Cheltenham Festival 2025 LIVE: Snow falls on Day 2 - latest updates, news, odds and betting tips
The action continues at the Cheltenham Festival on day two, which has got off to a very cold start as snow came down at Prestbury Park. It was a thrilling first day to the Festival, with Golden Ace a surprise winner of the Champion Hurdle as Constitution Hill went down earlier and State Man fell at the last when victory appeared to be wrapped up.
The premier two-mile chasers take centre stage today in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Jonbon is the odds-on favourite for the feature race, with Nicky Henderson's star looking to emulate former stable greats Altior and Sprinter Sacre in winning the race under Nico De Boinville, who has three times tasted victory in it.
Dan Skelton's The New Lion will look to bring British success trends in the opener, the Turners Novices' Hurdle, while Ballyburn is a big favourite for Willie Mullins in the Brown Advisory Novices's Chase. The Cross Country Chase should serve up entertainment as ever, before the card comes to an end with the Champion Bumper. Follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog below!
Day 2 card in full
How to watch: ITV
Queen Mother Champion Chase preview
Latest weather forecast after snow
Best bets for Day 2
10:35 , Matt Verri
13.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle
14.00: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase
14.40: Coral Cup Hurdle
15.20: Cross Country Steeple Chase
16.00: Champion Chase
16.40: Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
17.20: Champion Bumper
10:24 , Matt Verri
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's LIVE coverage of the second day of the Cheltenham Festival!
It's got off to a very cold start, with snow falling at Prestbury Park this morning.
That's expected to clear up by later ahead of another seven races, headlined by the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
We'll have all the latest updates, previews and tips right here, before full coverage of the card.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Yahoo
Arsenal handed huge boost for Eberechi Eze transfer as Stuttgart confirm £25.9m deal
Arsenal's pursuit of Eberechi Eze may have been handed a huge boost with Al Ahli completing the signing of Enzo Millot from Stuttgart. As announced by Al Ahli and the Bundesliga outfit on Saturday, Millot has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club. Neither club have provided financial details of the deal, but local media claim Al Ahli have paid £25.9million (€30million) for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder. Millot joined Stuttgart in 2021 and made 43 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists. Furthermore, he netted twice in their 4-2 German Cup final win over Arminia Bielefeld in May. His departure leaves Stuttgart on the market for a replacement and Standard Sport reported earlier in the week that they have held talks with Arsenal over a deal for Fabio Vieira, which could see the midfielder leave Emirates Stadium permanently. It has been widely reported that the Gunners would make a move for Eze once they have sold the Portuguese playmaker. This may soon become a reality as Stuttgart can now accelerate plans to sign Vieira with the funds brought in from Millot's sale to Al Ahli. Arsenal do retain an interest in the Crystal Palace star and Mikel Arteta has said the club remain open for more signings despite spending nearly £200m this summer. 'Let's see what happens, in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks,' said Arteta after his side's 3-0 win over Athletic Club. 'But, we are actively looking at options. 'As well, there are a few players that, maybe, they have to leave as well. So, we will be open to see what happens.' Additional reporting by Reuters.
