The 2025 Cheltenham Festival began with a bang and now Style Wednesday promises more drama as the UK’s biggest week of racing continues.
The Queen Mother Champion Chase headlines the action at 4pm, where Jonbon is much fancied with Nico De Boinville aboard, while the Coral Cup Hurdle (2.40pm) and Cross Country Steeple Chase (3.20pm) are among the other fascinating races on Day 2.
How the weather impacts today’s racing could be a fascinating subplot, after a snow flurry landed on the course this morning. The New Lion claimed the first victory of the day in the Novices’ Hurdle before 20/1 Lecky Watson shocked by triumphing in the Brown Advisory Chase.
The opening day of racing delivered a huge shock as the showpiece Champion Hurdle was won by 25/1 shot Golden Ace, with horse racing superstar and heavy favourite Constitution Hill stunningly falling halfway through, as did last year’s winner State Man. It allowed Golden Ace to come from nowhere to triumph.
The “greatest show on turf” will also include Friday’s Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs, who is the favourite on betting sites, hopes to land a famous hat-trick this. The full race card and Festival schedule is here, and we’ll be bringing you all the action as Day 2 unfolds.
Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips, free bet offers and the latest Cheltenham odds from Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival with our live blog below:
Cheltenham Festival latest updates
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Cheltenham Festival results and full list of winners from Day 2
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Lecky Watson wins all-Irish Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
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Best bets, tips and horses to watch for Day 2
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Snow flurry hits Racecourse on Style Wednesday
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Day 1 recap: Golden Ace wins shock Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man fell
Style Wednesday – full list of winners
14:16 , Mike Jones
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: The New Lion (3/1); 2) The Yellow Clay (5/2); 3) Final Demand (6/4F)
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 3m½f | 20 fences | Old Course
Winner: Lecky Watson (20/1); 2) Stellar Story (22/1); 3) Better Days Ahead (13/2)
O’Keeffe dedicates win to Michael O’Sullivan
14:25 , Mike Jones
Here’s more from Sean O’Keeffe who dedicated his victory to Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan who passed away in February.
Sean O’Keeffe reacts to Lecky Watson’s win
14:19 , Mike Jones
O’Keeffe told ITV Racing: “Over the moon, I can’t believe it. I thought he had a nice chance. I thought if I got him jumping he’d do well.
“It’s amazing here, you never know what can happen.
“Michael O’Sullivan used to share a house with us here in Cheltenham. He loved this horse. This is for him.”
Another outsider win
14:10 , Mike Jones
Lecky Watson was the big outsider for that race. He was the seventh-favourite of the seven runners.
20-1 at the start of this race.
Jockey Sean O’Keeffe stayed calm and guided the surprise winner home.
We’ll have O’Keeffe’s reaction shortly.
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
14:08 , Mike Jones
Lecky Watson wins the Brown Advisory Chase!
He storms up the straight to much fanfare and crosses the line with ease.
Another surprise winner at 20/1!
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
14:07 , Mike Jones
Here comes Lecky Watson.
He’s been held just behind the leaders and kicks on as he hits the final stretch.
Dancing City and Better Days Ahead are reined in before Lecky Watson takes the lead!
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
14:06 , Mike Jones
There’s nothing to separate Dancing City and Better Days Ahead as they head towards home.
Ballyburn is trying to make his move.
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
14:05 , Mike Jones
Ballyburn is right at the back of the fiels and isn’t jumping massively well.
He’s still in touch but it’ll need a wild push to come from here.
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
14:03 , Mike Jones
Dancing City is jumping nicely but setting the pace may affect him later in the race.
He’s about a neck ahead of Better Days Ahead who looks hungry to push on.
Rounding the turn there’s nothing to separate the field with only a few lengths between first and seventh.
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
14:02 , Mike Jones
Better Days Ahead, another well known and well backed horse, positions himself in second with Lecky Watson to his right in third place.
Ballyburn is holding back and racing within himself at the minute.
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
14:00 , Mike Jones
And they’re off!
The second race of the day begins with the pack driving towards the first fence where Dancing City comes out with a slim lead.
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
13:59 , Mike Jones
There’ll be an Irish trainer winning this race as all seven runners are trained across the water.
Willie Mullins’ Ballyburn is well favoured after his success at the festivalin the Turners’ Novices last year.
Can he triumph again?
