number of Expected Runners: 22

Favourite: Milan Tino - 11/2

Siding with horses who ran in Naas’s four-year-old juvenile handicap hurdle in February has been a quick route to profit in recent seasons for the Boodles.

NARA finished fourth in that and gave the impression she would improve significantly next time for owner JP McManus, who has plundered two of the past four runnings.

McManus is also represented by Milan Tino, who has been given a big chance by the handicapper relative to his French form.

Selection: Nara - 12/1

Tips for winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

As one of the newest Cheltenham Festival races, it can be argued that the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle is the toughest handicap race at the festival to predict. However, there are a number of Juvenile Handicap Hurdle trends that can steer you in the direction of a more likely winner based on the statistics of years past.

  • 11/29 of Paul Nicholls running horses in this race have finished in the top three positions.
  • Nick Scholfield has never finished outside of the top 3 in this race (4 races, 1 winner)
  • Only three favourites have won this race in the last 18 races.
  • 19/19 horses hadn't ran at Cheltenham previously.
  • All winners have been priced under 28/1.

So, there are some of the trends for picking a winner in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. Whether you pick a horse from either of the two leading trainers or your backing big priced winners, you can back your tip up against the trend of previous winners and statistically, the best horses to back in this race.

What markets are best for tips on the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

In our opinion, the best market to focus on in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle is the standard winner betting market. We believe this because of the lower odds of horses that win this event in comparison to some other races. This race has never had a winner at odds of over 28/1 and winners tend to stick around 7/1-13/1. So, when picking Juvenile Novices to back, we recommend sticking around these odds.

Of course, if you're looking to back a winner of higher than 13/1, then each way betting is always available as a staple of our horse racing sportsbook offering.

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle FAQs

Who has won the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle?

In recent years, there have been a number of shock winners in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle find the horses who have previously won this event below.

YearWinnerTrainer & Jockey
2023Jazzy MattyMark O'Sullivan & Gordon Elliott
2022BrazilMark Walsh & Padraig Roche
2021Jeff KidderSean Flanagan & Noel Meade
2020AramaxMark Walsh & Gordon Elliott
2019Band of OutlawsJJ Slevin & Joseph O'Brien
2018Veneer of CharmJack Kennedy & Gordon Elliott
2017Flying TigerRichard Johnson & Nick Williams

Are there any other names for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle?

The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle goes through a number of name variations such as the Fred Winter Hurdle or the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle but the full name for this race is the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

When is the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle?

The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle is the the penultimate race of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival with the race starting at 16:50.

What distance is the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle?

Run on the Old Course of the Cheltenham Festival, this race is run over a distance of 2 miles and 87 yards which is the equivalent of 3,298 metres.

What is the prize money for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle?

The prize money for this event is £80,000 in comparison to the previous years prize pot which was £78,696.

Champion Hurdle Tips & Predictions

Champion Hurdle Tips

The Champion Hurdle is the first major race of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and will be contested on the festival's opening day. Featuring some of the best hurdlers of the national hunt season from across the UK and Ireland, here at Bet UK, we'll be bringing you all the information you need to know about the race and the top UK Horse racing markets.

Champion Hurdle Betting Odds

Ahead of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, we'll have all of the latest online betting odds within the UK horse racing markets, including the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup. We'll also have daily horse racing betting tips, so you'll have key insight for all of the races at Prestbury Park.

2024 Champion Hurdle Tips

The Champion Hurdle is the premier hurdles race in jumps racing. The Championship contest is the feature on day one of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

12 runners remain in the Champion Hurdle field at the six-day declaration stage. Those taking part will race off over 2m and jump 12 hurdles during the race.

Nicky Henderson holds the record for the most wins as a trainer in the day one feature. He has been successful eight times and he will be expected to add to his tally this year with Constitution Hill.

