The Cheltenham Festival in March is the most bet-on racing event in Ireland each year, with an estimated majority of the country’s adult population placing at least one bet across the four days. For Irish punters, Cheltenham week is effectively a national sporting holiday.
Day 1: Champion Day (Tuesday)
Champion Day opens the festival with the Champion Hurdle — the championship race for two-mile hurdlers — and the Arkle Challenge Trophy for novice chasers. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the first race of the festival, sets the tone. Irish-trained horses typically dominate the Champion Hurdle market.
Day 2: Ladies Day (Wednesday)
Wednesday features the Queen Mother Champion Chase (two-mile championship for chasers) and the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. Fashion is as prominent as racing for many festival visitors. The Coral Cup handicap hurdle is a notoriously difficult puzzle for punters.
Day 3: St Patrick's Thursday
The Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase are the flagship races. For Irish punters, St Patrick’s Day falling during Cheltenham week creates a unique atmosphere. The festival has historically scheduled races to reflect Irish participation on this day.
Day 4: Gold Cup Friday
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most prestigious steeplechase in the world, closes the festival. The Gold Cup market opens months in advance and is the centrepiece of the entire Cheltenham betting occasion. The Triumph Hurdle (four-year-olds) and County Hurdle handicap complete the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cheltenham Festival: Day-by-Day Race Guide
| Day | Highlight Races | Grade | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday (Champion Day) | Champion Hurdle, Arkle Chase | Gr.1 | 2m, 2m |
| Wednesday (Ladies Day) | Queen Mother Champion Chase | Gr.1 | 2m |
| Thursday (St Patrick's Day) | Stayers' Hurdle, Ryanair Chase | Gr.1 | 3m, 2m5f |
| Friday (Gold Cup Day) | Cheltenham Gold Cup, County Hurdle | Gr.1 / H'cap | 3m2½f, 2m1f |
Cheltenham Betting: EW Terms & Tips
- All 28 races available for ante-post betting from January; best prices often appear early
- Non-runner void rule in ante-post: stake refunded if horse doesn't run
- Irish-trained horses have dominated the festival in recent seasons (50%+ of winners)
- Cheltenham EW terms: 1/4 odds, 2 places (non-handicaps); 1/4 odds, 4 places (handicaps 12+ runners)
Cheltenham Festival: Day-by-Day Betting Structure
| Day | Theme | Feature race | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday (Champion Day) | Champions | Champion Hurdle (Gr1) | 2m |
| Wednesday (Ladies Day) | Ladies | Queen Mother Champion Chase (Gr1) | 2m |
| Thursday (St Patrick's Day) | St Patrick's | Stayers' Hurdle (Gr1) | 3m |
| Friday (Gold Cup Day) | Gold Cup | Cheltenham Gold Cup (Gr1) | 3m 2f |
Cheltenham Betting Strategy: Key Tips for Irish Punters
The Cheltenham Festival runs for four days in March and attracts a huge proportion of Ireland's betting turnover for the year. Irish-trained horses dominate — in recent years, Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott runners have won the majority of Grade 1 races. Ante-post markets open in October–November; best prices are typically available months ahead for short-priced favourites.
- Irish bias: Irish-trained horses often start shorter than their true odds warrant; look for UK handlers who know the track as value alternatives
- Going: Cheltenham can be soft–heavy in March; speed ratings from similar going in Irish trials are more reliable than fast-ground form
- Thursday tip: St Patrick's Day draws the largest Irish crowd and may affect some markets near post-time — book early odds
- Non-runner risk: take ante-post bets with NRNB (non-runner no bet) where possible to protect against scratches
The Cheltenham Festival takes place over four days in March, typically the second or third week of the month. The exact dates are published by Cheltenham Racecourse and the BHA in autumn.
Yes. GRAI-licensed bookmakers open Cheltenham ante-post markets from autumn, with prices for the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase available from October. Ante-post bets are void if your horse does not run.
Most GRAI-licensed bookmakers offer Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) on Cheltenham races, paying the Starting Price if it is higher than your early price. This is one of the most valuable promotions in horse racing.
Yes. The Cheltenham Festival is broadcast live on RTE, Virgin Media and Racing TV in Ireland. Streaming is also available through several GRAI-licensed bookmakers' platforms for account holders.