Cheltenham Festival 2025 Predictions
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 is set to be an exciting event in the horse racing calendar, taking place from March 11 to March 14 at Prestbury Park. This year’s festival promises to be filled with thrilling races and top-notch competitors, drawing an estimated 250,000 attendees over the four days
Key Horses and Races
Champion Day (Tuesday, March 11)
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: The festival kicks off with this novice hurdle, featuring promising young horses.
- Champion Hurdle: The highlight of the day is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, where Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, is favored to retain his title after missing last year’s event due to illness
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle the opening event of the Cheltenham Festival
Key Details
- Date and Time: The race will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, with a scheduled start time of 13:20
- Distance and Course: It is run over a distance of 2 miles and 87 yards on the Old Course at Cheltenham, featuring 8 hurdles.
- Runners: The race has attracted 57 entries, though only 17 horses are expected to participate after final declarations
Notable Runners
- Kopek Des Bordes: Trained by Willie Mullins, this horse is the current favorite after an impressive performance at the Dublin Racing Festival
- Romeo Coolio: Trained by Gordon Elliott, this horse is a strong contender following a win in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle
- Salvator Mundi: Another entry from Willie Mullins, adding depth to the field
- Workahead: Trained by Henry De Bromhead, this horse has shown promise after beating William Munny at Leopardstown
Trends and History
- The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has a history of launching the careers of top horses, including Altior, Vautour, and Douvan
- Trends suggest that winners often have a strong recent form and are typically priced within the first 14 of the market
Who will win
Kopek Des Bordes is the strong favorite to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2025, with odds currently around 5/4 (1.83). His chances are bolstered by impressive performances, including a dominant 13-length victory in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Factors Supporting Kopek Des Bordes:
- Unbeaten Record: He has won all three of his career starts, showcasing consistent form and adaptability
- Trainer Expertise: Willie Mullins, his trainer, has a remarkable record in this race, having won it five times in the past 12 years
- Race Trends: The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle historically favors horses with strong last-time-out performances and those priced within single figures, both of which apply to Kopek Des Bordes
Potential Concerns:
- Ground Conditions: Kopek Des Bordes has primarily excelled on yielding or soft ground, and the forecast suggests “good to soft” conditions at Cheltenham, which may pose a slight challenge
- Competition: Rivals like Salvator Mundi (6/1) and Romeo Coolio (6/1) have shown strong form and could challenge him if he underperforms
Statistical Insight:
While favorites have only won 4 of the last 20 renewals, horses priced at single-figure odds have dominated, with 11 of the past 12 winners fitting this profile7. This trend strengthens Kopek Des Bordes’ chances.
Overall, Kopek Des Bordes is highly likely to justify his favoritism, but bettors might consider waiting until race day for potentially better odds or exploring each-way options on other contenders.
How to Watch
The race can be watched live on ITV1
Tipsters for Cheltenham
Here are some specialised horse racing tipsters for Cheltenham:
- Mick Fitzgerald: Known for his Lucky 15 selections, Mick Fitzgerald provides tips for major races like the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup
- Matt Chapman: Offers comprehensive tips for each day of the festival, focusing on races like the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Champion Chase
- Ruby Walsh: As a former top jockey, Ruby Walsh provides expert insights into Cheltenham races, often focusing on horses’ ability to handle the course
- Katie Midwinter: Shares her best bets for the festival, including selections for novice chases and handicaps
- best tipsters/underdog-racing-tips?via=thedailytipster">Underdog Racing Tips: Known for their long-shot selections, Underdog Racing Tips have been highly profitable and are recommended for those looking for value bets at Cheltenham
- OLBG Tipsters: OLBG features a community of profitable tipsters who provide consensus picks for each Cheltenham race, offering a statistical approach to betting
- Tipsters Empire: Offers a Cheltenham Festival Special with a proven track record of profitability over the past five years, providing ante-post tips and festival coverage
- The Profit Rocket: offers more tips with a focus on higher profit rather than higher ROI. This makes it suitable for bettors who prefer a more aggressive betting systems
The Champion Hurdle is a premier Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race held on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Key Details
- Date and Time: The race will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 16:00.
- Distance and Course: It is run over a distance of 2 miles and 110 yards on the Old Course at Cheltenham, featuring 8 hurdles.
- Runners: Eight horses are confirmed for the race after the final declarations.
