{"id":4192,"date":"2018-02-22T19:42:00","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T19:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/54.173.89.155\/?post_type=events&p=4192"},"modified":"2024-03-06T13:11:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T13:11:21","slug":"day-1-races","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/www.bethq.com\/events\/cheltenham-festival\/day-1-races\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Races"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Cheltenham Festival Day 1 races include four Grade 1 races, a couple of handicaps and one of the Festival’s oldest races, the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup. We offer the latest odds, cards, results, specials and tips for every race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday, March 12th, 2024<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time<\/th>Race<\/th>Grade<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
13:30<\/td>Supreme Novices Hurdle<\/a><\/td>Grade 1<\/td><\/tr>
14:10<\/td>Arkle Challenge Trophy<\/a><\/td>Grade 1<\/td><\/tr>
14:50<\/td>Festival Handicap Chase<\/a><\/td>Grade 3<\/td><\/tr>
15:30<\/td>Champion Hurdle<\/a><\/td>Grade 1<\/td><\/tr>
16:10<\/td>Mares Hurdle<\/a><\/td>Grade 1<\/td><\/tr>
16:50<\/td>Juvenile Handicap Hurdle<\/a><\/td>Grade 3<\/td><\/tr>
17:30<\/td>National Hunt Chase<\/a><\/td>Grade 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Overview of Day 1 Races<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival sets the stage for an exhilarating series of races, each promising a unique blend of talent, strategy, and sheer equine athleticism. Here’s a glimpse into the races scheduled for Day 1:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1:30PM: The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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  • Distance:<\/strong> Two miles about half a furlong (2m 87yds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Conditions:<\/strong> Open to horses aged 4 years and older, with a prize fund of \u00a3135,000. This Grade 1 race marks a thrilling start to the festival, showcasing the best young hurdlers stepping onto the big stage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    2:10PM: The Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Steeple Chase<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    • Distance:<\/strong> About two miles (1m 7f 199yds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Conditions:<\/strong> 5-year-olds and older compete for \u00a3175,000 in this Grade 1 chase. Named after the legendary Arkle, this race tests the speed and jumping prowess of novice chasers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      2:50PM: The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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      • Distance:<\/strong> Three miles about one furlong (3m 1f)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Conditions:<\/strong> A Premier Handicap race for horses aged 5 years and above, with a prize pool of \u00a3125,000. It’s a test of stamina and strategy, often featuring a field of experienced chasers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        3:30PM: The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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        • Distance:<\/strong> Two miles about half a furlong (2m 87yds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Conditions:<\/strong> The highlight of Day 1, this Grade 1 hurdle race for horses aged 4 and older boasts a substantial prize of \u00a3450,000. It’s a pinnacle event for hurdlers, combining speed and agility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          4:10PM: The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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          • Distance:<\/strong> Two miles about four furlongs (2m 3f 200yds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Conditions:<\/strong> Exclusively for mares aged 4 and above, this Grade 1 race, with a prize of \u00a3120,000, honors the best female hurdlers in the sport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            4:50PM: The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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            • Distance:<\/strong> Two miles about half a furlong (2m 87yds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Conditions:<\/strong> A Premier Handicap hurdle for 4-year-olds, competing for \u00a380,000. Known also as The Fred Winter, it offers a platform for emerging talents to shine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              5:30PM: The National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Steeple Chase<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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              • Distance:<\/strong> Three miles about six furlongs (3m 5f 201yds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Conditions:<\/strong> A Grade 2 chase for 5-year-olds and older, with a prize fund of \u00a3125,000. This race tests the endurance of novice chasers and the skill of amateur jockeys, closing Day 1 with a demanding test of both horse and rider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Each race on Day 1 not only contributes to the rich tapestry of the Cheltenham Festival but also sets the tone for what is to come. From the raw potential of novices to the proven prowess of seasoned chasers and hurdlers, the day promises a spectacular display of horse racing at its finest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Key Races to Watch on Day 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival is replete with exhilarating races that capture the essence of national hunt racing. Among these, certain events stand out for their prestige, history, and the sheer excitement they generate among fans and participants alike. Here are the key races to keep an eye on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                The festival opener, known for its electrifying atmosphere as the first race, is a spectacle in itself. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is where future stars make their mark, competing in a fast-paced race that sets the tone for the week. The roar that greets the start is a cherished tradition, making this race a must-watch for its symbolic value as much as its competitive edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Steeple Chase<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                This race is a proving ground for novice chasers with aspirations of greatness. Named after one of the most celebrated racehorses in history, the Arkle Trophy is a testament to speed, agility, and the daring leaps that define steeplechasing. It’s a thrilling contest that often showcases the champions of tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                The crown jewel of Day 1, the Champion Hurdle is one of the most prestigious hurdling events in the racing calendar. This race attracts the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me of hurdlers, battling it out over two miles in a test of speed, stamina, and jumping prowess. The Champion Hurdle is renowned for its intensity and the high caliber of competitors it attracts, making it the day’s highlight for many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                Focusing on the finest female hurdlers, the Mares’ Hurdle has grown in stature to become a key feature of the festival. This race not only highlights the talent and grace of mares but also underscores the diversity and depth of competition at Cheltenham. It’s a celebration of female equine athletes’ achievements in a fiercely contested environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Each of these races offers something unique, from the promise of emerging talent to the display of seasoned excellence. They are not just competitions but chapters in the rich narrative of the Cheltenham Festival, contributing to the lore and legacy of this iconic event. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual observer, these key races are unmissable for their drama, excitement, and the sheer spectacle of horse racing at its best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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