They call it the greatest show on turf for a reason.

The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of the jumps season in the UK and Ireland. A magical maze winds its way through Prestbury Park – it’s the job of the nags, NAPs and NBs to navigate it as safely and as quickly as possible.

It runs from 12th March until 15th March 2024 with each day brimming with season-defining races for trainers, jockeys, yards and followers alike.

Here, we break down all you need to know ahead of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival including key dates, TV and streaming details, feature race profiles, full race schedules and more.

Where to watch the Cheltenham Festival

You can watch every Cheltenham Festival race right here on BetMGM thanks to our live horse racing streaming service – and be sure to keep up to date with all the action, reaction, talking points and offers with us each day via X.

On television, the biggest racing festival of the year gets most of its airtime on terrestrial TV in the UK with the first five races of each day broadcast on ITV.

The remaining races can be found on the subscription-based Racing TV, which will also showcase the entire card.

BetMGM’s 2024 Cheltenham Festival Guide

Let’s take a look at how the racing at Cheltenham breaks down throughout the four days, including the biggest races, the notable horses and the storylines that could dominate the festival.

Cheltenham Festival Day 1

There is nothing like the first day at Cheltenham – there is a buzz in the air and on social media. A strip of grass and its condition has never been analysed as closely; whether it’s soft, good or heavy, the going plays a mammoth part in the day’s outcome. The world and its dog are looking to find value in different runners and riders.

The day one hype is built around the quality quartet that is the Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1.30), Arkle Challenge Trophy (2.10), Champion Hurdle (3.30) and Mares’ Hurdle (4.10).

Race of the Day: The Champion Hurdle

While the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle garners plenty of attention as the day’s opening contest and the architect of the very first ‘Cheltenham roar’ every year, much of the focus for day one is on the Champion Hurdle.

Despite the magnitude of the renewal, we could yet see the joint-shortest-priced winner in the history of the event – State Man has been as short as 2/5 in the build-up after last year’s winner Constitution Hill was withdrawn from the race by trainer Nicky Henderson due to an infection.

The previous shortest-price horse to win this race was Sir Ken, who started as 2/5 favourite in 1953 when winning the second of three consecutive Champion Hurdles.

Without the spectre of Constitution Hill looming over the race, though, there could be some other opportunities for previously unfancied runners. Early entrant Lossiemouth has won six of her seven starts and is floating around the 4/1 mark while Irish Point has also won his previous four races on the bounce. If they both line up come March 12th, keep an eye on them.

Cheltenham Day 1 Stat: In 2023, the first day at Cheltenham was one for the favourite-backers as five of the seven winners were favourites or joint-favourites.

Full Cheltenham Day 1 Racecard

• 1.30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 2.10 – Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade 1)
• 2.50 – Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
• 3.30 – Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)
• 4.10 – Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 4.50 – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
• 5.30 – National Hunt Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)

Cheltenham Festival Day 2

The racing palooza continues in earnest on Wednesday with Ladies Day taking centre stage – expect to see hats… and lots of them.

Highlights from the second batch of seven races include the Novices’ Hurdle (1.30), Novices’ Chase (2.10), Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2.50) and the Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30).

Race of the Day: Queen Mother Champion Chase

It’s tough to call which race is the most important but all eyes will be drawn to the Queen Mother Champion Chase – and rightly so as it should be a proper ding-dong battle between two heavyweight horses in Jonbon and El Fabiolo.

Thanks to a huge engine and aggressive jumping style, El Fabiolo is the likely favourite with punters fancying his chances ahead of Jonbon after the latter’s poor performance over fences in the Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham back in January.

Both are top-class specimens and it should make for a fascinating affair, as their thrilling finish when facing off in last year’s Arkle Challenge Trophy proved. El Fabiolo triumphed by 5½ lengths on that occasion – will he repeat the trick this year in the Champion Chase?

Cheltenham Day 2 Stat: Pay attention to the odds… 11 of the 12 winners of the Champion Chase since 2012 have been one of the top three in the betting

Full Cheltenham Day 2 Racecard

• 1.30 – Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
• 2.10 – Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
• 2.50 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
• 3.30 – The Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)
• 4.10 – Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase
• 4.50 – Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
• 5.30 – The Champion Bumper (Grade 1)

Read more about our Cheltenham Welcome Offer here

Cheltenham Festival Day 3

The festival celebrates St Patrick's Day on Thursday 14th March – expect an especially raucous atmosphere and a sea of green outfits across the racecourse and in the stands.

The pick of the races on this day includes the Novices’ Chase (1.30), Ryanair Chase (2.50) and the Stayers' Hurdle (3.30).

Race of the Day: Stayers’ Hurdle

The Stayers’ Hurdles is the fourth of five Championship races to take place throughout the week and the feature event on the third day.

The Cleeve Hurdle – also run in Cheltenham every January – is seen as a trial for this race and four of the previous 10 winners of the Cleeve have gone on to win the Stayers’.

With that in mind, the stage is set for the 2022 Grand National winner and 2024 Cleeve Hurdle conqueror Noble Yeats to bolster an already incredible pedigree.

Current race favourite Teahupoo, who overcame odds on favourite Impaire Et Passe to defend his Hatton's Grace Hurdle title at Fairyhouse in December, could take all the beating though.

Cheltenham Day 3 Stat: Don’t be afraid to take on the odds – in four of the last five runnings of this race the returning price has been in the double figures

Full Cheltenham Day 3 Racecard

• 1.30 – Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
• 2.10 – Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
• 2.50 – Ryanair Chase/Festival Trophy (Grade 1)
• 3.30 – Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 4.10 – The Festival Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
• 4.50 – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
• 5.30 – Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Cheltenham Festival Day 4

The final day at the festival rounds the week off with a bang, mainly thanks to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

In 2023, a whopping 1.7 million people tuned in to watch the race unfold. It is the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain with runners sharing a prizepool of £625,000.

Other races at the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 15th March include the BetMGM County Hurdle, Triumph Hurdle (1.30), Novices’ Hurdle (2.50) and the Grade 2 Mares’ Chase (4.50).

Race of the Day: Cheltenham Gold Cup

It needs no introduction. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is imprinted on the sport’s DNA and represents some of the most magical memories for followers of racing.

From Best Mate matching Arkle's record of three successive Gold Cup victories in 2004 to Kauto Star putting in one of the greatest performances in racing history with a 2009 win over rival Denman, this race is dripping in historical significance.

The indomitable Shishkin is courting a lot of fancy despite his shocking fall in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day when two lengths clear heading over the second-last. He could be the one to beat.

The current favourite, though, is Galopin Des Champs. Plenty fancy him to defend his 2023 Gold Cup crown after an authoritative Savills Chase victory late last year.

He also came out on top in the Irish Gold Cup in early February – beating Fastorslow by 4½ lengths. He, too, is fancied to lay down a strong challenge here but does he have enough in the tank to lay a glove on Galopin Des Champs?

Cheltenham Day 4 Stat: You have to go back to 1998 to find a horse older than 9 which has got the job done in the Gold Cup. Indeed, the last 12 Cheltenham Gold Cup winners have been aged between seven and nine years old

Full Cheltenham Day 4 Racecard

• 1.30 – The Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 2.10 – The BetMGM County Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
• 2.50 – Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
• 3.30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1)
• 4.10 – Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
• 4.50 – Mares' Chase (Grade 2)
• 5.30 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-145)

BetMGM Cheltenham Festival Welcome Offer

Here at BetMGM we make every race an occasion – so be sure to check our website and app for daily Cheltenham Festival Specials, odds boosts and more as the entertainment unfolds.

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The countdown is almost over, with the Cheltenham Festival set to begin on Tuesday afternoon as jumps racing fans get set for the biggest four days of the year. The action in the Cotswolds dominates the sporting landscape in a manner unmatched for racing. It's sure to be a rollercoaster of emotion, as always, and here we've picked out our Festival NAP, Best Irish Chance and a Trainer to Follow across the meeting.

Festival NAP

Shanagh Bob @ 10/1

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle - 2.50 Friday

Once again this year, Ireland is expected to dominate the meeting, but Britain's training ranks will be desperate to ensure this isn't another 'greenwash' on home soil and they have plenty to go to war with against the raiding party in the Cotswolds.

One man sure to stand up to the challenge is Nicky Henderson, Britain's all-time leading trainer at this great meeting with 73 winners across four decades.

Forced to rule out superstar Constitution Hill on the eve of the festival after a setback, nobody could deny the Seven Barrows chief a decent week.

He has some excellent contenders and, perhaps, few better than SHANAGH BOB in the Albert Bartlett on Friday, the final race before the Gold Cup.

He runs in the colours of Joe & Marie Donnelly — rarely do they have anything substandard — and comes into this unbeaten after a point-to-point success and two wins over hurdles.

