Cheltenham Festival day one: runners, riders, tips and more

We have everything you need for day one of the Cheltenham Festival. Check the latest news and non-runners, as well as the complete list of the day's races including exclusive tips from racing experts. You will also find the daily Cheltenham Postcast, where our racing pundits talk through the day's racing, and we compile the latest Cheltenham free bets and offers for you to choose from.

Cheltenham Festival day one going report

The going conditions at Cheltenham are subject to change depending on the level of moisture in the ground. The latest going description for Cheltenham is soft, heavy in places.

Cheltenham Festival day one races

The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival starts with a bang. The famous roar sends the runners on their way for the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, one of four Grade 1s on the card. The Racing Post Arkle pits the best two-mile novice chasers against each other, while Benie Des Dieux could bid to make amends for last year's final flight fall in the Close Brothers Hurdle against fellow star mare Honeysuckle. The undisputed highlight is the Unibet Champion Hurdle - for which another mare, Epatante, is the favourite to give Nicky Henderson an eighth win in the race.

• National Hunt Chase

Cheltenham Festival day one tips

Our experts pick their selections for each race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival to help you find more winners.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle

• No horse has finished closer to Envoi Allen over hurdles than stablemate Abacadabras, who is preferred to Shishkin.

Racing Post Arkle Chase

• The suggestion is Rouge Vif, who has been an improved performer in his two runs since a wind op. Notebook is next best.

Ultima Handicap Chase

• Of all the field, Vinndication has the most potential and he looked well ahead of the handicapper when winning at Ascot in November.

Champion Hurdle

• Epatante looks all class but she may prefer more of a test of speed and preference is for Darver Star who can relish this tough test.

Mares' Hurdle

• Clear preference is for Benie Des Dieux, who was on course for a decisive win in this last year when falling at the last.

Northern Trust Handicap Chase (NAP)

• The market for this race is about right. Imperial Aura has plenty going for him and he gets the vote over Galvin.

National Hunt Chase

• Easily the greatest guarantee of stamina comes from Lord Du Mesnil who is also a form pick. Springfield Fox is next on the list.

Cheltenham Festival day one preview

Bruce Millington is joined by Paul Kealy, David Jennings and Tom Segal to preview day one of the Cheltenham Festival and give their best bets for each race.

Cheltenham Festival day one free bets and offers

We gather the best Cheltenham Festival free bets and offers every day so you can compare which is best for you. Remember, these offers are only available for a limited time so sign-up today to take advantage.

Sky Bet customers can get their stake back as cash, up to £10, if their selection does not win the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Place a bet on the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30 Cheltenham, March 11) and get your stake refunded as cash if your horse loses

• Max refund £/€10
• First bet only. Win singles or win part of each-way singles only
• Free bets and cashed out bets excluded
• Best Odds Guaranteed does not apply
• Eligibility restrictions and full terms apply

View the full terms

Bet365 customers can get a risk free bet if they back a Cheltenham Festival winner at 4-1 or more on any televised ITV race.

• Back a winner at 4-1 or more with bet365 and get a risk free bet on the next live ITV race (up to £/€50) at bet365
• Offer applies to first single bet placed
• Applies to Win and Each-Way Fixed Odds markets and Enhanced Place Terms markets only
• Bet restrictions and T&Cs apply
• New and eligible customers only
• 18+ T&Cs apply

View the full terms

For the must-have Cheltenham Festival free bets and sign up offers, visit the Racing Post free bets page

Popular pages

Keep up to date on the must-have news, tips, photos and more by following the Racing Post across all social channels