State Man will be long odds-on to add a first Champion Hurdle to his eight Grade 1 successes in Ireland, and he has a great chance with old rival Constitution Hill out of the way. However, State Man is yet to match his best efforts elsewhere at Cheltenham and the added test of stamina on slow ground can tilt matters in the favour of IRISH POINT.

He is improving rapidly, stays further and that can only help in the conditions. To some extent those comments also apply to Nemean Lion and he is third on the list.

Selection: Irish Point - 6/1

About The Champion Hurdle

The feature race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, the Champion Hurdle, is run on the old course at Cheltenham over a distance of just over two miles. The most prestigious hurdling event in the calendar, its the last leg of the triple crown of hurdling, which also features The Fighting Fifth Hurdle and The Christmas Hurdle

Champion Hurdle Recent Winners

YearHorseWinning Trainer
2023Constitution HillNico de Boinville
2022HoneysuckleHenry de Bromhead
2021HoneysuckleHenry de Bromhead
2020EpatanteNicky Henderson
2019Espoir d'AllenGavin Cromwell
2018Buveur d’AirNicky Henderson
2017Buveur d’AirNicky Henderson
2016Annie PowerWillie Mullins
2015FaugheenWillie Mullins
2014JezkiJessica Harrington
2013Hurricane FlyWillie Mullins
2012Rock on RubyPaul Nicholls
2011Hurricane FlyWillie Mullins

Champion Hurdle Top Trainers

In the last decade, two names have become synonymous with the Champion Hurdle: Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins. Picking up five and four wins respectively, looking at the racecards, it's these name punters will focus on when browsing the UK horse racing cards before this race, especially given their calibre of runners.

Top Trainer Stats

TrainerR-W-P Stats
Nicky Henderson37-6-16
Willie Mullins33-4-13
Paul Nicholls9-1-2
Alan King10-1-1
Henry de Bromhead8-2-3

Champion Hurdle Top Jockeys

When it comes to jockeys to watch in the Champion Hurdle, it's all about the Irish jockeys as they top the rankings in the last 20 running of this race. Last season it was Rachel Blackmore who took the victory, and prior to that, it was the now-retired Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty who seemed to always pass the post first.

Top Jockey Stats

TrainerR-W-P Stats
Mark Walsh6-1-1
Rachel Blackmore3-2-2
Paul Townend12-0-6
Daryl Jacob7-0-0

Cheltenham Champion Chase Trends for tips

When it comes to betting trends for the Cheltenham Champion Chase, if you're a backer of the favourite, then those horses have passed the post first in five of the last ten runnings. It's also worth noting that many runners have 5+ wins across their career, many coming in Grade 1 wins.

Looking at the size of the field, many participants in the Champion Chase ran in fields of under 11 last time out, and when it comes to weights, many of the runners and winners of this race carried 11-2 or higher when competing last time out.

Bettors who like to combine trends will also like to note that horses who have gone on to win this race also have one or more victories with the same jockey in the saddle, most likely the one who will partner them round the course at Cheltenham. Also 71% of runners have won within their last three starts.

Champion Hurdle FAQs

Who has won the Champion Hurdle the most?

There are five horses who have gone on to win the Champion Hurdle three times in their career, Hatton's Grace, Sir Ken, Persian War, See You Then and Istabraq.

Who is the most successful trainer in the Champion Hurdle?

With eight wins and the potential to add more, it's Nicky Henderson who has the most winners in this race, dating from 1985 to 2020.

How long is the Champion Hurdle?

The distance of the Champion Hurdle is 2 miles and ½ furlong, and it takes in eight hurdles.

What is the prize money for the Champion Hurdle?

The prize pot for the Champion Hurdle is £450,000 with the winner taking £253,215.

What time is the Champion Hurdle?

The race is featured on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

How many runners are there in the Queen Mother Champion Chase?

The number of runners in the 2024 renewal in the Champion Hurdle will be decided closer to the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. However, there were seven runners headed to post in the 2023 race.

Is the Champion Hurdle broadcast on TV?