The most recent of those was a C&D trial for this in December and he took nicely to Cheltenham. It wasn't the strongest Grade 2 on paper but the form is standing up quite well.

Shanagh Bob is a physically imposing sort, likely to really come into his own in the future as a staying chaser but right now this is a perfect test for him. This race often goes to a horse with just that sort of profile.

Henderson's only previous winner was Bobs Worth, a future Gold Cup hero, and Shanagh Bob can give the Irish some woe in this three-mile Grade 1.

Best Irish Chance

Brighterdaysahead @ 6/4

Mares' Novices' Hurdle - 4.50 Thursday

No shortage of candidates for this, with the likes of State Man, Lossiemouth, Ballyburn, Fact To File, El Fabiolo, Galopin Des Champs and Dinoblue trading short for their festival targets.

Instead, consider BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD as Ireland's top contender for the Gordon Elliott team.

This Gigginstown House Stud-owned mare has really impressed in her three hurdles wins this season and is now a perfect 5-5 having also won both bumpers last season.

She is progressing at a rate of knots and looks a real athletic type who should have no problems handling Cheltenham.

Given the array of talent that has passed through Cullentra House, it's quite something to hear Elliott suggest that this mare might just be the most talented of the lot.

The likes of Jade De Grugy for Willie Mullins and Fergal O'Brien's Dysart Enos are solid opponents, helping in some ways to hold up the price, but Brighterdaysahead will take some halting if she's as good as her connections clearly believe.

Trainer to Follow

Henry de Bromhead

It goes without saying, of course, but look out for that man Willie Mullins. He's saddled 94 Cheltenham Festival winners and is long odds-on to burst through the century barrier this week and is 1/10 to be Top Trainer again for the 11th time.

In the 'Top Trainer Without Willie Mullins' market we find Henry de Bromhead at odds of 8/1, behind the likes of Elliott and Henderson only, and the County Waterford handler could be of some value.

De Bromhead heads to the Cotswolds this week with 21 Festival winners on his CV already and it would be a shock if he doesn’t add to that.

Former Gold Cup hero Minella Indo is hot-favourite for the Cross Country Chase, while Quilixios has gone from dark horse to talking horse in the Arkle market.

Telmesomethinggirl has a chance in the Mares' Hurdle, while Magical Zoe could run well in the County Hurdle.

Slade Steel is a key contender for whichever Grade 1 novice hurdle he turns up in and lots of good judges believe Monty's Star is a massive player in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

Jungle Boogie is an outsider of note in the Gold Cup, while Maskada is set to defend her crown in the Grand Annual and Envoi Allen is a major player when he does likewise in the Ryanair Chase.

Whacker Clan is a Kim Muir candidate with winning form at the track and lightly-raced Waterford Whispers is targeting the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle — the festivalp finale.

By that stage it will be a major disappointment if we've not seen success for the wonderful alliance of De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore, the Queen of Cheltenham.

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week. This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews the exciting races at Sandown and Kempton on Saturday. But first, she has her say on the big news ahead of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival…

Cheltenham just around the corner!

Cheltenham has come around so quickly – it’s been a dramatic week this week in terms of horses that have unfortunately been announced as non-runners and have not been able to make it, the likes of Constitution Hill and Marine Nationale.

It’s frustrating for those connections but those horses will be back to fight another day. It’s a tricky time for yards this close to the Festival, keeping all the horses in absolutely A1 condition – they aren’t machines and sometimes things go wrong. When they’re trained so specifically they unfortunately are susceptible to picking up injuries or, as Constitution Hill has shown, just not being 100% in themselves.

We want to see all the champions, of course, but we’ve still got a week of incredibly competitive racing, some equine stars on show and I’m very much looking forward to it. It’s really exciting – you can watch our preview event on BetMGM’s social channels and hopefully we’ve picked out a few winners!

For BetMGM to have picked up the County Hurdle is really special. It’s always a really fast and furious handicap – there’s loads of runners which is always a great spectacle and what an amazing way to mark BetMGM’s first Festival.

I’ll be doing a blog for each day so stay tuned for my selections – we’ll be trying to pick some winners when the final declarations are out.

There will be lots going on throughout the week and I can’t wait.

Sandown 1.50 – National Hunt' Novices Handicap Hurdle Final

I'm going with dad's horse Fire Flyer (11/2).

At 12st, it makes things a bit tricky but he's a horse we feel is improving and still has a lot more to come. A mark of 127 we feel is lenient and we think there's a lot more scope left at this mark.

Obviously it’s a different type of track altogether than Taunton but he's pretty versatile, doesn't seem to be worried by any ground and has a massive engine.

His jumping has let him down a bit but he's been getting better with each run and this has very much been the plan for quite a while.

He's got form ahead of Pic Roc (7/1) already. The form there ties in nicely with the favourite Hasthing (5/2 fav).

I just feel as though Fire Flyer has the most scope for improvement. It's a very competitive and open race, but he is the one I feel could be running up in graded level sooner rather than later and that is why he is my pick.

It could be that Champagne Twist (10/1), who seems to be improving with each run, proves to be the biggest danger and a bit of each-way value.

There are plenty of runners in the race, which is good, and it was nice to see Champagne Twist with his head in front at Doncaster last time where he was impressive. At the moment I think he would be the each-way pick.

Megan’s Selection: Hasthing WIN, Champagne Twist EW

Sandown 2.25 – Imperial Cup

I'm going to stick with my friend Bad (5/1). He ran very well at Ascot with first-time cheekpieces following a wind operation, going down by a head.

He was unlucky; it was literally on the nod that he lost this race but he's been very consistent this year. The step up in trip to the 2m 3f was fine but I actually think returning to the two miles at Sandown on a stiffer track will suit him. I just think he's a solid option.

It's a wide-open race with lots of runners, which is great to see, and we have some course winners in the likes of Georgi Girl. But I just think Bad is the sensible option here, he's in great form.

There is plenty of money for dad's runner Sans Bruit (6/1) — he will be happier back on softer ground. The ground was way too quick for him last time at Doncaster so we didn't see the best of him but it's still early days and we're still learning.

Megan’s Selection: Bad WIN

Sandown 3.00 – Listed Mares Bumper

It's wide open. The favourite, Honky Tonk Highway (7/2 fav), is yet to actually run under rules. She's a point-to-point winner and was sold for fairly decent money — 165,000 guineas at Cheltenham in November.

She's making her rules debut for Dan Skelton in a Listed Race so she's obviously shown plenty at home. She won her point-to-point impressively but to be coming straight in at the Listed level suggests she's been doing lots of nice things at home, so we ought to respect that.

Of the others, here, I've Madeupmymind (9/2) for Ben Pauling made a pleasing start when pulling well clear at Wincanton with a nice filly of dad's called Jubilee Alpha.

I've Madeupmymind put up a battle but wasn't quite good enough on the day and she's going to be my selection, purely because it's a bit easier to read into that form at the moment.

Huge respect for Dan and Harry Skelton's mare but I've Madeupmymind gets weight off Honky Tonk Highway because she's only a four-year-old and I just think that form from Wincanton looks pretty solid and Pauling has had a good time with his runners this year.

Megan’s Selection: I've Madeupmymind WIN

Sandown 3.35 – Serial Winners Fund Novices' Handicap Chase

I am going to go Kotmask (10/3) here. I was at Sandown when he won at the end of January and he absolutely bolted up.

I was questioning that day whether the ground would be a bit too testing for him but he handled it very well. He since came out and won at Plumpton, beating Scarface (9/2), who he meets again here.

I just think Kotmask is going the right way, he's improving. He is off a career-high mark so he is going to have to improve again but course form is always important. I think this time, running over the two-and-a-half at Sandown may mean there's still more to come.

Golden Son (11/4 fav) was a winner last time at Kempton. He's been a little bit frustrating and in and out with his form, but he got right back to winning ways and was much more like it at Kempton last time. But he could be a little bit unreliable.

I think Kotmask here is the safe option. He's improving. He goes well at Sandown.

Two-and-a-half here shouldn't be an issue — he saw it out no problem at Plumpton. He's just going the right way.

Megan’s Selection: Kotmask WIN

The Champion Hurdle (15:30) is the feature event on an intriguing first day of the Cheltenham Festival.

There is no Constitution Hill to defend the crown he won in stunning fashion last year, but eight classy hurdlers are set to line up in a bid to claim the title of champion.

Run on Cheltenham's Old Course and with the emphasis on speed, the Champion Hurdle typically goes to a slick hurdler who is capable of getting from one side of the hurdle to the other without any mishaps.

Last year's runner-up State Man heads the market in Constitution Hill's absence and is long odds-on to give trainer Willie Mullins a fifth win in the race.

