Last Updated on 08/05/2026 by Andy Clark
Adam O’Brien is a seasoned horse racing tipster with a particular focus on Cheltenham Festival ante-post betting. With years of experience analysing form, trainer patterns, and festival trends, Adam provides expert insights to help punters navigate the high-stakes world of National Hunt racing. Known for his clear, practical advice and knack for spotting value in early markets, he has built a reputation among both casual punters and serious Festival followers.
As the opening day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, Champion Day sets the tone for the whole week. The card on Tuesday 10th March features seven races, including the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase and the Unibet Champion Hurdle — three of the most competitive Grade 1s of the entire Festival. Our tipster, Adam O’Brien, has covered every race on the card with full ante-post analysis.
For the historical stats underpinning each race, see our Cheltenham Day 1 Trends page, which covers age profiles, price patterns, trainer records, last-time-out data and horses to avoid for all seven Tuesday races. For free bets to back these selections with, see our Cheltenham Festival free bets guide. If you’re betting ante-post, check which bookmakers offer non-runner no bet protection before placing — it could save your stake if your selection doesn’t line up.
Read More: Cheltenham Festival Tips Hub | Cheltenham Day 2 Tips | Cheltenham Day 3 Tips | Cheltenham Day 4 Tips
Cheltenham Day 1 2026 Ante-Post Tips
This article looks at a few of my thoughts and fancies for Day 1 of the festival. My colleague from across the Irish Sea, Ciaran, will keep you educated with his thoughts on day 2 and day 3, whilst I close the festival with my thoughts on day 4.
With not every horse’s target 100% known or locked in currently, the shape of some races will look very different to what the betting suggests, come the day. My selections below are horses I believe that will not only shorten from now until the off, but horses that I think are good enough to win their respective races. My opinion has changed on a couple of them from the start of the season, but you can’t be too stubborn in this game, and I’m happy to back them now and have confidence they all run their race.
Read More: Get the Cheltenham Day 1 Trends for every race on Tuesday →
1.20pm – The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle | EL CAIROS (5/1) & MOSSY FEN ROAD (16/1)
Tip by Adam O’Brien | Written 30th January 2026
This race saw a new name at the top of the market following last weekend’s action due to a demolition of a performance from Old Park Star in the Rossington Main (Supreme trial) at Haydock, which saw him beat a well-respected Hurricane Pat by 18 lengths. That performance was given a RPR of 150, and he rightly sits at the top of the pile and is surely the one the others must get up to, if they are going to compete in the day 1 opener.
Before that weekend, I would have said the race was wide open. The majority of the top 10 in the betting seem destined for the race, and they all look like they can be competitive based on their previous performance. At a time when Willie Mullins (seemingly) has no standout novice or a certain A-lister in the race, plenty of trainers would be fancying their chances.
Old Park Star is short enough now (9/4 across the board), but he’s earned that right after 3 solid performances, which have seen him improve with every run, and he has done this with the minimum of fuss.
The next 3 in the betting seem very talented and pose a threat, but they still have questions to answer. El Cairos (5/1) looked very good at Xmas on hurdling debut, but the Champion Bumper 5th from last season, took a stumbling fall at the last (unlucky to do so) to pass up his chance of winning in the style it looked like he would. He’s skipping the DRF in favour of an easier prep in a maiden, so will arrive in the Supreme, with no graded form to note. You couldn’t be but impressed though, and if he shows that ability again in his next start, then hes 1 of only a few that I believe can beat the favourite.
3rd in the betting takes us to another horse who impressed over Christmas but couldn’t finish the job, in Talk The Talk, who also stumbled on landing when coming to win the Grade 1 Future Novices Hurdle. Pardon the pun, but there has been a lot of talk on this horse since that race, and he is now as short as 8/1 in places (having been 14/1 for a few days after). He did his impressing in a Grade 1, though and even though many in the race didn’t fire, you would have to be impressed with the way he went past horses before unshipping. Although he impressed many and isn’t without a chance, he’s one at the top end of the market that I’m not keen on, as I wasn’t sure about his jumping technique or landing. I’m more inclined to favour and forgive El Cairos over Talk The Talk.
You can win a Supreme Novices Hurdle (Shishkin) with an F (fall) in your form book, but you would want to see both horses complete in their prep run to be taking a shortish price.
