Cheltenham Day 1 Tips: How to Bet on Each Race
4 minutes
Last Updated: March 12, 2024
The prestigious 2024 Cheltenham Festival is poised for action on Tuesday, March 12. All roads lead to the Cheltenham Racecourse at Prestbury Park, where horse racing enthusiasts and punters will enjoy exhilarating races and bet on various events.
As you get in on the excitement as the countdown to Cheltenham Day 1 continues, horse betting racing odds are live on top bookmakers. Our expert guide provides the best Cheltenham Day 1 tips and everything you need to prepare your bets and make informed decisions for the first day of the festival. Keep reading.
What Should You Expect On Cheltenham Day 1?
The Cheltenham Festival is a prestigious British and Irish horseracing event showcasing the finest jockeys competing across different racing categories to win the prize.
The festival’s first day sets the tone for the highly anticipated four-day annual event, typically with an electric atmosphere, fierce horse racing competitions among the best jockeys and their trainers, and an inexplicable thrill of watching events unfold on the big stage.
On Cheltenham Day 1, expect a perfect blend of British culture, high stakes, and unforgettable moments across various hurdle and chase events.
If you’re a novice horse racing bettor, you can learn how sports betting odds work before staking on the Cheltenham Day 1 events as the white flag is raised on March 12.
What are the Races to Watch on Cheltenham Day 1?
On Cheltenham Day 1, Constitution Hill was touted to be the star of the Champion Hurdle Challenge, but the horse has now been ruled out of the tournament due to unsatisfactory blood reports.
This gives contenders like State Man and Irish Point a chance to write their names in the horse racing history books. But there are six other events to watch and bet on as Prestbury Park comes alive on Tuesday, with each race holding exciting promises.
| Event Date | Event Time | Race | Distance | Event Type |
| 3/12/2024 | 13:30 | Supreme Novices Hurdle | 2 miles and ½ furlong | Hurdle |
| 3/12/2024 | 14:10 | Arkle Challenge Trophy | About 2 miles | Chase |
| 3/12/2024 | 14:50 | Handicap Steeple Chase | 3 miles and 1 furlong | Chase |
| 3/12/2024 | 15:30 | Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy | About 2 miles | Hurdle |
| 3/12/2024 | 16:10 | Mares’ Hurdle | About 2 miles | Hurdle |
| 3/12/2024 | 16:50 | Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | 2 miles and ½ furlong | Hurdle |
| 3/12/2024 | 17:30 | National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup | 3 miles and 6 furlongs | Chase |
Supreme Novices Hurdle
The Supreme Novices Hurdle kickstarts Cheltenham Day 1. The event is all about showcasing promising talents and trainers. Looking at our Cheltenham Day 1 tips, a big 7/2 odd on Bet365 for Mystical Power to win the hurdle makes Annie Power’s son a top consideration for bettors. However, Ballyburn is also worth a look at 4/5 on Paddy Power.
Arkle Challenge Trophy
After clinching the top position at Leopardstown in February, Il Etait Temps ranks high among the favorites for the Arkle Challenge. The WP Mullins-trained horse has a 4/1 shot at winning the chase, but Gaelic Warrior at 7/2 and Found A Fifty at 9/2 will give him a run for his money.
Ultima Handicap Chase
Get competitive betting odds when you stake on the 3-mile Ultima Handicap Steep Chase on Cheltenham Day 1. With a 20+ runner field and top contenders like Meetingofthewaters at 5/1, Chianti Classico at 8/1, and The Goffer at 13/2, there are exciting picks for bettors.
Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
The two-time festival winner, Constitution Hill, will not participate in the Cheltenham Festival this year. This puts State Man in pole position to win the Champion Hurdle. The WP Mullins-trained horse has a 2/5 chance of winning, but Lossiemouth and Irish Point are close, at 5/2 and 4/1, respectively.
Mares’ Hurdle
Mares’ Hurdle is another event that has Lossiemouth among the favorites. The horse that has dominated this racing category over time and has a 1/2 shot at reclaiming the prize. The mare is on course to triumph in the female-only racing event, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Batman Girac remains a favorite in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, so betting on the event is quite straightforward. Trained by Willie Mullins, the 3-year-old horse is 6/1 to win the hurdle. However, Lack In The Mornin shouldn’t be overlooked at 5/1 odds to challenge for the top prize.
National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
At the end of Cheltenham Day 1, we’ll see amateur jockeys take the racecourse to impress in the National Hunt Chase. With an impressive record and the guidance of Patrick Mullins, Embassy Gardens is a top shot at 9/4 on Paddy Power and Boyle Sports.
However, Corbetts Cross also has a 7/4 shot at winning, so he’s worth a look.
How to Bet on Cheltenham Day 1 Races
Now that you have the best Cheltenham Day 1 betting tips handy, it’s time to learn how to place a bet and maximize the festival’s opportunities. Follow the steps below to bet on Cheltenham races in the US.
- Choose a reputable bookmaker from our recommended list.
- Create a betting account and complete identity verification (KYC) if required
- Navigate to the “horse racing” section on the sportsbook website or mobile app
- Select the “Cheltenham Festival” option from the available events
- Choose the race to bet on from the 7 Day 1 activities
- Enter the bet amount and review your betting slip
- Place your bet and watch the event unfold
Additionally, you can immerse yourself in the electric thrill the races offer outside the UK or Ireland. This is because bookmakers like Bet365, talkSportBET, and Paddy Power also have a live streaming feature that lets you watch every race of the Cheltenham Festival on the go.
However, if you prefer a real-life enthralling experience or fancy inspecting the horses in the Parade Ring before placing a bet, you can bet on your favorite horses on course. You’ll find diverse on-site betting shops accepting cash bets around Prestbury Park.
