After all the excitement of Tuesday’s action at the Cheltenham Festival, attention is turned to Wednesday’s racing and the question is, what are our experts’ Cheltenham day 2 tips?
The headline race is the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, with two other Grade One contests to start the day. We’ve asked some racing experts for their Cheltenham day 2 tips for Wednesday’s seven-race card.
Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Former British point-to-pointers win Cheltenham Gold Cups, but not Grade One novices’ hurdles. No Drama This End could be the exception that breaks the rule.”
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Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “While it requires a steady nerve to back Kitzbuhel after a disappointing run at Sandown on his latest start, he has some high-class form to his name, and should be an each-way price.”
If you’re watching Cheltenham on TV, ITV Racing’s The Opening Show is on ITV4, ITVX and You Tube at 9-10am every day, and presenter Ed Chamberlin picks out an each-way shot on day 2 of Cheltenham.
“Jingko Blue is a nice each way price, well handicapped and has been targeted at this race,” he says. “He’s got plenty of ability and his trainer, Nicky Henderson, has a good record in handicap hurdles at Cheltenham.”
Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase tips (3.20pm)
Stumptown
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: Keith Donoghue
Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Stumptown won this race last year and then, in October, added the famous Velka Pardubicka to his trophy haul. Not seen since, but if fully tuned up could stump his rivals once again.”
Desertmore House
Trainer: Martin Brassil | Jockey: Ricky Doyle
Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “Has run very well over the banks course at Punchestown, the nearest equivalent track, including a cosy win in November. His shrewd trainer looks to have kept him fresh off a light weight.”
Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “In a field of young, lightly-raced horses this is a very challenging contest in which to find a winner, but The Irish Avatar won in a canter on his latest start. It is also interesting to note that Harry Skelton will ride Mets Ta Ceinture, who is making his British debut after a couple of wins in France and after being sold at auction for €710,000.”
So those are your Cheltenham day 2 tips in a nutshell. H&H will be bringing you daily news from the 2026 Cheltenham Festival and you can enjoy added insight, interviews and exclusive comment from Festival-winning jockey Davy Russell in the bumper magazine report, in the shops Thursday 19 March.
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.
