The wait is finally over. The roar is back at Prestbury Park as the 2026 Cheltenham Festival kicks off with an action-packed Champion Day.
From the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle to the high-stakes Champion Hurdle, we have analysed the full seven-race card to bring you the best horse racing tips for today.
Whether you are looking for a banker to start your afternoon or a value pick in the handicaps, here is our horse-by-horse guide to winning at Cheltenham today.
13:20 Cheltenham – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Tips
Selection: Old Park Star @ 7/4
Nicky Henderson has an illustrious record in the Festival opener, and Old Park Star looks like the next superstar off the Seven Barrows production line. Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, his 18-length romp in a Grade 2 last time out at Haydock suggested he has gears his rivals simply haven’t found yet. While the Irish contingent, led by Mighty Park, will provide a stern test, Old Park Star’s tactical speed makes him the one to beat.
Result
1st – Old Park Star @ 15/8F
2nd – Sober Glory @ 9/2
3rd – Mydaddypaddy @ 6/1
14:00 Cheltenham – Arkle Challenge Trophy Tips
Selection: Lulamba @ 11/8
This is set to be the race of the day as Great Britain’s best two-mile novice chaser takes on Ireland’s elite. Lulamba has been foot-perfect over fences so far, showing a blend of slick jumping and raw power. Although Willie Mullins’ Kopek Des Bordes was a brilliant winner of the Supreme last year, Lulamba’s recent victory in the Game Spirit Chase against older horses gives him the edge in terms of experience and hardiness.
Result
1st – Kargese @ 7/1
2nd – Kopek Des Bordes @ 11/8
3rd – Lulamba @ 11/10F
14:40 Cheltenham – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Tips
Selection: Winston Junior @ 13/2
The Fred Winter is notoriously difficult to solve, but Gordon Elliott’s Winston Junior has the “plotted” profile usually required for this race. He hasn’t been over-raced this season and looks to have been kept specifically for a handicap mark that underestimates his ability. With Jack Kennedy in the plate, expect him to be delivered late in a crowded finish.
Result
1st – Saratoga @ 10/1
2nd – Winston Junior @ 5/1
3rd – Klycot @ 40/1
4th – Pourquoi Pas Papa @ 16/1
15:20 Cheltenham – Ultima Handicap Chase Tips
Selection: Jagwar @ 3/1
The Ultima has been dominated by British trainers in recent years, but Jagwar looks primed to take the trophy back to Ireland. He has been remarkably consistent in high-end handicaps and stayed on strongly over three miles last time. With the ground looking “Good to Soft,” his proven stamina and jumping accuracy make him a very solid win bet in a wide-open field.
16:00 Cheltenham – Champion Hurdle Betting Tips
Selection: Lossiemouth @ 13/8
With the absence of some big names in the division, the door has opened for the brilliant mare Lossiemouth to claim the crown. Willie Mullins has opted for the Champion Hurdle over the Mares’ Hurdle, a move that signals extreme confidence. She is a course specialist with an electric turn of foot, and while The New Lion is a worthy adversary, Lossiemouth’s Grade 1 experience should see her through.
16:40 Cheltenham – Plate Handicap Chase Tips
Selection: Madara @ 7/2
Dan Skelton is a master of targeting the Festival handicaps, and Madara has been the talking horse for the Plate for months. He runs off the same mark as his impressive December Gold Cup second and will appreciate the likely frantic pace. He is a safe jumper who loves the hill, making him a standout selection.
17:20 Cheltenham – National Hunt Chase Tips
Selection: Backmersackme @ 11/2
We close the day with the amateur riders’ test over the marathon trip. Backmersackme has the perfect blend of stamina and class for this race. He was a dominant winner in staying company last month and stays all day. In a race where jumping often falls apart late, his reliability makes him the best bet to end Day 1 on a high.
