(3 minutes read)
Welcome to Day 1 of Cheltenham Festival 2024! Champions Day!
The feature race of the day is The Champion Hurdle and despite the absence of hot race favourite Constitution Hill, we’re still set for a fascinating renewal of the 2 mile hurdle classic.
State Man trained by Willie Mullins leads the market and is expected to take all the beating.
For all Cheltenham Festival 2024 news, previews and great Cheltenham betting offers, please click here.
All odds provided by our partner firms, Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
Getting to the course
If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Cheltenham for the live races, please be aware of the following travel information.
Road Closure
In order to try and alleviate some of the antisocial problems reported from previous Festivals, the Evesham Road which links the racecourse to the town, will be shut southbound from 4pm to 8pm after racing, to allow a wider route for pedestrians exiting the track.
There will be temporary toilets and stewards marshalling the route.
Coming in from Birmingham New Street Station
Birmingham New Street station will be running a staged queuing system for trains to the Festival so as to avoid passenger congestion on the platform. Please allow plenty of time to allow for delays here.
Live Race Schedule on ITV 1
Tuesday 12th March
13:30 Cheltenham: The Supreme Novices' Hurdle
14.10 Cheltenham: The Arkle Chase
14.50 Cheltenham: The Ultima Handicap Chase
15.30 Cheltenham: THE CHAMPION HURDLE
16.10 Cheltenham: The Mares Hurdle
Race Previews and Selections
Race 1: 13.30 Cheltenham, The Supreme Novices Hurdle
The opening race of the Festival features the legendary Cheltenham Roar as racegoers herald the start of the racing with a mighty cheer to kick off The Supreme Novices Hurdle. 
It is quite an open affair now that long time race favourite Ballyburn has been rerouted to tomorrow’s Gallagher Novices Hurdle. We think that Tullyhill has impressed enough this season to take this and the fact that Paul Townend has chosen this one out of the Mullins pair, is encouraging. 3/1 best with Bet365, Betfred and Boylesports.
Race 2: 1410 Cheltenham, The Arkle Chase
An incredibly open and tricky to solve 2-mile championship race. Willie Mullins saddles the first three in the betting in the form of Il Etait Temps, Gaelic Warrior, and Hunters Yarn. Gaelic Warrior is the quickest but has a tendency to jump to the right. Il Etait Temps won the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown recently but we prefer the slightly less exposed Hunters Yarn to prevail at 6/1 with William Hill and Betfred.
Race 3: 14: 50 Cheltenham: The Ultima Handicap Chase
The first big field handicap chase of the week is a gruelling stayers affair. Plenty in with a shout although Cheltenham form can be crucial when establishing winners here. Stumptown won a decent handicap here over course and distance on New Year’s Day, carrying a big weight and could go close here again at 10/1 with William Hill paying 6 places.
Race 4: 15:30 Cheltenham: THE CHAMPION HURDLE
It was a great disappointment to see Constitution Hill not prevail through his respiratory illness but he will be back. In the meantime, this race should be a formality for the Willie Mullins trained runner-up from last year, State Man. 
Best odds of 4/11 with William Hill.
Race 5: 16:10 Cheltenham: The Mares Hurdle
This should go all the way for last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner Lossiemouth. She was simply impressive in the International Hurdle here at Cheltenham last January. 
She will take all the beating and is one of our banker selections for this meeting. Best odds 8/13 with Bet365.
SELECTIONS
Race 1: 13.30 Cheltenham, The Supreme Novices Hurdle: TULLYHILL WIN - bet365
Race 2: 1410 Cheltenham, The Arkle Chase: HUNTERS YARN WIN - William Hill
Race 3: 14: 50 Cheltenham: The Ultima Handicap Chase: STUMPTOWN EACH WAY - William Hill
Race 4: THE CHAMPION HURDLE: STATE MAN WIN - William Hill
Race 5: The Mares Hurdle: LOSSIEMOUTH WIN - bet365
MORE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL!
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- Best Each Way Long Shot Bets at Cheltenham Festival 2024!
- Best Bankers for Cheltenham Festival 2024!
- Cheltenham Festival 2024 Free Bets!
- How to Bet on the Cheltenham Festival 2024
FREE BETS AT CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2024
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WILLIAM HILL
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