I break betting odds news as it happens, so you’re never left behind when the market moves or a top offer lands.
- Lossiemouth heads the Champion Hurdle betting at 13/8 for the feature race.
- Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba dominate the Arkle Challenge Trophy market.
- Seven races take place on Champion Day with competitive betting markets across the card.
Champion Day Opens Cheltenham Festival 2026
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival gets underway on Champion Day, with seven high-quality races kicking off four days of elite National Hunt racing.
Leading UK betting sites have released full betting markets for the opening day, with punters already analysing form ahead of the first race at 13:20.
The highlight of the afternoon is the Champion Hurdle at 16:00, where Lossiemouth heads the market, but there are competitive betting markets throughout the day including the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle Challenge Trophy, and the Ultima Handicap Chase.
All odds for today’s preview are provided via Unibet.
18+ gambleaware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg. Receive 2 x £10 free bets within 24 hours of bet settlement, and further 2 x £10 free bets 7 days later. Valid for Horse Racing only. T&C’s apply.
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Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (13:20)
The Festival traditionally begins with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, a race often featuring future stars of the sport.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Old Park Star | 9/4 |
| Talk The Talk | 4/1 |
| Mighty Park | 9/2 |
| El Cairos | 15/2 |
| Mydaddypaddy | 17/2 |
| Leader D'allier | 10/1 |
| Sober Glory | 11/1 |
Old Park Star currently heads the betting at 9/4, having shown impressive form coming into the Festival.
Best Tipster's Tip
Arkle Challenge Trophy (14:00)
The Arkle Challenge Trophy features some of the best novice chasers in training, and the betting market suggests a fascinating battle at the top.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kopek Des Bordes | 5/4 |
| Lulamba | 13/8 |
| Kargese | 5/1 |
| Steel Ally | 14/1 |
| Jax Junior | 20/1 |
| Hansard | 100/1 |
Kopek Des Bordes is the 5/4 favourite, narrowly ahead of Lulamba at 13/8, suggesting bookmakers see this as a two-horse contest.
Best Tipster's Tip - Kopek Des Bordes
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (14:40)
The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle is typically one of the more unpredictable races of the day.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Winston Junior | 11/2 |
| Glen To Glen | 7/1 |
| Manlaga | 7/1 |
| Saratoga | 7/1 |
| Ammes | 15/2 |
| Mustang Du Breuil | 11/1 |
| Madness D'elle | 14/1 |
Winston Junior leads the market at 11/2, though several runners remain closely matched in the betting.
Best Tipster's Tip - Winston Junior
Ultima Handicap Chase (15:20)
Jagwar sits at the head of the market at 7/2, with Iroko also attracting support at 11/2.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jagwar | 7/2 |
| Iroko | 11/2 |
| Myretown | 10/1 |
| Quebecois | 17/2 |
| Hyland | 9/1 |
| Knight Of Allen | 14/1 |
| Johnnywho | 10/1 |
Best Betting Sites For Horse Racing Promotions 2026
Champion Hurdle (16:00)
The feature race of the day is the Champion Hurdle, one of the most prestigious races in the entire National Hunt season.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Lossiemouth | 13/8 |
| The New Lion | 9/4 |
| Brighterdaysahead | 5/1 |
| Golden Ace | 10/1 |
| Poniros | 12/1 |
| Alexei | 18/1 |
| Anzadam | 16/1 |
Lossiemouth heads the betting at 13/8, with The New Lion considered the main challenger at 9/4.
18+ gambleaware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg. Receive 2 x £10 free bets within 24 hours of bet settlement, and further 2 x £10 free bets 7 days later. Valid for Horse Racing only. T&C’s apply.
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Festival Plate (16:40)
The Festival Plate handicap chase offers another competitive betting contest later in the afternoon.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Madara | 10/3 |
| Mclaurey | 4/1 |
| Downmexicoway | 8/1 |
| Down Memory Lane | 17/2 |
| Will The Wise | 15/2 |
| Booster Bob | 11/1 |
| Zurich | 16/1 |
| No Questions Asked | 14/1 |
National Hunt Chase (17:20)
Champion Day concludes with the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, a race that often produces dramatic finishes.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Backmersackme | 7/2 |
| Iceberg Theory | 13/2 |
| Newton Tornado | 11/2 |
| Wade Out | 7/1 |
| One Big Bang | 8/1 |
| Kurasso Blue | 9/1 |
| Walking On Air | 12/1 |
| King Of Answers | 10/1 |
Where To Bet on Cheltenham Festival
With thousands of bets placed throughout the four-day meeting, the Cheltenham Festival remains one of the biggest events for betting sites.
Many operators are offering free bets and Cheltenham promotions throughout the week, including enhanced offers on major races.
For example, Unibet’s current Cheltenham promotion offers Bet £20 Get £40 in Free Bets for new customers.
Key Offer Details
Bet £20 on horse racing at minimum odds of 2/5 (1.4)
Receive 2 x £10 free bets within 24 hours
Receive 2 x £10 free bets seven days later
Those interested in additional betting markets can also explore the best horse racing betting sites which highlight bookmakers offering a wide range of novelty and sports betting options.
18+ gambleaware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg. Receive 2 x £10 free bets within 24 hours of bet settlement, and further 2 x £10 free bets 7 days later. Valid for Horse Racing only. T&C’s apply.
#ad. 18+, gambleaware.org, T&Cs Apply
Racing Trends Available for Each Race
- 13:20 at Cheltenham - Supreme Novices' Hurdle
- 14:00 at Cheltenham - Arkle Challenge Trophy
- 14:40 at Cheltenham - Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
- 15:20 at Cheltenham - Ultima Handicap Chase
- 16:00 at Cheltenham - Champion Hurdle
- 16:40 at Cheltenham - Festival Plate
- 17:20 at Cheltenham - National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup