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
13:56 , Mike Jones
Latest odds for the second race of the day:
Ballyburn 4/7
Dancing City 15/2
Better Days Ahead 9/1
Gorgeous Tom 12/1
Quai De Bourbon 14/1
Stellar Story 22/1
Lecky Watson 28/1
‘I knew he’d win’
13:50 , Mike Jones
The New Lion trainer Dan Skelton gave his post match reaction to ITV.
He said: “I just trusted him the whole way around, I knew he’d win. It takes a horse I’ve never had before to get past. I’m so, so proud of the team. It was almost like it was meant to be. It was a phenomenal race.
“I think so [The New Lion being the best horse he’s trained’. It’s unchartered territory. We’ve had superstars, but we’ve not had one like this.
“If you watch what The New Lion does, he leaves one leg down. State Man left both legs down. I’m so, so proud of him.”
Style Wednesday – full list of winners
13:43 , Mike Jones
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: The New Lion (3/1); 2) The Yellow Clay (5/2); 3) Final Demand (6/4F)
Harry Skelton on The New Lion’s victory
13:42 , Mike Jones
Cheltenham day two is off the mark and here’s what winning jockey, Harry Skelton had to say.
He told ITV: “He’s got it all. You hope one day in your life and your career you come across a good one, he’s a good one.
“I’m just delighted I got to ride him today. I rode him as a three-year-old, you knew then there was something different. I’m the man who gets to sit on top and work this out.
“This place is magic. When you get a winner here, it’s that special.”
Harry Skelton reflects on Turner Novices’ Hurdle victory
13:35 , Luke Baker
A 10th Cheltenham Festival success for Harry Skelton as he steers The New Lion to glory in a battle of the big three in the Turner Novices’.
He has talked to ITV Racing about the victory
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle result
13:30 , Luke Baker
So, the top three in the betting were the first three over the line but not in price order. Dan Skelton-trained, Harry Skelton-ridden The New Lion gets a rare Cheltenham win for the Brits.
Winner: The New Lion (3/1), 2) The Yellow Clay (5/2), 3) Final Demand (6/4f)
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle result
13:27 , Luke Baker
The big three move to the front after the penultimate hurdle. The Yellow Clay narrowly leads over the last, as Final Demand falls back a bit but here comes The New Lion!
Charges past The Yellow Clay down the final straight and The New Lion wins the Turners Novices’ Hurdle – too much pace in the end and a perfectly timed run. Harry Skelton and his black eye will be in the photos!
The Yellow Clay comes second and a disappointing third for Final Demand.
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle
13:25 , Luke Baker
Potters Charm moves ahead of Sixmilebridge, with The Yellow Clay and Supersundae on their tail.
Final Demand and The New Lion sticking together in the pack. A couple of hurdles to go.
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle
13:24 , Luke Baker
Sixmilebridge and Potters Charm still the front two, while The Yellow Clay has moved up to third to keep them in check. Kel Histoire out the back of the main pack a little bit.
Four hurdles to go, when will Final Demand make a move?
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle
13:22 , Luke Baker
Kaid D’Authie makes a bit of a mess of the first but stays on his feet. Sixmilebridge makes the early running, with Potters Charm behind and Supersundae in third then a little gap to the rest.
The whole field over the first three hurdles safely
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle
13:21 , Luke Baker
Style Wednesday is underway at Cheltenham – they’re off in the Turner Novices’ Hurdle! 2 miles, 5 furlongs to race and 10 hurdles to clear
The Townend-Mullins duo have the favourite Final Demand, who is much fancied, but second-favourite The Yellow Clay and third-favourite The New Lion are not far behind in the betting.
Final Demand fancied in opening race
13:15 , Luke Baker
Here are the expert tips for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle – Final Demand well-fancied it seems.
Ruby Walsh’s tip (via Paddy Power): Final Demand 6/4
Final Demand is a very good horse. He jumped brilliantly at Limerick and brought that to a whole new level at the Dublin Racing Festival. He travelled really well and his jumping was rock solid. His form overall is more solid than The New Lion’s. If Paul Townend is positive on him then he’ll be hard to beat. The Yellow Clay is a bigger danger than The New Lion.
Sam Turner’s tip: Final Demand 6/4
A cracking renewal of this race with the powerful Dublin Racing Festival winner Final Demand facing a strong challenge from The New Lion and The Yellow Clay, while the likes of Potters Charm (tongue tie for the first time) and Sixmilebridge help to provide a strong supporting cast.
