Cheltenham Festival 2025: Your Essential Race-by-Race Guide to Day 1

The Cheltenham Festival 2025, running from Tuesday, March 11 to Friday, March 14, erupts into life with Champion Day. This thrilling opening act is packed with top-tier talent, heart-stopping finishes, and the kind of drama only jump racing can deliver. Gates open at 10:30, with the first race at 13:20. Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating the action.

Race Schedule for Day Two:

13:20 – The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m ½f)

The Festival’s Traditional Opener – Where Stars Are Born
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle sets the tone for the week, often revealing future legends. Past winners include greats like Altior and Vautour.

The Contenders:

Tullyhill (Willie Mullins): Current favorite, unbeaten in two starts over hurdles.
Mystical Power (Willie Mullins): Son of Galileo and Annie Power, Moscow Flyer Hurdle winner.
Jeriko Du Reponet (Nicky Henderson): Once hyped as the “next big thing,” form has cooled slightly.

Key Factor: Pace. Front-runners like FIREFOX could set a scorching tempo, benefiting closers like Tullyhill.

14:00 – The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, 2m)

Speed Demons and Jumping Perfection

A showcase for fearless two-mile chasers, the Arkle is all about precision and flawless jumping.

The Contenders:

Il Etait Temps (Willie Mullins): Dublin Racing Festival winner with speed and jumping ability.
JPR One (Joe Tizzard): Bold front-runner, but fall at Cheltenham in December raises questions.
Matata (Dan Skelton): Improving gelding could surprise if favorites falter.

Wildcard: Found A Fifty (Gordon Elliott) could benefit if rain softens the ground.

14:40 – The Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 3m 1f)

The Handicap Puzzle – Who’s Well-In?

Now a Premier Handicap, the Ultima is a tactical minefield for seasoned stayers.

The Contenders:

Chianti Classico (Kim Bailey): Lightly raced seven-year-old with potential to defy his mark.
Meetingofthewaters (Willie Mullins): Irish raider with untapped potential after Thyestes Chase placing.
Monbeg Genius (Jonjo O’Neill): Last year’s third-place finisher returns 4lbs lighter.

Plot Watch: Venetia Williams’ VICENTE (33-1) could outrun his odds in heavy ground.

15:20 – The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m 4f)

Queens of the Turf – A Mullins Masterclass?

Moved to an earlier slot, Willie Mullins aims for his 9th win since 2016 with LOSSIEMOUTH (1-2 favorite).

The Opposition:

Ashroe Diamond (Willie Mullins): Stablemate and former Grade 1 winner.

Love Envoi (Harry Fry): Gutsy Festival regular, 2nd in 2023.
Gala Marceau (Willie Mullins): Last year’s Triumph Hurdle runner-up.

X-Factor: Telmesomethinggirl (Henry de Bromhead) could capitalize if Lossiemouth underperforms.

16:00 – The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m ½f)

The Day’s Crown Jewel – Constitution Hill’s Return

Now the feature race, all eyes are on CONSTITUTION HILL as he aims for back-to-back victories. The total prize money is £450,000.

The Challengers:

State Man (Willie Mullins): Consistent runner-up in 2024, seven-time Grade 1 winner.
Irish Point (Gordon Elliott): Rising star over longer trips, speed for 2m unproven.
Lossiemouth (Willie Mullins): Stepping up in class with untapped potential.

The Verdict: Constitution Hill remains the one to beat, barring unforeseen circumstances.

16:40 – The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3, 2m ½f)

Chaos, Craziness, and Hidden Gems

Renamed the Fred Winter, this unpredictable race favors Irish-trained dark horses with untapped potential.

Sneaky Picks:

Nara (Willie Mullins): Lightly raced and open to improvement.
Liari (Paul Nicholls): Improved with cheekpieces, could thrive in a strong-paced race.
Batman Girac (Willie Mullins): French import with an eye-catching Sandown win.

Stat Attack: Favor horses with mid-range weights.

17:20 – The National Hunt Novices’ Chase (0-145 Handicap, 3m 6f)

Stamina Test for Novice Chasers

Now a 0-145 novice handicap open to professional jockeys, this grueling test closes Day One.

Top Prospects:

Corbetts Cross (Emmet Mullins): Unbeaten over fences, stays all day.
Apple Away (Lucinda Russell): Scottish Grand National winner brings proven stamina.
Mr Vango (Paul Nicholls): Lively outsider if the ground stays dry.

Wildcard: Salvador Ziggy (Gordon Elliott) could outrun his odds.

Final Thoughts

Champion Day 2025 promises a thrilling start to the Cheltenham Festival. From Constitution Hill’s quest for glory to the puzzle of the handicaps, every race offers excitement. Savor the roar of the crowd, the thundering hooves, and the unpredictability that makes Cheltenham the greatest show on turf.

Grab your binoculars, study the form, and buckle up: the Festival is about to begin.

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