Selection: Iberico Lord @ 11/1

Outsider to note: Luccia @ 33/1

Improving Iberico progressing quickly enough to lord it over Champion rivals

Nicky Henderson suffered a big blow when having to rule Constitution Hill out of his Champion Hurdle defence last week, but he quickly reacted by supplementing IBERICO LORD and that looks significant. If there is one trainer who knows what it takes to stop the Mullins battalion it is Henderson.

The Seven Barrows trainer has saddled more Champion Hurdle winners (nine) than anyone else and four of the last seven runnings have gone his way, so he wouldn’t be supplementing this handicap winner unless he thought he were up to it.

And Iberico Lord has looked like he might have the class to make the step up in grade this season because not many horses are capable of winning two big handicaps like he has in the space of one season.

Iberico Lord ran away with the Greatwood over course and distance in November, when he had stablemate Luccia behind in third, and he put a poor run at Ascot in between behind him by landing the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last month. That is traditionally one of the strongest races run all season.

The third and fifth from that race went on to fill the first two places in the Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday, so the form is evidently strong, and the Betfair Hurdle was also once seen as a good stepping stone to the Champion. Plenty of top-class handicappers like Iberico Lord have improved enough to make their presence felt at the top table.

He needs to progress again, but he is lightly raced and it’s hard to know the ceiling of his ability.

We know where State Man is, in comparison, and Iberico Lord might be able to reach his level. It will be a surprise if he can’t put it up to the favourite at the very least.

Punt on Luccia could prove lucky for Henderson supporters

The other horse who is interesting at a bigger price is Iberico Lord’s stablemate LUCCIA.

She is another for whom Henderson holds high hopes and she also wouldn’t be lining up in the race if her trainer didn’t think she would be competitive.

Time has told us that she had an impossible task when attempting to give 10lb to Iberico Lord in the Greatwood over course and distance in November and she probably did well to finish only seven lengths behind him in third. She has a 17lb pull in the weights with the mares’ allowance this time.

Luccia proved she is on the upgrade herself when beating a smart field, including her other stablemate Impose Toi, in a hot handicap at Ascot over Christmas and she has been put away with a crack at this race in mind since. There is every chance she can take another big step forward.

She will need to, of course, in this Grade 1 event, but she was fourth in the Mares’ Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last year, and Henderson had Epatante compete in that race before she went on to land the Champion the following year.

It is therefore a tried-and-tested method for the trainer and Luccia doesn’t have that much to find provided she can continue her recent run of progress.

The waiting is almost over, as the Cheltenham Festival kicks off on Tuesday.

Four days of top-class action are promised between Tuesday and Friday, with the first day centring on the Grade 1 Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Arkle for novice chaser, the Mares' Hurdle and the feature Champion Hurdle.

Here are tips for all seven races on day one of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

1.30pm – Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 - 2m½f)

Before Ben Pauling's exceptional run of recent form even began, TELLHERTHENAME was already making a name for himself in novice hurdles. His most recent win in January came by a yawning margin over Dartmoor Pirate, who finished fourth in a Premier handicap on Saturday from a mark of 121. Tellherthename was supposed to run in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last month, but was pulled out owing to the deep ground. So long as conditions are not really testing at Cheltenham for the opening race of the festival, this five-year-old should put up more of a fight against the Irish challenge than his odds suggest.

Selection: Tellherthename

2.10pm – Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1 - 2m)

The Irish pecking order among two-mile novice chasers is really not clear. Indeed, Gaelic Warrior has been parachuted in from longer trips and assumed favouritism since the declarations were announced. While the British division might be weaker, it at least has a clear number one. JPR ONE was on course to hammer Homme Public, who has since won a handicap off a mark of 139, at Cheltenham in November before stumbling and unseating at the last. He was also a more comfortable winner than the margin suggests at Lingfield last time out. He is a big, strapping horse who will be more at home back at this track. Ireland needs to produce a standout to beat him.

Selection: JPR One

2.50pm – Ultima Handicap Chase (3m1f)

Last year's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle seventh WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT faces a much easier task at this year's festival, in handicap company off a mark of 134. He has got here as quietly as possible while gaining relevant course experience. He was twice placed in novice chases at Cheltenham in the autumn, behind two horses who will contest Grade 1 races this week, then reportedly had an issue when disappointing as favourite in December. He has been saved for the festival since and would be a lot shorter if he were trained by one of the big Irish yards.

Selection: Weveallbeencaught

3.30pm – Champion Hurdle (Grade 1 - 2m½f)

When STATE MAN has stood up, the only horse to have beaten him since he came to Willie Mullins has been Constitution Hill. There is no disgrace in that, and with the champion sidelined his next in line can enjoy a well deserved day in the sun. The 2m division really lacks depth, and State Man is demonstrably consistent having won eight Grade 1s in less than two years, so it looks a bit of a fool's errand to get him beat - unless he falls, like he did on his only other defeat since moving to Mullins.

Selection: State Man

4.10pm – Mares' Hurdle (2m4f)

If ability were the only concern in this race, last year's Triumph Hurdle heroine LOSSIEMOUTH would be long odds-on. That she is a remotely backable price is down to concerns about the trip. Gala Marceau is a solid alternative for those who share those worries, but even a long-standing fan of that horse cannot seriously recommend her against Lossiemouth, who might have been a player in the Champion Hurdle had she had run in that race instead.

Selection: Lossiemouth

4.50pm – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)

French form is often the key to this race and few can advertise that so readily as MILAN TINO. He finished third in an Auteuil Grade 2 from which the first, second, fourth and fifth finished first, second, third and fourth in a Grade 1 on their next runs. In the meantime, Milan Tino has been third in a couple of Grade 2s at Cheltenham, behind Triumph Hurdle-standard rivals. He will not face anything like such a stiff task in this race, less so from a mark of 126 which the handicapper has taken a chance with, so his credentials are there to see.

Selection: Milan Tino

5.30pm – National Hunt Novices' Chase (3m6f)

The Irish contingent are clearly the leaders on form, but the fact that Corbetts Cross and Embassy Gardens will both wear hoods hints that their respective connections have doubts about whether they will stay the marathon trip. Main British challenger KILBEG KING has no such fears, if anything he has been held back over fences by the races he has run in not putting enough emphasis on stamina. He would have won a Grade 2 at Ascot last time but for fluffing his lines at the final fence, and he could build on that with a more extreme test of stamina.

Selection: Kilbeg King

While the first day of the Cheltenham Festival contains four Grade 1s, including the Champion Hurdle and two of the biggest novice events of the season in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the Arkle, the Ultima deserves its due as one of the hottest handicap chases of the season.

Last year's winner Corach Rambler, who was winning for a second year in succession, went on to take the Grand National and second-placed Fastorslow is going for the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

This year's winner has a lot to live up to, but the 23-strong field contains a lot of promise. Here are three horses to consider.

Selection: Weveallbeencaught @ 11/2

Next Best: The Goffer @ 6/1

Outsider to note: Gevrey @ 40/1

Selection: Weveallbeencaught @ 11/2

The Ultima is a tough race. You only have to look at last year's renewal when Monbeg Genius ran the race of his life but finished third behind the subsequent Grand National winner and a horse who won the Punchestown Gold Cup on their next start.

Meticulous campaigning is the way to win this race and we know some of the trainers associated with that trait. Gordon Elliott is one, for all that he has never won this race. Kim Bailey is another, and his two runners in this year's race - Chianti Classico and Trelawne - are prominent in the betting.

It is a stretch to include Nigel Twiston-Davies in that group. He has won this race once, with Tipping Tim in 1992, but he is a trainer known for campaigning his horses with Cheltenham in mind and he has taken that to extremes with Weveallbeencaught.

You need three runs over fences to be eligible for Premier handicaps and Weveallbeencaught meets that criterion exactly. He has still amassed plenty of relevant experience, with all three of his chase runs coming at Cheltenham. He was third behind Flooring Porter and stablemate Broadway Boy in October, and second to the latter at the November meeting. Both horses are running in Grade 1s this week.

Weveallbeencaught went off favourite at the December meeting but flopped and reportedly had an issue. He has been saved for the Cheltenham Festival since and sneaks in here at the bottom of the weights. He has more talent than his handicap mark implies and can prove it on the biggest stage.

Next best: The Goffer @ 6/1

Returning to last year's famous renewal, Corach Rambler and Fastorslow are now miles higher in the weights than they were then - 13 and 20lb, for what it matters as neither are handicappers anymore.

Even third-placed Monbeg Genius, who is back again, has gone up 5lb. In spite of that, fourth-placed The Goffer lines up on a lower mark than he did 12 months ago.

Pause last year's race on the final turn and The Goffer looks exceptionally handicapped. He came there tanking under Davy Russell but tired up the run-in.

To what extent that was him paying for a big move or whether it was his stamina giving way, we still do not know for sure. He was subsequently fourth in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown over an even longer trip, though, so it is more likely than not he will see out even a stiff 3m1f.

