Cheltenham Day 1 Tips: Best Bets & Expert Predictions

Welcome to Champions Day: Unveiling Cheltenham Day 1 Tips and Expert Predictions

The highly anticipated Cheltenham Festival kicks off with an exhilarating bang on Day 1, famously known as Champions Day. As the famous "Cheltenham roar" echoes around Prestbury Park, the stage is set for a thrilling showcase of National Hunt racing, featuring seven top-class races designed to test the very best horses, jockeys, and trainers. For the upcoming Festival on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, anticipation is already building, and finding reliable Cheltenham Tips Day 1 is paramount for enthusiasts and punters alike.

Day 1 is a cornerstone of the entire Festival, mixing elite Grade 1 championship contests with fiercely competitive handicaps. The action begins promptly with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at 1:30 PM, culminating in the prestigious Unibet Champion Hurdle at 4:00 PM. Along the way, we'll witness future stars emerge in the Arkle Novices’ Chase and brave gladiators tackle the challenge of the Ultima Handicap Chase. With final declarations often made just days before – typically the Sunday preceding the Festival – the excitement intensifies as the field takes shape.

Navigating the opening day's card, with its large fields and top-tier talent, can be a daunting prospect. That's where expert insights and detailed analysis come into play. Our comprehensive guide combines the latest intelligence with strategic betting advice to help you pinpoint the best bets and potential value across the card. For an even deeper dive into each contest, be sure to check out our Cheltenham Day 1 Race-by-Race Guide: Champion Hurdle & More.

Expert Cheltenham Tips Day 1: A Race-by-Race Breakdown

Let's delve into each of the key races on Champions Day, offering our insights and expert predictions to guide your betting strategy.

Race 1: The Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1:30 PM)

The traditional curtain-raiser, the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, is a Grade 1 contest over 2 miles and ½ furlong, renowned for showcasing future champions. It's a sharp, spirited test for young hurdlers, demanding both speed and stamina.

Why We Like Old Park Star: Entering the fray as one of the early ante-post leaders, Old Park Star has impressed with recent dominant displays, demonstrating strong form across both Irish and British circuits. Its ability to thrive in a deep field of quality and handle varying ground conditions, particularly good to soft, makes it a compelling choice.
Main Dangers: The formidable Talk The Talk, a Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown, poses a significant threat. Its impressive Haydock victory in January highlighted its class, but the depth of this Cheltenham field will be a sterner examination.
Verdict: With its proven form and suitability for the Cheltenham track, Old Park Star stands out as a strong contender to kick off the Festival with a win.

Race 2: The Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (2:00 PM)

Another Grade 1 spectacle, the Arkle is run over 2 miles, demanding sharp, accurate jumping at speed from the novice chasers. It's often a pointer to future Champion Chase contenders.

Why We Like Lulamba: This high-class novice boasts an unbeaten profile over fences and possesses a sharp 2m chasing pedigree. Its trainer is known for excelling in novice chases, and Lulamba's ability to dictate terms from the front, coupled with its suitability for good to soft or softer ground, makes it a prime candidate.
Main Dangers: Kopek Des Bordes, with a strong recent profile, is a significant market player and should not be underestimated.
Verdict: Lulamba looks to be a novice chaser with immense momentum and class, well-equipped to be involved in the pace and potentially run away with the race. Our top value bet here is Steel Ally, offering excellent each-way prospects.

Race 3: The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2:40 PM)

This Grade 3 handicap over 2 miles, 4½ furlongs is a notoriously competitive race for four-year-old hurdlers, often requiring proven ability under testing conditions and a favourable handicap mark.

Why We Like Saratoga: As a half-brother to Brazil, who won this very race for the same connections in 2022, Saratoga carries a promising pedigree. Its strong second and third-place finishes in its last two runs at Naas demonstrate resilience and class. Critically, Saratoga has proven experience on soft ground, which is often crucial in this race, and its allotted mark of 130 could be highly favourable.
Main Dangers: This large field handicap is always fiercely contested. Keep an eye on typically strong Irish runners like Winston Junior and Manlaga, who will be fighting for every inch. The odds and weights will provide further clues.
Verdict: Saratoga looks primed for a big run, especially given its recent improvements and potential family connection to a past winner.

Race 4: The Ultima Handicap Chase (3:20 PM)

The Ultima Handicap Chase is a Grade 3 event run over 3 miles and 1 furlong, offering a stern test of stamina and jumping. It's often a race for established handicap chasers, where experience over fences and potentially at Cheltenham itself is invaluable.