Notable Runners
- Constitution Hill: Trained by Nicky Henderson, this horse is the current favorite. He won the 2023 Champion Hurdle and has returned strong this season with victories at Kempton and Cheltenham
- Brighterdaysahead: Trained by Gordon Elliott, this mare has shown impressive form, beating State Man in two Grade 1 races. She is confirmed to run in the Champion Hurdle instead of the Mares’ Hurdle
- State Man: Trained by Willie Mullins, this horse won the 2024 Champion Hurdle but faces stiff competition from Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead
- Lossiemouth: Another strong contender, though her participation may depend on her form leading up to the event
Trends and History
- The Champion Hurdle has a history of favoring favorites, with 10 of the last 14 winners being the market leader
- Trainers Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins have dominated the race, with six and five wins respectively in the last 15 years
- Recent winners have been unbeaten that season and often won their last outing before the Champion Hurdle
Key Contenders:
- Constitution Hill: The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner, known for his dominant performances and strong recent form.
- Brighterdaysahead: Trained by Gordon Elliott, this mare has beaten State Man in two Grade 1 races and is confirmed to run in the Champion Hurdle
- State Man: The reigning champion, trained by Willie Mullins, who will be ridden by Paul Townend
- Lossiemouth: Although her odds have drifted, she remains a potential threat, especially with the mares’ allowance.
Who will win
Given the current form and odds, Constitution Hill is the most likely winner, but the inclusion of Brighterdaysahead and the defending champion State Man ensures that the race will be closely contested.
Style Wednesday (Wednesday, March 12)
- Queen Mother Champion Chase: Jonbon, trained by Nicky Henderson, is a strong contender for this prestigious chase
- Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle: A competitive handicap hurdle that often produces surprise winners.
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a prestigious Grade 1 chase held on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival, scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 16:00. Here’s an overview of the race:
Key Details
- Distance and Course: The race is run over 2 miles on the Old Course at Cheltenham.
- Runners: Eleven horses have been confirmed for the race, including Jonbon, Energumene, and Captain Guinness
- How to Watch: The race can be watched live on ITV1 or through the Paddy Power app and website
Notable Runners
- Jonbon: Trained by Nicky Henderson, Jonbon is the current favorite. He has been impressive this season, winning the Clarence House Chase and the Shloer Chase.
- Energumene: Trained by Willie Mullins, Energumene is seeking a third consecutive victory in the Champion Chase. He won the race in 2022 and 2023
- Captain Guinness: Trained by Henry De Bromhead, Captain Guinness won the race in 2024 but is a longer shot this year
Trends and Insights
- Recent Performance: Seven of the last 10 winners had won their previous race before the Champion Chase
- Favourites: Only three of the last 10 winners were sent off as favorites, highlighting the unpredictability of the race
- Trainer Performance: Nicky Henderson has won the race five times, while Willie Mullins has two victories
Betting Odds
- Jonbon: Currently around 3/1 or slightly shorter, depending on the bookmaker
- Energumene: Priced around 7/1
- Captain Guinness: Longer odds, around 40/1
Who will win
Given Jonbon’s strong recent form and his experience at Cheltenham, he is the most likely winner, but Energumene’s past success in the race makes him a formidable challenger.
Jonbon is the favorite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase 2025 due to several key factors:
- Recent Form: Jonbon has been in exceptional form this season, winning all five of his last starts, including the Clarence House Chase and the Tingle Creek Chase. His ability to dominate in Grade 1 races has solidified his position as the top contender
- Grade 1 Successes: With nine Grade 1 victories, Jonbon has proven himself as a top-class two-mile chaser. His experience at the highest level gives him an edge over many of his competitors
- Trainer Expertise: Trained by Nicky Henderson, Jonbon benefits from the expertise of one of the most successful trainers in the sport. Henderson has a strong record in the Champion Chase, having won it five times previously
- Course Experience: Although Jonbon has not won at the Cheltenham Festival, he has shown he can handle the course by winning the Shloer Chase earlier in the season. This experience is crucial for navigating the challenging Old Course
- Consistency with Nico De Boinville: Jonbon is unbeaten in eight starts when ridden by Nico De Boinville, which adds to his reliability and consistency under pressure
Despite his strong credentials, Jonbon’s three defeats have all come at Cheltenham, which might raise some concerns about his ability to perform under Festival pressure. However, his current form and overall record make him the standout favorite for the race.
