Best Cheltenham Betting Offers and Free Bets 2024
The 2024 Cheltenham Festival is finally upon us again – the main highlight of the jump racing scene in the UK and Ireland. Four days of action at Prestbury Park sees the best of the best battle it out in several Grade 1 contests coupled with competitive handicaps. And the Cheltenham Festival also sees a gluttony of betting offers from the leading online bookmakers.
We’ve taken a closer look at what betting offers and promotions you can expect to see in the run-up and during the Cheltenham Festival 2024. We also provided betting tips for Cheltenham and things you need to look out for before placing a bet.
- All Bookmakers
Midnite
- Welcome Bonus
18+ New customers only. Bet £10+ on pre-match accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get 4x £5 Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Bet365
- Exclusive Offer
- Welcome Bonus
New Customers only Bet £10* & Get £50* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* & £10* to your account & bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value & they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet & payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
New cust only. 3 days to claim & 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply.
Betway
- Exclusive Offer
- Welcome Bonus
*New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football or Horse Racing multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days from the new account being registered. 18+ GambleAware.org. Bet the Responsible Way. Full Terms apply
Bet Goodwin
- Welcome Bonus
18+ only. Register a new online account with Betgoodwin. Must have a minimum of 3 bets of £10 or more on separate events at odds of evens (2.0) or bigger on first day. First day losses equals all settled stakes less all returns. The day finishes at 23:59 on day of registration. Free bets must be used in their entirety and stakes are deducted from returns. Free bets non withdrawable Free bets to be credited within 24 hours. This offer can not be used in conjunction with any other Betgoodwin promotion. If your free bet is subsequently voided it will be replaced within 24 hours. Cashed out bets do not count towards this offer. This offer is limited to a free bet award per person/household/IP address. Betgoodwin reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this offer only once the full duration of the promotion has been completed. Full Terms and Conditions apply.
Grosvenor Sport
- Welcome Bonus
New customers. Max £10. 100% Odds Boost token. Keep it fun – set your deposit limit. T&Cs apply. 18+ only. GambleAware.org
This promotion is for new customers only. Customers must be 18+.Customers must residents of the UK/IE. Sign Up using the promo code b25g10fb and make a minimum deposit of £25. Place a minimum £25 bet on any selection with minimum odds of evens (2.0) and receive a £10 free bet upon bet settlement. gambleaware.org 18+
CopyBet
- Exclusive Offer
- Welcome Bonus
Full T&Cs apply. New UK customers only. The qualifying bet should be either a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £10, have 1.9 or greater odds and must be settled within 7 days of sign-up. 5 Free bets which must be placed with a min odds of 2 include: 1 x £10 Free bet on any Pre-match Football game (single); 1 x £10 Free Bet for Horse Racing (single); 1 x £10 Free Bet for Acca (min 2 selections) Bet on any sport; 1 x £10 Free Bet for Acca (min 3 selections) Bet on any sport; 1 x £10 Free Bet for Acca (min 4 selections) Bet on any sport. Max payout – £500. 7 day expiry. To unlock the offer, complete the first deposit via the banking app (Open banking). 18+. GambleAware.com
New customers Only. New customer must place and settle £50 in bets on Matchbook markets only. The user must bet on at least 4 different events to qualify. The user must place and settle bets at odds of 2.0 or more. Bets can be placed on singles, multiples and Bet Builders. The user must place and settle bets before the closing date of the promotion to qualify. . T’s and C’s Apply. Be Gamble Aware. 18+
Qualifying bet of £10 at min. odds 2.0 within 5 days of registration, E/W excluded.
