UK Horse Racing Tips

One of the highlights of the National Hunt calendar, the Cheltenham festival is once again just around the corner, starting on 10th March. This prestigious four day festival appeal to both casual punters and serious racing fans alike. The Cheltenham atmosphere is said to be one of a kind with the crowd letting out a ‘Cheltenham Roar’ at the start of the first race.

The Cheltenham festival, first held in 1860, consists of a grand total of 27 competitive races, a number of which (Supreme Novices Hurdle, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and so on) are grade one events. As the festival approaches there are plenty of rises and fall in the betting market so let’s take a look at the betting market. The Gold Guide to Cheltenham is a good starting point.

The 22 fence, 3 miles 2½ furlong Cheltenham Gold Cup is seen as the jewel in the crown of the festival. It’s one of the most valuable chases in UK races won by Bobs Worth in 2013 and Lord Windermere, ridden by Davy Russell and trained by Jim Culloty, in 2014. This year Silviniaco Conti is seen as clear favorite at 3-1 (and 12-1 to win the Gold Cup in 2016). With a field of this size there are plenty of contenders in the 8-12-1 range too. Many Clouds, Holywell, Carlingford Lough and last year’s winner Lord Windermere to name but a few.

Other highlights of the festival include the Champion Hurdle on day one (with Faugheen 5/4 favourite), the Queen Mother Champion Chase on day two (current favourite Sprinter Sacre) and World Hurdle on Day three. 19 time champion jockey Tony McCoy has tipped Jezki at 9/2 to pip Faugheen to the post, so this could be one to watch and worth a punt.

“The horse I’m most looking forward to riding at the Festival is Jezki. I think he has got the best chance of winning,” McCoy said.

“I know Faugheen is the one that they are all talking about, but there’s no form like Champion Hurdle form.

Whatever you choose to bet on, best of luck and enjoy the festival.

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