Mydaddypaddy (12/1) was the horse at the top of the betting at Christmas, but now finds himself down the pack due to his loss to Idaho Sun (16/1) in Aintree’s Grade 1 feature. I wouldn’t be surprised if either won the Supreme, but I would say they have a fair few lbs to find if they are going to go close here. Idaho Sun is probably overpriced for that win, though. Even though some hurdles were omitted, he found more and beat Mydaddypaddy fair and square, and there’s no guarantee MDP could turn that form around, so I’m surprised he’s 4 points shorter.
Another notable contender is MOSSY FEN ROAD (16/1), who bolted up at Chepstow over Christmas. How good that race was or how good this horse is can be questionable, but he can’t be dismissed. It looks like the Harry Derham horse and Idaho Sun will race again before Cheltenham (MFR entered at Musselburgh at the weekend), so here’s hoping we see them and get more answers about the ability they may or may not possess.
Other horses who could interest me, but I’m not sure if they will turn up here or go elsewhere, are King Rasko Grey (could go to the Turners Novices Hurdle) and Mighty Park (impressive on debut last week but could also be a Turners horse). KRG has shortened for the 2m race at the DRF at the weekend, and also consequently the Supreme, which may give us a steer. But I would want to see what he can do on the weekend before committing.
Old Park Star is clearly the likely winner and the one that is very likely to go off favourite come the start of the Festival. In terms of a bet now though, I would suggest that EL CAIROS (5/1) is the one that could put it up to Old Park Star and I want him on my side as I believe he could be just as good.
One at a bigger price for a Supreme Novices’ Hurdle each-way tip that I hope can run well for the smaller stable is Mossy Fen Road (16/1). Due to his connections, it’s not crazy to see him going off an even bigger price on the day, though, so he’s one I would wait for until we see his final run.
Looking for a free bet to use on the opening race? Our Supreme Novices’ Hurdle betting offers guide covers every sign-up offer available and which bookmakers have BOG in place from 8am.
2.00pm – The Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase | KOPEK DES BORDES (3/1)
Tip by Adam O’Brien | Written 30th January 2026
With 6 weeks until the Arkle and around a week (at the time of writing) until the Irish version at the Dublin Racing Festival 2026, this race is somewhat murky. The reason for this is due to the uncertainty at the top end of the market, with rumours of Kopek Des Bordes’ well-being heavily talked about and ‘discussed’ in the racing channels. The betting suggests the 2025 Supreme winner won’t be making his target at the DRF (after already missing his engagement at Christmas due to a small setback in his knee) and as a result has drifted for the main event in March.
That added to the uncertainty around 3rd fav Romeo Coolio’s destination at Prestbury Park has meant Lulamba has shortened to a skinny 6/4 for the race. The KTDA team have said they will decide late on whether their horse takes in the Arkle on Day 1 or wait 24 hours to go up in trip in the 3m Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. If Gordon Elliott’s horse goes to the DRF on Saturday and runs in the Arkle, I would be surprised if he were to then step up all the way to the Brown Advisory trip.
I believe Romeo Coolio should be going up in trip, and I would happily take him on at 2m (just short of) at Cheltenham. He’s a good yardstick, but I think Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba will have too much speed for him.
The race does look like having some depth to it (if the 3 above turn up), and it would be grand if the majority of the top 6-7 in the betting go to post. It also wouldn’t surprise me if we have another race like last year, though, and an outsider wins the race. Kargese, Irish Panther and Mambonumberfive are certainly not without a chance.
At the prices, though, and because I love a risky ante-post punt, I would suggest the play here is backing KOPEK DES BORDES (3/1) and I think he’s too big at 3/1. It’s almost like it has been inevitable that he was going to be ruled out for the season or have confirmation of a setback of some sort, over the last week or so. That hasn’t arrived, and with little snippets of comments from Closutton that show a sign of positivity, I’m happy to believe that he’s going to get to the Arkle. And if he does get there (even off 1 run), he won’t be going off at 3/1. He is laden with ability, and if any horse can win an Arkle in 2026 off of 1 chase run, then it’s going to be a horse trained by Willie Mullins.
2.40pm – The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | MUNSIF (25/1)
Tip by Adam O’Brien | Written 30th January 2026
MUNSIF (25/1) is the last horse on the list and one I’m hoping qualifies (gets his 3rd run in) for that race in a couple of weeks by running in the famous 4yo race at Naas that has such a good record of producing Fred Winter winners over the past decade. If he goes to the race, I can’t see him going off anywhere near the 25/1 that he is currently.
