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The Independent
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival enjoys bounceback in Gold Cup sunshine despite drop in attendance
All ages, all backgrounds, from city slickers to royals – they packed Cheltenham racecourse for the festival's climatic end on Gold Cup day, and were rewarded with a thrilling atmosphere and competitive races. On another year when the decline in attendances has been the focus, Friday's event was sold out, as it usually is, and the sun even poked out over the famous Prestbury Park racetrack. Difficulties well publicised last year – such as the mudbath that faced motorists leaving – were avoided, and punters came away from the four-day festival with a smile on their faces – even those whose bets hadn't quite gone to plan. 'It's been a festival in its truest sense,' said Cheltenham chief executive Guy Lavender, the ex-army serviceman who took over the reins at the racecourse in January. Mr Lavender, faced with declining crowds, has overseen a raft of changes including more competitive racing, relaxed drinking restrictions course-side and the introduction of hardstanding on the 7,000-vehicle car park. He's also wanted better value for money, and has pledged to continue to look into this for next year with the inflated cost of hotels on his radar. 'It was a difficult festival last year, everyone acknowledged it and we've made a number of improvements,' Mr Lavender said on BBC Five Live on Friday afternoon. 'We're really smashing it out of the park so far this year. 'They [punters] come here and they have a great time even if they are not hardcore racing fans. It's vibrant and an iconic sporting event." The biggest decline in attendance from last year was on Style Wednesday, which saw a little under 42,000 turning out, down 5,000 from a year ago. And on Tuesday, otherwise known as Champion Day, there was a decrease in attendance from 60,200 to 55,500. However, on St Patrick's Day, the attendance was just over 53,300, just a few hundred short of last year. And on Friday, the event was sold out. Among those in attendance was Reform leader Nigel Farage and suspended party MP Rupert Lowe, who is being investigated for allegations of bullying and threats of violence, all of which Mr Lowe denies. The pair were in boxes around 400 metres apart. Other famous names included former prime minister David Cameron and Geri Halliwell-Horner. 'This is the holy grail of horse racing,' said Steve, aged 67. The pensioner is a member of the Cheltenham racecourse and has been coming for 46 years. 'I remember when there was just one stand,' he said. 'It's certainly evolved over the years, and they're doing the right things to draw interest with entertainment and the facilities.' Simon Wild and Rob Bulger travelled from Manchester to see the four days of the festival, staying in nearby Stroud to save paying 'more than £500 a night'. 'It's the best horse racing with the best atmosphere,' said Mr Wild, aged 42. 'The drinks are a bit pricey [£7.80 a pint of Guinness], but it's what you expect, it's the same at football. 'It's one of those 'have to be there' events of the year, and we'll be back next year.' First-timers Anne and Bob Clark swapped buying Christmas presents for buying Cheltenham Festival tickets for the Gold Cup. Paying £259, they bought a coach travel package from Inverness that included a two-night hotel stay and tickets for the Friday event. 'I usually buy a jumper he doesn't wear, so this was the best present we've given each other in a while,' said Mrs Clark, aged 75. 'It's been an incredible day out. I'll never forget the great opening roar, it was deafening. And we've won two bets,' said Mr Clark, 76. But not everyone got so lucky on their bets. The day started with shock 100/1 outsider, Poniros, winning, with only a handful of punters collecting winnings. Bookie Graham Thorpe took £2,500 from just the race. 'As a bookie you want a shock, and to get that in a champion race with the favourite so well backed, it was a winner for us.' Mr Thorpe, however, did pay out for one woman who took home £1,000 off a £10 bet. For the main event, the 4pm Gold Cup, it was another non-favourite that won, marking a further boost for bookmakers amid groans among the crowds in the course-facing enclosures. Following the final race at 5.20pm, the temperature suddenly dropped as the thousands of racegoers made their way to the exit gates, many heading to pubs and bars in town centre. No doubt, many will return to this edge of the Cotswolds in a little under 12 months' time.
