Cheltenham Racecourse: A Guide to the Home of Jumps Racing Ahead of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
The Cheltenham Festival continues to be one of the most prestigious and popular events in the racing calendar, attracting enthusiasts from far afield to witness the pinnacle of National Hunt racing. Held annually in March, the four-day festival is staged at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse, which boasts a rich history and a challenging series of tracks designed to test the best horses, jockeys, and trainers.
As the 2025 Cheltenham Festival approaches, this guide provides an in-depth look at the racecourse, its history, its different courses, the major races that make the festival a thrilling spectacle and the best bookmaker offers which could help you get the best value on each day of the Festival..
The History of Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse, located in the picturesque Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, England, has been synonymous with jump racing since the 19th century. The first recorded races in Cheltenham took place in 1815 on Nottingham Hill, and by 1831, the festival had grown significantly, attracting thousands of spectators. However, opposition from the local church led to a temporary decline, and racing moved to Prestbury Park in 1831, where it has remained ever since.
The modern Cheltenham Festival began to take shape in the early 20th century, with the introduction of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1924 and the Champion Hurdle in 1927. Over the years, the racecourse has undergone significant developments, including the expansion of grandstands, the addition of corporate hospitality suites, and enhancements to the racing surface to ensure it remains one of the best venues for National Hunt racing.
The Different Courses at Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse features two main tracks: the Old Course and the New Course, along with the Cross-Country Course, each offering unique challenges for horses and riders.
The Old Course
The Old Course is used for the first two days of the Cheltenham Festival and is known for its sharp turns and quick pace. It features stiff fences and a demanding uphill finish, making it a test of both speed and stamina. Key races run on the Old Course include the Champion Hurdle and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
The New Course
The New Course, used for the final two days of the festival, is a more galloping track with a longer run-in and a greater emphasis on stamina. The fences are more widely spaced, allowing horses to establish a rhythm before tackling the challenging obstacles. The highlight races on the New Course include the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Stayers’ Hurdle.
The Cross-Country Course
The Cross-Country Course is a unique addition to Cheltenham, featuring a mix of banks, ditches, and timber obstacles. The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, run over this course, provides a thrilling spectacle and a change of pace from the traditional hurdle and chase races.
The Big Races at the Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival features 28 races across four days, with each day offering a feature race that crowns champions in different categories.
Day 1: Champion Day – Champion HurdleThe festival kicks off with Champion Day, headlined by the Champion Hurdle, a Grade 1 race run over two miles. The race has seen legends such as Istabraq, Buveur D’Air, and Honeysuckle claim victory, cementing their place in Cheltenham history.
Day 2: Ladies Day – Queen Mother Champion ChaseLadies Day is marked by the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a fast and furious two-mile contest for the best chasers in the business. Past winners include Sprinter Sacre, Altior, and Energumene.
Day 3: St Patrick’s Thursday – Stayers’ Hurdle & Ryanair ChaseThursday’s action features two major races: the Stayers’ Hurdle, a three-mile test of stamina for hurdlers, and the Ryanair Chase, a Grade 1 race over two miles and five furlongs that often attracts high-class chasers not contesting the Gold Cup.
Day 4: Gold Cup Day – Cheltenham Gold CupThe festival culminates on Friday with the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most prestigious race of the meeting. Run over three miles and two and a half furlongs, the race has produced some of the sport’s greatest moments. Past winners include legends such as Arkle, Best Mate, Kauto Star, and most recently, Galopin Des Champs.
Past Champions and Iconic Moments
Cheltenham Racecourse has witnessed some of the greatest performances in horse racing history. Here are a few memorable winners:
- Arkle (1964-1966) – Considered one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time, Arkle dominated the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the 1960s.
- Best Mate (2002-2004) – The only horse since Arkle to win three consecutive Gold Cups, becoming a modern-day legend.
- Kauto Star (2007 & 2009) – The first horse to regain the Gold Cup after losing it, cementing his place in Cheltenham folklore.
- Honeysuckle (2021 & 2022) – The exceptional mare dominated the Champion Hurdle under jockey Rachael Blackmore, inspiring a new generation of racing fans.
- Galopin Des Champs (2023 & 2024) – The defending champion heading into the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup, looking to add his name to the history books once again.
The Cheltenham Festival Experience
Beyond the races, the Cheltenham Festival is a celebration of horse racing tradition, attracting over 250,000 spectators each year. The famous “Cheltenham Roar,” heard at the start of the first race, sets the tone for four days of thrilling action. The festival is also known for its social atmosphere, with live music, fine dining, and a mix of celebrities and racing enthusiasts adding to the spectacle.