The shower that fell at the track on Monday may just play to the strengths of Final Demand who posted a freakish performance at Leopardstown and is held in extremely high regard by Willie Mullins and the team at Closutton.
A decisive winner of the Challow Hurdle at Newbury, The New Lion must overcome the poor strike rate of those winners trying to win this, while The Yellow Clay could be slightly underestimated by the market given, he is tough and genuine and boasts a touch of class.
Ed Chamberlin’s tip (via Sky Bet): The New Lion 15/8
It’s The New Lion – big head-to-head against Final Demand – who I think is going to be a Gold Cup horse, against The New Lion, who I think could be a champion hurdle horse, hopefully he’ll have too much speed.
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle
13:10 , Mike Jones
Latest odds for the first race of the day via Oddschecker:
Final Demand 13/8
The New Lion 3/1
The Yellow Clay 10/3
Potters Charm 14/1
Sixmilebridge 22/1
Kel Histoire
Kiss Will 40/1
Supersundae 50/1
Kaid D’Authie 50/1
Kappa Jy Pyke 100/1
Forty Coats 125/1
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle
13:04 , Mike Jones
Runners: Final Demand; Forty Coats; Kaid d’Authie; Kappa Jy Pyke; Kel Histoire; Kiss Will; Potters Charm; Sixmilebridge; Supersundae; The New Lion; The Yellow Clay
Glenfarclas Cross Country viewing update
12:48 , Mike Jones
The snow this morning has had some influence as the Glenfarclas Cross Country viewing area has been closed off.
The Cross Country is the only race of the festival ran around the centre course and some spectators are invited to watch the race from inside the track.
That is if conditions are suitable and the morning snow means the grass is wetter and muddier than expected causing the viewing to be cancelled.
The race, which was cancelled in 2024, will still go ahead.
Preview of Style Wednesday
12:42 , Mike Jones
The Independent’s racing correspondent Sam Turner has previewed today’s action on Style Wednesday, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase as the headline act.
What’s the going like today?
12:30 , Mike Jones
The official ground description remains good to soft, good in places but the GoingStick moving from 5.5 to 5.1 shows a slight easing from yesterday.
What that means is there is very little difference to the course conditions and the horse should run similar to yesterday.
Certainly in the Champion Hurdle they set a quick pace so it may be the same this afternoon.
Harry Skelton explains eye injury
12:24 , Mike Jones
Jockey Harry Skelton was pictured on Tuesday with stitches on a swollen and black right eye with many wondering how he sustained the injury.
Skelton, 35, revealed that he was kicked by one of his foals at home but can still race.
“We’ve got four foals at home and between me and my wife Bridget, we look after them. On Sunday morning Bridget went off and said to me ‘Will you go and water the foals before you go racing to Warwick?’
“I went in and did the two colts and then I went in to sort the two fillies who were over the other side. I got to the water trough and one of the fillies came around the back of me and kicked out and caught the side of my right eye.
“It split the side of my eye around my eyebrow. My vision was fine so I thought thankfully it has not kicked my eye, but it has definitely kicked something as I had a load of blood pouring out everywhere.
“I jumped in the car and drove 15 minutes to Warwick Racecourse to see the doctor, who stitched it up and here we are.”
The Queen is at Cheltenham
12:23 , Mike Jones
Queen Camilla has arrived at Prestbury Park for day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
She will present the trophy to the winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase which runs at 4pm this afternoon.
Expert tips: 4.40pm -Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
12:16 , Mike Jones
Ruby Walsh: Third Time Lucki 22/1
Last year’s winner Unexpected Party has a massive chance again. Third Time Lucki ran well enough on his first run for Fergal O’Brien’s yard, he’s dropped enough in the weights and he’s an each-way poke.
Sam Turner’s tip: My Mate Mozzie 6/1
No horse has won this event back-to-back since 1959 so Unexpected Party must defy history to repeat his win from 12 months ago. However, his trainer is brilliant at targeting Festival handicaps so he can’t be discounted despite the stats.
Proper spring ground is ideal for My Mate Mozzie who came from a long way back to take second in a hot Leopardstown handicap last time. He could be the chief beneficiary from a strong gallop. JPR One (ground will also suit), Traprain Law (should relish a generous pace) and Dancing On My Own (decent course form) also made the shortlist.