St. Patrick’s Thursday (Thursday, March 13)
- Ryanair Chase: Fact To File is among the favorites for this race, though he might also target the Gold Cup
- Stayers’ Hurdle: Teahupoo is a leading contender for this long-distance hurdle event
The Ryanair Chase 2025 is a highly anticipated event at the Cheltenham Festival
Key Details
- Distance and Course: The race is run over 2 miles and 4½ furlongs on the New Course at Cheltenham, featuring 17 fences.
- Runners: The field includes several top contenders, though the exact number of runners will be confirmed closer to the event.
- Prize Money: The winner will receive £211,012.50 from a total purse of £375,000.
Notable Contenders
- Fact To File: Trained by Willie Mullins, Fact To File is the current favorite. He won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase last year and has shown strong form, though he has been beaten by Galopin Des Champs twice since then
- Gaelic Warrior: Also trained by Willie Mullins, Gaelic Warrior is stepping up in trip after winning the Arkle last year. His versatility and class make him a strong contender
- Il Est Francais: This horse is known for his front-running style and might be entered in the Ryanair Chase if his connections believe he can secure an easy lead
- Spillane’s Tower: A two-time Grade One winner, though his performance in the King George VI Chase was disappointing
Trends and History
- The Ryanair Chase is often contested by horses that lack the speed for the Champion Chase or the stamina for the Gold Cup
- Past winners include notable horses like Vautour, Min, and Allah
- Willie Mullins has a strong record in this race, though he did not win it last year
Who Will Win
In the Ryanair Chase 2025, both Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson have strong contenders, though neither has a confirmed runner from their stables that is specifically highlighted as a top favorite. However, Mullins has several horses that could potentially compete:
- Gaelic Warrior: Trained by Mullins, Gaelic Warrior is a notable contender. He won the Arkle last year but has struggled since, failing to win in his next three starts. His inclusion in the Ryanair Chase is contingent on his form and whether he can adapt to the longer distance
- Fact To File: Also trained by Mullins, Fact To File is another strong contender. He won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham last year and has shown impressive form, though he was beaten by Galopin Des Champs in his last two outings
- Energumene: Although primarily associated with the Champion Chase, Energumene is also entered for the Ryanair Chase. His participation would depend on his connections’ decision regarding the best race for him
On the other hand, Nicky Henderson does not have a specific horse confirmed for the Ryanair Chase. His focus has been more on other races at the festival, such as the Champion Chase with Jonbon. However, Henderson’s horses are always contenders when they run, given his strong record at Cheltenham.
Comparison:
- Mullins’ Contenders: Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File offer Mullins a strong presence in the race. Both have shown class, but their recent form and suitability for the distance are key factors.
- Henderson’s Absence: While Henderson does not have a confirmed runner for the Ryanair Chase, his absence does not diminish his overall impact at the festival, as he has other strong contenders in different races.
Overall, Mullins’ horses are more directly involved in the Ryanair Chase, with Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File being potential winners. However, the race remains competitive, and other trainers like Dan Skelton with Protektorat also have strong contenders
The Stayers’ Hurdle is a prestigious Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race held on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival
Key Details
- Distance and Course: The race is run over 3 miles on the New Course at Cheltenham, featuring 12 hurdles.
- Runners: Twenty horses are confirmed for the race, including Teahupoo, Home By The Lee, and Gowel Road.
- How to Watch: The race can be watched live on ITV1 or through the Paddy Power app and website.
Notable Runners
- Teahupoo: Trained by Gordon Elliott, Teahupoo is the reigning champion and current favorite. He won the race last year and followed it up with a victory at Punchestown.
- Home By The Lee: Trained by Joseph O’Brien, Home By The Lee finished third last year and has shown strong form this season, winning the Lismullen Hurdle and the Savills Hurdle.
- Gowel Road: Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, Gowel Road has performed well at Cheltenham and could be a dark horse in the race.
Trends and History
- Age: Ten of the last 12 winners were aged between 6 and 8 years old
- Recent Form: Winners often have a strong recent performance, typically winning or placing in their last outing
- Course Experience: Previous success at Cheltenham is beneficial, though not essential
Betting Odds
- Teahupoo: Currently the favorite, with odds around 2/1.
- Home By The Lee: Priced around 5/1.
- Gowel Road: Longer odds, around 20/1.
Teahupoo is well-positioned to defend his title, but Home By The Lee and Gowel Road offer strong competition.
