As we approach the peak of the National Hunt season, the anticipation for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is reaching a fever pitch. The best jumpers in the business are poised to showcase their prowess at the Festival, which promises a fresh twist this year with revamped race conditions aiming to deliver even more thrilling competition on the track.
Cheltenham Festival Dates and Overview
The Cheltenham Festival in 2025 is scheduled from Tuesday, March 11th to Friday, March 14th. This four-day event is packed with racing excitement, featuring championship contests set for later start times than in previous years, ensuring each race builds unyielding tension until the gates fly open.
Day One Highlights – Tuesday, March 11th
The opening day of the Festival unfolds with electrifying races, starting at 13:20 with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ (Grade 1). Among the much-anticipated contests is the Unibet Champion Hurdle at 16:00, which promises a riveting showdown if star horses like Constitution Hill, Brighterdaysahead, and State Man line up. The day will close with the National Hunt Novices’ Chase at 17:20, marking a spectacular round-off to the Tuesday events.
Day Two Highlights – Wednesday, March 12th
Wednesday continues the racing extravaganza, kicking off at 13:20 with the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1). Notable events of the day include the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00, a race that always delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement. Punters and enthusiasts will be keen to see every move, as jockeys and horses battle it out across the field.
Day Three Highlights – Thursday, March 13th
Thursday brings another day of thrilling races, starting with the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) at 13:20. The heart of the day’s lineup is the Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) at 15:20, a crowd favorite, closely followed by the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, setting a high bar for stamina and strategy.
Day Four Highlights – Friday, March 14th
The final day features the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at 16:00, a high-stakes race that concludes the festival on a grand note. Each race on Friday offers a crescendo of thrills, beginning with the JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) at 13:20 and culminating in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at 17:20.
Looking Ahead at Cheltenham 2025
As the Festival draws near, enthusiasts and bettors can expect substantial excitement and adrenaline-pumping action from the carefully curated lineup. The combination of seasoned champions and emerging contenders promises a feast for fans, who eagerly await each magnificent leap and every thrilling sprint down the home stretch.