Like the majority of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, the Champion Hurdle will be broadcast on ITV.

Where can I bet on the Champion Hurdle?

Right here at Bet UK! We'll have all of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival betting odds and all the latest markets from across UK horse racing.

Who won the 2023 Champion Hurdle?

The 2023 running of this race was won by Constitution Hill.

*All odds from Bet UK’s online betting markets correct at the time of writing.

National Hunt Novices Chase

National Hunt Challenge Cup Tips

Over the distance of 3m6f, the National Hunt Challenge Cup is the joint-longest race of the week at the Cheltenham Festival. Some of the runners in this field have a Grand National entry, so this will be their final outing before Aintree.

This race is for amateur riders only and is only open to novice chasers. It was won in 2017 by Tiger Roll, while in 2023, Gaillard Du Mesnil came out on top for Willie Mullins.

National Hunt Betting Odds

A maximum field of 16 runners will compete on the Old Course in the final race on day one this year. Jonjo O’Neill holds the record for the most wins as a trainer with six successes. The Jackdaws Castle man could saddle two runners this year, as Coeur Serein and Iron Bridge both have entries.

2024 Challenge Cup National Hunt Tips

Horses who sit high in the odds tend to perform well here with 14/1 winner Le Breuil being the largest winner in recent history back in 2012. Nine horses currently sit under 14/1 in the odds. However, most winners also have a good record at the racecourse and sit between the ages of six and eight.

The two who head the National Hunt Chase betting, Corbetts Cross and Embassy Gardens, are fitted with first-time headgear and have shown their quirks in recent starts.

They have a bit to prove regarding stamina for this extreme test as well, and it seems significant that Gordon Elliott has earmarked this race for SALVADOR ZIGGY from such a long way out.

He is the one to beat on ratings, possesses strong course form and can land this big prize en route to his intended next run in the Grand National.

Selection: Salvador Ziggy

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Supreme Novices Hurdle Tips & Predictions

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle is the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival. It is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race for novices aged four years and above. The distance is two miles and half a furlong, with eight hurdles to be jumped. It is one of the most popular races at Cheltenham and is seen as a true test for young horses.

Supreme Novices Hurdle Betting Odds

The best way to get your festival off to a flying start is by getting your research in order. Getting the most transparent picture of your Supreme Novices' Hurdle betting strategy will give you the best chance of profit-making.

1.30 - Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m)

The Supreme has a much more open feel to it with Ballyburn bypassing the race for the Gallagher on Wednesday. Willie Mullins holds a strong hand headed by Mystical Power and Tullyhill, but perhaps MISTERGIF is the one to be with from his team.

He looked an outstanding talent on his stable debut at Limerick in a performance that stood out on the clock, seeming as if he could have gone round again. Of the non-Mullins challenge, Firefox has to be of interest based on his defeat of Ballyburn after failing to stay 2m4f last time.

Selection: Mistergif

Understanding the Supreme Novices' Hurdle

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle has been run yearly at Cheltenham since 1946. The National Hunt Committee created the race to give novices a chance to compete for their first big win. Limited initially to five-year-olds only, it was later opened to allow six-year-olds as well. The prize money for the race has increased significantly over time, and in 2023 it stands at £135,000.

One of the most notable elements of this race is the famous Cheltenham Roar, which greets runners and riders to the first event of the festival.

Top Supreme Novices' Contenders

At the time of writing, four horses are fighting it out at the top of the market in Ballyburn (4/5), Mystical Power (9/2), Tullyhill (9/2), and Firefox (6/1).

All eyes are on the market principal, Ballyburn, the Mullins horse who has landed five wins in his first six events, including a grade 1 Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown last time out.

The horse has one defeat to it's name when it finishes second at Fairyhouse in December as a mistake 2 out allowed Firefox to outpace the Mullins horse. However, a fairly abysmal run at Naas has led to Firefox falling further down the odds.