Get 3 x Free Bets: 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Racing, 1 x £10 Acca (Min 4 selections). 7-day expiry. New selected customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £10. Full T&Cs apply
Quinnbet
- Exclusive Offer
- Welcome Bonus
If your account has Sportsbook losses at the end of your first day’s betting, QuinnBet will refund 50% of your losses as a Free Bet up to £35 (min 3 bets) Plus 10 Free online casino spins at QuinnCasino. Even if your account is up, you’re guaranteed a £5 Free Bet Plus 10 Free Spins provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at the minimum odds. T&Cs apply | 18+ New UK Customers Only | GambleAware.org | Gamble Responsibly
18+. GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £10 debit card deposit. Place a £10+ bet at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days. Opt in for £20 in free bets and £20 Casino Bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.
New Players Only. Free bet – one-time stake of £50, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from receipt. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply.
18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible.
BetZone
- Welcome Bonus
Welcome Offer in 2 parts. 18+ | New Customer Only – Promo Code: BETZONE60 required | Sports– 50% back on net LOSSES over your first 3 calendar days | requires min 3 x£10 qualifying bets in same 3 days | Certain bet types excluded | Min return £1 free bet | Casino – Deposit and Wager £30 on selected Welcome slots | Free spins value 60 x 10p | T&Cs apply | Available until 23:59 on 31/01/25
The Best Cheltenham Free Bets 2024
- BetMGM – Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets
- Copybet – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
- Betfred – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
- Parimatch – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
- Sky Bet – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
- Bet365 – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
- Midnite – Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
- Betway – £30 Matched Free Bet + 50 Free Bonus Spins
- Boylesports – Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
- BetVictor – Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Bets
- SBK – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
- PlanetSport Bet – Bet £10 Get £10 in Free Bets
We highly recommend that you check this page daily for regular Cheltenham Festival offer updates.
Comparing The Cheltenham Festival Offers
| Bookmaker | Cheltenham Offer | Min. Odds | Best Odds Guaranteed |
| BetMGM | Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets | 2.0 | Yes |
| Copybet | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | 1.5 | Yes |
| Betfred | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | 2.0 | Yes |
| Parimatch | Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets | 2.0 | Yes |
| Sky Bet | Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets | 2.0 | Yes |
| Bet365 | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | 1.2 | Yes |
| Midnite | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets | 4.0 | No |
| Betway | £30 Matched Free Bet + 50 Free Bonus Spins | 3.0 | Yes |
| Boylesports | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets | 2.0 | Yes |
| BetVictor | Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Bets | 2.0 | Yes |
| SBK | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | 1.5 | Yes |
| PlanetSport Bet | Bet £10 Get £10 in Free Bets | 2.0 | Yes |
Which Bookmakers Offer Cheltenham Live Stream
If you can’t make it to Cheltenham to take in the festival in person then watching online is the next best alternative. There are plenty of bookmakers that offer the facility to watch along as the action unfolds and here some of the best:
- 1. Bet365
- 2. William Hill
- 3. Sky Bet
- 4. Betfred
- 5. Ladbrokes
- 6. Coral
More Details On The Latest Cheltenham Festival Bookie Offers
BetMGM Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets
BetMGM are celebrating the return of Cheltenham Festival like no other, giving an industry leading bonus of £60 in Free Bets. With some other brilliant offers on site, this is a great way to get some free bets in your bank ahead of a huge week of jump racing.
New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 6 x Free Bets: 4 x £10 Horse racing, 2 x £10 Acca Free Bets. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. 18+
Copybet – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
Copybet are fairly new on the scene and their Cheltenham Festival welcome offer matches their fresh approach to betting. £50 in Free Bets awaits for new customers, giving you a healthy pot of money to attack the festival with the gusto it deserves.
18+ only. New customers only. For verified UK clients only. The qualifying bet should start at £10 and have 1.5 or greater odds. Following the qualifying bet, you will receive 4 free bets that can be used one after another. Each free bet lasts for 7 days. Single bet only. Pre-Match or Live. No Cash-Out. Max payout – £500.
Betfred – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
Betfred are one of the more established bookmakers about but their welcome offer is anything but tired. Offering £50 in Free Bets is a welcome gift ahead of Cheltenham Festival and with Best Odds Guaranteed too, you’re on to winner if you sign up at Betfred ahead of the greatest show on turf.