The Goffer has not been seen since the autumn, which in some cases might have been cause for worry. But Gordon Elliott has a history of giving his Cheltenham hopes the whole of the winter off, so it is of little concern now.

The Goffer is also the choice of Jack Kennedy, who could have ridden any of Elliott's other three runners if his mount was thought anything less than 100 per cent fit. He is surely the likeliest victor of the Elliott contingent.

Outsider to note: Gevrey @ 40/1

The Goffer may not be the best value of Elliott's quartet, though. That honour goes to Gevrey, who has the profile of a horse that should be much shorter than those of a complete outsider.

A big part of the reason Gevrey is such a big price is because he has pulled up on both of his last two starts. However, those have been in hot handicaps and the likelihood is that he is getting ready for the spring again.

He was fourth in the Plate at this meeting last year, making a big move from absolutely nowhere. He followed up with a narrow second to I Am Maximus, currently favourite for this year's Grand National at Aintree, in the Irish National.

It is not as though Gevrey has been AWOL this season, either. He won the Munster National in October, scooting away after the last. While he has run since then and The Goffer has not, both have likely been equally campaigned with an eye on big prizes this spring. Gevrey does not deserve to be several times the price.

The famous Cheltenham roar is synonymous with the festival and is at its loudest when the runners are sent on their way for the opening Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30).

The race is typically run at a ferocious gallop with some of the speediest novices around locking horns.

There is a school of thought that stamina is the most important attribute in a Supreme winner and there is unlikely to be any hiding place.

The market is struggling to split leading fancies Tullyhill and Mystical Power, and our expert has picked out an alternative pair to follow.

Selection: Mistergif @ 10/1

Next best: Firefox @ 5/1

Mistergif can emerge as chief from huge Mullins challenge

Willie Mullins threw a cat amongst the pigeons by deciding to declare Ballyburn for Wednesday’s Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle as he had previously taken up a good chunk of the Supreme market.

However, even with Ballyburn avoiding the Supreme, Mullins can still count upon an exceptionally strong hand. The Closutton trainer is set to saddle six runners and Paul Townend’s decision to ride Tullyhill is clearly significant.

This was Tullyhill’s only entry, and perhaps he didn’t want to give up the ride had Ballyburn lined up here. Tullyhill has turned a corner big time since he was heavily defeated at odds of 1-8 on his return and looks a leading player after bolting up at Punchestown in February.

That effort puts him on a similar level to Mark Walsh’s regular mount Mystical Power, a son of Galileo and out of the brilliant Annie Power who landed the Moscow Flyer in excellent fashion. But the market could easily be underestimating Mistergif, who wouldn’t have been ridden by Townend in any case as he is owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede whose retained jockey is Daryl Jacob.

This five-year-old produced a knockout debut for Mullins at Limerick in January on similar ground to what we will see in the Supreme. That performance fared exceptionally well on the clock and he finished with running to give on a card in which all the other winners were finishing legless.

It is a performance that should not be understated in the context in this race and while that was his only start for Mullins, he can call upon substantial experience on the Flat and in France. With the enhanced place terms on offer he rates an excellent each-way play with the race’s most feared runner not lining up.

Don’t rule out the only horse to defeat Ballyburn

There are others to note outside of the daunting Mullins challenge. Slade Steel is building a solid profile for Henry de Bromhead and his ability to stay further will be a positive in the conditions, while Jeriko De Reponet, having been hyped in a big way earlier in the campaign, perhaps isn’t getting the credit his Rossington Main triumph deserves now.

He beat the talented Lump Sum in good style there, although Nicky Henderson’s stable form continues to be of some concern. It is too early to know whether Henderson’s horses are in peak condition for the meeting.

Ballyburn is clearly a superstar, but he isn’t unbeaten, and the only horse to lower his colours is the Gordon Elliott-trained Firefox. He defeated Ballyburn in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle on his first start in that discipline in November and scored quite comfortably. Clearly that wasn’t Ballyburn’s true running, but Firefox’s bumper performances also stand up to scrutiny and dropping back to this trip is surely going to suit.

Firefox didn’t appear to be in love with the 2m4f trip when failing to reproduce that smart performance in the Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas next time, and better is expected on his return from a 60-day break. Elliott is well capable of saddling festival winners off of breaks, indeed many of his strongest chances throughout the week have been campaigned in a similar manner, and Firefox should give punters a good run for their money.

BetMGM horse racing ambassador Megan Nicholls is here every day of the Cheltenham Festival bringing her insight and opinion to bear on the biggest week in the sport.

On this occasion the former jockey, now an award-winning television pundit, previews the action on the opening day at Prestbury Park. All seven races are on her hit list including the Champion Hurdle, Supreme, Arkle and more.

Remember, for the latest odds, specials, profiles, blogs and more visit the BetMGM Cheltenham Festival Hub.

Cheltenham 1.30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

This race is really, really open. Often you need a horse that stays pretty well so I’m going to go Firefox (9/2) here.

He disappointed at Naas last time – it was way too bad to be true though, having beaten Ballyburn prior to that run. I think he’s got red-hot form, Gordon Elliott reported that he was not 100% right and had scoped dirty after Naas.

Since then he has obviously been freshened up and he missed the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown last month. His training at home has been really pleasing. If we think Ballyburn is such a good thing later in the week, then how can we look away from a horse like Firefox, who actually beat him in a maiden hurdle?

I hope that they revert back to the more positive tactics and if Firefox is firing then I think he’ll bowl along and take Jack Kennedy into the race a lot better than he did last time.

Tullyhill (3/1 fav) is currently the favourite with fellow Willie Mullins runner Mystical Power (7/2) right there too. I don’t think Mystical Power’s jumping has been good enough so that could catch him out.

Personally, it’s between Tullyhill and Firefox. I was scratching my head slightly between them as Tullyhill has been solid and much better since going down to the two-mile trip. He’s looked sharp but you need a horse that can stay and Firefox is that horse.

If we’re looking at an each-way chance then I’m really hoping that Jeriko Du Reponet (7/1) can outrun his odds. His form is also red-hot so if I’m looking at one for places it’d be him.

Megan’s Selection: Firefox WIN, Jeriko Du Reponet EW

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Cheltenham 2.10 – Arkle Challenge Trophy

This is a real headache but I’m going to take on Gaelic Warrior (10/3 fav).

He’s got a hood added for the first time but on the Old Course, which is tighter than the New Course, down to the two miles I think the lengths he gives away by going right-handed on a left-handed course is a real negative.

No doubt he’s got the biggest engine but I’m not sure this is the right race. Willie Mullins has quite a strong hand in here with Il Etait Temps (11/2) and Hunters Yarn (5/1) as well as Gaelic Warrior but I’m actually going to look at Quilixios (6/1).

He was right back to form at Naas last time where he jumped very well. He goes well at Cheltenham too – he won the Triumph Hurdle in 2021 – and he’s rock solid.

Quilixios is two from three chasing and that middle run he ran over three miles he never went, he was tailed off and it was just an absolute no-show. They gave him a bit of time, brought him back down to the trip that suits him best and he was very impressive at Naas.

He travels well and will be able to hold a nice position. Although I’ve said the dropping back down in trip is a positive he is a strong stayer at the two miles.

There are question marks over so many of these horses and he’s one that – if you take out the run at Punchestown in November – he’s so consistent.

Megan’s Selection: Quilixios WIN

Cheltenham 2.50 – Handicap Chase

I’m going with Trelawne (8/1). He is up in trip and is a pretty consistent type, he’s got decent form this season.

He ran a good race at Cheltenham in December behind Ginny’s Destiny and ran well again at Wetherby in January. Trelawne wasn’t beaten all that far, with cheekpieces on for the first time, in the Novices’ Chase at Exeter last month.

That was only a three-runner race but Tahmuras has come out and boosted the form having gone very close at Kempton next time. Crebilly, who won at Exeter, is a pretty short price in the Festival Plate on Thursday so the form there is decent.

Trelawne is up in trip for the first time – so unexposed over fences at three miles – but he was a winner at three miles over hurdles at Uttoxeter previously, so I’m going for him.

Connections are talking about Meetingofthewaters (5/1 fav) as a potential Gold Cup type but he’s up a total of 17lbs since he won the feature race at Leopardstown in December. That’s a big ask for him but, if he really is a Gold Cup type, then nothing is going to be getting near him but we’re yet to see that.

The massive each-way shout could be Kitty’s Light (33/1).

He’s a really strong stayer who comes right and goes well in the spring. He won the Gold Cup at Sandown last April, is off a fairly competitive mark and, although he seems like he’s been around forever, he’s actually only an eight-year-old.

Kitty’s Light seems massively overpriced, he’ll stay very well and he might just outrun those odds.