The horse that has taught our eye is another Mullins runner, Mystical Power, who sits second in the running and is currently unbeaten, winning it's last two runnings by seven lengths. However, it has to be said that the five year old hasn't been properly challenged yet and that could lead to Mullins taking the horse to a different course on Cheltenham week.

Supreme Novices Hurdle Betting Tips

How are you getting your money on the Supreme Novices? There are plenty of betting opportunities available, including:

Win Bet

A Win Bet is a bet on the horse that will finish first in a race

Each Way Bet

An each way bet is a combination bet that consists of two parts: a win bet and a place bet. The win part of the bet means that your selection must win for you to receive any returns, while the place part of the bet will pay out if your selection finishes either first, second, or third (depending on the number of runners in the race).

Place Bet

You are betting on the horse to finish in the places, which means any winnings will only amount to the odds of it ending in the top three (or more, depending on offer or field size). If the horse wins, you will not receive the winning odds.

Strategies for Betting on the Supreme Novices' Hurdle

There are plenty of methods that you can explore to have the best chance of returning a winner in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. They include:

Assessing the Form of the Horses

Look at your selection's previous races and note how they performed in each one. It may also be helpful to look at the jockey's history with that particular horse or other horses that the same jockey has ridden in past races. This will indicate how well the horse has responded to the jockey and their instructions.

Identifying Value Bets

When considering whether a particular horse represents value in the betting market, it is essential to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. A broad research strategy is crucial to ensuring you are getting the best possible value for your bet.

Bankroll Management

Finally, profiting from betting on the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and other races at Cheltenham is likelier if you set deposit and loss limits ahead of the festival.

Factors to Consider When Placing a Bet

While betting on a horse, you are also wagering on the circumstances around a race. Some examples of other influences on a race include:

Ground Conditions

It is essential to consider a horse's ground preference when looking at its chances in a race, as it can have a massive impact on performance. Soft ground increases the difficulty level for horses and is more suitable for horses bred for stamina. Conversely, firm or hard ground may be a more suitable surface for speedsters, especially those with a flat racing background.

Weight Carried by the Horse

The amount of weight a horse depends on the handicap, which is calculated based on the number of races it has won, how quickly it ran those races, and how much weight it was carrying during each race. If you are aware of a horse's handicap, it can help you make an informed decision about which horse to bet on.

Jockey's Riding Style

Try to understand whether your selection is a stamina stalwart best produced late down the straight or a restless sort that likes to lead from the front. By examining your horse's preferences, you can get a clearer picture on whether the jockey booked for riding is a positive or negative sign.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle Betting Trends and Statistics

  • 15 of the previous 17 winners had won a race coming into this race.
  • Only four of the previous 16 renewals of this race were won by the favourite.
  • This has been a race that the Irish or French-bred horses have thrived, with 15 of the last 17 winners originating from a stable in one of those countries.

Remember, statistics don't tell the whole story, but they can help you paint a picture when selecting your bet!

Supreme Novices' Hurdle Final Tip

To clarify, do your research before placing your final bets! Fail to prepare and prepare to fail is a phrase that works in all walks of life, but none more so than horse racing!

Our ante post tip for the race is Mystical Power, if Mullins decides to race this horse at the Supreme Novices' Hurdle we can see it putting in a fantastic run. If Mystical Power isn't to run, then we could see a French winner with Jeriko Du Reponet making it four wins in a row.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle FAQs

When is the Supreme Novices' Hurdle?

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle takes place at 1.30 pm on Tuesday 12th, March – it is the opening race of the festival.

Who is the Favourite to Win the 2024 Renewal?

The current favourite to win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle is Ballyburn, trained by Willie Mullins.

Who Won the 2023 Renewal of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle?

The 2023 champion of this race was Marine Nationale, who is the hotly tipped favourite for the Arkle Novices' Chase.

What is the Distance of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle?

The action could condense over a relatively short 2 mile ½ furlong distance.

Who is the Most Successful Trainer in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle?

Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer in this race, with six winners over the previous 20 renewals – Ebaziyan (2007), Champagne Fever (2013), Vautour (2014), Douvan (2015), Klassical Dream (2019) & Appreciate It (2021).

Ultima Handicap Chase Tips & Predictions

Ultima Handicap Chase Tips

The Ultima Handicap Chase (also known as the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase) is the first handicap race at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. It is the third race on day one of the meeting, and it is run over 3m1f on the Old Course at Prestbury Park.

Corach Rambler landed this prize in 2023, while other former winners include Rough Quest (1995), Wichita Lineman (2009) and Vintage Clouds (2021).

Ultima Handicap Chase Betting Odds

This year’s renewal is set to feature the maximum number of 24 horses. Sam Brown is the highest-rated runner in the entries, Corach Rambler is looking to become just the fourth horse in history to prevail in the race twice, while trainer David Pipe is bidding for a record-matching fourth success as a trainer when he saddles Remastered.

Most Successful Horse: Four Horses (2 wins)

Most Successful Jockey: Roberton Thornton & Tom Scudamore (3 Wins)

Most Successful Trainer: Fred Rimell & Fulke Walwyn (4 wins)

2.50 - Ultima Handicap Chase 2024 Tip (3m1f)

There has been plenty of hype surrounding the Irish runners heading the Ultima market, but Dun Doire was the last Irish winner of this race in 2006 and the prize can stay in Britain and head to connections of WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT.

He was sent off a short price for a Grade 1 novice hurdle last campaign and his season has seemingly been geared around a tilt at this race. Chianti Classico ran a lovely trial for this at Kempton when Kim Bailey’s horses weren’t firing and is next best.

Selection: Weveallbeencaught

Tips for winning the Ultima Handicap Chase

Unfortunately, picking the winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase is exceedingly difficult. Many tend to back the favourite; however, in the last twenty races, the favourite has only won twice and finished in the each way positions 9 times. So, less than 50% of the time, backing the favourite will lead to any win at all. In-fact, most of the trends for this race are exceedingly small, such as all of the last twenty winners have made 3-10 starts over the last year, in regards to horse racing betting, those trends aren't helpful to us at all.

However, there are a small number of trends that do prove useful, including:

  • 13/17 previous winners were aged seven, eight or ten.
  • 11/17 previous winners were rated 142+
  • 16/17 previous winners had run at Cheltenham before.
  • 16/16 previous winners had won over three miles previously.

When using these Ultima Handicap Chase trends, you may be able to narrow the field and pick the best horse for betting on Cheltenham Festival races such as the 2024 Ultima Handicap Chase.

What markets are best for tips on the Ultima Handicap Chase?

As previously mentioned, it is notoriously difficult to bet on the Ultima Handicap Chase due to the large field and the fact that winning favourites tend to underperform at the race. Last year's winner Corach Rambler came in at odds of 10/1 and usually we find odds of similar value or higher end up being victorious in this race.

With this in mind, our tip regarding bet types is the each way betting market. We believe that a course winner here is too difficult of a bet, if it comes off, it'll provide fantastic value but the field is simply - too big. Therefore, backing a horse each-way provides you with a better chance of finding a winner in this race.

Ultima Handicap Chase FAQs

Who has won the Ultima Handicap Chase?

In recent years, there have been a number of shock winners in the Ultima Handicap Chase, find the horses who have previously won this event below.

YearWinnerTrainer & Jockey
2023Corach RamblerDerek Fox & Lucinda Russell
2022Corach RamblerDerek Fox & Lucinda Russell
2021Vintage CloudsRyan Mania & Sue Smith
2020The ConditionalBrendan Powell Jr & David Bridgwater
2019Beware the BearJeremiah McGrath & Nicky Henderson
2018Coo Star SivolaLizzie Kelly & Nick Williams

Are there any other names for the Ultima Handicap Chase?

You may recognise the Ultima Handicap Chase by another name as it is also touted as the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase.