3.20pm – The Ultima Handicap Chase | WENDIGO (14/1)
Tip by Adam O’Brien | Written 27th February 2026
UK-based trainers have an exceptional record in the first handicap of the Cheltenham Festival, and Kinross handler Lucinda Russell has won three of the last four renewals, most recently with Myretown, who looks set to take his place in the line-up again.
The Dylan Thomas gelding hasn’t been in the same form this term in his three starts to date, his best performance coming at Haydock in January when fourth to Imperial Saint in the Peter Marsh, although he’s failed to complete in starts either side of that run, and he pulled up in the Grand National Trial back at Haydock when last seen.
He blatantly didn’t stay that longer trip, although he didn’t help his cause by racing keenly, so it’s no surprise that talk of the Grand National was quickly quashed and he reverts to a more suitable trip, although he has some work to do off a considerably higher 15lbs rating than twelve months ago.
Russell could also be represented by the progressive King Of Answers, who has won twice from four starts over fences this term, most recently at Kelso when running out an easy winner in first-time cheekpieces with an eight lengths’ defeat of Bill Baxter – a win for which he’s been hit with a 10lbs rise. He does look a horse who has more to give, and he could prove the pick of the Scottish-trained pair.
WENDIGO (14/1), however, is a horse I’ve really liked this season, and Jamie Snowden’s stable star should be ideally suited by a race of this nature.
The Great Pretender gelding has very quickly stamped himself as a very smart performer, winning twice, including the Grade Two John Francome at Newbury and more recently when running out an easy winner at Ayr. Either side of those victories, he turned in a solid third to Kitzbuhel at Kempton over Christmas, where he was clearly unsuited by quicker ground on a sharp track.
Despite form in Graded company, I don’t think a mark of 147 is prohibitive, given the horse he beat at Newbury – No Questions Asked – is now rated 149, and there’s every reason to believe that there’s still more to come from him after just four chase starts under his belt. This trip ought to bring out the best, and with past Cheltenham Festival form in the book – fifth in last season’s Albert Bartlett Hurdle – he looks to hold a strong chance.
4.00pm – The Unibet Champion Hurdle | ALEXEI (22/1, each-way)
Tip by Brian Healy | Added 28th February 2026
Sir Gino was my banker for the first day of Cheltenham, but has been ruled out by injury. With State Man also out and Constitution Hill switching to a career on the flat, the waters for the Festival’s first Championship race are pretty cloudy.
Lossiemouth heads the betting for Tuesday’s headline, but there’s still a doubt over Willie Mullins’ charge taking this engagement with the Mares’ Hurdle still very much on the agenda. The longer trip is more suitable than the speed test of a Champion Hurdle, and she wouldn’t be certain to overturn recent Leopardstown form with Brighterdaysahead, although that one is 0-2 at Cheltenham, including when turning in a laboured performance in this twelve months ago.
Beaten by Lossiemouth on her reappearance at Leopardstown in December, she evened the score next time with an emphatic victory and deservedly takes her place towards the head of the betting, although her Cheltenham record does temper enthusiasm a little – especially given both defeats have come against Golden Ace.
Jeremy Scott’s charge continues to be overlooked as a solid contender, especially now that the race has cut up, and her credentials continue to be questioned. She was a fortuitous winner of this twelve months ago, but she has shown the win to be no fluke, finishing runner-up in three of her next four starts and winning the Fighting Fifth – although a beneficiary of both Constitution Hill and The New Lion, both failing to complete.
She was no match for Sir Gino at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle, but in what could be a below-par renewal, she can’t be overlooked. Meanwhile, Dan Skelton’s The New Lion heads the betting and bounced back from a fall at Newcastle to take the International Hurdle here in January.
That was a slowly-run affair, and he’ll find the Champion Hurdle’s test of speed an altogether different proposition. He does boast Festival form, winning last season’s Turner’s Novices’ Hurdle, but he does look to be more effective over further than the Champion Hurdle trip, and I just feel others may find him out for pace at this distance; while the Champion Hurdle hasn’t proven a happy hunting ground for previous Turner’s winners (see the Champion Hurdle trends here).
At bigger odds, I’m likely to take a chance on ALEXEI (each-way) (22/1) continuing his upward curve with the Tai Chi gelding improving with every start this campaign, most recently winning for the third time at Wincanton in the Kingwell Hurdle despite not appearing at ease in the heavy conditions.