Megan’s Selection: Trelawne WIN; Kitty’s Light EW

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Cheltenham 3.30 – Champion Hurdle

This is now pretty straightforward. With Constitution Hill out, State Man (3/10 fav) is very much the best of the rest by some way.

He’s been very good this season, such a solid horse. I can’t knock him for anything really, so State Man is the winner here.

I’ll go for a forecast with Iberico Lord (10/1). He was very impressive in the Greatwood Hurdle and absolutely bolted up last time in the feature hurdle race at Newbury. He has got to step up and he’s obviously taking a big step up in grade.

He’s going the right way and there could be any amount of improvement left to come.

Irish Point (11/2) is proven at this level and comes back down in trip – it could be that State Man and Irish Point are way ahead but Iberico Lord could just be open to anything so I’ll take the punt.

Megan’s Selection: State Man 1st, Iberico Lord 2nd Forecast

Cheltenham 4.10 – Mares’ Hurdle

Lossiemouth (8/13 fav) is super, super talented. She was very impressive in the International Hurdle on her return this season.

The question is stepping up in trip into unknown territory – she’s yet to race over this distance – but if she can relax then her turn of foot is very impressive.

She handles any ground and is certainly the most talented mare in the field. She should take the beating. I was actually hoping she might take on State Man in the Champion Hurdle, she could’ve won with that weight allowance. That being the case, she really should be winning here provided she settles.

The big danger is her stablemate Ashroe Diamond (5/1), who is back up in trip. She’s a talented mare and will see the trip out so she’s the biggest threat to Lossiemouth.

For an each-way shout, I think Lantry Lady (33/1) for Henry de Bromhead is an interesting one. She’s two from two and was very impressive at Gowran Park last time, she could be anything here.

She’s stepping up in trip and grade but I think she’ll be fine, she is the one out of all the outsiders who could have an impact and outrun her odds.

Megan’s Selection: Lossiemouth WIN; Lantry Lady EW

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Cheltenham 4.50 – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

This is always a really tricky race to try to work out.

For a big price each-way I’m going to go Roaring Legend (25/1) for Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen. He’s a horse I liked the first time I saw him, finishing in behind Kalif Du Berlais at Kempton in January. That form has been boosted.

He was then in behind Liari at Musselburgh which wasn’t a bad run at all. He was possibly a bit disappointing when finishing third at Market Rasen last month – however he has now got a mark and it looks like a fairly generous one at 122.

I think he could outrun his odds and prove the each-way value in this race.

Otherwise, I do really fancy Liari (8/1) for my dad. He’s a horse we consider to have the ability to be running in the Grade 1 Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree. He had the Triumph Hurdle entry as well but dad has decided to go with this instead.

It’s almost like a limited handicap because the bottom weight is only 10st 11lbs so it’s not a massive margin – only a stone difference is a blessing really. If Liari was going to be good enough to be competitive in the Triumph and considered good enough to be competitive in the Anniversary Hurdle then he ought to be running a huge race here.

Liari is three from three, is very straightforward and a strong traveller who will be able to hold his position. He’s unknown on a track like Cheltenham because his runs have all been on flat tracks but, with the way he goes and the way he’s so straightforward, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Megan’s Selection: Liari WIN; Roaring Legend EW

Cheltenham 5.30 – National Hunt Novices’ Chase

The fact this race is paying respect to Maureen Mullins is very important to note this year. She was a legend within our sport.

But, as a race itself, it just doesn’t seem to work. It always attracts a really small field, which is a real negative.

However, Willie and Patrick Mullins will want to win this race as much as any of the others and they have the joint favourite here in Embassy Gardens (2/1 joint fav) who is two from two chasing.

He looks to stay very well so moving up an extra bit in distance shouldn’t be a problem. He was very impressive in a Grade 3 at Naas last time, winning pretty much at a canter over 3m 1f of testing ground.

With that in mind, the 3m 6f here should not be an issue for Embassy Gardens.

I see quite a lot of Willie Mullins’ horses have a first-time hood on this time round. Often we see them with earplugs but the team have decided to put a hood on quite a few horses on the Tuesday for the first time. It’s probably just to help them relax with the busy Cheltenham atmosphere.

Embassy Gardens is one of those with the first-time hood, hopefully that will be a benefit and not a negative.

I think they have purposely targeted this horse for a race being run in memory of Maureen and I’d be very surprised if he was beaten after being very good in both his chasing starts to date while jumping well too.

Megan’s Selection: Embassy Gardens WIN

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The Grand Annual is the oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival and it is often the most frantic of action.

A big field of two-mile chasers can often turn into an effective elimination race, with one mistake often enough to put a horse too far back to challenge.

It is a race for bookies and enterprising punters. Only one favourite has obliged in the last decade, but more tellingly in the same period there have been winners returned at 66-1, 28-1, 22-1 and 16-1 twice.

You want to consider every runner in the Grand Annual Chase. Our expert has done just that and picked out three to consider in Wednesday’s contest which is set to go off at 4.50pm.

Selection: Libberty Hunter @ 6/1

This is a young, unexposed field for the Grand Annual and Libberty Hunter is the poster boy for that. In Premier handicaps over fences, a horse must run three times in chases to be eligible and Libberty Hunter has managed that many runs and no more.

He would be unbeaten had he not fallen three out on his debut over fences at Chepstow in November. He was travelling all over Mr Grey Sky at the time. He won on the bridle at Wincanton next time and beat Matata handily on the new course at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

Libberty Hunter has been saved since and it is notable that there was only about five weeks between his chasing debut and beating a horse bound for the Arkle.

At that point, the only question was whether Libberty Hunter would go for this race or the Red Rum, which is the Aintree equivalent. His connections won the Red Rum with The Last Day.

However, they have chosen to exercise this horse's course form and come to Cheltenham.

Booking Harry Cobden, who will very likely become champion jockey next month if he avoids injury, is an obvious boon and Libberty Hunter deserves to be favourite.

Next Best: Unexpected Party @ 12/1

Dan Skelton has made his name as a big-race trainer by plotting horses expertly at the County Hurdle, the major two-mile handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

It seems inevitable that he would crack the chasing version in due course and, with three of the 17 runners in this year's Grand Annual, he has given himself every chance.

Calico is talented and will enter calculations if the ground dries up a little. Frere D'Armes has slightly stronger claims, he has been shaping like a big performance waiting to happen back at two miles.

Well clear among Skelton's trio is the talented Unexpected Party, who looks made for a big handicap over a stiff two miles.

He started the season by winning a Listed novice at Chepstow from Knappers Hill, who landed a Grade 2 a few weeks later. Unexpected Party ran in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (fifth, when second favourite), had a couple of quick-fire runs back in graded novices and made a subdued return here on trials day.

Those familiar with how Skelton plots his way to Cheltenham will know to treat everything since the Paddy Power with caution.

What is more, Unexpected Party has always been more of a two-miler. He has dropped to an attractive mark, 8lb lower than the Paddy Power, and warrants respect on what is expected to be his big day.

Outsider to note: Solness @ 14/1

Trainer Joseph O'Brien is owed a bit of luck in the Grand Annual, having had the third in 2020 and the short-head second Entoucas the following year. In Solness he has a solid contender who can outrun fairly big odds.

This horse is only six but has amassed a fair amount of chasing experience. He has really picked it up since the start of the winter, winning a Listed handicap at Fairyhouse's big December meeting before placing at the Dublin Racing Festival.

In the most recent race, which came after a couple of months off, Solness charted a wide course but was able to lay up with Madara and Path D'Oroux, even coming back at them after the last. A stiffer finish at Cheltenham could well suit.

Solness is also easy to make the case for from a handicapping perspective.

He is 8b better off with Madara for finishing six and a half lengths behind (as a rule of thumb, one pound equals one length), and 4lb better off with Path D'Oroux for less than four lengths.

If this six-year-old takes another step forward then he is no outsider.

The second day of the Cheltenham Festival comes up on Wednesday and its feature is the Queen Mother Champion Chase, one of most keenly contested Grade 1 races over fences at the famous Prestbury Park course.

Run over two miles on the Old course, it takes a fast and accurate jumper to navigate the tricky fences and pure pace to see them off up the hill. A field of eight have been declared for the big race and our expert has picked out a pair against the odds-on favourite El Fabiolo.

Selection: Edwardstone @ 7/2

Outsider to note: Gentleman De Mee @ 33/1

Every chance that Edwardstone can get El Fabiolo in trouble

El Fabiolo has always appeared to make hard work of jumping fences, often landing steeply on the other side, and it will be interesting to see if he is slick enough to cope with the pace that EDWARDSTONE looks certain to set following his all-the-way win at Newbury last month.

At the prices, it has to be worth taking a chance on Edwardstone getting the hot favourite out of his comfort zone early and he could spring a surprise if capable of doing so.