When is the Ultima Handicap Chase?

The first handicap race of the Cheltenham Festival is the Ultima Handicap Chase, starting at 14:50 on Tuesday 12th March.

What distance is the Ultima Handicap Chase?

Run on the Old Course, the Ultima Handicap Chase has a distance of 3 miles and 1 furlong, this is the equivalent of 5,029 metres.

What is the prize money for the Ultima Handicap Chase?

The total purse for the 2024 Ultima Handicap Chase is £125,000 with the winner of the race taking home £70,338.

Cheltenham Festival betting Tips for Day 1

The Cheltenham Festival is finally here and the time has come for some of the best jumpers in the business to lock horns on a stellar opening day at Prestbury Park.

Tuesday’s card runs from 1.30 - 5.30 and is headlined by the Champion Hurdle (3.30), one of the most prestigious races in the jump racing calendar.

We've assessed the action across the card on Tuesday at Cheltenham and picked out our best bets.

1.30 - Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m)

The Supreme has a much more open feel to it with Ballyburn bypassing the race for the Gallagher on Wednesday. Willie Mullins holds a strong hand headed by Mystical Power and Tullyhill, but perhaps MISTERGIF is the one to be with from his team. He looked an outstanding talent on his stable debut at Limerick in a performance that stood out on the clock, seeming as if he could have gone round again. Of the non-Mullins challenge, Firefox has to be of interest based on his defeat of Ballyburn after failing to stay 2m4f last time.

Selection: Mistergif to win - 12/1

2.10 - Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, 2m)

The Arkle is wide open this season with no standout runner. At a right-handed track this could have gone to Found A Fifty or Gaelic Warrior, but in going the other way perhaps HUNTERS YARN will be the answer. It is difficult to know the extent of his ability, but he won in the manner of a top-class novice last time and is surely better than we have seen. Matata, who is also owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, might fare best of the British novices.

Selection: Hunters Yarn to win - 5/1

2.50 - Ultima Handicap Chase (3m1f)

There has been plenty of hype surrounding the Irish runners heading the Ultima market, but Dun Doire was the last Irish winner of this race in 2006 and the prize can stay in Britain and head to connections of WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT. He was sent off a short price for a Grade 1 novice hurdle last campaign and his season has seemingly been geared around a tilt at this race. Chianti Classico ran a lovely trial for this at Kempton when Kim Bailey’s horses weren’t firing and is next best.

Selection: Weveallbeencaught

3.30 - Champion Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m)

State Man will be long odds-on to add a first Champion Hurdle to his eight Grade 1 successes in Ireland, and he has a great chance with old rival Constitution Hill out of the way. However, State Man is yet to match his best efforts elsewhere at Cheltenham and the added test of stamina on slow ground can tilt matters in the favour of IRISH POINT. He is improving rapidly, stays further and that can only help in the conditions. To some extent those comments also apply to Nemean Lion and he is third on the list.

Selection: Irish Point to win - 11/2

4.10 - Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m4f)

Lossiemouth will be a tough nut to crack in the Mares’ Hurdle but has something to prove regarding stamina at this distance. This is a venture into the unknown for her and she faces a proven stayer over the longer trip in stablemate ASHROE DIAMOND. She appears to be on an upward curve and will be well positioned to exploit any chinks in the favourite’s armour.

Selection: Ashroe Diamond to win - 5/1

4.50 - Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2m)

Siding with horses who ran in Naas’s four-year-old juvenile handicap hurdle in February has been a quick route to profit in recent seasons for the Boodles. NARA finished fourth in that and gave the impression she would improve significantly next time for owner JP McManus, who has plundered two of the past four runnings. McManus is also represented by Milan Tino, who has been given a big chance by the handicapper relative to his French form.