Joe Tizzard’s charge had earlier registered wins at Ascot and at Cheltenham when taking the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, and he ran much better than the result when finishing a solid third to Wilful in a competitive contest back at Ascot in December.
It will certainly be a much more difficult task stepping into Grade One company on the back of his defeat of Rubaud at Wincanton, but he’s likely to encounter less testing ground than he did last time which will suit. In what looks a fairly ordinary Champion Hurdle renewal, he’s perhaps worth an each-way interest with proven winning form here already on his record – albeit in handicap company – and a progressive profile which suggests Joe Tizzard’s charge has more improvement to come.
4.40pm – The TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase | MADARA (16/1)
Tip by Adam O’Brien | Written 30th January 2026
I’d say it’s still fairly early for strong handicap thoughts, but that hasn’t stopped me from having a few on a shortlist as potential bets nearer the time. MADARA (16/1) seems to be a horse that could be targeted for this pot by team Skelton, and he’s one I would be on side with if he does run. Now best price 16/1 following a bit of support in the last 10 days seems fair, but it could be that he shortens drastically again if declared.
5.20pm – The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup | ONE BIG BANG (16/1, each-way)
Tip by Brian Healy | Added 28th February 2026
The day one closer is always a tough race to call, but at big odds I’ll be taking a chance on ONE BIG BANG (each-way) (16/1) to get competitive for the James Owen yard.
A smart sort over hurdles, finishing fifth here in the Pertemps Final twelve months ago and then finishing a good third to Jeriko Du Reponet at Punchestown next time, the Masked Marvel gelding has taken well to chasing in his three starts this term, stepping up on a solid runner-up effort in a Listed chase here to run out a ready winner at Southwell next time in a match.
A drop back in trip on softer ground was probably against him when only third at Doncaster when last seen, beaten around five lengths by Western Knight; that form was boosted by the winner placing in a Grade Two next time and a less testing surface and step up in trip should show James Owen’s six-year-old in a much better light.
Previous course form can be a huge advantage in this contest – 10 of the last 12 winners of this race had a previous run here – and with further improvement very possible over this marathon trip, as well as a likely partnership with top amateur Alex Chadwick, who has a good record on the eight-year-old then a big run wouldn’t surprise.
Cheltenham Day 1 2026 Race Schedule
The racing gets underway at 1.20pm on Tuesday 10th March, running through until the early evening.
| Time | Race | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.20pm | The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 2.00pm | The Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) | 2m | Chase |
| 2.40pm | The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) | 2m 87y | Hurdle |
| 3.20pm | The Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | 3m 1f | Chase |
| 4.00pm | The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 4.40pm | The TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | 2m 4f 44y | Chase |
| 5.20pm | The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup | 3m 1f | Chase |
Cheltenham Day 1 Free Bet Offers
The bookies will be out in full force on Cheltenham Day 1, and there will be tons of offers to choose from. The likes of bet365, Betfred and SBK have some fantastic odds and offers for day one of the festival. We always scour the bookies for the best odds, and you’ll find our most trusted bookmakers below.
If you already have accounts with the main bookmakers, our Cheltenham existing customer offers guide has the Day 1 price boosts, extra places and daily specials. For non-runner protection on your ante-post bets, see our non-runner no bet guide — Betfred offer NRNB on all 28 Festival races as standard. The bet365 Cheltenham offer includes Best Odds Guaranteed from 8am and daily Super Boosts throughout the week.
Cheltenham Day 1 Trends
For the full historical stats covering all seven Champion Day races — age profiles, price ranges, trainer records, last-time-out patterns and horses to avoid — see our dedicated Cheltenham Day 1 Trends page.
Key patterns to be aware of for Tuesday:
- The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has a strong record for Ireland-trained horses — Willie Mullins alone has trained seven of the last twelve winners
- The Arkle has a history of producing short-priced favourites who fail to deliver — the last six favourites have won just twice
- The Champion Hurdle strongly favours horses proven at Grade 1 level over 2m — previous winners of the Turner’s Novices’ Hurdle have a poor record stepping back in trip
- The Ultima is one of the most open handicaps of the week — UK-trained runners and horses from north of the border have an exceptional record
Full trends, trainer stats and horses-to-avoid analysis for every race: Cheltenham Day 1 Trends →
What Are Other Pundits Predicting for Cheltenham Day 1?