The ten-year-old had been the outstanding two-mile chaser of last season before he was eclipsed in this race by Energumene, but he is better than the bare form of that 64-length defeat and appears to be peaking at the right time judged on his last-time-out win at Newbury.

Edwardstone recorded his best effort since landing the 2022 Tingle Creek on that occasion, jumping off in front and putting his rivals in all sorts of trouble before running away with it by 40 lengths.

Last season he came into this race on the back of a defeat and disappointed accordingly, but this time around he returns in top form and that should see him perform better.

A course-and-distance winner in the Arkle a couple of seasons ago, Edwardstone is fully effective at this track and looked like a rejuvenated horse under front-running tactics last time.

It will take a smart performance to peg him back provided that he turns up in the same form he was in at Newbury last time.

Gentleman De Mee no forlorn hope for a place

If there is one horse capable of keeping up with Edwardstone in the early stages it is probably GENTLEMAN DE MEE, who is at his best when racing prominently and might be able to withstand an early barrage.

The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old is a spring horse who comes to himself at this time of the year, and this will be the first time that he has contested a chase around Cheltenham.

He has consistently mixed it with the best since winning a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival last season, for which he achieved a career-best figure.

A reproduction of that run would put him on a par with Edwardstone and it’s not difficult to ignore his last three defeats.

Gentleman De Mee showed plenty of sparkle through the early part of the race back at the Dublin Racing Festival last time out, before being brushed aside by the principals and can be expected to take another step forward with that behind him.

Sometimes two-mile chases like this can be dominated by those who race prominently and the horses who are held up struggle to get into it.

If this race develops in that manner, with Edwardstone and Gentleman De Mee going clear early, there is every chance that they might fill the first two positions with El Fabiolo nowhere to be seen.

The top-class racing at the Cheltenham Festival continues apace on Wednesday.

The feature race of the day, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, is the fastest chase around where only the best jumpers need apply.

There is also a handicap equivalent, the Grand Annual, and three other Grade 1s to decide the champions of their respective divisions.

Here are tips for all seven races on day two of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

1.30pm – Gallagher Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 - 2m5f)

Aside from a reverse on his hurdling debut, BALLYBURN has gone unbeaten through his career and looked to have champion novice hurdler honours in safe keeping after he won in emphatic fashion at the Dublin Racing Festival. That was over two miles, but he has already won over 2m4f and his pedigree suggests he is more of a stayer anyway. He has therefore been switched to this target over the Supreme and looks very tough to beat here.

Selection: Ballyburn

2.10pm – Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1 - 3m½f)

Fact To File is a serious talent but still looks a little raw. He sometimes struggles to settle in his races and can be fiddly at his fences, jumping to his right on occasion. While he could easily become the best of these in time, there is plenty of room to oppose him in the here and now at odds-on. Stay Away Fay comes strongly into calculations if this turns into a battle, but the value play could be MONTY'S STAR. A half-brother to Monalee, who was fourth in the 2020 Gold Cup, Monty's Star looked set for the top himself when winning at Punchestown in heavy ground on New Year's Eve.

Selection: Monty's Star

2.50pm – Coral Cup (2m5f)

You could pick any number of horses who have a good chance of winning this extremely competitive handicap hurdle. Had the rain stayed away, First Street or Guard Your Dreams would have been big-priced runners worth considering. Their form is mostly on less-testing ground, however, so the vote goes to DODDIETHEGREAT. He was fourth in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last time on heavy ground and he shaped very much like a longer trip would suit. He gets that now and has snuck into this race at the bottom of the weights.

Selection: Doddiethegreat

3.30pm – Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1 - 2m)

One of the pitfalls of worshipping Willie Mullins is that we rarely stop to critique his horses. People just assume El Fabiolo will win this race, and it is not doubted that he is the likeliest winner of the Champion Chase. But eight of the 11 odds-on shots in this race since 2000 have been beaten, because punters fail to respect the fences enough in lightning-quick two-mile races. El Fabiolo shares that weakness. So can JONBON, if his last run is any guide, but that was under a new jockey and he is generally a sound jumper. The difference in price between him and El Fabiolo is too great.

Selection: Jonbon

4.10pm – Glenfarclas Chase (Cross Country Chase) (3m5½f)

A bunch of former Gold Cup horses dominate the market for this cross-country chase. None have a better CV than MINELLA INDO, who won the Gold Cup in 2021. He was also second in 2022 and had previously finished first and second at Cheltenham Festivals early in his career. This is his time of year and he took well to the idiosyncratic course when racing here in November. The weights are much more in his favour this time.

Selection: Minella Indo

4.50pm – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (2mf)

Plenty of these are interesting, but the one niggling doubt about LIBBERTY HUNTER had been that all his form to now was in soft or heavy ground. That won't be an issue now given all the rain that has fallen in the build-up to the festival. He has been impressive, winning his last two runs in good style and beating an Arkle horse on the second occasion. With Harry Cobden booked, he deserves to be seen as the likeliest winner of the Grand Annual.

Selection: Libberty Hunter

5.30pm – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m½f)

Willie Mullins is the obvious place to start in this race, and of his eight runners You Oughta Know appeals as the best value. But Mullins always throws plenty at the bumper. Paul Nicholls rarely does and for that reason TEESHAN firmly enters calculations. He won a point-to-point by 41 lengths and then on his debut for the yard eased clear in heavy ground at Exeter. He will suit Cheltenham and have no issue with the ground.

Selection: Teeshan

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Cheltenham 1.30 – Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle

Ballyburn (1/2 fav) is obviously another short-priced favourite for Willie Mullins but he does look to be very smart.

He was impressive at Leopardstown, is a strong traveller, has speed as well as stamina and being back up in trip should not be a problem provided he settles nicely.

Ballyburn looks like he is an extremely talented horse going forward and could just be the superstar novice hurdler that we see this year.

I think it's open in behind him – but I wouldn't be looking away from the favourite.

Megan's Selection: Ballyburn WIN

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Cheltenham 2.10 – Broadway Novices’ Chase

This is a red-hot race despite only having six runners.

Fact To File (10/11) is an absolute monster and blows you away when you see him in the paddock; a gorgeous big horse.

It's unknown territory with him being up in trip but the only way anyone could beat him is by outstaying him – and I hope that Stay Away Fay (10/3) will do just that with cheekpieces on for the first time.

He won at the festival last year in the Albert Bartlett and I think running in open company gave him some really solid and valuable experience around Cheltenham last time.

I am going with Stay Away Fay hoping he can outstay Fact To File, who we have seen is beatable over fences and hasn't had the ideal prep race, considering it was only a match race last time.

Megan's Selection: Stay Away Fay WIN

Cheltenham 2.50 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

Sa Majeste (5/1) is the obvious contender here. There's been lots of talk about him – it's his handicap debut and he has limited experience but, with what he's done so far, you can't really knock him.

The form is strong after beating Noble Yeats last time. That form has been boosted and we know the quality that Noble Yeats has, so I’ll take Sa Majeste to win this.

For an each-way bet, I have looked at two horses here. Lucky Place (10/1) is one of Nicky Henderson’s, so the form of the yard would be a question mark and he’s another running in a handicap for the first time.

With that in mind my main each-way shout here would be Ballyadam (16/1), who drops down in grade. He was fifth at Cheltenham in the County Hurdle last year and has gone well in all his races here to date in the big handicaps.

He does have to carry top weight but last year he was in a more competitive race, so I think Ballyadam can outrun his odds and be a fairly solid each-way candidate here.

Megan's Selection: Sa Majeste WIN; Ballyadam EW

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Cheltenham 3.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase

This is another straightforward one from me. It’s my banker from last year – and I suppose we better put him as the banker again this year – El Fabiolo (1/2 fav).

I can't see him getting beat to be honest. He's a league above the rest here. He can make mistakes but he's enough of a brute to just plough through the fences, and that's fine!

I think Jonbon’s (7/2) confidence has gone. I'd like to see Edwardstone(7/1) ridden the same way he was at Newbury and, if he is, the forecast here will be him and El Fabiolo.

Megan's Selection: El Fabiolo 1st, Edwardstone 2nd (Forecast)

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Cheltenham 4.50 – Grand Annual

I'm going Sa Fureur (9/1). I picked Quilixios in the Arkle and he obviously finished in behind him last time out at Naas.

He runs in a handicap chase for the first time and, having been run in graded races previously, I like that angle.

Sa Fureur looks a very smart hurdler and I just think he is unexposed in comparison to a few of the rest. If he can handle the bigger field, which I don't think will be a problem, then I think he runs a massive race.

He was disappointing at the festival last year but it's too early to say he doesn't like Cheltenham so I am giving him another chance here.

