All roads lead to Cheltenham Racecourse as the countdown to the 2024 Cheltenham Festival continues. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, every horse racing enthusiast is buzzing ahead of Cheltenham Day 1 as the action-packed world-class racing event is poised to set Prestbury Park alive.
As you prepare for the much-anticipated racing event, this guide offers everything you need to know – from the racing schedule to the top races, contenders, betting odds, and winning tips. Read on as you prepare for the enthralling emotion that lies ahead.
What Happens on Cheltenham Day 1?
The first day of the Cheltenham horse racing festival sets the pace for the four-day action-packed event. On this day, horse racing bettors and enthusiasts wager on various games as they eagerly anticipate wins from the exhilarating races.
Beyond betting, Cheltenham Day 1 ignites an immersive atmosphere that sets you into a world of British tradition, pageantry, and the nation’s most revered jockeys impressing the audience.
What Are the Top Races to Watch on Cheltenham Day 1?
The first day of the 2024 Cheltenham event promises to be exciting. The racing schedule comprises a perfect blend of races, from the revered Supreme Novices Hurdles to the contest-rich Champion Hurdle Challenge and the enduring run of the National Hunt Steeple Chase.
| Event Time | Race | Event Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1.30 pm | Supreme Novices Hurdle | Hurdle |
| 2.10 pm | Arkle Challenge Trophy | Chase |
| 2.50 pm | Handicap Steeple Chase | Hurdle |
| 3.30 pm | Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy | Hurdle |
| 4.10 pm | Mares’ Hurdle | Hurdle |
| 4.50 pm | Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | Chase |
| 5.30 pm | National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup | Chase |
Each race during the event comes with unique sentiments and risks. So, choosing the events to bet on before the white flag goes up at Prestbury Park depends on your interests and goals.
Cheltenham Day 1 Pro Tips
As a punter, your Cheltenham Festival Day 1 preparation is all but complete without finding the best betting tips to make the most of the day. Let’s analyze the 7 races and our Cheltenham day 1 tips to help punters find the best betting odds and make informed decisions.
Supreme Novices Hurdle Tips
Poised to raise the curtains at the Cheltenham Festival, the 2-mile Supreme Novices Hurdle promises to be a fiercely competed race. A strategic approach to betting on the event is to find horses with solid form over similar distances.
Our research shows that Mystical Power is a worthy contender. Though with a 4/5 winning chance, some tout Ballyburn to come out on top in the event. But it doesn’t seem like Mystical Power’s unbeaten run since his May debut will end soon. With a big 10/3 odd to win the hurdle, Annie Power’s son can set you off to a winning start.
Arkle Challenge Trophy Tips
The Arkle Challenge is relatively open compared to other events. We saw favorites like Marine Nationale fall to an unexpected defeat in the past. With a 4/1 shot at winning, Il Etait Temps is among the favorites, but Quilixios is a close call with a 6/1 odd.
Always look out for jumping and speed skills when betting on the chase event. Also, consider wagering on the event using different bet types to maximize your opportunities.
Ultima Handicap Chase Tips
The 3-mile Handicap Steep Chase offers value bets with competitive odds, giving you diverse possibilities for success. However, this isn’t as straightforward as other events because it’s a massive 20+ runner field.
The hack is to find a horse with the ideal profile – muscular endurance and good jumping skills. Chianti Classico is a worthy contender with an 8/1 shot at winning.
Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy Tips
The Cheltenham Day 1 race is incomplete without the Champion Hurdle. Our tip is to back previous winners and horses in top form leading to the event. With top-star Constitution Hill out of the competition due to unsatisfactory blood tests, State Man is a top contender with a 2/5 odds of reclaiming the title.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Willie Mullins-trained horse is on course to take the crown.
Mares’ Hurdle Tips
Punters interested in female horse racing are set for an exhilarating experience with the Mares’ Hurdle. But Lossiemouth is one horse that has dominated this racing category over time.
With a 1/2 odd to win and her impressive performances in the January Cheltenham Trials, the Grey Wonder mare is among the favorites.
Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Tips
This is one of the least exciting events at the Cheltenham Festival because the results are almost predictable. With one favorite since its inception, tread carefully when betting on races in this category.
Batman Girac is one to look out for in this category. The contestant has a 6/1 shot at winning, but Lack In The Mornin stands close at 5/1 odds.
National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup Tips
Amateur jockeys have a chance to thrive in the National Hunt Chase. Here, you can bet on horses with future potential, and Embassy Gardens stands out at 9/4. With an impressive record and the guidance of Patrick Mullins, there’s a lot to look forward to.
With a 5/2 odd at winning, I envision him going all the way. If you’re a beginner punter, familiarize yourself with how to bet on sports events on top sportsbooks to mitigate errors and risks.
How to Watch the Cheltenham Festival in the US
If you reside in the US, the easiest way to watch the 2024 Cheltenham Festival is to stream it online. Sportsbooks like Paddy Power, Bet365, and talkSPORT BET allow users to stream and bet on British and Irish racing events.
So you can watch the events unfold in real-time and place pre-game and in-game bets. All you need to do is create an account with your preferred bookmaker.
