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 2027 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.
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Cheltenham Festival Day One Racecards
The following races take place on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival, Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
13:20 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 a 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.
14:00 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.
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.
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.
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 and a half miles and a furlong on the Old Course, facing eight hurdles along the way.
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 and a half miles with eight hurdles, often producing a fiercely contested finish.
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 Festival Day One Betting Tips
Here are the top selections for each race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival 2027.
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 maximise 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.