Who Will Win
Teahupoo is a strong contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle 2025 due to several key factors:
- Recent Success: Teahupoo is the reigning champion of the Stayers’ Hurdle, having won the race in 2024. He followed this victory with another win at the Punchestown Festival, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level over long distances
- Form and Preparation: Despite being beaten by Lossiemouth in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, Teahupoo’s performance was considered strong by his trainer, Gordon Elliott. He has been kept fresh for the Stayers’ Hurdle, which is a strategy that has worked well for him in the past
- Trainer Confidence: Gordon Elliott has expressed high confidence in Teahupoo’s abilities, noting that his form is better than last season and that he is well-suited to the race conditions
- Age and Experience: At eight years old, Teahupoo is within the optimal age range for Stayers’ Hurdle winners, which typically favor horses between 6 and 8 years old
- Course Experience: Teahupoo has shown he can handle the Cheltenham course, having won there last year. His ability to perform well at the venue is a significant advantage
- Jockey Partnership: Teahupoo is often ridden by Jack Kennedy, who has praised the horse’s ease to ride and jumping ability, which adds to his confidence going into the race
Overall, Teahupoo’s combination of recent success, strong preparation, and favorable age and course experience make him a formidable contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle title.
Gold Cup Day (Friday, March 14)
- Cheltenham Gold Cup: The festival culminates with the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins, seeks a historic third consecutive victory. Other contenders include Banbridge and Fact To File
Notable Trainers and Horses
- Willie Mullins: Known for his strong contenders, including Galopin Des Champs and Ballyburn
- Nicky Henderson: Trains Constitution Hill and Jonbon, both favorites in their respective races
- Gordon Elliott: Has strong entries like Teahupoo and Brighterdaysahead
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival is poised to be a spectacular event, with many of the sport’s top horses and trainers vying for glory in the most prestigious races of the National Hunt calendar.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious event of the Cheltenham Festival, taking place on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 16:00
Key Details
- Distance and Course: The race is run over 3 miles and 2½ furlongs on the New Course at Cheltenham, featuring 22 fences.
- Prize Money: The winner receives £625,000 from a total purse of £625,000
- Runners: Typically features a field of top-class chasers, with a maximum of 14 runners.
Notable Contenders
- Galopin Des Champs: Trained by Willie Mullins, Galopin Des Champs is the strong favorite to win his third consecutive Gold Cup. He has shown impressive form this season, winning the Savills Chase and the Irish Gold Cup
- Banbridge: Trained by Joseph O’Brien, Banbridge is the second favorite after winning the King George VI Chase. His participation in the Gold Cup depends on ground conditions
- Fact To File: Also trained by Willie Mullins, Fact To File is a contender but faces a tough task against Galopin Des Champs
Trends and History
- Recent Dominance: Irish-trained horses have dominated the race, winning eight of the last ten renewals
- Age and Experience: Most winners are aged between 7 and 9 years old, with a strong recent performance often crucial
- Historical Winners: Only a few horses have won the Gold Cup more than once, including Arkle, Best Mate, and Kauto Star
Betting Odds
- Galopin Des Champs: Currently priced at 8/13
- Banbridge: Odds around 8/1
- Fact To File: Priced at 7/1
Who Will Win
Galopin Des Champs is a strong favorite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 due to several key factors:
- Recent Success: He has won the last two Gold Cups, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level over the Cheltenham course. His recent victories in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup further solidify his position as the top contender
- Dominant Form: Galopin Des Champs has shown exceptional form this season, reversing earlier defeats to Fact To File by winning decisively in their rematches over longer distances. His stamina and ability to dominate over three miles are significant advantages
- Trainer Expertise: Trained by Willie Mullins, one of the most successful trainers in Cheltenham history, Galopin Des Champs benefits from expert preparation and strategy. Mullins is seeking his fifth Gold Cup win, which would be a joint record
- Course Experience: Galopin Des Champs has proven himself on the Cheltenham course, winning two Gold Cups and showing resilience in overcoming setbacks, such as his fall in the Turners Novices’ Chase in 2022
- Opposition: The field for the 2025 Gold Cup appears weaker than in previous years, with key rivals like Gerri Colombe ruled out. Banbridge, a potential challenger, might opt for the Ryanair Chase, and Fact To File is also likely to run in the Ryanair
- Historical Trends: Favourites have a strong record in the Gold Cup, winning four of the last five renewals. Galopin Des Champs fits the profile of a typical Gold Cup winner, having finished first or second in his last outing
Overall, Galopin Des Champs’ combination of recent success, dominant form, and favorable conditions make him a strong favorite to achieve a historic third consecutive Gold Cup victory.
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