Cheltenham Day 1 Tips 2026

Cheltenham Day 1 Tips: Tuesday 10th March 2026

Welcome to Champion Day. The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival sets the scene for the famous "Cheltenham Roar" at 1:20 PM, signalling the start of the greatest four days in National Hunt racing. Tuesday's action features a spectacular 7-race card, highlighted by the prestigious Unibet Champion Hurdle. The ground is currently Good to Soft, promising fair racing across the board.

Our racing experts have analysed the form, the trends, and the tipster consensus to bring you a comprehensive race-by-race guide for Day 1.

Tuesday's Cheat Sheet:

Cheltenham Day 1: Tuesday's Top Tipped Horses

Race 1: 13:20 - Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

Race Details: 2m 87y | 12 Runners | Going: Good to Soft (Watered; 5.5)

The traditional curtain-raiser is always run at a frantic pace. This year, Nicky Henderson holds a very strong hand with the top-rated Old Park Star. He faces a stiff challenge from the Willie Mullins-trained Mighty Park and Philip Hobbs' consistent Sober Glory.

Key Trend: 9 of the last 10 Supreme winners won their final prep race before the Festival.

The Verdict: Old Park Star has looked imperious in his preparation and possesses the tactical speed required for a Supreme. The Henderson yard knows exactly what it takes to win this, and he is the clear pick to get punters off to a winning start.

BettingOdds Tip: Old Park Star (Win)

Race 2: 14:00 - Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

Race Details: 1m 7f 199y | 7 Runners | Going: Good to Soft (Watered; 5.5)

The Arkle presents a heavyweight clash between Britain and Ireland in a select field of 7. Nicky Henderson's Lulamba boasts a flawless chasing profile and is the highest-rated horse running on Day 1. Willie Mullins counters with the highly-touted Kopek Des Bordes, while Steel Ally represents the best of the rest for Sam Thomas.

Key Trend: Favourites have a fantastic record in the Arkle, winning 7 of the last 10 renewals.

The Verdict: Lulamba has jumped impeccably this season and is our NAP of the day. He looks a cut above his rivals, and with Kopek Des Bordes showing slight vulnerability earlier in the season, the Henderson runner is the confident selection.

BettingOdds Tip: Lulamba (Win)

Race 3: 14:40 - McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)

Race Details: 2m 87y | 22 Runners | Going: Good to Soft (Watered; 5.5)

Formerly known as the Fred Winter, this contest features a maximum field of 22 runners and is notoriously tricky to solve. Look for well-handicapped types who have been running in Graded company but drop into a handicap here.

Key Trend: 8 of the last 10 winners carried 11st or more.

The Verdict: Winston Junior has a strong profile for this race. Faye Bramley's runner has been highly consistent and looks potentially well-treated off his current mark of 131. In a wide-open race, he offers genuine value.

BettingOdds Tip: Winston Junior (Each-Way)

Race 4: 15:20 - Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

Race Details: 3m 1f | 22 Runners | Going: Good to Soft (Watered; 5.5)

A gruelling 3m 1f staying test with 22 runners. British trainers usually dominate this race. Jagwar won the Plate at the Festival last year and steps up in trip, while Blow Your Wad and Myretown also boast strong claims.

Key Trend: Novices have an excellent record, winning 4 of the last 8 runnings.

The Verdict: Jagwar's proven course form at the Festival makes him a very appealing prospect. He handles the undulations of Cheltenham perfectly, and despite the step up in trip, looks primed for a big run.

BettingOdds Tip: Jagwar (Each-Way)

Race 5: 16:00 - Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) - FEATURE RACE

Race Details: 2m 87y | 9 Runners | Going: Good to Soft (Watered; 5.5)

The showpiece event of Day 1 is a select but elite field of 9. The race revolves around Gordon Elliott's rising star Brighterdaysahead, who sits top of the ratings, and Willie Mullins' brilliant mare Lossiemouth. Golden Ace adds further depth to a fascinating tactical contest.

Key Trend: 7 of the last 10 winners were aged 6 or 7.

The Verdict: Lossiemouth's sheer class and turn of foot should prevail. While Brighterdaysahead is a formidable opponent and technically top-rated, Lossiemouth's previous Festival-winning experience gives her the edge in what promises to be a thriller.

BettingOdds Tip: Lossiemouth (Win)

Race 6: 16:40 - Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

Race Details: 2m 4f 44y | 23 Runners | Going: Good to Soft (Watered; 5.5)

Moved to Day 1 for 2026, this 2m 4f handicap features 23 runners. Trainer Dan Skelton has a fantastic record in this race and saddles two major contenders in Madara and Boombawn. Jipcot and Grandeur D'Ame also command respect.

Key Trend: 8 of the last 10 winners carried under 11st.

The Verdict: Madara appears to have been specifically targeted at this race. He is heavily tipped by industry experts and comes from a yard that knows exactly how to lay one out for this specific handicap.

BettingOdds Tip: Madara (Win)

Race 7: 17:20 - National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase

Race Details: 3m 6f | 17 Runners | Going: Good to Soft (Watered; 5.5)

The marathon 3m 6f test closes the day. Stamina is everything here. Holloway Queen heads the weights for Nicky Henderson, but Newton Tornado and Pic Roc look perfectly suited to the extreme distance.

Key Trend: 7 of the last 10 winners had previously run over at least 3 miles.

The Verdict: Newton Tornado is a versatile stayer with valuable course experience. He has won over 3m+ previously and looks like the type who will relish the gruelling test up the Cheltenham hill.

BettingOdds Tip: Newton Tornado (Each-Way)

Tuesday's Cheltenham Accumulator

For those looking for a bigger return on the opening day, combining the three strongest fancies of the afternoon into a treble is a popular strategy.

Day 1 Betting Offers

Ensure you are getting the best value on Champion Day by taking advantage of the latest bookmaker welcome offers. Whether you are backing Old Park Star in the Supreme or looking for extra places in the Ultima, our free bets hub has you covered.

Check out our dedicated Cheltenham Festival Free Bets page for the full list of sign-up offers, or view specific brand promotions.