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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.
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.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts' best bets and 13 horses to watch on day two
The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2025 edition has already got off to a barnstorming start, with Golden Ace a surprise winner of the Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill fell among the storylines on a compelling first day. A cool, dry day two – known as Style Wednesday – 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. Jonbon has been a superstar for owner JP McManus since he parted with £570,000 for the brother to Douvan and he is a rare example in National Hunt racing of a very expensive horse looking a bargain. He has won 17 races out of 20 under rules, with all three defeats coming at Cheltenham, albeit the first of those can be excused as he was up against Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Find the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport ready to provide daily coverage from the festival and get our free betting newsletter for the latest Cheltenham tips. Sign up here. Our racing expert Sam Turner will be at Cheltenham all week, plus legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh has shared his tips with Paddy Power, and Ed Chamberlin and Oli Bell share their tips with Sky Bet. Day two – Wednesday, 12 March 13.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Final Demand 6/4 Final Demand is a very good horse. He jumped brilliantly at Limerick and brought that to a whole new level at the Dublin Racing Festival. He travelled really well and his jumping was rock solid. His form overall is more solid than The New Lion's. If Paul Townend is positive on him then he'll be hard to beat. The Yellow Clay is a bigger danger than The New Lion. Sam Turner's tip: Final Demand 6/4 A cracking renewal of this race with the powerful Dublin Racing Festival winner Final Demand facing a strong challenge The New Lion and The Yellow Clay, while the likes of Potters Charm (tongue tie for the first time) and Sixmilebridge help to provide a strong supporting cast. The shower that fell at the track on Monday may just play to the strengths of Final Demand who posted a freakish performance at Leopardstown and is held in extremely high regard by Willie Mullins and the team at Closutton. A decisive winner of the Challow Hurdle at Newbury, The New Lion must overcome the poor strike rate of those winners trying to win this, while The Yellow Clay could be slightly underestimated by the market given, he is tough and genuine and boasts a touch of class. Ed Chamberlin's tip: The New Lion 15/8 It's The New Lion – big head-to-head against Final Demand – who I think is going to be a Gold Cup horse, against The New Lion, who I think could be a champion hurdle horse, hopefully he'll have too much speed. Ruby Walsh's tip: Ballyburn 5/6 Ballyburn's jumping has improved throughout the season. He's the best horse in the race but I wouldn't rule out the outsiders. There may only be seven of them but it's a really decent race. I can't get away from Ballyburn being the best horse. Sam Turner's tip: Better Days Ahead 13/2 Ballyburn redeemed his reputation with a fine victory at the Dublin Racing Festival and, as a winner at last year's Festival, has already proven himself a horse for the big occasion. The one slight doubt is his exuberance and that might see him vulnerable at the end of three miles, a trip he has never run over before. If he settles, he will be difficult to beat, albeit stablemate Dancing City is a guaranteed stayer, almost certain to wind up the pace from some way out. The underrated Better Days Ahead and Gorgeous Tom are no back numbers either with the latter likely to find some improvement tackling three miles for the first time. 14.40: Coral Cup Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Bunting 11/2 The Coral Cup is not a race I'd be mad keen on because it's one of those handicaps you need a lot of luck – and I hate races you need luck! Be Aware sticks out for the Skeltons and they are really positive about him. I like Bunting, but I wouldn't rule out Jimmy Du Seuil. It's more a race for the Eliminator than trying to find the winner. I wouldn't put you off Bunting, but it's a race I could never figure out. Sam Turner's tip: Impose Toi 15/2 Be Aware fits several key trends required to win this race –12 of the past 15 winners had run at Cheltenham previously, while 10 of them had finished in the top four at the very least. Top handicap form over the minimum trip is also a positive as is less than nine hurdle starts, two criteria both Be Aware and Impose Toi fulfil. The latter represents Nicky Henderson who has won four of the past 15 renewals and this looks to have been the plan for some time. Henderson's gelding was a good winner at Newbury when last seen and the first-time cheekpieces could produce further improvement. At bigger prices, Jimmy Du Seuil is an intriguing runner, while Beckett Rock makes some appeal for a stable in better form now. 15.20: Cross Country Steeple Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Vanillier 6/1 I've been all over Vanillier for a while. He's the one for me in the Cross Country Chase. Galvin is a bigger danger at the weights than Stumpton. Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue are keen on Stumpton but I'm not listening, I'm still going with Vanillier. Sam Turner's tip: Stumptown 9/4 The vibes for both Stumptown and Busselton have been strong for some time and narrow preference is for the former who is equipped with the cheekpieces for the first time. The selection won a similar race over course and distance before Christmas and, although he has been punished by the handicapper for that defeat of Mister Coffey, his trainer is a master at finding improvement. Busselton has been backed from 20-1 into a third of those odds in the ante-post lists and has 15 lengths to find with Stumptown from December, however he is better off at the weights here and could trouble the market leader. 16.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: 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: 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! 16.40: Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup Ruby Walsh: Third Time Lucki 22/1 Last year's winner Unexpected Party has a massive chance again. Third Time Lucki ran well enough on his first run for Fergal O'Brien's yard, he's dropped enough in the weights and he's an each-way poke. Sam Turner's tip: My Mate Mozzie 6/1 No horse has won this event back-to-back since 1959 so Unexpected Party must defy history to repeat his win from 12 months ago. However, his trainer is brilliant at targeting Festival handicaps so he can't be discounted despite the stats. Proper spring ground is ideal for My Mate Mozzie who came from a long way back to take second in a hot Leopardstown handicap last time. He could be the chief beneficiary from a strong gallop. JPR One (ground will also suit), Traprain Law (should relish a generous pace) and Dancing On My Own (decent course form) also made the shortlist. 17.20: Champion Bumper Ruby Walsh's tip: Copacabana 5/2 Bambino Fever surprised up a bit at Leopardstown. She's a pretty good mare. We've only had Aqua Force a couple of weeks. Gameofinches came to us after winning a point-to-point in November so we didn't have him in the yard until a couple of weeks after that. He had been trained to win that so he's a very lean horse. He's not difficult to train but you can't train them like one you've had through pre-season and you're building through the year. Copacabana is that horse. He's been in the routine a long time. I was impressed with him at Navan. I put him up after that and I haven't changed my mind. He's the one. Sam Turner's tip: Bambino Fever 6/1 Given Willie Mullins has trained the winner of this contest a staggering 13 times, it seems prudent to seriously consider his five runners. The market seems to favour Navan scorer Copacabana and Gameofinches, a good winner at Punchestown last month, and both look to have all the skills required to win this finale. However, Bambino Fever looked an exceptional mare when scoring at the Dublin Racing Festival and she might put her turn of foot to good use. No Drama This End could be the best of British, while El Cairos will be overlooked in the market given his amateur rider.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts' best bets and 12 horses to watch on day two
The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2025 edition has already got off to a barnstorming start, with Golden Ace a suprise winner of the Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill fell among the storylines on a compelling first day. A cool, dry day two – known as Style Wednesday – 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. Jonbon has been a superstar for owner JP McManus since he parted with £570,000 for the brother to Douvan and he is a rare example in National Hunt racing of a very expensive horse looking a bargain. He has won 17 races out of 20 under rules, with all three defeats coming at Cheltenham, albeit the first of those can be excused as he was up against Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Find the latest Cheltenham Festival 2025"> Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport ready to provide daily coverage from the festival and get our free betting newsletter for the latest Cheltenham tips. Sign up here. Our racing expert Sam Turner will be at Cheltenham all week, plus legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh has shared his tips with Paddy Power, and Ed Chamberlin and Oli Bell share their tips with Sky Bet. Day two – Wednesday, 12 March 13.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Final Demand 6/4 Final Demand is a very good horse. He jumped brilliantly at Limerick and brought that to a whole new level at the Dublin Racing Festival. He travelled really well and his jumping was rock solid. His form overall is more solid than The New Lion's. If Paul Townend is positive on him then he'll be hard to beat. The Yellow Clay is a bigger danger than The New Lion. Sam Turner's tip: Final Demand 6/4 A cracking renewal of this race with the powerful Dublin Racing Festival winner Final Demand facing a strong challenge The New Lion and The Yellow Clay, while the likes of Potters Charm (tongue tie for the first time) and Sixmilebridge help to provide a strong supporting cast. The shower that fell at the track on Monday may just play to the strengths of Final Demand who posted a freakish performance at Leopardstown and is held in extremely high regard by Willie Mullins and the team at Closutton. A decisive winner of the Challow Hurdle at Newbury, The New Lion must overcome the poor strike rate of those winners trying to win this, while The Yellow Clay could be slightly underestimated by the market given, he is tough and genuine