Why We Like a Well-Supported Contender: In this race, the market can be a strong indicator. Horses that have shown consistent form over staying trips, ideally with a prior Festival appearance or proven ability on demanding tracks, often rise to the top. Look for trainers renowned for readying their handicappers for big targets.
Main Dangers: The Ultima is famous for its competitive nature, with a large field of seasoned chasers. Any horse with good recent form, a decent weight, and a strong staying pedigree could pose a threat. Previous course form or form on soft/heavy ground should always be considered.
Verdict: Focus on horses that have shown progress or consistent performances in competitive handicaps. This race is often won by a horse with a blend of class, stamina, and a lenient mark.

Race 5: The Unibet Champion Hurdle (4:00 PM)

The crown jewel of Champions Day, the Champion Hurdle is the pinnacle of two-mile hurdling. This Grade 1 contest is a true championship race, demanding blistering speed, precise jumping, and an unwavering will to win. It is the headline act for a reason.

How to Approach: While specific contenders for 2026 are still emerging, history teaches us to look for horses with proven Grade 1 form, ideally over 2 miles. Recent winners often combine speed with tactical versatility. Pay close attention to the reigning champion's form leading into the Festival, as well as any rising stars that have dominated in trial races.
Key Factors: Form over the Cheltenham hurdles course is a huge advantage. The ability to handle the undulations and the uphill finish is critical. Trainers like Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins often have strong contenders here, so their runners warrant serious consideration.
Verdict: This is a race for champions. Backing a horse with undisputed class, impeccable jumping, and the mental fortitude to handle the pressure of the sport's biggest stage is usually the wisest strategy.

Races 6 & 7: Mares' Hurdle & National Hunt Chase

Day 1 concludes with two more compelling races. The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (4:40 PM), a Grade 1 over 2 miles and 4 furlongs, often sees a dominant mare or two compete, while the National Hunt Chase (5:20 PM), a Grade 2 contest over 3 miles and 6 furlongs, is a gruelling test of stamina and jumping for amateur riders and their novice chasers. Both offer unique betting opportunities for those looking for further Cheltenham Tips Day 1.

Unearthing Value: NAP, Each-Way & Longshot Picks for Cheltenham Day 1

Beyond individual race analysis, adopting a strategic approach to your betting can significantly enhance your Festival experience. For more detailed insights into specific selections, don't miss our Cheltenham Day 1: NAP, Value Bets & Expert Picks Revealed.

NAP (Next Best Bet): The standout NAP for Day 1 is often a horse that combines strong form, ideal conditions, and a confident assessment. In the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Talk The Talk has been highlighted as a strong candidate for this prestigious title, having showcased Grade 1 winning ability previously.
Each-Way Value: For competitive handicaps or races with a clear favourite, an each-way bet can offer excellent returns if your chosen horse places. In the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Mustang de Breuil offers promising each-way value, while Steel Ally stands out as a top value bet in the Arkle Novices' Chase. These horses might not be outright favourites but have strong claims for a top-three finish at attractive odds.
Longshot Potential: Keep an eye on horses with appealing odds that might be overlooked. These are often horses returning from a break, dropping in class, or showing subtle signs of improvement. In a large field handicap, a well-handicapped longshot can provide a huge payout.

General Strategies for Successful Cheltenham Betting

Beyond specific horse selections, here are some overarching strategies to consider when placing your Cheltenham Tips Day 1 bets:

Ground Conditions: Always check the going. Cheltenham can vary significantly, and some horses perform drastically better on soft ground, while others prefer a quicker surface. Adapt your selections accordingly.
Trainer & Jockey Form: Some trainers and jockeys excel at Cheltenham. Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins, for example, have exceptional Festival records. Similarly, jockeys on a winning streak often carry that confidence into big races.
Course Form: Horses that have run well at Cheltenham before often do so again. The unique undulations and demanding uphill finish aren't for every horse.
Market Movers: Watch the betting market. Significant moves in the hours leading up to a race can indicate informed money coming in, suggesting a horse is fancied by connections.
Manage Your Bankroll: The Festival is a marathon, not a sprint. Bet responsibly and stick to a pre-determined budget.

Conclusion

Cheltenham Day 1, Champions Day, promises an unforgettable start to the greatest show on turf. From the opening roar of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle to the crowning of a new Champion Hurdler, the action is relentless and of the highest quality. By combining expert Cheltenham Tips Day 1 with your own informed judgment, paying close attention to factors like ground, form, and market moves, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy the racing and hopefully back some winners. Good luck, and may your predictions be sharp and your bets fruitful!