**Megan’s Selection: Sa Fureur WIN

Cheltenham 5.30 – Champion Bumper

I've talked about it for the last couple of weeks and I'm going to stick to my guns and go with Quebecois (14/1), who I think has a great each-way chance.

I think my dad holds a really strong hand here with him and Teeshan (8/1) but I don't think there is an awful lot between them and Teeshan is about half the price.

It's a really open race but I don't think any horse in here is a world-beater and none have particularly blown me away to think they have an outstanding chance.

Megan’s Selection: Quebecois EW

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Day three of the Cheltenham Festival takes place on Thursday and the feature race on a strong card is the Stayers’ Hurdle.

Last year’s winner Sire Du Berlais is back for another crack and there are plenty of other old favourites lining up, along with a new team of young up-and-comers.

Run over the stamina-sapping New course over 3m, the key to winning this race is in the name, as staying power is all important and horses who don’t get up the hill simply don’t win.

A field of 13 has been declared for Thursday’s big race and our expert has picked out a pair to follow in the feature event on what is a busy day of racing.

Selection: Crambo @ 9/2

Outsider to note: Sire Du Berlais @ 12/1

Improving Crambo looks ready to wrestle away the staying crown

CRAMBO simply hasn’t stopped improving since he started his career and proved he loves testing conditions when winning a red-hot running of the EBF Final at Sandown last season on heavy.

He has looked even better this season on quicker ground, so is evidently versatile regarding conditions, and there is every chance he can make the progress required to win the big one.

Crambo kicked off his season with a career-best effort in a handicap at Aintree and was arguably unlucky not to win at Haydock next time. He was caught out of his ground at a crucial stage, but absolutely flew home to close on winner Slate Lane near the line.

He would have won in another half-furlong and put that disappointment behind him when making a huge amount of progress to land the Long Walk at Ascot last time. Not many horses outbattle Paisley Park running to the line, but Crambo did just that and there was a long way back to the third.

The best part of Crambo’s race is always the finish and nothing will be coming home faster than him up the hill. He just needs to stay with them coming off the home bend and he will win.

Don’t discount Sire Du Berlais despite his advancing years

There aren’t many better horses at the Cheltenham Festival than SIRE DU BERLAIS. He has three wins at the meeting and defied his age of 11 when a surprise winner of this race 12 months ago.

Sire Du Berlais is another year older, but he has run only three times since winning the race last season and hasn’t been over-raced this campaign. He has clearly been trained with another crack at the Stayers’ Hurdle in mind and, if he can reproduce last season’s form, he could run well again.

The recent rain certainly won’t be a problem for Sire Du Berlais as he stays all day and it was soft 12 months ago. The question is just whether he retains his ability at his advancing age.

There was no sign that he did when he was well beaten on his seasonal reappearance at Navan last month, but it’s probably not wise to read too far into that as it was no more than a prep run for this.

It’s also hard to believe that top trainer Gordon Elliott would be bringing such a popular old veteran back here unless he thought he were still up to it and that is enough to convince me he is worth a chance, back at his old stomping ground, under top-class pilot Mark Walsh.

It’s far too soon to write Sire Du Berlais off and he could easily run into a place at a big price. Who knows, he might even be capable of winning.

It is a day for the unheralded at Cheltenham on Thursday.

The championship races are for the often-underplayed divisions of staying hurdlers (Stayers' Hurdle, 3.30) and middle-distance chasers (Ryanair Chase, 2.50) and the other features are big-field handicaps often won by stars of the future.

Here are tips for all seven races on day three from Cheltenham, including the feature races at 2.50 and 3.30.

1.30 – Turners Novices' Chase (Grade 1 - 2m4f)

There is a good chance that while the more obviously appealing horses like Facile Vega and Grey Dawning continue to shorten, that GINNY'S DESTINY will ease out even further.

He is already too big, on account of his form mostly being in lower-grade races, but the form and times of his races, which have all been at this track, strongly points towards a horse worth his place in the highest company.

He will also be the best jumper in this field. His profile is fairly similar to that of Stage Star, who similarly downed some more hyped-up rivals in this race 12 months ago.

Selection: Ginny's Destiny

2.10 – Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (3m)

If testing conditions continue to prevail, then CUTHBERT DIBBLE is likely to keep tightening up in the betting. He has been on the rampage this season, having signed off last season with a win in soft ground at Ffos Las.

He has justified cramped odds at Chepstow and Haydock, two tracks known for getting deep, and his profile is on a steep upward curve. All he needed to be strongly considered for this race was a bit of rain and that has come.

Selection: Cuthbert Dibble

2.50 – Ryanair Chase (Grade 1 - 2m5f)

This is another race that will swing on conditions. Connections of BANBRIDGE ducked Cheltenham a year ago because it was deemed too soft.

If he runs this time, he surely deserves to be a warm order because his form in beating Pic D'Orhy last time is miles in advance of what Stage Star and Envoi Allen have achieved. And yes, while those two have strong Cheltenham records to call on, so does Banbridge.

He won the Martin Pipe in 2022 and dotted up in a Grade 2 novice chase here 16 months ago.

Everything is just right for him, except for maybe the ground but his connections will make the call where that is concerned. Punters can bet the form and roll with their judgement.

Selection: Banbridge

3.30 – Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1 - 3m)

Last year, the rain-softened ground was an important factor in Sire Du Berlais causing a shock in this race. Favourite Teahupoo would be more of a good thing if there were less emphasis on stamina, so there is a case for taking a chance at a big price.

They do not come much bigger than JANIDIL, a high-class chaser who saves his best for deep ground and who has shown Grade 1 quality in that sphere inside the last 12 months.

If he brings that form back to hurdles, he may not be as likely a winner as Teahupoo but he is no back number either.

Selection: Janidil

4.10 – TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (2m4½f)

This does not look the strongest running aside from the novices at the head of the betting, so they are expected to have it between them.

THEATRE MAN looked just the type for this race when chasing home Ginny's Destiny on trials day seven weeks ago and has been saved for a tilt at a Cheltenham Festival handicap since.

This looks a more sensible target than Tuesday's Ultima, especially considering the emphasis that race placed on stamina.

Selection: Theatre Man

4.50 – Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2 - 2m1f)

The regard in which JADE DE GRUGY is held has never been a secret and she has already shown the best form in this race courtesy of a Grade 3 win at Fairyhouse in January.

That was just her second run for Willie Mullins and, while both of her runs for current connections have been on soft and heavy ground, her bumper win in France came on good to soft, which is likely to have been even quicker than that as French descriptions tend to be over-soft compared to British standards.

Selection: Jade De Grugy

BetMGM horse racing ambassador Megan Nicholls is here every day of the Cheltenham Festival bringing her insight and opinion to bear on the biggest week in the sport. On this occasion the former jockey, now an award-winning television pundit, previews the action on the St Patrick’s Thursday at Prestbury Park. As always, all seven races are on her hitlist including the Stayers’ Hurdle and Ryanair Chase. Remember: for the latest odds, specials, profiles, blogs and more visit the BetMGM Cheltenham Festival Hub.

Cheltenham 1.30 – Golden Miller Novices’ Chase

The opening race today is fairly open but I’m going to say it’s between Grey Dawning (5/2 joint fav) and Ginny’s Destiny (7/2).

Ginny’s Destiny has received some pretty brilliant rides from Harry Cobden and he’s been very good round Cheltenham – he just lacks that form up at the very top grade yet. But he’s a progressive horse and he’s done very little wrong.

Grey Dawning was in in behind Ginny’s Destiny when making a bad mistake two out at Cheltenham on his penultimate start but has come back out and won the Novices’ Chase at Warwick since so his form is pretty solid as well.

There’s simply not an awful lot between the two of them. They’re going to be my Forecast but it’s ultimately up to the readers to decide which way round they will finish because I find it really hard to split them.

Both are solid and gone well around Cheltenham – the one thing that is in Ginny’s Destiny’s favour is that his jumping has been immaculate to date and he might just get a few under pressure if he can continue that theme.

Megan’s Selection: Ginny’s Destiny & Grey Dawning Forecast

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Cheltenham 2.10 – Pertemps Handicap Hurdle

Gaoth Chuil (8/1) for Tom Walsh is a pretty tough mare and still improving. She gets ridden with patience which might be the way forward in this race.

She’s had no real test of stamina but she’s going the right way and I love her attitude – Gaoth Chuil’s the winner here for me.

For an each-way shout I’m going Emitom (20/1), who really been revived since joining Alan King. She has been in great form and was tough and impressive when winning the Handicap Hurdle at Newbury last month.

Megan’s Selection: Gaoth Chuil WIN, Emitom EW

Cheltenham 2.50 – Ryanair Chase

I’m hoping my dad can have a good Thursday here with Stage Star (9/2).

He is usually very good around Cheltenham – yes he flopped last time but he wasn’t right afterwards and came back a bit sore.

