The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, one of horse racing's most eagerly anticipated events, is rapidly approaching, promising exhilarating competition among some of the sport's finest horses and jockeys. Scheduled from March 11 through March 14, this year’s festival boasts 28 races over its four-day schedule, starting each day at 1:20 p.m. with the last race concluding around 5:20 p.m.
On Champion Day, Tuesday, fans will witness the traditional “Cheltenham Roar” at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, marking the start of the festival. This year's standout entry is the unbeaten Constitution Hill, favored to reclaim his title at the Champion Hurdle, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. The eight-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, is currently the talk of the town after his stellar performance last year and subsequent victories, including the recent Christmas Hurdle.
Following Champion Day is Style Wednesday, which features another highlight, the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 4:00 p.m. Bettors will be keeping their eyes on Jonbon, who is expected to turn many heads with his impressive track records. Also, the Turners Novices’ Hurdle and the Champion Bumper are anticipated to showcase promising newcomers, including Gameofinches, who has recently gained favor among bettors.
Thursday, March 13, is St. Patrick's Day, where the Stayers’ Hurdle, the feature race at 4:00 p.m., is expected to see Teahupoo return, aiming for redemption after last year’s triumph. Many will be eager to see how the race plays out under the heavy expectations of his potential opponents, such as Langer Dan and the elusive French raider Il Est Francais.
Finally, Gold Cup Day on Friday brings us to the pinnacle of the festival—the Cheltenham Gold Cup at 4:00 p.m. Will Galopin Des Champs emerge victorious once again, defending his title after back-to-back wins? With the roar of the crowd and the remarkable lineage of this race, it’s the one every trainer and owner dreams of, making it the most prestigious event of the National Hunt calendar.
One of the most compelling aspects of this year's Cheltenham Festival is the array of betting options available for fans. Punters can engage with ante-post betting, which is now available across all 28 races via platforms like the Betfair Sportsbook, which also offers the Non-Runner No Bet feature—meaning your stake is refunded if your selection is withdrawn. With these types of concessions, there’s never been more incentive to get involved early.
Trainer Willie Mullins, who has dominated the festivals in recent years, appears likely to continue his streak. He has his horses well primed, with many expected to compete fiercely across multiple categories. His notable contenders include Kopek Des Bordes, who is favored for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and promises to be one to watch this year.
During the lead-up to the festival, preview nights are being held across Britain and Ireland. These events provide punters and fans the opportunity to gain insights from racing professionals who dissect the field leading up to the races. Events such as the one scheduled at Lavery's, Belfast, feature well-known figures like Bryan Cooper and Kevin Blake, who will discuss the upcoming races and strategies for betting.
Sectioned off throughout the week, the competition aligns with traditional themes: Champion Day, Style Wednesday, St. Patrick's Thursday, and the crowning glory of Gold Cup Day—drawing attention from not just locals but racegoers worldwide. Fans can catch the entire festival via free-to-air coverage on ITV, or enjoy extensive commentary on platforms like TalkSPORT, ensuring fans can keep pace with every thrilling moment.
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival promises to deliver not only fantastic racing but also rich narratives steeped in history. The Cheltenham Gold Cup celebrates its 101st year this time around. The depth of the competition this year, combined with the history tied to each race, should make this festival unforgettable for one and all. Engage with the passion for horse racing, witness the athletic prowess of these equine athletes, and make this year's Cheltenham Festival one for the record books!