Expert tips: 4.00pm – Queen Mother Champion Chase
12:09 , Mike Jones
Sam Turner’s tip: Jonbon 4/5
Jonbon’s critics will point to the fact he has been beaten three times at Cheltenham, while handicappers will point to his best six career efforts taking place away from Prestbury Park.
However, the nine-year-old has won all eight of his starts with Nico de Boinville on board and he looks sure to have a good pace to aim at here with the front-running Solness in opposition. Of his rivals, Marine Nationale should relish the drying ground and strong pace and looks the best placed to cause Jonbon most problems.
Ed Chamberlin’s tip: Jonbon 5/6 (Sky Bet)
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the big race of the day, and one of the big horses of the week. I can’t wait to see Jonbon – I love him.
Sir Anthony McCoy would come back and ride him if he could. He’s unbeatable, I think, under Nico de Boinville – and how pleased am I that Sky Bet are going to super boost Jonbon – fantastic!
Spectators arriving for Day Two
11:50 , Mike Jones
There’s an hour and a half left to go before Style Wednesday’s action begins.
Today there’s a reward for the most fashionable fan and many will be looking to impress as they come through the gates.
There are certainly some colourful choices around this morning.
Sign up to our betting newsletter
11:32 , Mike Jones
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What is a handicap? A brief guide to horseracing jargon for Cheltenham Festival
11:00 , Mike Jones
The Cheltenham Festival is a rare occasion when the world of horseracing breaks into the collective consciousness of the general public.
It starts with Champion Day on March 11 before Style Wednesday, St Patrick’s Thursday, and Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday 14.
Along with the Grand National in April, Cheltenham attracts the eyes of many people who would otherwise be disengaged by the regular horseracing meetings up and down the country. It is a festival that all can enjoy but the terminology can be a bit confusing for those who only tune in once or twice a year.
What is a handicap? Cheltenham Festival horseracing jargon explainer
Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast as shock snow flurry hits on Day 2
10:47 , Mike Jones
The Cheltenham Festival is back as hundreds of thousands of fans descend on the iconic Gloucestershire racecourse for one of the sport’s biggest weeks of the year but a shock flurry of snow on Wednesday morning could disrupt plans.
Snow is obviously far from ideal for horses, trainers or racegoers but, according to forecasts, the snow is expected to ease at around 10am and today’s racing shouldn’t be disrupted.
What is a bumper race?
10:41 , Mike Jones
The first type is called a bumper, which is a flat race run under the rules of jump racing. It is for horses who have not previously run on the flat to get experience of racing. Despite being run on the flat (meaning no jumps), bumpers do not use starting stalls.
The Champion Bumper (Wednesday 12 at 5.20pm) at the Cheltenham Festival is the most prestigious bumper in jump racing.
What is jump racing?
10:35 , Mike Jones
The first thing you should know is that the Cheltenham Festival is the culmination of the National Hunt jump racing season. Jump races are races that include obstacles for the horse and jockey to jump over.
These obstacles are known as hurdles or fences and the season usually takes place across autumn, winter and spring.
Jump races test stamina and jumping ability and horses that take part tend to be older than those who run flat races (races without jumps). The courses are a variety of distances from 2 to 4½ miles.
Within jump racing there are different designations of races and Cheltenham will showcase most, if not all, types of them.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner – can his horses follow suit at Cheltenham?
10:30 , Mike Jones
Sir Alex Ferguson spent a sporting career picking up trophies and it remains a trait he has maintained throughout his retirement.
The most decorated manager British football has ever seen has also enjoyed a successful link with horse racing stretching back decades, although unlike his management career, it hasn’t always been plain sailing.
A much-publicised 2003 dispute with Coolmore supremo John Magnier over unpaid stud fees regarding 2,000 Guineas winner Rock Of Gibraltar, ended in an ugly public row with matters complicated still further by Magnier and business partner JP McManus holding a near quarter share in Manchester United at the time.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner – but can his horses do the same at Cheltenham?
BHA provides Constitution Hill update after scary fall at Cheltenham Festival
10:24 , Mike Jones
Constitution Hill walked away from a scary fall in a shocking Champion Hurdle on day one at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
The previously unbeaten hurdler, who was the odds-on favourite for the race of the day, looked poised to win, only to suffer a hard fall under jockey Nico de Boinville.
The dramatic race then looked set for a repeat of 2024 when State Man claimed the win, but Paul Townend was unable to successfully negotiate the last hurdle and also crashed out, leaving Golden Ace to pick up the shock win.