Stage Star has trained well since and was so impressive when winning the Gold Cup Handicap Chase back in November, especially the way he made a mistake and managed to still pick up and run on up the hill. It was a massive performance.

Defending champion Envoi Allen (4/1 fav) deserves huge respect having bolted up last year but Stage Star’s main danger could just be Protektorat (9/1), who is dropping down in trip.

This could really suit Protektorat. He’s a bold jumper and they’ll be positive on him. Stage Star, thankfully, doesn’t have to lead but he can do it so I think Harry Cobden will be dictated to by what Harry Skelton does a little bit.

Megan’s Selection: Stage Star WIN, Protektorat EW

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Cheltenham 3.30 – Stayers’ Hurdle

As an older and stronger horse, stamina won’t be an issue for Teahupoo (7/4 fav) this year.

There were arguments that he was unlucky last year in the Stayers’ but I think he still had the chance to get there if he was good enough on the day.

He’s a fresher horse coming into this one which is a massive plus. He’ll be tricky to beat.

There are a few horses to make an each-way case for and one worth mentioning that could sneak into a place at a bigger price, with blinkers on for the first time, is Home By The Lee (11/1).

Joseph O’Brien’s charge has had to make his own running the last couple of times, he’s been so lazy and just not gone a yard. He won’t have to make the running this time though and he ran a huge race in fifth and wasn’t beaten very far at all despite a mistake that meant almost coming to a standstill in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.

If Home By The Lee can get a nice lead he could outrun his odds. My ITV colleague Kevin Blake has been putting him up in lights here, there and everywhere as well and he won’t be far wrong.

Megan’s Selection: Teahupoo WIN, Home By The Lee EW

Cheltenham 4.10 – Festival Plate Handicap Chase

Theatre Man (9/2) has been in great form this season, he stays very well and having Harry Cobden on board will be a positive.

He’s been running very competitively without winning as well so I think he can get his head in front or at least go very close.

My each-way chance is In Excelsis Deo (10/1) who is stepping up in trip.

He wasn’t disgraced here previously when second to Madara in the Handicap Chase in December and we can put a line through that unseat at Sandown last month so hopefully he can put a good jumping round as he’s a very consistent horse.

Megan’s Selection: Theatre Man WIN, In Excelsis Deo EW

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It all comes down to this. The final day of the Cheltenham Festival 2024 features the greatest jumps race of all, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, combined with some tough betting puzzles in the County Hurdle and Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle.

Even some of the championship events, like the Albert Bartlett and Hunters' Chase, offer a bit of off-beat form study.

From the opening Triumph Hurdle at 13:30 to the meeting-ending Martin Pipe at 17:30, here are tips for all seven races on the last day of the Cheltenham Festival.

13:30 - JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1 - 2m1f)

Worries about the health of the Nicky Henderson stable mean that Sir Gino looks a dubious favourite in the opener. Admittedly, there is a point at which that drift might go too far, but until then you can take him on. Willie Mullins has half the field and of his ETHICAL DIAMOND makes the most appeal. He has a good pedigree and cost plenty when bought off the Flat. He was the biggest eye-catcher of the meeting when sixth at the Dublin Racing Festival and deserves to be taken seriously pitched into this company.

Selection: Ethical Diamond

14:10 - BetMGM County Handicap Hurdle (2m1f)

It takes some doing to get an Ebor winner into the County Hurdle from a mark of 138, but that is what Willie Mullins has managed with ABSURDE. After winning at York in August, this horse went to Australia where he finished seventh in the Melbourne Cup. He still needed to run twice to qualify for Premier handicaps and did so with a couple of runs at Leopardstown which very much suggested that he was being kept in the recovery phase after his excellent Flat campaign. He shaped third best behind Slade Steel and Ballyburn at the Dublin Racing Festival and what those two have done this week certainly advertises his claims. Selection: Absurde

14:50 - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (3m)

Ben Pauling cannot be crabbed for lack of trying in the novice hurdles this week and he can get some sort of reward in this race with THE JUKEBOX MAN. This horse has just the sort of background you need in this race. He is stoutly bred, has point-to-point form, and strong form at that, and he has looked all about stamina so far as a hurdler. He was boxing on in an attritional running of the Challow last time out and has been rested for this big day out since. He will relish the test and is well worth an each-way bet.

Selection: The Jukebox Man (each-way)

15:30 - Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1, 3m2½f)

With Galopin Des Champs a worthy favourite, albeit one you would not set your watch by, each-way is the way to play the Gold Cup. The shortlist of two would be L'Homme Presse and GENTLEMANSGAME, with the smoother preparation enjoyed by the latter giving him the edge. He has run only three times over fences, but he was a classy hurdler too and he was able to beat Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby last time. He was initially underestimated following that win, but should not be now. At the least he can chase home Galopin Des Champs.

Selection: Gentlemansgame (each-way)

16:10 - St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase (3m2½f)

This looks like something of a two-horse race between ITS ON THE LINE and Ferns Lock. The two met at Down Royal in December and, despite Ferns Lock travelling the better throughout, Its On The Line mowed him down late in the piece. That was over 3m and the extra emphasis on stamina will only suit Its On The Line more. He can atone for a defeat in this race last year behind Premier Magic.

Selection: Its On The Line

16:50 - Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Grade 2, 2m4½f)

Picking holes in Willie Mullins-trained hotpots has been a bit of a fool's errand this week, but in this case Mullins also has the natural alternative, so let's have one more attempt. Dinoblue has been impressive at shorter trips, but we know that ALLEGORIE DE VASSY stays this far and she was second in this race last year. On her last run, it looked as though she had tempered her tendency to jump to the right, so she can bring her high-class form to left-handed Cheltenham now.

Selection: Allegorie De Vassy

17:30 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2m4½f)

A race that tends to be won by slow-developing chasers of the future. WATERFORD WHISPERS fits that bill and has fitted in a lot of the experience he needed to get qualified for this race in a short space of time. He looked a stayer in the making at Fairyhouse in early December, form which has worked out well. He had excuses when just beaten in handicap company next time and he is likely to have developed further in the 77 days since we last saw him on the track.

Selection: Waterford Whispers

The fourth and final day of the Cheltenham Festival is the stage for the best jumps race of them all as the Gold Cup is the feature.

Run over the stamina-sapping New course over three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs, it is the supreme test of a staying chaser.

The race has been dominated by Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead recently and hasn’t been won by a British trainer since Colin Tizzard landed it in 2018 with Native River.

A field of 12 have been declared for Friday’s big race and our expert has picked out a pair to follow.

Selection: Galopin Des Champs @ 11/10

Outsider to note: L’Homme Presse @ 21/1

Get with Galopin to make it back-to-back wins

There is no doubt about the outstanding performers this week so far. They have been Willie Mullins and Paul Townend and their best horse lines up in the Gold Cup, bidding to go back-to-back.

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS was the outstanding staying chaser last season when he swept all before him and produced a wildly impressive display to land this race by seven lengths from Bravemansgame.

He struggled to back that performance up when beaten on his next two outings behind the reopposing Fastorslow, but one of those defeats came at the end of a long season and the other at the start of a new one. He also probably found the 2m31/2f trip too sharp on the second occasion.

Galopin Des Champs has shown his class on his last two outings, bouncing right back to his best to thrash the reopposing Gerri Colombe by 23 lengths in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. If he turns up in that sort of form in this event, he simply won’t be beaten.

He wasn’t as impressive when landing the Irish Gold Cup back at Leopardstown at last month’s Dublin Racing Festival, but he comfortably showed Fastorslow the way home by four and a half lengths, avenging his defeats at the hands of that rival.

This is another big test for Galopin Des Champs in a Gold Cup that is probably stronger than last year’s, but he can be expected to pass with flying colours.

Let L’Homme Presse show the way to each-way profits

The Gold Cup is a race that never proves easy to win and plenty can go wrong, so it’s worth having an each-way bet on something else just in case it does and L’HOMME PRESSE is the one to support.

He was the outstanding staying novice of his generation a couple of years ago, when he won all of the big ones including the Brown Advisory at this course, and he appears to have returned from a long absence at the top of his form this season.

L’Homme Presse was having his first outing since the 2022 King George at Kempton when he returned to the course at Lingfield in January, but you wouldn’t have known it. He came through strongly to beat Protektorat by two and a quarter lengths and the front two were clear.

The selection went on to the Ascot Chase last time, but got taken off his feet over 2m5f by the speedy Pic D’Orhy and had no chance from a long way out. Nevertheless, he was still going forwards at the finish and came home just five and a half lengths behind the winner.

That was a decent effort all things considered and L’Homme Presse will be suited by returning to a longer 3m21/2f trip here. He also likes Cheltenham, so the track will also play to his strengths and there is every chance he can run into a place. He might even win if Galopin Des Champs disappoints.