Selection: Nara to win - 11/1

5.30 - National Hunt Chase (Grade 2, 3m6f)

The two who head the National Hunt Chase betting, Corbetts Cross and Embassy Gardens, are fitted with first-time headgear and have shown their quirks in recent starts. They have a bit to prove regarding stamina for this extreme test as well, and it seems significant that Gordon Elliott has earmarked this race for SALVADOR ZIGGY from such a long way out. He is the one to beat on ratings, possesses strong course form and can land this big prize en route to his intended next run in the Grand National.

Selection: Salvador Ziggy to win - 5/1

Day 1 Cheltenham Tips Top Races and Contenders

Across the racecard of our day 1 Cheltenham tips, there are many different categories of races, including Grade 1 hurdles, handicap chases, and Grade 1 chase events, all of which are full to the brim with top class competitors who have featured in the qualifying races for the event. We’ve highlighted all of the feature horse racing events below and taken a look at the main race competitors. 

Supreme Novices Hurdle

The opening race of day one is the Supreme Novices Hurdle, contested over two miles and half a furlong. The race takes in eight hurdles which will need to be jumped. When looking at the betting trends for the race, Ireland has picked up 11 wins within the race and trainer Willie Mullins tops the rankings for that trend, which leads us to look at the runners who will fall into that category. Trends also support lightly raced runners, so make sure to browse the form of each competitor before making your selection. 

Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase

When it comes to steeplechase races, the day 1 Cheltenham Tips are quite sparse, but the Arkle gives the novices chasers their chance to test the fences at Cheltenham. Although it's a Grade 2, it’s still highly regarded as a competitive race. Recent trends show Great Britain have lots of success in the race, especially on the trainer front, and if you prefer to look at betting odds, one that stands out is that 72% of winners have no bigger odds than 10/1. 

Ultima Handicap Chase

The first handicap of the Cheltenham Festival is the Ultima Handicap Chase. Often a race which features Aintree Grand National winners, it’s a competitive betting market, where winning runners normally come from Great Britain rather than Ireland.  When exploring the betting trends, 89% of the last 20 winners have made 2-7 starts this season and have only one career fall to their name. They have also performed well at Doncaster and Haydock, so these are worth noting when looking for the form of horses.  Champion Hurdle

The premier race in our day 1 Cheltenham tips is the Champion Hurdle. A horse open to horses aged four and over, it’s part of the Triple Crown of Hurdling and a race in which mares have recently performed well. Examining the racecard for the fourth race of the card, horses which have five or more career wins perform well and have also won within their last three starts before heading to Cheltenham. 

David Nicholson Mares Hurdle 

The final grade 1 race in our Cheltenham Day 1 tips is the Mares Hurdle. A race only on the card since 2008, it was upgraded to Grade 1 status in 2015. One of the most successful races for Irish runners, with Quevega and Vroum Vroum Mag landing wins in the mares hurdle. This positive trend has continued in recent renewals, totalling 12 winners from a total of 73 runners. Looking for betting trends within this race, many winners have placed within their last two starts and also hold an official rating of 140 or more.

Fred Winter/Boodles Juvenile Hurdle

The penultimate and fifth race within our Day 1 Cheltenham tips is the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle. Introduced in 2005 to the festival card, it’s a race open to four-year-old novice hurdlers. Within this race, many trainers try to take advantage of the low handicapping, but it's the Irish trainers and horses who have seen the most success in the last five runnings. As well as that key trend, some 81% of runners who’ve participated have never run at Cheltenham. One additional factor which punters should take into account when betting is that no horse with odds of 18/1 has won the race, so checking higher-up the betting odds should be the best option.

National Hunt Chase 

The final race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival 2024 is the National Hunt Chase Challenge. Previously a four-mile race, the distance of the race was cut to three miles, and the number of fences also decreased. A race for amateur jockeys, previous winners of the National Hunt Chase include the Stattler and Galvin, and it’s a strong race for Irish trainers, with Jonjo O’Neill and Gordon Elliott picking up four wins a piece in this race.