The Independent
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Cheltenham results in full: Every winner from 2025 Festival and today's racecard and runners (cloned)
Cheltenham Festival is back as the horse racing season gathers pace with the four-day spectacle one of the highlights of the sport's calendar. The Festival began with Champion Day before Style Wednesday and then St Patrick's Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday. An action-packed festival last year saw trainer Willie Mullins dominate with jockey Paul Townend riding Galopin Des Champs to victory in one of the most prestigious races in the world. The trainer led Ireland to another prolific week overall, claiming the Prestbury Cup over the UK by an 18-9 scoreline. You can find all the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport, and here is the full list of winners and scheduled race card: Friday, 14 March - Gold Cup Day (all times GMT) 1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course Runners: Blue Lemons; Charlus; East India Dock; Gibbs Island; Hello Neighbour; Larzac; Lulamba; Marche d'Aligre; Mondo Man; Pappano; Poniros; Too Bossy For Us; Willy De Houelle; Lady Vega Allen; Lumiere Du Large; Opec; Place De La Nation; Sainte Lucie 2.00: BetMGM County Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £98,370 (2024) | 2m1f| 8 hurdles | New Course Runners: Daddy Long Legs; Absurde; Fils d'Oudairies; Ethical Diamond; Pinot Gris; Hansard; Kargese; Ndaawi; Cracking Rhapsody; McLaurey; Our Champ; Valgrand; Lark In The Mornin; Irish Panther; Spirit d'Aunou; Norman Fletcher 2.40: Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course Runners: Dinoblue; Brides Hill; Limerick Lace; Allegorie De Vassy; Fontaine Collonges; Je T'Ai Porte; Mayhem Mya; Royale Margaux; Shecouldbeanything 3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course Runners: Argento Boy; Ballybow; Derryhassen Paddy; First Confession; Fishery Lane; Flicker Of Hope; Inn At The Park; Intense Approach; Jasmin De Vaux; Jax Junior; Jet Blue; Jig's Forge; Ma Shantou; Nativehill; Port Joulain; Sounds Victorious; Wendigo; Wingmen; Yellow Car; The Big Westerner 4.00: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) Race conditions: £625,000 | 3m2½f | 22 fences | New Course Runners: Ahoy Senor; Banbridge; Corbetts Cross; Galopin Des Champs; Gentlemansgame; Inothewayurthinkin; Monty's Star; Royale Pagaille; The Real Whacker 4.40: St James's Place Hunter Chase (Listed) Race conditions: £50 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course Runners: Allmankind; Angels Breath; Au Fleuron; Bardenstown Lad; Carnfunnock; D'Jango; Fairly Famous; Go On Chez; Haven't Time; Its On The Line; Lift Me Up; Lisleigh Lad; Music Drive; Ontheropes; Plan Of Attack; Rocky's Howya; Ryehill; Shearer; Take All; West Of Carrig; What A Glance; Willitgoahead; Wonderwall; Angels Dawn 5.20: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Race conditions: £75,000 | 2m4½f | 10 hurdles | New Course Runners: Tounsivator; Wodhooh; No Ordinary Joe; No Questions Asked; Minella Sixo; The Enabler; Uncle Bert; Kopeck De Mee; Taponthego; Karafon; Push The Button; Act Of Authority; Nurse Susan; Doyen Quest; Electric Mason; Park Of Kings; Raglan Road; Flash Collonges; Punctuation; Stormbreaker; Mordor; East India Express; Harsh; Wilde About Oscar Results so far Tuesday, 11 March - Champion Day 1.20: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 ) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6F); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2) 2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2F) 2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1) 3.20: Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1) 4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Golden Ace (25/1); 2) Burdett Road (66/1); 3) Winter Fog (150/1) 4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Puturhandstogether (17/2); 2) Robbies Rock 50/1; 3) Liam Swagger (12/1 ) 5.20: National Hunt Chase Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Winner: Haiti Couleurs (7/2F), Rock My Way (16/1), Will Do (12/1) Wednesday, 12 March - Style Wednesday 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Winner: The New Lion (3/1); 2) The Yellow Clay (5/2); 3) Final Demand (6/4F) 2.00: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 3m½f | 20 fences | Old Course Winner: Lecky Watson (20/1); 2) Stellar Story (22/1); 3) Better Days Ahead (13/2) 2.40: Coral Cup (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Jimmy Du Seuil (16-1); 2) Impose Toi (13-2); 3) Ballyadam (16-1) 3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Listed) Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m6f | 32 obstacles | Old Course Winner: Stumptown (5-2F); 2) Latenightpass (11-1); 3) Vanillier (15-2) 4.00: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £400,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Winner: Marine Nationale (5/1) ; Jonbon (5/6F); Captain Guinness (25/1) 4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course Winner: Jazzy Matty (15-2); 2) Unexpected Party (11-2F); 3) Midnight It Is (25-1) 5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course Winner: Bambino Fever (4-1); Heads Up (33-1); Shuttle Diplomacy (66-1) Thursday, 13 March - St Patrick's Thursday 1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course Winner: Air Of Entitlement (16/1); 2) Sixandahalf (9/4F); 3) Diva Luna (12/1) 2.00: Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course Winner: Caldwell Potter (7/1), 2) Anyway (125/1), 3) O'Moore Park (66/1) 2.40: Pertemps Final (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course Winner: Doddiethegreat (25/1), 2) Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2F), 3) Catch Him Derry (14/1) 3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £375,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course Winner: Fact To File (6/4F); 2) Heart Wood (18/1); 3) Envoi Allen (12/1) 4.00: Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £325,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course Winner: Bob Olinger(8/1); 2) Teahupoo (6/4F); 3) Lucky Place (11/2) 4.40: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course Winner: Jagwar (3/1F); 2) Thecompanysergeant (4/1); 3) Masaccio (11/1) 5.20: JRL Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Listed) Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m2f | 21 fences | New Course Winner: Daily Present (12/1); 2) Johnnywho (9/2F); 3) Sa Majeste (8/1) When is 2025 Cheltenham Festival and what races are included? The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday, 11 March and concludes on Friday, 14 March. Fans will be glued to 28 races over four days, with seven races per day, including 13 races run over fences across the week, 13 over hurdles plus a bumper (flat race) and a cross-country chase. The shortest run is a little under two miles, while the longest races almost reach four miles. Fans will look out for 13 of the races run at Grade 1 standard, while five are run as Grade 2s, six Grade 3s and the other four being Listed. The first race is scheduled for 1:20pm GMT each day, with the final race starting at 5:20pm. How can I watch the Cheltenham Festival on TV and is there a live stream? You can watch the first six races of each day at the Cheltenham Festival with the ITV1 broadcast, while full coverage of the meet, including the final race of each day is only available through a Racing TV subscription. Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast. Several online betting sites will also be streaming the event, but in most cases a funded betting account is required. You can secure access to the first three days of the festival through a daily Club Enclosure ticket at £100.80, while Friday is more expensive at £117.90. Tattersalls tickets will cost you £71.10 on each of the first three days, but Gold Cup day is up at £84.60. The cheapest way to experience the festival is through the Best Mate enclosure with a day ticket for the first three days priced at £51.30, whileFriday will set you back £67.50. All details can be found with tickets available to purchase through the Jockey Club here.