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Yahoo
Gus Atkinson interview: Oval Invincibles bowler targets Hundred impact before Ashes shot
Looking back at the year that Gus Atkinson made a stunning start to his Test career, it is unsurprising that a solitary appearance in the Hundred does not immediately spring to mind. The England seamer earned a Test debut against West Indies a year ago. By the end of the match he had 12 wickets to his name. Fast forward to the end of 2024 and he had taken 52 scalps, more than any other England players in the calendar year. There was also a Test hundred at Lord's for good measure. In amongst that, Atkinson's Oval Invincibles team-mates defended their Hundred title. The 27-year-old's contribution amounted to ten balls bowled in the final group-stage match, but the international calendar this year offers a window for a more significant role. 'Last year I only got to play one game, which was a shame," Atkinson tells Standard Sport. 'Obviously this year I've been injured for two months. Things might have been different if I'd played all five Tests, there might have been a chance that England pulled me out of the Hundred. 'But playing the one Test and then some white-ball cricket is exciting. 'Getting the chance to play for the two-time winners and trying to win that third one on the bounce will be good.' Atkinson's opening Hundred match will be his first white-ball appearance since an ODI against India in February. He was named in the England squad for the subsequent Champions Trophy but did not feature in a disastrous campaign. 'I felt like I wasn't really prepared well for that series, I hadn't played much white-ball cricket at all," Atkinson said. 'Red ball has been my priority in the last year or so." That will change over the coming weeks when Atkinson lines up for the Oval Invincibles. It is once again an incredibly strong side, with Rashid Khan a "very cool" addition to a squad already containing the likes of Sam Curran, Sam Billings and Will Jacks. Atkinson is ready to play his part after returning to fitness. His flying start to life in the Test arena was halted by a hamstring injury picked up against Zimbabwe this summer. England have been cautious over his recovery and Atkinson had to wait until the fifth and final Test of the India series to make his return. Eight wickets on his home ground, including 5/33 in the first innings, was a swift reminder of what he brings to the attack. 'It was frustrating," Atkinson says of the hamstring injury. "I had the India series very much on my mind leading into the summer. 'I've never really had a muscle injury like that before. It came as a bit of a surprise. I was out fielding with my injury and it was definitely worse than we thought it was going to be. 'We thought it might be a few days of resting. We didn't think it would be this long. 'It's been quite frustrating, especially because I've been able to bowl. I bowled in Leeds for the first Test off a full run-up but not quite at 100 per cent." Efforts to build up his match fitness involved an outing for club side Spencer in Surrey Cricket Championship Premier Division. What did he sense the Sunbury batters were feeling as he marked out his run-up? Atkinson graciously points out his figures of 0/36 from his eight overs. 'I didn't take any wickets or anything! 'They're still good players. Cricket is one of those sports where it's small margins between being right at the top and a club player." Following the epic drawn Test series against India, England have white-ball fixtures against South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand before the spotlight shifts firmly to the Ashes at the end of the year. Despite having now taken 63 Test wickets at 22.01, Atkinson still feels he has something to prove when asked how much of a target being in the side for that first Test in Perth in November is. After a lengthy pause, he responds: 'It's difficult. People on the outside would say I haven't been tested much in Test cricket. 'You've got Australia and you've got India as the two big series. That's why it's disappointing to miss so much of the series this summer. 'I think if I can get a good block of cricket now leading up to Australia - there's no red-ball cricket now before that series so it's important that I play a lot of white-ball games." Atkinson spent a season in Australia playing grade cricket when he finished school but is set for a slightly more high-profile experience this winter. He could have a crucial role in a series that will define the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era, and Atkinson is determined to play his part in ensuring the history books are kind. 'I love playing under Stokesy as a captain," he says. "I don't know what it is, but he just makes you want to do well and put in big performances. He gets that out of players. You want to run through a brick wall for him basically.' This will be the first time since the 2002/03 Ashes series that England have travelled to Australia without James Anderson or Stuart Broad in their ranks. There is a largely settled top seven in the batting line-up but the bowling attack is far more uncertain. England will hope to have Jofra Archer and Mark Wood fit, while the likes of Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue have featured prominently this summer. Atkinson could not have done more to push his case over the past 12 months and is confident England's seamers, whoever they are, can take the wickets to secure only a second series win in Australia in nearly 40 years. 'You could say we've got inexperienced bowlers, but I don't think that's a bad thing at all," Atkinson says. "Going out there with no expectations, we're all really excited and looking forward to the challenge. 'Different sorts of bowlers to Jimmy and Broad. Slightly more hit-the-deck bowlers, which has worked in Australia in the past. 'It will be a challenge but I think we've got a good group of lads who are eager to go out there and impress.'


