The Cheltenham Festival 2025 is set to kick off on March 11, drawing enormous crowds to Prestbury Park, with expectations of over 250,000 attendees across its four thrilling days. This prestigious event, taking place from March 11 to March 14, showcases 28 diverse races, bringing together the best of jump racing.
Among the standout competitors is Paul Nicholls, who has a storied history at the festival, having trained 49 winners, including four Gold Cups. This year, Nicholls is gearing up with what he describes as a "strong team." He will share insights and his best chances during Betfair's Racing...Only Bettor preview show, where he discusses his expectations from his Ditcheat yard.
Joining him is Rachael Blackmore, another key figure making headlines as Cheltenham’s first female Gold Cup-winning jockey. Following her historic win, Blackmore is eager to secure more victories and will preview her rides for the festival, sharing the spotlight with seasoned experts like Daryl Carter, who has been providing betting recommendations for the upcoming races. Last weekend, Carter enjoyed notable success with his betting picks, showcasing his expertise.
Each day of the festival features significant races, with Champion Day starting on March 11, which includes the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle — renamed to honor the late jockey tragically taken from us. This is followed by the Unibet Champion Hurdle, where all eyes will be on Constitution Hill, the red-hot favorite aiming to secure his place among the greats by winning for the second time.
On March 12, Style Wednesday is set to dazzle as fans don their finest attire, coinciding with the headline race, the Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase, where Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon will take to the course.
St. Patrick’s Thursday brings the Irish spirit to the fore, celebrated with special races such as the Ryanair Steeple Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle. The anticipation builds as past champions and rising stars gather, with many racegoers adding a splash of green to their wardrobes.
Finally, the festival culminates with Gold Cup Day on March 14. The day's highlight will undoubtedly be the Cheltenham Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs, aiming for his third consecutive victory, will attempt to etch his name even more deeply in the festival’s storied history.
The weather will play a pivotal role as well, with forecasts showing overall chilly conditions but limited rain expected throughout the week. On the opening day, temperatures will range from 5°C to 9°C, with it remaining largely overcast but dry. Starting times for the races remain consistent, with gates opening at 10:30 am, and the first race commencing at 1:20 pm, wrapping up each day around 5:20 pm.
For the fans, this spectacular event offers more than just racing; it’s about the camaraderie, the atmosphere, and thrill of jump racing, framed within the stunning backdrop of Cheltenham. Betting enthusiasts can look forward to exciting promotions and best odds throughout the festival week, and as the atmosphere heats up, so will the stakes on the track.
With each day packed full of action and insights from the best, including racing's more innovative voices, the tablets and screens of racing fans will be glued to live coverage as the flying hooves of racehorses take center stage. All eyes will await the moment when history might be created, particularly with coveted races like the Gold Cup and the triumphant return of beloved racers.
Mark your calendars and prepare for one of the highlights of the racing calendar — the Cheltenham Festival promises to be nothing short of exhilarating.