BHA provides Constitution Hill update after scary fall at Cheltenham Festival
Can I still get a ticket and how much do they cost?
10:18 , Mike Jones
You can secure access for days two and three of the festival through a daily Club Enclosure ticket at £100.80, while Friday is more expensive at £117.90.
Tattersalls tickets will cost you £71.10 on each of the first three days, but Gold Cup day is up at £84.60.
The cheapest way to experience the festival is through the Best Mate enclosure with a day ticket priced at £51.30, while Friday will set you back £67.50.
All details can be found with tickets available to purchase through the Jockey Club here.
Sign up to The Independent’s Betting Newsletter
10:17 , Mike Jones
Follow this link to sign up to The Independent’s betting newsletter and receive our daily coverage of the Cheltenham Festival plus more each week.
How can I watch the Cheltenham Festival on TV and is there a live stream?
10:11 , Mike Jones
You can watch the first six races of each day at the Cheltenham Festival with the ITV1 broadcast, while full coverage of the meet, including the final race of each day is only available through a Racing TV subscription.
Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast.
Several online betting sites will also be streaming the event, but in most cases a funded betting account is required.
When is 2025 Cheltenham Festival and what races are included?
10:04 , Mike Jones
The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday, 11 March and concludes on Friday, 14 March. Fans will be glued to 28 races over four days, with seven races per day, including 13 races run over fences across the week, 13 over hurdles plus a bumper (flat race) and a cross-country chase.
The shortest run is a little under two miles, while the longest races almost reach four miles. Fans will look out for 13 of the races run at Grade 1 standard, while five are run as Grade 2s, six Grade 3s and the other four being Listed.
The first race is scheduled for 1:20pm GMT each day, with the final race starting at 5:20pm.
Jeremy Scott on Golden Ace’s win
09:59 , Mike Jones
Golden Ace’s trainer Jeremy Scott said: “I think my team at home will be as flabbergasted as I am – they’ll definitely be reaching for the drinks cabinet. It’s amazing, absolutely amazing. I hope both Constitution Hill and poor old State Man are alright [both horses were fine].
“We’re lucky, we can give our horses time; my wife and family are all involved. Camilla does a lot of the work at home and she has the patience of a saint and she’s the genius, rather than me.
“Lorcan (Williams, jockey) is part of the team and we work really well together. He’s not had an easy season, as we haven’t really, and he’s just such a good horseman and he’s a good mate, so it’s really nice to do this. Give me a pinch and make sure this isn’t a dream!”
Full list of winners from Day One at Cheltenham
09:53 , Mike Jones
1.20: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6F); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2F)
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
3.20: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1)
4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
Winner: Golden Ace (25/1); 2) Burdett Road (66/1); 3) Winter Fog (150/1)
4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
Winner: Puturhandstogether (17/2); 2) Robbies Rock 50/1; 3) Liam Swagger (12/1 )
5.20: National Hunt Chase
Winner: Haiti Couleurs (7/2F), Rock My Way (16/1), Will Do (12/1)
Lorcan Williams on winning Champion Hurdle
09:47 , Mike Jones
The winner of yesterday’s champion race was Golden Ace after Constitution Hill and State Man both feel.
Jockey Lorcan Williams, who claimed his first ever Grade 1 win in the race yesterday, said: “I cannot believe it. She wasn’t travelling as well as I wanted in the latter part of the race; all I was thinking was that we could do with a bit further, then I thought, ‘We’re staying on well for second’, and things happened started to happen.
“I’m absolutely thrilled for the Jeremy Scott [Golden Ace’s trainer] team; it’s a massive team effort to come here and I’m lost for words as to what a pleasure it is to get it done.
“Getting to the line, I was just thinking, ‘I hope it comes pretty soon!’ I promise you, I did not know what to expect and nothing compares to how I am feeling now.
“I hope this day will never end. I’m shell shocked – every time I have come here and got a winner, it’s been a dream come true for me. To be a part of it is one thing – to end up winning here is another. I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”
Improvements made for racegoers
09:41 , Mike Jones
The Jockey Club and course management team at Cheltenham have made some changes to the festival this year to improve the experience for spectators heading to the racecourse this week.
To aid the smooth arrival and departure of racegoers, the largest deployment of hard ‘trackway’ ever in Europe has been laid in the grass car parks with 18,000 aluminium trackway panels covering an area of 129,600 square metres.
