Everything you need to know

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When is the Cheltenham Festival and which horses will take part? Check out our guide to find out all the key information about one of the biggest weeks in horse racing.

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival is fast approaching and the excitement is building.

The biggest event in the National Hunt calendar feature 28 races across four action-packed days, and Betway will offer an array of Cheltenham betting markets on offer throughout the week.

Here, we have all the key information that you need ahead of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.

Cheltenham Festival key dates

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival gets underway on Tuesday 11 March 2025. The 28-race championship gets underway with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the first day of action will also deliver the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy.

Wednesday, March 12, brings the Queen Mother Champion Chase, while Thursday 13 March delivers the Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is the pinnacle of the National Hunt season, takes place on Friday 15 March.

Cheltenham Festival race schedule

A total of 28 races will take place across the four days of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. The action starts with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on an opening day, which features seven cracking contests. 

The Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy is the highlight of Tuesday’s card, which also delivers the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase, Ultima Handicap Chase, Mares’ Hurdle, Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the star of Wednesday’s show, and the second day of action also features the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, Coral Cup, Cross Country Chase, Grand Annual and Champion Bumper. 

It’s a double delight on Thursday with the Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle, plus the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, Plate Handicap Chase and Kim Muir Challenge Cup. 

The final day of Cheltenham festival action takes place on Friday and plays host to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. It’s a crescendo which also features the Triumph Hurdle, County Hurdle, Mares’ Chase, Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, Hunters’ Chase and the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. 

Top Cheltenham horses and jockeys

Galopin Des Champs, who will be ridden by Paul Townend, will go for a third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday. Fact To File, Banbridge and Corbetts Cross look the biggest challengers, while Townende is pursuing his fifth Gold Cup win.

Hurdle star Constitution Hill is out to prove he is back to his best and regain his Champion Hurdle title under Nico de Boinville. Nicky Henderson’s star hurdler triumphed in 2023 but was unfit to defend his crown last year, with State Man winning in his absence.

Kopek Des Bordes, another of Townend’s rides, could be the new star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Willie Mullins’ five-year-old is unbeaten in his career to date and is the odds-on favourite to win the opening race of the Festival.

Jonbon is the standout performer for De Boinville in the Champion Chase, and Lulamba is another big contender for Nicky Henderson’s rider in the Triumph Hurdle. 

Elsewhere, Mark Walsh will have several big rides on the JP McManus-owned runners, and Jack Kennedy will have the support of trainer Gordon Elliott if the injured jockey returns in time from a broken leg. 

Cheltenham Festival tickets, travel and more

The Cheltenham Festival is arguably the biggest event in the British National Hunt racing calendar, and it attracts a huge number of visitors every year.

Planning in advance is essential for anyone attending Cheltenham for any of the Festival’s four days. Some key tips for making the most of the Festival include:

1. Tickets: Make sure to purchase your tickets early, as they tend to sell out quickly. You can buy them online through the official Cheltenham website or authorised vendors.

2. Travel and Accommodation: Consider your travel options. Cheltenham is well-connected by train, and there are plenty of buses and taxis available. If you’re staying overnight, book your accommodation as soon as possible, as hotels fill up fast during the festival.

3. Dress Code: The Cheltenham Festival is known for its stylish attendees. While there is no strict dress code, many people opt for smart attire. The second day at Cheltenham is known as ‘Style Wednesday’, when many racegoers look to dress to impress. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as it can be quite chilly in March.

4. Plan Your Races: With numerous races scheduled each day, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the race card. Identify the feature races, pick out the horses you’re most interested in seeing and plan your day around them.

5. Enjoy the Atmosphere: Beyond the races, the Festival offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of food stalls, bars, and entertainment. Take some time to explore the grounds, check out the parade ring, and soak in the excitement.

6. Cheltenham Festival Betting: Know your limits, and only bet as much as you can afford. If you’re looking for Cheltenham tips, stay tuned to the Betway Insider throughout the Festival for picks from our ambassadors and horse racing experts.

7. Safety First: Remember to stay safe and look after your belongings. With large crowds, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.