New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply.
Parimatch – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
Parimatch are offering £40 in Free Bets for new customers who sign up ahead of Cheltenham Festival. With competitive prices and an intuitive user experience, you could do a lot worse than making Parimatch your bookmaker of choice for Cheltenham Festival.
18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £10 on football (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. No cash-out. Get 3x£10 Free Bets for set markets and a £10 Slot Bonus for Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, to withdraw max £250. Rewards expire in 10 days. Offer valid from 14:00 UK time on 11/01/2024. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsiby
Sky Bet – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
Sky Bet are one of the biggest bookmakers around and they have a welcome offer to match, with £40 in Free Bets landing in your account once you’ve signed up and placed your first qualifying bet. Coverage of the festival will also be a big draw with Sky Bet, giving you an all encompassing experience of the biggest week in the racing calendar.
New customers only. First single & e/w bet only odds of 1/1 or greater. 4 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets only redeemable on football accumulator markets. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30
Bet365 – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Perhaps the biggest bookmaker in our list, bet365 are competing with the very best by offering £30 in Free Bets ahead of Cheltenham. With an industry leading website and huge offering of markets, bet365 should be one of the first names on your list when it comes to opening a new account for Cheltenham Festival.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Midnite – Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
Another one of the newer bookmakers on the scene, Midnite are offering a handy £20 in Free Bets for new customers that make a qualifying bet. More famous for their e-sports offering, Midnite have made the bold move to join the sportsbook arena and it’s certainly paying off with these kind of offers.
18+ New UK Customers. Must bet £10 in total on accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). £20 credited as 4x £5 Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only, stakes not returned. Restrictions & T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Betway £30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 50 Bonus Spins
Betway just got a new offer for Cheltenham Festival. And it’s a big one. Punters get £30 free bets if their first Acca loses. And Betway have gone out of their way to add more value to the offer by giving away free 50 bonus spins on casino slots to all new customer that sign up during Cheltenham Festival 2024.
Betway Cheltenham Free Bets Terms and Conditions – New UK customers only. Min Deposit: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football or Horse Racing multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. This is offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 50 Bonus Spins credited on placement of qualifying Acca bet.50x bonus wagering applies as do weighting requirements, bonus Spins only available on selected games and expires 7 days after being awarded. Debit card deposits only (exclusions apply). 18+. GambleAware.org. Bet The Responsible Way
Boylesports – Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
Boylesports are one of the most competitive bookmakers around when it comes to prices and they are definitely worth a look ahead of another huge Cheltenham Festival. You could get your hands on £20 in Free Bets when you sign up, giving you a nice pot when it comes to predicting the big winners in Gloucestershire.
*New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply. **18+. Online Only. Get paid out as a winner if your team is winning by 2 goals, even if you draw or lose. 90 mins only. Applies to Singles & Multiples. T&Cs apply. T&Cs apply
BetVictor – Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Bets
For those punters that want to get their hands on Free Bets but without too much outlay, BetVictor give you the perfect opportunity. Placing your first bet of just £5 unlocks £20 in Free Bets, a fine amount when it comes to winning some money at Cheltenham.
18+ Opt in, bet £10 on any football market at min 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Click for T&Cs. gambleaware.org
SBK – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
SBK have introduced their welcome offer and it’s a great one, with £30 in Free Bets being offered. Placing your first bet of £10 will unlock your free bets and give you a nice pot to work with over the festival. SBK also have a brand new website making the betting experience all the smoother.
New UK customers only. Min £10 first deposit using Debit Card. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 1.5 and get £10 Free Bet upon settlement. Further £10 credited after 7 days and a further £10 credited after 14 days. Full T&Cs apply, 18+. GambleAware.org.
PlanetSport Bet – Bet £10 Get £10 in Free Bets
One of the newest bookmakers on our list, there is plenty to be excited about with PlanetSport Bet. Their welcome offer will net you £10 in Free Bets and you’ll be able to access their impressive offering of markets and odds. Definitely a bookmaker to sign up with and reap the rewards in the long term.
