Cheltenham Festival Day 1

The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, known as Champions Day, is a highlight of the National Hunt season. SportsBetting Tipsters delivers comprehensive coverage, including race previews, expert betting tips, the latest updates, and key insights into all the action at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Day one of the Cheltenham Festival 2025 is set for Tuesday, March 11, marking the start of four thrilling days of elite jump racing. The festival kicks off on a Tuesday and runs through to Friday, showcasing the sport’s finest talent.

The first day hosts several prestigious contests, headlined by the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle, a fiercely contested two-mile event featuring the top hurdlers in the world. Other key races on the opening day include the Grade 1 Arkle Trophy and the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, both of which play a crucial role in shaping the season.

The Prestbury Cup rivalry between British and Irish-trained horses also begins on day one, setting the stage for an intense battle for supremacy that continues throughout the festival.

Explore more details on the first day of racing at the Cheltenham Festival.

Cheltenham Festival Day One Racecards

The following races take place on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival, Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

13:20 The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is the opening race of the festival and covers a distance of two miles and half a furlong with eight hurdles to navigate.

This race traditionally receives an electrifying reception from the crowd, known as the “Cheltenham Roar,” marking the start of four days of elite jump racing.

Cheltenham 13:20 Tips – The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Cheltenham 13:20 NAP – Kopek Des Bordes
Cheltenham 13:20 NB – The New Lion
Cheltenham 13:20 Long Shot – Workahead

14:00 The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase

The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase is a Grade 1 steeplechase for horses aged five and older, contested over two miles on the Old Course.

Runners must clear 13 fences, making this one of the most thrilling and high-speed events of the week.

Cheltenham 14:00 Tips – The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase

Cheltenham 14:00 NAP – Majborough
Cheltenham 14:00 NB – L’Eau du Sud
Cheltenham 14:00 Long Shot – Firefox

14:40 Ultima Handicap Chase

The Ultima Handicap Chase is a Grade 3 event for horses aged five and above, run over three miles and one furlong with 20 fences to clear.

This race has a history of producing future Grand National contenders.

Cheltenham 14:40 Tips – The Ultima Handicap Chase

Cheltenham 14:40 NAP – Broadway Boy
Cheltenham 14:40 NB – The Changing Man
Cheltenham 14:40 Long Shot – Trelawne

15:20 The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle

Previously known as the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 event for mares aged four and above.

The race is run over two miles and four furlongs with ten hurdles.

Cheltenham 15:20 Tips – The Mares’ Hurdle

Cheltenham 15:20 NAP – Jade De Grugy
Cheltenham 15:20 NB – July Flower
Cheltenham 15:20 Long Shot – Golden Ace

16:00 The Champion Hurdle

The highlight of day one is the Champion Hurdle, the most prestigious race for two-mile hurdlers.

The best in the division compete over two miles and half a furlong on the Old Course, facing eight hurdles along the way.

Cheltenham 16:00 Tips – The Champion Hurdle

Cheltenham 16:00 NAP – Constitution Hill
Cheltenham 16:00 NB – Brighterdaysahead
Cheltenham 16:00 Long Shot – State Man

16:40 Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle

The Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, also known as the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, is a Grade 3 event for four-year-old horses.

The race is run over two miles and half a furlong with eight hurdles, often producing a fiercely contested finish.

Cheltenham 16:40 Tips – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Cheltenham 16:40 NAP – Stencil
Cheltenham 16:40 NB – Beyond Your Dreams
Cheltenham 16:40 Long Shot – Hot Fuss

17:20 National Hunt Novices’ Chase

The National Hunt Novices’ Chase, also referred to as the National Hunt Cup, is a Grade 2 event for amateur jockeys and novice chasers aged five and older.

The race covers a demanding three miles and six furlongs, featuring 23 fences.

Cheltenham 17:20 Tips – The National Hunt Cup

Cheltenham 17:20 NAP – Now Is The Hour
Cheltenham 17:20 NB – Haiti Couleurs
Cheltenham 17:20 Long Shot – Sa Majeste

Cheltenham Festival Day One Betting Tips

Here are the top selections for each race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival 2025.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Kopek Des Bordes
Arkle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) – Majborough
Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Broadway Boy
Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Jade De Grugy
Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) – Constitution Hill
Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle – Stencil
National Hunt Chase (Grade 2) – Now Is The Hour

For more expert tips, check out SportsBetting Tipsters’ coverage of all four days at Cheltenham.

Betting on Cheltenham Festival Day 1

Many bookmakers offer exclusive free bet offers and promotions for the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. If you are looking to place bets on the opening day, check out the best available offers to maximize your returns.

Additionally, insights from leading trainers can help guide betting selections. Follow the latest comments from Henry De Bromhead, Paul Nicholls, Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson, Gordon Elliott, and Dan Skelton regarding their leading chances for the first day of Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Festival Day One Tickets

Champions Day is the opening day of the festival, featuring the high-profile Champion Hurdle. Due to its popularity, securing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased through official vendors to ensure entry to this prestigious event.

Cheltenham Festival Day One Summary

Champions Day at the Cheltenham Festival is an unmissable experience for any horse racing fan. The opening day delivers top-quality action, starting with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and culminating in the Champion Hurdle.

With a lively atmosphere and the famous Cheltenham Roar setting the tone, day one provides an electric start to the festival. Whether attending in person or betting online, the action from Cheltenham Racecourse is guaranteed to thrill.

For more Cheltenham Festival insights, including previews for the following days, visit SportsBetting Tipsters for expert analysis and betting recommendations.