CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: A general view as runners line up for the start of The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase at Cheltenham racecourse on day one of the festival meeting on March 14, 2017 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Here we bring you our Cheltenham Festival tips from horse racing experts who have shared their knowledge to help you navigate the seven races on the card today – and for tomorrow’s action too. Maybe you’ll pick a winner or two during this year’s jump racing extravaganza?
But whether you win or lose or you are simply happy to enjoy the spectacle, the Cheltenham Festival is a sporting event like no other. It is important that you gamble responsibly and you can read more advice on how to bet here. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Cheltenham Festival tips
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Cheltenham Festival day three tips, and more…
Day three tips: Thursday 13 March
Sixandahalf in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: Keith Donoghue
H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “This syndicate-owned five-year-old switched from the Flat and was an impressive winner at Fairyhouse on her hurdling debut in January. Her trainer says it will take a nice one to beat her.”
Jungle Boogie in the Ryanair Chase (3.20pm)
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ITV Racing pundit Ruby Walsh says: “My outsider is Jungle Boogie. He is trained by Henry de Bromhead and is beginning to fulfill the potential he showed as a youngster.”
Day four tips: Friday 14 March
Gibbs Island in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.20pm)
Trainer: Tom Lacey | Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “At a decent price, Gibbs Island is worth an each-way bet. He has more speed in his pedigree than many of his rivals and is unbeaten in two starts for Tom Lacey.”
Hello Neighbour in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.20pm)
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: Keith Donoghue
H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “An improving four-year-old who will have to get past smart British contenders East India Dock and Lulamba, but jockey Keith Donoghue says he’s the horse he’s most looking forward to riding at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. The fitting of a hood seemed to help the exuberant youngster settle better last time out and he powered home to win a Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival. A very likeable, classy ex-Flat horse who could be very smart indeed.”
ITV pundit Ruby Walsh says confidently of the second of his Cheltenham Festival tips: “Galopin des Champs will win the Boodles Gold Cup on Friday. He’s the best we’ve seen for a while and he’ll enter the history books by making it three in a row.”
Corbetts Cross in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (4pm)
Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Jockey: TBC
Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “It’s impossible to oppose Galopin Des Champs but he will be a very short price and Corbetts Cross each-way could be a good bet.”
Inothewayurthinkin in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (4pm)
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: TBC
Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “Last year’s Kim Muir scorer has been feeling his way in open company this season. Interesting his connections added him back into the Gold Cup field and he’s a decent alternative to the favourite.”
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Day one tips: Tuesday 11 March
Kopek Des Bordes in the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)
ITV Racing is on air 12.45-5pm every day of the Cheltenham Festival and ITV commentator Richard Hoiles says: “This is the horse I am most looking forward to at the Festival and he lines up in the opening race. He looked a potential superstar when winning in Ireland last time and hopefully he can prove the point and get punters off to a good start.”
Racing journalist Carl Evans agrees: “Willie Mullins is likely to train plenty of winners over the four days and, while his Kopek Des Bordes is a short price in the opening race, it’s good to beat the bookies in round one.”
Kopek Des Bordes result: winner
Joyeuse in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (3.20pm)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “A really impressive winner of Newbury’s big handicap hurdle last month and Nicky Henderson clearly feels she is on the upgrade to pitch her in against the best mares. A nice one at the prices.”
Joyeuse result: sixth
Take No Chances in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (3.20pm)
H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “She’s up against mega mare Lossiemouth but could run well at a big price. I’ve loved her attitude in some tight finishes this season and she has proved she stays much further than this 2m 4f, so she will hopefully be staying on gamely up the Cheltenham hill.”
ITV Racing’s lead presenter Ed Chamberlin has nominated the 2023 champion as his cert of the meeting in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, the highlight of Tuesday’s card. “He’s a generational talent and looks back to his best,” he says.
Constitution Hill result: fell
Murcia in the Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (registered as the Fred Winter) (4.40pm)
Ed Chamberlin also picks out a longer shot from Tuesday’s action, saying: “She’s in the Honeysuckle silks and may not have her talent but she does look better than her handicap mark.”
Murcia result: eighth
Day two tips: Wednesday 12 March
The Yellow Clay in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)
Leading the second day’s Cheltenham Festival tips, H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “I can’t wait for this 2m 5f contest packed full of young superstars this year. I think The New Lion could well take it for the Skeltons and new owner JP McManus, while you can forgive Grade One winner Potters Charm his defeat last time out, for which there are plenty of excuses. But unbeaten Irish raider The Yellow Clay is very exciting, has proved himself in some real scraps and seems to be on an upward curve.”
The Yellow Clay result: second
Sixmilebridge in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien | Jockey: Kielan Woods
Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Beat a smart horse when winning at Cheltenham in January and might surprise some shorter-priced runners.”
Sixmilebridge result: ninth
Ballyburn in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (2pm)
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend
Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Steps up in trip for this race and that is likely to suit him.”
Ballyburn result: fifth
Latenightpass in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3.20pm)
Trainer: Tom Ellis | Jockey: Gina Andrews
Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Although only third to Stumptown over the course and distance in December, Latenightpass is now better off at the weights and is very good over these rare obstacles.”
Latenightpass result: second
Jazzy Matty in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup (4.40pm)
Trainer: Cian Collins | Jockey: Danny Gilligan
Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “A winner here over hurdles who had a useful sighter over fences earlier in the season. Represents a new and shrewd, young trainer in Cian Collins, who will be keen to make his mark.”
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