New UK/IE customers only. Sign up using the promo code ‘bet10get10’ and make a minimum deposit of £10. Place a minimum £10 bet on any selection with minimum odds of evens (2) and receive a £10 Free Bet. 18+ GambleAware.org
Cheltenham Festival Free Bets Terms And Conditions
Eligibility: Betting offers and free bets are often available only to new customers who are 18 years or older and reside in a specific country or region. Some bookmakers may also have additional eligibility criteria such as a minimum deposit or a specific payment method.
Timeframe: Betting offers and free bets usually have a specific timeframe within which they must be claimed and used. This timeframe can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the bookmaker.
Wagering requirements: In order to qualify for a free bet or to withdraw any winnings from a betting offer, customers may be required to place a certain amount of bets or to meet certain wagering requirements. These requirements may be expressed as a multiple of the free bet amount or the bonus amount.
Exclusions: Some betting offers and free bets may exclude certain types of bets or specific sports or events. For example, a free bet may be valid only for horse racing or football, and may not be used for in-play betting.
Maximum stake: There may be a maximum stake limit on free bets or betting offers, which means that customers may not be able to place bets that exceed a certain amount.
Payment method restrictions: Some bookmakers may restrict the use of certain payment methods for betting offers or free bets. For example, customers may not be able to claim a free bet if they use a specific payment method such as Skrill or Neteller. Additionally, some bookmakers may offer enhanced odds or promotions for customers who use specific payment methods such as debit cards or bank transfers.
Withdrawal restrictions: Customers may be required to meet certain withdrawal requirements before they can withdraw any winnings from a betting offer or a free bet. For example, some bookmakers may require customers to make a certain number of deposits or to meet specific wagering requirements before they can withdraw their winnings.
Promotional abuse: Bookmakers reserve the right to cancel any betting offers or free bets if they suspect that a customer is engaging in promotional abuse, such as creating multiple accounts or using bots to place bets.
How To Use Your Cheltenham Free Bets
Using Cheltenham free bets is a straightforward process – as effortless as placing a regular bet on the racing action. However, always check the specific terms and conditions as these vary slightly between bookmakers.
The average process for using your Cheltenham free bets is as follows;
- Once you have fulfilled any qualifying requirements, any free bet should be automatically added to your account.
- Select the horse you want to back with your free bet and add it to the bet slip.
- Any free bet option should show on the bet slip, allowing you to select it to be used as the stake for your bet.
- If your free bet is a winner, then the winnings should typically be able to be withdrawn as if you have backed the horse with your own money.
Types of Cheltenham Betting Offers
The Cheltenham Festival sees all top online bookmakers battling it out for business, so they unleash an extravaganza of Cheltenham betting offers for punters to enjoy.
Here we take a closer look at five of the most popular Cheltenham betting offers you’ll likely see over the four-day Festival from the 12th to the 15th of March 2024.
Extra Each-Way Places
Some races at the Cheltenham Festival have over 20 runners and attract massive interest from each-way punters. And to attract business, most bookmakers will offer extra places on selected races at the Cheltenham Festival.
A 25-runner handicap would typically see 4 places paid for each-way betting, but at Cheltenham, some bookmakers will offer 5, 6 and even 7 places – always make sure to shop around when looking to place those each-way bets.
Money Back Specials
Be prepared for tremendous money-back specials to appear over the four days of the Cheltenham Festival.
These cover a variety of scenarios and typically see you receive your stake back as a free bet or cash. Such scenarios could be your horse finishing 2nd or 3rd in the race, finishing 2nd behind the race favourite, falling at the final fence, and many more.
Enhanced Odds
Every bookmaker will offer enhanced odds or price boosts every day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. These can add some fantastic extra profit if they win, so check all of our recommended bookmakers daily to see what enhancements are available.