Those will come in handy today with the snow wetting the ground and making it muddy.
A new park and ride system has also been launched with around 1,000 spaces available and the Jockey Club has partnered with National Express to offer coach travel direct to Cheltenham Racecourse from more than 20 pick-up locations, doubling the number of coaches running to the venue.
How the Cheltenham Festival reveals the underlying reasons behind the dominance of Irish trainers
09:34 , Mike Jones
In March every year jockeys, trainers, owners and fans flock to Prestbury Park for the ultimate horseracing show as the Cheltenham Festival brings the National Hunt jump racing season to a thrilling conclusion.
It’s a four-day showcase of the best horses and jockeys jostling alongside one another for pride, prestige and the adulation of the watching crowd.
Each day there’s a champion race, with Tuesday hosting the Champion Hurdle, Wednesday the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Thursday the Stayers’ Hurdle and Friday culminating with the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
How Cheltenham Festival reveals reasons behind Ireland’s racing dominance
Ranking Rachael Blackmore’s chances of winning today
09:27 , Mike Jones
Below we’ve ranked which of Rachael Blackmore’s rides have the best chance of winning a race on day two of the festival:
3. Dancing On My Own – Beaten into third place when last running at Cheltenham in October of last year and a stronger field reflects the 18/1 price. Would be a surprising winner
2. Ballyadam – Victorious at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve, Ballyadam will bring some confidence into this race but the field is of a higher standard and odds of 14/1 don’t show massive confidence in Rachael Blackmore’s charge.
1. Captain Guinness – Winner of the Champions Chase in 2024 and back to defend his title. A popular horse at last year’s festival but triumphed in a field without Jonbon who will be his closest rival.
Is Rachael Blackmore racing at Cheltenham this year?
09:21 , Mike Jones
We’ve listed all the horses Rachael Blackmore is riding on Wednesday of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival:
Wednesday 12 March
2.40pm: Coral Cup Hurdle
Ballyadam – Age: 10, Weight: 11-12, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
4pm: Champion Chase
Captain Guinness – Age: 10, Weight 11-10, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
4.40pm: Grand Annual Chase
Dancing On My Own – Age: 11, Weight 11-10, Trainer Henry de Bromhead
Snow at Cheltenham
09:15 , Luke Baker
The early pictures emerging of the snow on the ground at Prestbury Park are pretty spectacular
Weather update from Cheltenham
09:12 , Mike Jones
The snow has almost stopped after a heavy burst earlier this morning.
The course itself looks clear and much of the concourse should clear by the time racing begins this afternoon.
That is providing the snow stays away.
Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast as shock snow flurry hits on Day 2
09:04 , Luke Baker
We’ve had snow in Cheltenham, which probably wasn’t among many people’s tips this week.
But how will it affect racing today?
Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast as shock snow flurry hits on Day 2
Cheltenham Festival: Full list of winners, results, timings and runners for Day 2
08:28 , Luke Baker
Cheltenham Festival is back as the horse racing season gathers pace with the four-day spectacle one of the highlights of the sport’s calendar.
The Festival began with Champion Day before Style Wednesday and then St Patrick’s Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday.
Here is the full list of winners and scheduled race card:
Cheltenham Festival: Full list of winners and runners for Day 2
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts’ best bets and 13 horses to watch on day two
08:11 , Luke Baker
A cool, dry day two – known as Style Wednesday – at Cheltenham promises more thrills with the Coral Cup and the Queen Mother Champion Chase among the highlights of a packed schedule.
Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon is back for glory in the Champion Chase, having withdrawn at the 11th hour last year. Henry de Bromhead’s Captain Guinness triumphed in Jonbon’s absence but the form book suggests defending his crown will be tough and betting sites make him a big outsider.
Check out tips from the experts from this race and others on Day 2:
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day two
Dramatic Champion Hurdle provides thrilling twist on opening day at Cheltenham
07:58 , Luke Baker
The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival provided thrills and excitement aplenty with the biggest twist coming in the headline Champion Hurdle race.
Golden Ace took the trophy for jockey Lorcan Williams and trainer Jeremy Scott after the pre-race favourite, Constitution Hill, and last year’s champion, State Man, both fell.
Williams held his charge in the middle of the field, kept up the pace, and took advantage of great fortune to shock bookmakers and punters alike.
Dramatic Champion Hurdle provides thrilling twist on opening day at Cheltenham