The 2025 Cheltenham Festival is set to commence on Tuesday, 11th March, offering an exhilarating start with a series of top-tier races that attract the finest talent in National Hunt racing. Here’s a comprehensive overview of Day One’s races, notable contenders, and the best available betting odds from our featured UK free bet bookmakers as of 6th March 2025.
1. Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1:20 PM)
The Festival traditionally opens with this Grade 1 hurdle over two miles, featuring the season’s leading novice hurdlers.
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Kopek Des Bordes: Trained by Willie Mullins, this gelding has shown exceptional form, making him the favourite at 5/6.
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Romeo Coolio: Gordon Elliott’s entrant has been consistent throughout the season, currently priced at 6/1.
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Salvator Mundi: Another strong contender from Mullins’ yard, available at 13/2, has demonstrated significant improvement in recent outings.
2. Arkle Novices’ Chase (2:00 PM)
This two-mile Grade 1 chase is a highlight for novice chasers, often serving as a springboard to future stardom.
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Majborough: Leading the market at 8/13, this Willie Mullins-trained gelding has been dominant this season, showcasing impeccable jumping skills.
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L’Eau du Sud: Dan Skelton’s charge, priced at 9/2, has shown promise in recent starts and could pose a significant threat.
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Jango Baie: With odds of 8/1, this Nicky Henderson-trained runner has the potential to surprise, especially if conditions suit.
3. Ultima Handicap Chase (2:40 PM)
A competitive three-mile handicap chase that often features seasoned chasers and emerging talents alike.
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The Changing Man: Favourite at 7/1, has been in consistent form leading up to the Festival, making him a popular choice among punters.
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Broadway Boy: Close in the betting at 8/1, this runner has shown potential in recent outings and could offer value.
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Crebilly: Priced at 10/1, has been a reliable performer this season and may well be in contention.
4. Mares’ Hurdle (3:20 PM)
A Grade 1 race over two and a half miles, spotlighting top-class mares competing at the highest level.
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Jade De Grugy: With odds of 5/2, this runner has shown consistent form and could challenge the favourite.
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Golden Ace: This Jeremy Scott contender is expected to feature throughout the contest at 6/1.
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Joyeuse: Nicky Henderson’s main hopeful for this hurdle, a 7/1 shot at the time of writing.
5. Champion Hurdle (4:00 PM)
The day’s feature race, the Champion Hurdle, is a two-mile Grade 1 hurdle attracting the elite hurdlers in the sport.
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Constitution Hill: The standout favourite at 4/6, trained by Nicky Henderson, is aiming to reclaim his title after missing last year’s Festival.
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Brighterdaysahead: With odds of 5/2, this Gordon Elliott-trained mare has been in excellent form and poses a genuine threat.
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Lossiemouth: Priced at 9/2, this Willie Mullins-trained runner is also a strong contender, having shown consistent performances throughout the season.
6. Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (4:40 PM)
This fiercely contested handicap for four-year-olds often produces surprise winners, making it a favourite among value-seeking punters.
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Stencil: Favourite at 11/2, has been impressive in recent starts, indicating strong potential.
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Total Look: Close in the betting at 6/1, this runner has shown promise and could be a significant player.
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Willy De Houelle: Priced at 7/1, has been a consistent performer this season, making him a viable each-way option.
7. National Hunt Chase (5:20 PM)
The concluding race of the day, a marathon chase over nearly four miles for novice chasers, testing stamina and endurance.
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Now Is The Hour: Joint favourite at 4/1, has demonstrated remarkable stamina in previous races, making him a strong contender.
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Haiti Couleurs: Also at 4/1, this runner has been in solid form leading up to the Festival, suggesting readiness for the challenge.
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Transmission: With odds of 6/1, is another to consider in this endurance test, especially given his recent performances.
Betting Insights
Day One of the Cheltenham Festival offers a blend of strong favourites and potential value bets. Punters may find opportunities in backing favourites like Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle, given his impressive track record.However, competitive fields in races like the Ultima Handicap Chase and the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle present chances for each-way betting, with contenders such as Broadway Boy and Total Look offering appealing odds.
Final Thoughts
As the Festival unfolds, Day One sets the stage with high-quality racing and numerous betting opportunities. Whether you’re siding with the favourites or seeking value in the outsiders, the opening day promises excitement and the potential for memorable moments.