Non-Runner No Bet
‘Non-runner no bet’ comes into play for ante-post betting and is an excellent safeguard for punters who like to get their Cheltenham Festival bets on early. Odds are available on races at the Cheltenham Festival months in advance, but typically, if your horse does not run at the Festival, your bet is a loser.
With ‘Non-runner no bet’, however, if your horse fails to run at the Festival, you receive your stake back as cash.
Best Odds Guaranteed
All of our recommended bookmakers offer Best Odds Guaranteed throughout the Cheltenham Festival. This excellent bonus ensures you don’t miss out if your horse drifts in price and then wins.
If you back a horse and take the price, which returns at a starting price higher than the price you received, you will be paid out at the larger odds.
Lucky15/31/63
A Lucky 15 is a type of multiple bet in sports betting, popular in horse racing and sometimes used in other sports as well. It involves making four selections and placing 15 separate bets on those selections.
You choose four different selections, typically horses in horse racing, but it could be any event with multiple outcomes. With those four selections, you place 15 bets:
4 singles: One bet on each of the selections to win.
6 doubles: Two bets on each of the possible pairs of selections.
4 trebles: Three bets on each of the possible combinations of three selections.
1 fourfold accumulator: One bet on all four selections to win.
The benefit of a Lucky 15 bet is that even if only one of your selections wins, you can still get a return on your bet. However, because you’re placing multiple bets, the initial stake can be higher than a standard bet.
A Lucky 31 and Lucky 63 work the same way but with additional bets, and therefore additional stakes.
Bet Through the Card
Bet Through the Card refers to placing bets on every race on a card.
When you “Bet Through the Card,” you’re placing bets on each individual race that is scheduled to take place at the track during that racing day.
The idea behind betting through the card is to cover all the races on a race day in the hopes of securing profits from multiple winning bets.
Acca Insurance
Acca insurance is a type of promotion provided by some bookmakers in horse racing betting. It is designed to provide some level of protection or refund to bettors who place accumulator bets, also known as accas, that narrowly miss winning.
Early Payout
Early payout is a promotion offered by bookmakers that refers to a situation where a bet is settled as a winner before the event has concluded, usually because the outcome of the bet is deemed highly likely to occur. This type of offer is rare when it comes to horse racing, however.
Most Reputable Cheltenham Festival Bookmakers
Many online bookmakers will provide odds on the Festival, but we’ve highlighted five that we feel are the best Cheltenham Festival bookmakers.
Bet365
Bet365 is one of the UK’s leading bookmakers and will be offering Best Odds Guaranteed on all Cheltenham Festival races. They will also provide odds boosts throughout the four days, and customers can also take part in their 4/1 offer, which sees you receive a risk-free bet on the next live race on ITV if you back a winner at 4/1 or bigger.
BetUK
BetUK may be a relatively new name on the online betting scene, but they’ve quickly become a popular destination for horse racing fans and are well worth checking out during the Cheltenham Festival. They have a wide range of betting markets on all races and offer free bets to all players who wager £15 or more on horse racing each week – perfect for using on the Cheltenham Festival 2024.
Paddy Power
Paddy Power is another big player in the bookmaking scene, known wide and far for their outrageous behaviour on social media. When it comes to the Cheltenham Festival, they’ll be offering competitive odds plus extra places on the big handicap races alongside promotions throughout the four days.
Sky Bet
Sky Bet has traditionally offered a bonus on the opening race each day of the Cheltenham Festival that sees you receive your money back if your horse doesn’t win. They also provide excellent odds boosts over the four days, and you can watch every race at the Festival on their website or via their highly-rated betting app.
BetVictor
BetVictor’s easy-to-use platform and extensive Cheltenham Festival coverage make it a top choice for beginners and seasoned punters alike. This bookie is a popular choice for horse racing enthusiasts due to their comprehensive selection of markets, competitive odds, and enticing Cheltenham Festival free bets and promotions.
