Cheltenham Festival 2025: Everything you need to know

Saddle up! Winter is just about behind us but for racing fans up and down the country, Christmas is coming very early this year. That’s because we’re just a few days away from the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.

One of the biggest racing events on the planet is returning to sunny Gloucestershire next Tuesday, with four days of top-class action to look forward to. The world’s best horses and jockeys are set to compete across 28 races, with plenty of familiar faces ready for battle.

Paul Townend and Galopin Des Champs are targeting a hat-trick in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill has his eyes on the prize in the Champion Hurdle, although they’ll face stiff competition from Brighterdaysahead.

There are countless iconic races scheduled at Cheltenham, including the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle. And you can enjoy all of the action from the best seats in the house in our exclusive ICON facility.

As well as a day out enjoying top-class racing and impeccable views from the balcony, you’ll also be able to make the most of a champagne reception, a complimentary bar and a four-course premium lunch. Plus, expert tipsters will be on hand to help you place your bets and (hopefully!) win you some money.

The fun starts on Tuesday and as the excitement builds, we’ve put together the ultimate guide of everything you need to know, as well as a handy tip for some of the big races (prices correct as of Tuesday 4th March).

Who are the favourites?

Galopin des Champs remains the bookies’ favourite for the Gold Cup, with Banbridge the current likely challenger. Meanwhile, Jonbon is odds-on to claim the Champion Chase as he looks to end his Cheltenham curse – all three of his defeats have come on the famous course.

Kopek Des Bordes is the runaway favourite to claim the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with Willie Mullins expecting him to go well. Elsewhere, Teahupoo is expected to lead the pack in the Stayers Hurdle.

While many of the biggest races have a clear favourite, the same can’t be said of the Coral Cup. Kopek De Mee is edging the bookies’ choices at the moment, although it’s an open field and Be Aware, Wodhooh and Impose Toi aren’t too far behind.

Cheltenham Festival race schedule

All tips are from our friends over at Nose in Front (@noseinfront_official) – listen to their Cheltenham previews on Spotify here.

Day 1 – Tuesday 11th March

1:20pm – The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Kopek Des Bordes 5/6 / William Munny 14/1
2:00pm – The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase – Majborough 8/13
2:40pm – The Ultima Handicap Chase
3:20pm – The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – Jade De Grugy 15/8
4:00pm – The Unibet Champion Hurdle – Constitution Hill 8/11
4:40pm – The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
5:20pm – The National Hunt Novices’ Chase

Day 2 – Wednesday 12th March

1:20pm – The Turners Novices’ Hurdle – The Yellow Clay 6/1
2:00pm – The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – Lecky Watson 16/1 / Gorgeous Tom 25/1
2:40pm – The Coral Cup Hurdle
3:20pm – The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase – Jonbon 10/11 / Marine National 6/1
4:00pm – The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
4:40pm – The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase Challenge Cup
5:20pm – The Weatherbys Champion Bumper – Bambino Fever 7/1

Day 3 – Thursday 13th March

1:20pm – The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Sixandahalf 10/3 / Air of Entitlement 20/1
2:00pm – The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
2:40pm – The Pertemps Network Final
3:20pm – The Ryanair Chase – Fact to File 7/4 / Protektorat 7/1
4:00pm – The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle – Teahupoo 1/1 / Lucky Place 10/1 / Jetara 50/1
4:40pm – The TrustATrader Plate
5:20pm – The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Day 4 – Friday 14th March

1:20pm – The JCB Triumph Hurdle – East India Dock 15/8 / Charlus 40/1
2:00pm – The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle
2:40pm – The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – Only By Night 6/1
3:20pm – The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – The Big Westerner 5/1 / Jet Blue 16/1 / Argento Boy 33/1
4:00pm – The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase – Galopin Des Champs 8/15 / Corbetts Cross 20/1
4:40pm – The St James’s Place Festival Chase
5:20pm – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle

Cheltenham Festival dress code

As it’s a day out of the races, you’re encouraged to dress your best but unlike Royal Ascot, the dress code is fairly relaxed. If you’re joining us in our hospitality areas, there are some rules.

Men must be wearing a jacket and tie or a suit. Ladies will need to be dressed in smart day wear – hats are optional.

Getting to Cheltenham

The closest train station is Cheltenham Spa, which is around four miles from the racecourse. You’re more than welcome to channel your inner Desert Orchid and gallop to the track – although we’d recommend jumping in a taxi or taking the shuttle bus service, which costs £5.

Those driving from the north should exit the M5 at junction 9 and continue via Evesham Road (A435). Take a left into Southam Lane and enter the North Car Park via entrance 10. If you’re coming from the south, leave the M5 at junction 11, follow the A40 and A4013 and the signs for ‘Green Route’ will take you to the racecourse.

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