With the 2025 Cheltenham Festival just around the corner, anticipation is building for another week of high-class National Hunt racing. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a first-time visitor, Cheltenham Racecourse offers an unparalleled racing experience that continues to capture the imagination of fans around the world.
Cheltenham Festival Free Bet Offers
Cheltenham Festival Betting Offers: Free Bets, Enhanced Places, and Price Boosts
The Cheltenham Festival is not only a highlight of the National Hunt racing season but also one of the busiest periods for bookmakers. With millions of pounds wagered across the four-day event, top betting sites compete to attract punters by offering a wide range of promotions, including free bets, enhanced places, and price boosts. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the betting offers available for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival from our featured bookmakers such as Boylesports and how bettors can maximise their value.
Free Bets for Cheltenham Festival
Free bets are among the most popular promotions offered by bookmakers during the Cheltenham Festival. These are often available in several formats, including:
- Sign-up Offers – Many betting sites provide free bet promotions for new customers who register an account and place a qualifying bet. For example, a bookmaker might offer “Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets.”
- Deposit Bonuses – Some sportsbooks match a new customer’s initial deposit with bonus funds that can be used to bet on Cheltenham races.
- No Deposit Free Bets – Occasionally, bookies will provide free bets without requiring a deposit, though these tend to be smaller amounts and may have wagering requirements.
- Loyalty Free Bets – Existing customers can also claim free bets through loyalty promotions, such as “Bet £20 on the Champion Hurdle and receive a £5 free bet for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.”
Enhanced Places:
More Chances to WinEnhanced place terms are particularly valuable for each-way bettors, as they provide extra places in a race, increasing the chances of getting a return. These enhancements typically include:
- Extra Places on Each-Way Bets – For example, in a race where standard terms would normally pay out on the top three places, an enhanced place offer might extend this to four, five, or even six places.
- Super Each-Way Promotions – Some bookmakers will go even further, offering extra places in big-field handicaps like the Coral Cup or the County Hurdle.
- Guaranteed Payouts – Occasionally, some bookies will guarantee payouts even if fewer horses finish in place positions due to fallers or non-runners.
Price Boosts and Enhanced Odds
Price boosts, also known as enhanced odds, are another common promotion during the Cheltenham Festival, allowing punters to secure better prices on selected horses. These include:
- Daily Price Boosts – Bookmakers regularly enhance the odds of popular horses to attract more bets. For instance, if Galopin Des Champs is priced at 2/1 for the Gold Cup, a bookie might boost it to 5/2.
- New Customer Super Boosts – Special one-off promotions for new sign-ups that offer significantly inflated odds on a race favorite. An example could be “Back Constitution Hill to win the Champion Hurdle at 10/1 instead of 1/3.”
- Multiples and Accumulator Boosts – Some betting sites enhance the odds of multiple bets, such as a double on two feature races or a Cheltenham Festival Lucky 15.
Other Cheltenham Festival Betting Offers
In addition to free bets, enhanced places, and price boosts, bookmakers also provide a variety of other promotions to add value to Cheltenham betting:
- Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) – A safety net that ensures if your selection doesn’t run, you get your stake refunded.
Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) – If you take an early price on a horse and the starting price (SP) is higher, you’ll be paid out at the better odds. - Money-Back Specials – Offers where punters receive their stake back (as cash or a free bet) if their horse finishes second to a specific rival or in a designated race.
- Cheltenham Festival Betting Challenges – Some bookmakers run challenges where customers can earn rewards or leaderboard prizes for placing bets across multiple festival races.
How to Find the Best Cheltenham Betting Offers
With so many promotions available, it’s essential to compare different bookmakers to find the best value. Here are a few tips:
- Check Multiple Betting Sites – Different bookies offer different promotions, so it’s worth shopping around to find the most lucrative deals.
- Read the Terms and Conditions – Always check wagering requirements, minimum odds, and withdrawal restrictions before claiming any offer.
- Use Multiple Accounts – Signing up with various bookmakers allows you to take advantage of multiple free bet offers and enhanced odds.
- Follow Betting Tipsters and Experts – Many racing tipsters highlight the best betting offers and price boosts during the Cheltenham Festival.
- Look for Limited-Time Promotions – Some price boosts and special offers are only available for a few hours on race day, so staying updated is crucial.
Final Thoughts
The Cheltenham Festival is a prime opportunity for punters and racing fans to take advantage of generous promotions from our featured bookmakers. Whether it’s securing extra places, benefiting from price boosts, or making the most of free bets, there’s plenty of value to be found. By staying informed and shopping around, punters can enhance their betting experience and increase their chances of a profitable festival.
As the 2025 Cheltenham Festival approaches, be sure to check the latest bookmaker offers using our Free Bets page and maximise your betting potential during one of the most exciting weeks in horse racing.