Betfair
Betfair’s horse racing section is a top destination for punters, offering a vast array of markets, live streaming, and innovative features, alongside attractive Cheltenham Festival betting offers and bonuses. Betfair’s Exchange platform offers an innovative betting experience that allows users to set their own odds and bet against other punters, making it a popular option for Cheltenham Festival betting
Betfred
Betfred is renowned for its horse racing coverage and regularly provides excellent odds and exclusive promotions for the Cheltenham Festival, making it a prime destination for betting enthusiasts. Betfred’s dedication to horse racing is evident in its sponsorship of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and other major events, making it a trusted and respected bookmaker in the racing scene.
What is The Difference Between Cheltenham Free Bets and Betting Offers
Cheltenham Free Bets:
- Cheltenham free bets are specifically tailored for use during the Cheltenham Festival.
- These free bets may be offered to both new and existing customers of betting sites.
- They typically come in the form of a free bet token or credit that can be used to place bets on Cheltenham Festival races.
- Free bets may be subject to certain terms and conditions, such as minimum odds requirements, wagering requirements, or restrictions on which races they can be used for.
- Free bets may have an expiry date, meaning they must be used within a specified timeframe or else they will be forfeited.
Betting Offers:
- Betting offers encompass a broader range of promotional incentives provided by bookmakers, not limited to the Cheltenham Festival.
- These offers may include enhanced odds, money-back specials, price boosts, accumulator insurance, early payout promotions, and more.
- Betting offers can be available for various sports and events, not just horse racing or the Cheltenham Festival.
- Like Cheltenham free bets, betting offers may also have terms and conditions attached, specifying requirements that must be met for the offer to be valid.
Cheltenham Festival Betting Tips
If you’ve never placed a bet on horse racing but are looking to get involved in the Cheltenham Festival action, here are a few handy tips to get you started.
Statistical Approach to Cheltenham Betting
Looking at the stats behind the racing is an important tactic when it comes to success at Cheltenham. Horse weight, age and form can all be important when decided where to put your money and could give you the edge when it comes to winning your bets.
Trainer and Jockey Form
Another thing to consider is the form of the trainer and jockey in each race. There are certain trainers, Willie Mullins for example, that really focus on Cheltenham Festival and knowing they’ve entered their horses in certain races can be a good indication of their chances of success.
Some jockeys also seem to excel at Cheltenham, with the likes of Rachel Blackmore being one of the biggest success stories of recent years. Knowing which jockey is riding, and their form, can be a big help when it comes to placing your bets.
Shop Around
Spending the time to shop around when looking to place a bet can put extra money into your pocket. So if you are looking to bet on a horse, check a few bookmakers to see what betting odds are on offer and go with the best price.
Use Free Bets
Signing up to a bookmaker and receiving some free bets is an excellent way to enjoy the Cheltenham Festival without risking your own money. And with most free bets awarding you withdrawable cash, you could end the Cheltenham Festival in profit if you land a winner.
Don’t Chase Losses
As with all gambling, betting on the Cheltenham Festival should be considered a recreational activity, not a way to make money. So if you do lose, then ensure you never chase your losses.
Is Horse Race Betting Different Than Other Sports Betting?
Horse racing is an exciting sport, and each race offers several betting markets for punters to wager on. It’s a unique betting medium in that it sees humans and animals team up, and it’s one of the most popular sports for betting in the UK and Ireland.
There is some technical language in horse racing betting, and we’ve listed a few terms that you should know if you’re a horse racing betting novice.
Drifter – a horse in the betting that has significantly gone out in the betting odds.
Each-Way – an each-way bet is, in essence, two bets on the one horse, a win bet, and a bet on it to be placed.
Going – the going is the term used to describe ground conditions such as Good or Good to Soft.
Longshot – a horse with high odds in the race
Rule 4 – a deduction to winning bets to take into account non-runners in a race
Yankee – a multiple bet on four selections consisting of 11 bets (six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold).
Major Meetings Before The Cheltenham Festival 2024
In the horse racing calendar, there are several significant meetings that typically occured before the Cheltenham Festival. Some of these major meetings included:
The Dublin Racing Festival
Held at Leopardstown Racecourse in Ireland, in early February, this festival featured top-class racing, including several Grade 1 races. It served as key prep for horses aiming for the Cheltenham Festival.