and boasts a touch of class. Ruby Walsh's tip: Ballyburn 5/6 Ballyburn's jumping has improved throughout the season. He's the best horse in the race but I wouldn't rule out the outsiders. There may only be seven of them but it's a really decent race. I can't get away from Ballyburn being the best horse. Sam Turner's tip: Better Days Ahead 13/2 Ballyburn redeemed his reputation with a fine victory at the Dublin Racing Festival and, as a winner at last year's Festival, has already proven himself a horse for the big occasion. The one slight doubt is his exuberance and that might see him vulnerable at the end of three miles, a trip he has never run over before. If he settles, he will be difficult to beat, albeit stablemate Dancing City is a guaranteed stayer, almost certain to wind up the pace from some way out. The underrated Better Days Ahead and Gorgeous Tom are no back numbers either with the latter likely to find some improvement tackling three miles for the first time. 14.40: Coral Cup Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Bunting 11/2 The Coral Cup is not a race I'd be mad keen on because it's one of those handicaps you need a lot of luck – and I hate races you need luck! Be Aware sticks out for the Skeltons and they are really positive about him. I like Bunting, but I wouldn't rule out Jimmy Du Seuil. It's more a race for the Eliminator than trying to find the winner. I wouldn't put you off Bunting, but it's a race I could never figure out. Sam Turner's tip: Impose Toi 15/2 Be Aware fits several key trends required to win this race –12 of the past 15 winners had run at Cheltenham previously, while 10 of them had finished in the top four at the very least. Top handicap form over the minimum trip is also a positive as is less than nine hurdle starts, two criteria both Be Aware and Impose Toi fulfil. The latter represents Nicky Henderson who has won four of the past 15 renewals and this looks to have been the plan for some time. Henderson's gelding was a good winner at Newbury when last seen and the first-time cheekpieces could produce further improvement. At bigger prices, Jimmy Du Seuil is an intriguing runner, while Beckett Rock makes some appeal for a stable in better form now. 15.20: Cross Country Steeple Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Vanillier 6/1 I've been all over Vanillier for a while. He's the one for me in the Cross Country Chase. Galvin is a bigger danger at the weights than Stumpton. Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue are keen on Stumpton but I'm not listening, I'm still going with Vanillier. Sam Turner's tip: Stumptown 9/4 The vibes for both Stumptown and Busselton have been strong for some time and narrow preference is for the former who is equipped with the cheekpieces for the first time. The selection won a similar race over course and distance before Christmas and, although he has been punished by the handicapper for that defeat of Mister Coffey, his trainer is a master at finding improvement. Busselton has been backed from 20-1 into a third of those odds in the ante-post lists and has 15 lengths to find with Stumptown from December, however he is better off at the weights here and could trouble the market leader. 16.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: 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. 16.40: Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup Ruby Walsh: Third Time Lucki 22/1 Last year's winner Unexpected Party has a massive chance again. Third Time Lucki ran well enough on his first run for Fergal O'Brien's yard, he's dropped enough in the weights and he's an each-way poke. Sam Turner's tip: My Mate Mozzie 6/1 No horse has won this event back-to-back since 1959 so Unexpected Party must defy history to repeat his win from 12 months ago. However, his trainer is brilliant at targeting Festival handicaps so he can't be discounted despite the stats. Proper spring ground is ideal for My Mate Mozzie who came from a long way back to take second in a hot Leopardstown handicap last time. He could be the chief beneficiary from a strong gallop. JPR One (ground will also suit), Traprain Law (should relish a generous pace) and Dancing On My Own (decent course form) also made the shortlist. 17.20: Champion Bumper Ruby Walsh's tip: Copacabana 5/2 Bambino Fever surprised up a bit at Leopardstown. She's a pretty good mare. We've only had Aqua Force a couple of weeks. Gameofinches came to us after winning a point-to-point in November so we didn't have him in the yard until a couple of weeks after that. He had been trained to win that so he's a very lean horse. He's not difficult to train but you can't train them like one you've had through pre-season and you're building through the year. Copacabana is that horse. He's been in the routine a long time. I was impressed with him at Navan. I put him up after that and I haven't changed my mind. He's the one. Sam Turner's tip: Bambino Fever 6/1 Given Willie Mullins has trained the winner of this contest a staggering 13 times, it seems prudent to seriously consider his five runners. The market seems to favour Navan scorer Copacabana and Gameofinches, a good winner at Punchestown last month, and both look to have all the skills required to win this finale. However, Bambino Fever looked an exceptional mare when scoring at the Dublin Racing Festival and she might put her turn of foot to good use. No Drama This End could be the best of British, while El Cairos will be overlooked in the market given his amateur rider.