The Independent
13-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham results in full: Every winner from 2025 Festival and today's racecard and runners
Cheltenham Festival is back as the horse racing season gathers pace with the four-day spectacle one of the highlights of the sport's calendar. The Festival began with Champion Day before Style Wednesday and then St Patrick's Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday. An action-packed festival last year saw trainer Willie Mullins dominate with jockey Paul Townend riding Galopin Des Champs to victory in one of the most prestigious races in the world. The trainer led Ireland to another prolific week overall, claiming the Prestbury Cup over the UK by an 18-9 scoreline. You can find all the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport, and here is the full list of winners and scheduled race card: Thursday, 13 March - St Patrick's Thursday 1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course Runners: Air Of Entitlement; Aurora Vega; Bluey; Brendas Asking; Disco Dancer; Diva Luna; Hollygrove Cha Cha; Jane Eire; Jubilee Alpha; Just A Rose; Karamoja; Karoline Banbou; Kimi De Mai; Kitty Foyle; Lagertha; Magic McColgan; Maughreen; Metkayina; Mystical Goddess; Queen St Clair; Sixandahalf; Tour Ovalie; Venuisienne; Galileo Dame 2.00: Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course Runners: Springwell Bay; Firefox; Caldwell Potter; Dee Capo; Answer To Kayf; Asian Master; Insurrection; Nurburgring; O'Moore Park; Anyway; San Salvador; The Other Mozzie; What's Up Darling; Pic Roc; Densworth; Moon D'Orange; Lord Of Thunder; Es Perfecto; Ryan's Rocket; Shanbally Kid; Galunggung; The Famous Five 2.40: Pertemps Final (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course Runners: Thomas Mor; Karl Des Tourelles; Bugise Seagull; Win Some Lose Some; Harbour Lake; Supreme Gift; D Art D Art; Feet Of A Dancer; Lucky Lyreen; Jeriko Du Reponet; Patter Merchant; Henri The Second; Will The Wise; One Big Bang; Super Survivor; J'Ai Froid; Maxi Mac Gold; Shanagh Bob; Doddiethegreat; Catch Him Derry; Guard The Moon; Zain Nights; Idem; American Sniper 3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £375,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course Runners: Djelo; Envoi Allen; Fact To File; Hang In There; Heart Wood; Il Est Francais; Jungle Boogie; Master Chewy; Protektorat 4.00: Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £325,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course Runners: Bob Olinger; Buddy One; Crambo; Franciscan Rock; Ga Law; Gowel Road; Home By The Lee; Langer Dan; Lucky Place; Mystical Power; Nemean Lion; Rocky's Diamond; Teahupoo; The Wallpark 4.40: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course Runners: Conflated; Ginny's Destiny; Jordans; Fugitif; Path d'Oroux; Shakem Up'arry; Il Ridoto; La Malmason; Masaccio; Gemirande; Seddon; Tahmuras; Jagwar; Thecompanysergeant; Personal Ambition; Riaan; Mars Harper; An Peann Dearg; Demnat; Individualiste 5.20: JRL Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Listed) Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m2f | 21 fences | New Course Runners: Fantastic Lady; Yeah Man; Sa Majeste; Johnnywho; Gelino Bello; Mint Boy; Weveallbeencaught; Cleatus Poolaw; Manothepeople; Sine Nomine; Git Maker; Nine Graces; Midnight Our Fred; Music Of Tara; Where It All Began; Westerninthepark; Wiseguy; Daily Present; Galop De Chasse; Now Where Or When; Pats Fancy; Grozni; Walking On Air; Dom Of Mary Friday, 14 March - Gold Cup Day 1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course 2.00: BetMGM County Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £98,370 (2024) | 2m1f| 8 hurdles | New Course 2.40: Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course 3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course 4.00: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) Race conditions: £625,000 | 3m2½f | 22 fences | New Course 4.40: St James's Place Hunter Chase (Listed) Race conditions: £50 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course 5.20: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Race conditions: £75,000 | 2m4½f | 10 hurdles | New Course Results so far Tuesday, 11 March - Champion Day 1.20: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 ) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6F); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2) 2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2F) 2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1) 3.20: Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1) 4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Golden Ace (25/1); 2) Burdett Road (66/1); 3) Winter Fog (150/1) 4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Puturhandstogether (17/2); 2) Robbies Rock 50/1; 3) Liam Swagger (12/1 ) 5.20: National Hunt Chase Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Winner: Haiti Couleurs (7/2F), Rock My Way (16/1), Will Do (12/1) Wednesday, 12 March - Style Wednesday 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Winner: The New Lion (3/1); 2) The Yellow Clay (5/2); 3) Final Demand (6/4F) 2.00: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 3m½f | 20 fences | Old Course Winner: Lecky Watson (20/1); 