The Trials Day at Cheltenham
This meeting, held in late January, was the final major meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse before the festival itself. It provided horses with the opportunity for a final prep run over the same course and distance as their Cheltenham target races.
The Betfair Hurdle and Betfair Super Saturday
Held at Newbury Racecourse, in February, this meeting featured the Betfair Hurdle, one of the most prestigious handicap hurdle races in the calendar, and serves as a trial for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Ascot Chase Day
Held at Ascot Racecourse in February, this meeting featured the Ascot Chase, a Grade 1 race over fences, which attracted some of the best two-mile chasers in preparation for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
These are just a few examples, and there are several other notable meetings and races that took place in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival, providing trainers and jockeys with opportunities to fine-tune their preparations and assess the form of their horses before the prestigious event at Prestbury Park.
The Biggest Races at The Cheltenham Festival 2024
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar, featuring top-class racing over four days. Some of the biggest races at the Cheltenham Festival in 2024 include:
Day 1 – Tuesday, March 12th, 2023
Champion Hurdle: A Grade 1 hurdle race run over a distance of about 2 miles and ½ furlong, usually held on the opening day of the festival (Tuesday). It is one of the most prestigious hurdle races in the world and attracts the best two-mile hurdlers.
Arkle Challenge Trophy: A Grade 1 novice chase run over about 2 miles, often held on the opening day of the festival (Tuesday). It is a showcase for up-and-coming two-mile chasers.
Day 2 – Wednesday, March 13th, 2023
Queen Mother Champion Chase: A Grade 1 steeplechase run over a distance of about 2 miles, typically held on the second day of the festival (Wednesday). It is the premier championship race for two-mile chasers.
Day 3 – Thursday, March 14th, 2023
Stayers’ Hurdle: A Grade 1 hurdle race run over a distance of about 3 miles, traditionally held on the third day of the festival (Thursday). It is the championship race for long-distance hurdlers.
Ryanair Chase: A Grade 1 steeplechase run over a distance of about 2 miles 5 furlongs, typically held on the third day of the festival (Thursday). It is a top-level race for middle-distance chasers.
Day 4 – Friday, March 15th, 2023
Cheltenham Gold Cup: The highlight of the festival and one of the most prestigious races in the world of jumps racing. The Gold Cup is a Grade 1 steeplechase run over a distance of about 3 miles 2½ furlongs, usually taking place on the final day of the festival (Friday).
FAQ’s
Which bookmakers offer the best Cheltenham Festival betting odds?
Although all major bookmakers will offer betting odds on the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, we recommend bet365, Betfred, and Boylesports as having the most competitive odds.
It’s essential to compare the odds offered by multiple bookmakers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your bets. Additionally, keep an eye out for any special promotions or enhanced odds offers that bookmakers may provide specifically for the Cheltenham Festival, as these can sometimes offer even better value.
And remember to check the terms and conditions of any offers before placing your bets!
How do I get Cheltenham Festival free bets?
Getting some Cheltenham Festival free bets is a straightforward process. Simply look at our recommended bookmakers that offer excellent free bet offers and bonuses for new customers. Head to your desired site, sign-up, and enjoy the free bets during Cheltenham.
How do I get more free bets?
Punters are limited to one betting account with each bookmaker, but you’re not limited in the number of bookmakers you can join. So check out all the leading bookmakers and see which ones catch your eye with their free bet offers for new customers – ideal for using at the Cheltenham Festival.
Does free bet have cash out?
Typically, free bets cannot be cashed out, although this varies between bookmakers, so it’s best to check the relevant terms and conditions attached to each offer.
Where can I find horse racing tipsters?
Many horse racing tipsters are sharing their selections online or in national newspapers. However, we prefer to use a well-regarded tipping site such as GG.co.uk, which will provide free tips for every race at the Cheltenham Festival 2024.