Cheltenham Day 1 Betting Strategies

Before placing any bets at the Cheltenham Festival 2024 and following our Cheltenham day 1 tips, there are many factors which bettors will need to consider.  We’ve listed some of the most important strategies and information you’ll need to place bets on the big race events on Champions day.

Set a betting budget

When placing your bets on Cheltenham Festival Day 1, many punters choose to set a budget which often includes a set value for each race. If they select the winning horse, they separate that money and are able to show a profit for the day. 

Research Key Stats & Trends

Many factors can influence a race, and some of the key stats include recent winners and the percentage of winners at a specific age. Other trends can include whether a horse has won a Grade 1, or they’re carrying specific odds which go against the grain of recent winners. 

Winning Jockey Onboard

When selecting a horse, many punters will select a jockey who has shown strong form in the build-up to the Cheltenham festival or has managed to land a winner in races which have previously run that day. 

Top Trainer

There are many trainers who have shown a winning prowess at the Cheltenham Festival, and its these trainers who punters often choose to select again and again if they have winning runners in their arsenal or if they’ve got runners who are top of the market odds. 

Course Condition

The going conditions of the course can influence not only the odds in the betting markets but also whether a horse will perform. Some horses will run better if the ground is softer or if the ground is heavier and there has been more rain. If this is your influencing factor, then it's always best to wait until race day to confirm the conditions. 

After following key betting trends, there are many betting options you can select following our day 1 Cheltenham betting tips. The primary betting types punters can use at Cheltenham are to win, which means one horse to past the post first. Punters can also place each-way bets, which are better for those looking to place value bets which longer odds or for those looking to bet on more than one horse in a race. 

Bet On Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival

If you’re looking to follow our day 1 Cheltenham Tips, remember to have a solid betting strategy in place and also stick to the budget you’ve set for each day and for each race. There are many key trends to follow, so it’s important to also take a detailed look before making your betting selections and always bet responsibly. However, if you’re ready to watch some thrilling horse racing events, take your seat for Cheltenham 2024. 

Cheltenham Day 1 History 

The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival is a key date in the diary for every national hunt racing fan. Part of an event which has taken place over various courses since 1860, it has been hosted at Prestbury Park, its current locale since 1912. 

One key historical tidbit to know about day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival is that the Gold Cup, the now feature race of the festival, was actually held on the opening day as a support race to the County Hurdle on its first outing in 1924. However, this changed in subsequent years as it became a Championship race and is now the biggest race of the entire week. 

On the racecard for the opening day and included within our Cheltenham Day 1 tips are seven races, two of which have Grade 1 status, which means they rank higher in popularity for punters who are looking to place their festival bets.  All of the races on this day take place on the old course at Cheltenham, and the majority of them also take place over hurdles rather than the larger fences, which normally means races of agility and speed. 

First up as the curtain-raiser is the Supreme Novices Hurdle, and although many trainers eye this race as a key starting point of their Cheltenham challenge, Irish runners often have the most success, so keeping your eyes peeled for Irish runners who are likely to head to post could be a big advantage. 

The second grade 1 race to be held on the opening day of Cheltenham is the Champion Hurdle, where the fastest national hunt hurdlers have their chance at landing a Cheltenham crown. A fast and furious race, where we have seen both Irish and British runners take the crown; the most dominant is trainer Nicky Henderson with a +6.67% win rate.

Cheltenham Day One FAQs

The feature race on Cheltenham Festival Day 1 is the Champion Hurdle.

The first race is the Supreme Novices Hurdle, which kicks off the festival at 1.30pm

The festival starts on the March 12th 2024 with the first race starting at 1:30pm and the final race starting at 17:30pm.

When selecting a winning horse, punters should take into account going, distance, form and trainer form.

The favourite to win the race will have the lowest odds, and these horses statistically win more than those with higher odds.

The most common type of bet is a win bet. These are typically mixed with each way bets as bettors look to utilise the betting offers that they have activated for the festival on day one.

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