CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 11 - 14 MARCH 2025
CHAMPION DAY Step into the magic of Champion Day, the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, where the roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and the spirit of true racing legends sets the pace of what’s to come.
T his day is a celebration of the finest horses and jockeys, who battle for glory. The highlight of the day is the prestigious Champion Hurdle, a Grade 1 race over 2 miles, featuring the most skilled hurdlers in the world. Feel the drama unfold as horses surge towards the finish line, with every stride steeped in tradition and adrenaline. Champion Day is a real experience. The Supreme and Arkle back-to-back really kick start the week with a bang. Each race builds a story, every cheer creates a memory. Whether you’re a racing purist or simply love the thrill of the sport, the atmosphere on Champion Day is electric. From the prestigious club enclosure, which includes the Orchard experience, to the vibrant atmosphere of Best Mate, Cheltenham offers something for everyone because, truly, nothing feels like Cheltenham. converge on the hallowed grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse to Seven races are scheduled for Day One of the Cheltenham Festival. The feature race of the day is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a 2 mile Grade 1 race. This takes place at 16:00.
TIMES RACE
DISTANCE
13:20
2m abt ½f
The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
14:00 The My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
abt 2m
14:40 The Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
3m abt 1f
15:20
2m abt 4f
The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
16:00 The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
2m abt ½f
The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap) The Princess Royal National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase) (Class 2)
16:40
2m abt ½f
17:20
3m abt 6f
*Please note the timings are subject to change.
THE HORSES The best week in Jump racing kicks off with the Cheltenham “Roar” from the Grandstands when the season’s speediest novice hurdlers set off at 13.20. Won in the past by the likes of Altior and Douvan, this year’s favourite will likely be Willie Mullins’s Kopek Des Bordes, who comes here off the back of a spectacular win at the recent Dublin Racing Festival. At 16.00 Constitution Hill returns to the scene of his dominant 2023 Champion Hurdle win, and attempts to consolidate his position as one of the greats of the sport, in a rematch with Ireland’s State Man in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.
24 The Festival Preview Magazine
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