The Cheltenham roar explodes as the William Hill-sponsored first race begins

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For the horse racing community, there is little more exciting than the build up to the Cheltenham Festival. From the boisterous roar that reverberates across Prestbury Park as the tapes are lifted for the festival’s first race, the William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle, to the final race of the meeting, Cheltenham stands as one of the sporting world’s greatest events. Long the highlight of the National Hunt season, the event has garnered incredible interest in Cheltenham betting; and with the lively social component of Ladies’ Day, Cheltenham now rightly dominates the late-winter social diaries of some of the best-dressed British.

There is little to compare to the raw thrill of racing combined with the sophistication and style which characterises the four-day meeting that is Cheltenham. In 2013, it all begins with the Cheltenham Roar, on March 12 at 1.30pm, at the start of the William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle. Six other races are scheduled throughout the first day, totalling seven opportunities for betting on Cheltenham, including the Champion Hurdle. Taking centre stage at 3.20pm, the Champion Hurdle, which lends its name to the day, will likely find all eyes on two renowned previous winners, Hurricane Fly and last year’s winner Rock on Ruby; nevertheless, others, including Zarkandar, may also have a say in the proceedings.

On the second day of the meet, the prestigious Queen Mother Champion Chase on Ladies’ Day begins at 3.20pm. Ladies’ Day offers punters and fashion lovers alike a welcome reason to follow the racing action, with seven races scheduled including the longest race of the day, the four-mile Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Steeple Chase, starting at 1.30pm. Other not-to-miss events include the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at 2.05pm and the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, to begin at 4.40pm.

Not meant to ignore the excitement on St Patrick’s Thursday, the blue ribbon event of the festival, and widely thought of as the culmination to the entire jump season, is the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Taking place at 3.20pm on March 15, the last day for 2013 Cheltenham betting, this is the race in which legends are made. There will be plenty of owners, jockeys and trainers hoping to follow in the esteemed footsteps of Best Mate, Golden Miller and most recently the incomparable Kauto Star. This year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup boasts an extremely open market, with comprehensive coverage at William Hill, including odds, tips and expert opinions on the big race.

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