Time Business News
18-07-2025
- Time Business News
Turf Racing Culture Around the World
Turf horse racing is more than just a sport it's a global tradition that blends athleticism, , fashion, and national pride. While the basic concept remains the same across borders horses racing on natural grass surfaces the culture of turf horse racing varies significantly from country to country. From the refined elegance of Royal Ascot in the UK to the electric atmosphere of Hong Kong, turf racing has become a unique cultural symbol in each region it touches. In this article, we explore the diverse turf racing cultures around the world, revealing how different nations celebrate and experience this prestigious form of horse racing. The United Kingdom is considered the spiritual home of turf racing. Races here are steeped in tradition, pageantry, and history. Tracks like Ascot, Epsom Downs, and Newmarket host some of the oldest and most prestigious turf races globally. Royal Presence : Events like Royal Ascot are attended by British royalty and feature strict dress codes, adding a regal aura. : Events like Royal Ascot are attended by British royalty and feature strict dress codes, adding a regal aura. Flat and Jump Racing : The UK uniquely celebrates both types, with turf used for iconic flat races like the Epsom Derby and steeplechase events like the Cheltenham Festival. : The UK uniquely celebrates both types, with turf used for iconic flat races like the Epsom Derby and steeplechase events like the Cheltenham Festival. Culture: is deeply ingrained, with on-course bookies and shops across the nation. French turf racing is known for its tactical complexity and graceful aesthetic. The country boasts legendary turf races such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, held at the historic Longchamp Racecourse in Paris. Emphasis on Bloodlines : French breeders and owners place great importance on turf-specific pedigrees. : French breeders and owners place great importance on turf-specific pedigrees. Parisian Style : Races are social events, especially among the fashion-forward elite. : Races are social events, especially among the fashion-forward elite. Tactical Racing: Courses are often undulating, favoring strategy over pure speed. Turf racing in Japan is a massive industry supported by one of the world's most passionate and respectful fan bases. Major turf events such as the Japan Cup and Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) are celebrated like national holidays. Fan Engagement : Japanese fans are extremely loyal, often cheering politely and waiting hours to meet jockeys. : Japanese fans are extremely loyal, often cheering politely and waiting hours to meet jockeys. High Stakes : Purses in Japan are among the richest in turf racing. : Purses in Japan are among the richest in turf racing. Clean, Family-Friendly Venues: Turf tracks are modern, well maintained, and attract a wide demographic. Japan's turf racing culture combines deep tradition with cutting edge innovation, making it one of the most respected in the world. In Australia, turf racing is a key part of sporting life. Races like the Melbourne Cup, known as 'the race that stops a nation,' draw huge crowds and nationwide attention. Festival Atmosphere : Racing carnivals are week-long celebrations filled with fashion, music, and food. : Racing carnivals are week-long celebrations filled with fashion, music, and food. Punters' Paradise : Wagering is hugely popular, both online and at tracks. : Wagering is hugely popular, both online and at tracks. Diverse Participation: Racing appeals to everyone, from blue-collar workers to high society. Australia blends sport and celebration, turning turf racing into a vibrant, inclusive cultural experience. Turf racing in Hong Kong is fast paced and intensely competitive. Venues like Sha Tin and Happy Valley regularly attract thousands of fans and millions in turnover. Night Racing Spectacle : Races at Happy Valley are social events, especially on Wednesdays. : Races at Happy Valley are social events, especially on Wednesdays. Massive Culture : The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the richest in the world. : The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the richest in the world. International Participation: Events like the Hong Kong International Races bring top turf talent from Europe, Japan, and Australia. Though the U.S. has long favored dirt racing, turf racing has steadily gained popularity, especially on the East Coast and in California. Prestigious events like the Breeders' Cup Turf and races at Belmont Park and Keeneland showcase elite turf talent. Diverse Racing Surfaces : Turf is one of several options, often attracting international horses. : Turf is one of several options, often attracting international horses. Global Influence : Many turf races in the U.S. feature European or South American contenders. : Many turf races in the U.S. feature European or South American contenders. Expanding Fan Base: Turf racing is attracting more interest from seasoned bettors who appreciate its tactical nature. Turf racing is carving out its niche in the American racing landscape, with a growing and dedicated following. From the traditions of England to the neon-lit races in Hong Kong, turf racing culture is as diverse as the countries that host it. While the surface may be the same natural grass the way people engage with the sport varies wildly. Some embrace formality and elegance, others create a carnival atmosphere, and some see it as a strategic sport of intellect and . No matter the location, turf racing continues to bring people together through shared excitement, national pride, and the timeless thrill of watching powerful horses thunder down the track. TIME BUSINESS NEWS