The Cheltenham Festival 2026 has galloped into action at Prestbury Park, Gloucestershire, launching four days of elite National Hunt racing that will see the best of British and Irish talent compete for glory. On Tuesday, March 10, the historic Cheltenham Racecourse buzzed with anticipation as Champion Day kicked off the festival, setting the tone for a week packed with drama, rivalry, and betting excitement.
Day 1, traditionally known as Champion Day, is always a magnet for racing fans and punters. It features a stacked card of high-quality races, including the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1:20pm, the Arkle Novices’ Chase at 2:00pm, and the iconic Champion Hurdle at 4:00pm. These contests not only showcase the sport’s most talented horses and jockeys but also offer fans multiple ways to get involved—both trackside and online.
This year, Sky Bet has positioned itself at the center of the action, rolling out a suite of enticing betting offers for both new and returning customers. For those eager to add a little extra spark to their Cheltenham experience, Sky Bet is offering a £2 free bet for Day 1 of the festival. Racing enthusiasts simply need to opt in to the promotion, and they can place their free £2 wager on any race held at Cheltenham on March 10. The free bet expires at 23:59 on Tuesday, so there’s no time to waste if you’re hoping to back a favorite or take a punt on an outsider. Eligibility restrictions and terms and conditions apply, and the free bet stake is not included in any returns.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For those eyeing the Arkle Novices’ Chase—the second race on the Day 1 card—Sky Bet has rolled out an enhanced odds offer that’s catching plenty of attention. New UK customers can back Lulamba, one of the favorites for the Arkle, to finish in the top three at a whopping 60/1. To get in on this, punters must sign up, deposit £5 using an eligible payment method, and place a £1 wager on Lulamba to place in the top three. If Lulamba does indeed finish among the leaders, Sky Bet will pay out in six £10 free bets for use during the Cheltenham Festival. Even if the bet doesn’t land, Sky Bet credits customers with a £10 free bet token, so nobody walks away empty-handed. The offer is valid until 14:00 UK time on March 10, and free bets are active for seven days with no wagering requirements attached.
Lulamba, trained by the renowned Nicky Henderson, has been tipped as a major player in the Arkle Chase. With a best price of 7/4 to win outright, expectations are high. Racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has thrown his support behind Lulamba in his Cheltenham betting tips for Day 1, calling her "one of the most notable horses of the week." For punters, this is a low-risk, high-reward proposition—especially with Sky Bet’s safety net of a free bet even if the wager doesn’t come through.
The Cheltenham Festival is more than just a series of races; it’s a national institution that brings together fans, trainers, and jockeys from across the UK and Ireland. Over four days—Tuesday through Friday—28 races will be run, including legendary contests like the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle, and the showpiece Cheltenham Gold Cup. Every day features a full slate of action, and each race presents its own set of storylines and betting angles.
Sky Bet is also rolling out a headline-grabbing welcome offer for new customers during Cheltenham Festival week. Anyone opening a new account and placing a qualifying bet of at least £20 at odds of 1/1 or greater will receive £60 in free bets, issued as six £10 tokens. These free bets can be used across a range of horse racing markets, including the bustling Cheltenham Festival schedule. The free bets are valid for seven days after redemption and are available to use on both iOS and Android mobile apps, making it easy for punters to get involved wherever they are.
Of course, with the excitement of betting comes the responsibility to play safely. Both Sky Bet and racing publications are emphasizing the importance of responsible gambling throughout the festival. Bettors are urged to set budgets, use responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and time outs, and never chase losses. Support is readily available from organizations such as BeGambleAware and GamCare for anyone who feels their betting may be getting out of control.
The Cheltenham Festival 2026 is shaping up to be a classic, with each day promising new heroes and unforgettable moments. Tuesday’s Champion Day has already seen punters flocking to back their picks in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Arkle Novices’ Chase, with the Champion Hurdle set to provide a fitting climax to the opening day. The Arkle, in particular, has drawn intense focus thanks to Lulamba’s strong form and the remarkable Sky Bet offer that’s giving fans extra incentive to get involved.
For those new to Sky Bet, the process of signing up and claiming the welcome bonus is straightforward. After registering and placing a qualifying bet, customers receive their free bet tokens, which can be used throughout the festival. Whether you’re following expert tips or going with your gut, the range of offers means there’s something for every kind of punter this week.
As the festival continues, fans can look forward to marquee races like the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday, the Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday. Each contest is steeped in history and tradition, and with competitive odds and innovative promotions, Sky Bet is ensuring that the betting experience is as thrilling as the action on the track.
With the first day underway and the stands alive with energy, the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is already delivering on its promise of world-class racing and unforgettable excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just along for the ride, there’s no better place to be than Cheltenham this week. And with Sky Bet’s array of offers, it’s never been easier—or more rewarding—to get in on the action.
As the sun sets on Champion Day, all eyes are turning to the remaining days of the festival. With more headline races and betting opportunities on the horizon, the stage is set for a memorable week at Prestbury Park. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more action to come!