2) Stellar Story (22/1); 3) Better Days Ahead (13/2) 2.40: Coral Cup (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Jimmy Du Seuil (16-1); 2) Impose Toi (13-2); 3) Ballyadam (16-1) 3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Listed) Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m6f | 32 obstacles | Old Course Winner: Stumptown (5-2F); 2) Latenightpass (11-1); 3) Vanillier (15-2) 4.00: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £400,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Winner: Marine Nationale (5/1) ; Jonbon (5/6F); Captain Guinness (25/1) 4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course Winner: Jazzy Matty (15-2); 2) Unexpected Party (11-2F); 3) Midnight It Is (25-1) 5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course Winner: Bambino Fever (4-1); Heads Up (33-1); Shuttle Diplomacy (66-1) When is 2025 Cheltenham Festival and what races are included? The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday, 11 March and concludes on Friday, 14 March. Fans will be glued to 28 races over four days, with seven races per day, including 13 races run over fences across the week, 13 over hurdles plus a bumper (flat race) and a cross-country chase. The shortest run is a little under two miles, while the longest races almost reach four miles. Fans will look out for 13 of the races run at Grade 1 standard, while five are run as Grade 2s, six Grade 3s and the other four being Listed. The first race is scheduled for 1:20pm GMT each day, with the final race starting at 5:20pm. How can I watch the Cheltenham Festival on TV and is there a live stream? You can watch the first six races of each day at the Cheltenham Festival with the ITV1 broadcast, while full coverage of the meet, including the final race of each day is only available through a Racing TV subscription. Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast. Several online betting sites will also be streaming the event, but in most cases a funded betting account is required. You can secure access to the first three days of the festival through a daily Club Enclosure ticket at £100.80, while Friday is more expensive at £117.90. Tattersalls tickets will cost you £71.10 on each of the first three days, but Gold Cup day is up at £84.60. The cheapest way to experience the festival is through the Best Mate enclosure with a day ticket for the first three days priced at £51.30, whileFriday will set you back £67.50. All details can be found with tickets available to purchase through the Jockey Club here.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Day 2 tips and latest odds after major upset on first day of races
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival began with a bang on Tuesday's Champion Day and now Style Wednesday promises more drama as the UK's biggest week of racing continues. The Queen Mother Champion Chase headlines the action at 4pm, where Jonbon is much fancied with Nico De Boinville aboard, while the Coral Cup Hurdle (2.40pm) and Cross Country Steeple Chase (3.20pm) are among the other fascinating races on Day 2. The opening day of racing delivered a huge shock as the showpiece Champion Hurdle was won by 25/1 shot Golden Ace, with horse racing superstar and heavy favourite Constitution Hill stunningly falling halfway through, as did last year's winner State Man. It allowed Golden Ace to come from nowhere to triumph, with Burdett Road (66/1) taking second and 150/1 shot Winter Fog in third for an all-time Cheltenham shock. The 'greatest show on turf' will also include Friday's Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs, who is the favourite on betting sites, hopes to land a famous hat-trick this. The full race card and Festival schedule is here, and we'll be bringing you all the action as Day 2 Cheltenham Festival reaches Day 2: Full schedule and list of winners Best bets and horses to watch for Day 2 Snow flurry hits Cheltenham on Style Wednesday Day 1 saw Golden Ace shockingly win Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man fell 09:21 , Mike Jones We've listed all the horses Rachael Blackmore is riding on Wednesday of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival: Wednesday 12 March 2.40pm: Coral Cup Hurdle Ballyadam - Age: 10, Weight: 11-12, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead 4pm: Champion Chase Captain Guinness - Age: 10, Weight 11-10, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead 4.40pm: Grand Annual Chase Dancing On My Own - Age: 11, Weight 11-10, Trainer Henry de Bromhead 09:15 , Luke Baker The early pictures emerging of the snow on the ground at Prestbury Park are pretty spectacular 09:12 , Mike Jones The snow has almost stopped after a heavy burst earlier this morning. The course itself looks clear and much of the concourse should clear by the time racing begins this afternoon. That is providing the snow stays away. 09:04 , Luke Baker We've had snow in Cheltenham, which probably wasn't among many people's tips this week. But how will it affect racing today? Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast as shock snow flurry hits on Day 2 08:52 , Luke Baker And Sam Turner has also previewed today's action on Style Wednesday, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase as the headline act 08:39 , Luke Baker Fair to say it was a drama-filled opening day at Cheltenham and The Independent's racing correspondent Sam Turner has reviewed all the action 08:28 , Luke Baker Cheltenham Festival is back as the horse racing season gathers pace with the four-day spectacle one of the highlights of the sport's calendar. The Festival began with Champion Day before Style Wednesday and then St Patrick's Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday. Here is the full list of winners and scheduled race card: Cheltenham Festival: Full list of winners and runners for Day 2 08:20 , Luke Baker It's a clean sweep in the expert tips for today's big race - the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 4pm Ruby Walsh's tip (for ): Jonbon 4/5 Jonbon, all day, every day. He comes here on an upward curve and I hope he wins. He's a brilliant horse and I hope he gets the credit he deserves. He's an absolute good thing. Sam Turner's tip: Jonbon 4/5 Jonbon's critics will point to the fact he has been beaten three times at Cheltenham, while handicappers will point to his best six career efforts taking place away from Prestbury Park. However, the nine-year-old has won all eight of his starts with Nico de Boinville on board and he looks sure to have a good pace to aim at here with the front-running Solness in opposition. Of his rivals, Marine Nationale should relish the drying ground and strong pace and looks the best placed to cause Jonbon most problems. Ed Chamberlin's tip (for ): Jonbon 5/6 The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the big race of the day, and one of the big horses of the week. I can't wait to see Jonbon – I love him. Sir Anthony McCoy would come back and ride him if he could. He's unbeatable, I think, under Nico de Boinville – and how pleased am I that Sky Bet are going to super boost Jonbon – fantastic! 08:11 , Luke Baker A cool, dry day two – known as Style Wednesday – at Cheltenham promises more thrills with the Coral Cup and the Queen Mother Champion Chase among the highlights of a packed schedule. Nicky Henderson's Jonbon is back for glory in the Champion Chase, having withdrawn at the 11th hour last year. Henry de Bromhead's Captain Guinness triumphed in Jonbon's absence but the form book suggests defending his crown will be tough and betting sites make him a big outsider. Check out tips from the experts from this race and others on Day 2: Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day two 07:59 , Luke Baker Fashions change, betting stakes increase and the weather in late winter fluctuates - but at Cheltenham Festival, many things remain largely unchanged. Amid the sea of flat caps and tweed jackets in the Grand Stand, racing on Tuesday got off to the famous Cheltenham roar, sounding as exuberant and impassioned as ever. More than 55,000 racegoers piled into the terraces that line the course to excitedly cheer as the favourite Kopek Des Bordes came first amid the heavy thud of hoofs on the soft turf. Read a full report from Alex Ross at Cheltenham: £7.80 pints not enough to deter punters as Cheltenham Festival gets underway 07:58 , Luke Baker The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival provided thrills and excitement aplenty with the biggest twist coming in the headline Champion Hurdle race. Golden Ace took the trophy for jockey Lorcan Williams and trainer Jeremy Scott after the pre-race favourite, Constitution Hill, and last year's champion, State Man, both fell. Williams held his charge in the middle of the field, kept up the pace, and took advantage of great fortune to shock bookmakers and punters alike. Dramatic Champion Hurdle provides thrilling twist on opening day at Cheltenham
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival: Full list of winners, results, timings and runners for Day 2
Cheltenham Festival is back as the horse racing season gathers pace with the four-day spectacle one of the highlights of the sport's calendar. The Festival began with Champion Day before Style Wednesday and then St Patrick's Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday. An action-packed festival last year saw trainer Willie Mullins dominate with jockey Paul Townend riding Galopin Des Champs to victory in one of the most prestigious races in the world. The trainer led Ireland to another prolific week overall, claiming the Prestbury Cup over the UK by an 18-9 scoreline. You can find all the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport, and here is the full list of winners and scheduled race card: Tuesday, 11 March - Champion Day 1.20: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 ) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6F); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2) 2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2F) 2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1) 3.20: Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1) 4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Golden Ace (25/1); 2) Burdett Road (66/1); 3) Winter Fog (150/1) 4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Winner: Puturhandstogether (17/2); 2) Robbies Rock 50/1; 3) Liam Swagger (12/1 ) 5.20: National Hunt Chase Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Winner: Haiti Couleurs (7/2F), Rock My Way (16/1), Will Do (12/1) Wednesday, 12 March - Style Wednesday 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Runners: Final Demand; Forty Coats; Kaid d'Authie; Kappa Jy Pyke; Kel Histoire; Kiss Will; Potters Charm; Sixmilebridge; Supersundae; The New Lion; The Yellow Clay 2.00: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 3m½f | 20 fences | Old Course Runners: Ballyburn; Better Days Ahead; Dancing City; Gorgeous Tom; Lecky Watson; Quai De Bourbon; Stellar Story 2.40: Coral Cup (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Runners: Maxxum; Ballyadam; Eagle Fang; Sandor Clegane; Colonel Mustard; Jimmy Du Seuil; Sa Fureur; Beacon Edge; Al Gasparo; Staffordshire Knot; Impose Toi; Beckett Rock; Bunting; King Alexander; Comfort Zone; Might I; Be Aware; Samui; Anna Bunina; Lossiemouth; Captain Morgs; Minella Missile; Vischio; Beat The Bat; Jipcot; Ike Sport 3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Listed) Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m6f | 32 obstacles | Old Course Runners: Stumptown; Galvin; Coko Beach; Iwilldoit; French Dynamite; Vanillier; Minella Crooner; Roi Mage; Latenightpass; Chemical Energy; Mister Coffey; Busselton; Gevrey; The Goffer; Escaria Ten; Chambard 4.00: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £400,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course Runners: Captain Guinness; Energumene; Found A Fifty; Jonbon; Libberty Hunter; Marine Nationale; Quilixios; Solness 4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course Runners: JPR One; Dancing On My Own; My Mate Mozzie; American Mike; Nells Son; Martator; Unexpected Party; General Medrano; Fringill Dike; So Scottish; The King Of Prs; Traprain Law; Gaelic Arc; Western Zephyr; Jazzy Matty; Midnight It Is; Third Time Lucki; Conyers Hill; Jasko Des Dames; Primoz 5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course Runners: Copacabana; Dalston Lad; El Cairos; Fortune De Mer; Gameofinches; Heads Up; He Can't Dance; Idaho Sun; I Started A Joke; Kalypso'chance; No Drama This End; Shuttle Diplomacy; Sortudo; Aqua Force; Bambino Fever; Highland Haven; Caballero Cliff; Lancelot Allen Thursday, 13 March - St Patrick's Thursday 1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course 2.00: Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course 2.40: Pertemps Final (grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course 3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £375,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course 4.00: Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £325,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course 4.40: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course 5.20: JRL Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Listed) Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m2f | 21 fences | New Course Friday, 14 March - Gold Cup Day 1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course 2.00: BetMGM County Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £98,370 (2024) | 2m1f| 8 hurdles | New Course 2.40: Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course 3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course 4.00: Boodles cheltenham -gold-cup"> Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) Race conditions: £625,000 | 3m2½f | 22 fences | New Course 4.40: St James's Place Hunter Chase (Listed) Race conditions: £50 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course 5.20: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Race conditions: £75,000 | 2m4½f | 10 hurdles | New Course When is 2025 Cheltenham Festival and what races are included? The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday, 11 March and concludes on Friday, 14 March. Fans will be glued to 28 races over four days, with seven races per day, including 13 races run over fences across the week, 13 over hurdles plus a bumper (flat race) and a cross-country chase. The shortest run is a little under two miles, while the longest races almost reach four miles. Fans will look out for 13 of the races run at Grade 1 standard, while five are run as Grade 2s, six Grade 3s and the other four being Listed. The first race is scheduled for 1:20pm GMT each day, with the final race starting at 5:20pm. How can I watch the Cheltenham Festival on TV and is there a live stream? You can watch the first six races of each day at the Cheltenham Festival with the ITV1 broadcast, while full coverage of the meet, including the final race of each day is only available through a Racing TV subscription. Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast. Several online betting sites will also be streaming the event, but in most cases a funded betting account is required. You can secure access to the first three days of the festival through a daily Club Enclosure ticket at £100.80, while Friday is more expensive at £117.90. Tattersalls tickets will cost you £71.10 on each of the first three days, but Gold Cup day is up at £84.60. The cheapest way to experience the festival is through the Best Mate enclosure with a day ticket for the first three days priced at £51.30, whileFriday will set you back £67.50. All details can be found with tickets available to purchase through the Jockey Club here.