Of course, you shouldn’t just be looking at our tips — there’s a wealth of horse racing expertise out there to make the most of. All the best pundits have their say at this time of year, and we do our best not to miss a thing. You’ll find top picks from Ruby Walsh, Matt Chapman, Mick Fitzgerald, Tom Segal and Kevin Blake — all with the latest odds and best places to back them on our Cheltenham pundit tips page.
Cheltenham Day 1 2026 FAQs
What races are on Cheltenham Festival Day 1?
Day 1 of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is Champion Day, Tuesday 10th March. The card includes seven races: the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm), the Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase (2.00pm), the Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2.40pm), the Ultima Handicap Chase (3.20pm), the Unibet Champion Hurdle (4.00pm), the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (4.40pm) and the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (5.20pm).
Which is the biggest race on Cheltenham Day 1?
The feature race of Champion Day is the Unibet Champion Hurdle at 4.00pm — one of the four championship Grade 1s of the Festival and the most prestigious 2-mile hurdle in National Hunt racing. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1.20pm is the traditional curtain-raiser and consistently produces future stars; the Arkle at 2.00pm is the top two-mile novice chase of the season.
Which horses are likely favourites on Day 1?
Old Park Star heads the Supreme market following his demolition job at Haydock. Lulamba is the current Arkle favourite after the uncertainty around Kopek Des Bordes, while The New Lion heads the Champion Hurdle market in the absence of the injured Sir Gino. All three markets remain fluid and could look very different by the time declarations are made.
How can I use Cheltenham Day 1 tips for betting?
Read the analysis for each race, check the trends page for the historical context behind each selection, and compare current odds across bookmakers before placing. For ante-post bets, prioritise bookmakers offering non-runner no bet protection — see our NRNB guide. For the best value on each-way bets, check which bookmakers are offering extra places on Day 1 races.
Are free bet offers available for Day 1 of the Festival?
Yes — every major bookmaker runs new customer promotions for the Festival. Our Cheltenham free bets guide covers every sign-up offer available for the 2026 meeting, and our Supreme Novices’ Hurdle free bets page covers the opening race specifically.
How reliable are Cheltenham Day 1 ante-post tips?
Ante-post tips are based on form, trainer patterns and Festival trends, but the market can shift significantly in the weeks before the race. Late withdrawals, injury news and prep-race results all affect the picture. Our tips are given with reasoning rather than just a name and a price, so even if circumstances change, you understand the original argument and can reassess. Always check current odds before betting — prices move.
What trends should punters watch for on Day 1?
The Supreme has a strong record for unexposed, lightly raced novices. The Arkle regularly catches out short-priced favourites. The Champion Hurdle favours horses with established Grade 1 form over the trip. The Ultima is one of the week’s most open races and regularly throws up progressive UK-trained chasers at double-digit prices. Full data for all seven races is on our Day 1 Trends page.
Can newcomers use these tips if they’re new to Festival betting?
Absolutely. The tips are written in plain English with the reasoning behind every selection. If you’re new to ante-post betting, the most important thing to understand first is the non-runner no bet rule — see our NRNB guide before placing any ante-post bets, and check our free bets guide to make the most of new customer offers.
More Cheltenham 2026 Tips
Cheltenham Festival Tips Hub – Overview of all 28 races across all four days.
Cheltenham Day 2 Tips – Ladies Day preview including the BetMGM Champion Chase, Brown Advisory and Champion Bumper.
Cheltenham Day 3 Tips – St Patrick’s Thursday preview including the Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle.
Cheltenham Day 4 Tips – Gold Cup Day preview including the Triumph Hurdle, County Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Cheltenham Day 1 Trends – Full historical stats for all seven Champion Day races.
Cheltenham Free Bets – Every new customer offer for the 2026 Festival.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Free Bets – Sign-up offers specifically for the opening race.
Cheltenham Existing Customer Offers – Day 1 price boosts and daily specials for existing customers.
Non-Runner No Bet Guide – Which bookmakers protect your ante-post bets if your horse doesn’t run?
Ruby Walsh Cheltenham Tips – Festival selections from one of the greatest Festival jockeys of all time.
Mick Fitzgerald Cheltenham Tips – ITV Racing analysis across all four days.
Tom Segal Cheltenham Tips – Pricewise ante-post selections.
Odds correct at time of writing. Prices will move — always check current quotes before betting. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Full terms apply to all free bet offers.