The Cheltenham Festival – The Greatest Show On Turf
Horse racing on the flat has the Kentucky Derby, the Dubai World Cup, and the Melbourne Cup. When it comes to the jump racing sphere, it’s the Cheltenham Festival that stands above the rest.
Held at Prestbury Park racecourse in Cheltenham, England, the festival takes place over four days every year in March. The best talent the sport has to offer goes toe to toe in 28 races, with the winners taking home the prizes and the pride of winning the most coveted contests in the industry.
Why Should I Watch the Cheltenham Festival?
Cheer On Your Favourite
If you love American football, you won’t miss the Superbowl. If you’re a soccer fan, you tune in to see the greatest players at the World Cup. And, if you’re a fan of horse racing, you won’t want to miss the greatest equine talent at the Cheltenham Festival.
Of course, sports fans often wager on the big events for an extra reason to watch. For those who place these bets, the Cheltenham Festival provides the perfect opportunity to follow the free horse racing tips that put forward predictions on the meeting’s top races.
Whether it be top horses such as Galopin Des Champs or Constitution Hill who are 7/4 and 4/11 for this year’s Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle respectively, or a 20/1 outsider in a Handicap race, there are many markets to keep your eye on.
Fierce Rivalries
The Cheltenham Festival pits the best jump-racing horses against each other. It also gives owners, trainers, and jockeys a chance to renew some fierce rivalries. Britain and Ireland in particular have a famous rivalry at Cheltenham, so much so that the Prestbury Cup is awarded to the nation with the most winners throughout the week of action.
This also brings into play more betting options for fans, as you not only have the chance to bet on horses but also support your favorite nation by following the Prestbury Cup odds.
Learn More About Jump Racing
Cross-country chase” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Carine06
Let’s face it, jump racing can be a little more confusing than its flat counterpart. With flat racing, you know what you get. Horses fly out of the gates, race each other around a track and see which one is fastest.
In jump racing, horses have to travel over distances of up to four miles, while negotiating timber hurdles or the larger fences of chasing. Throughout the four days, there is a mixture of races, handicap contests, and even a cross-country chase where horses take on an eclectic mix of jumps over the maximum distance.
With such an array of jump racing action at the Cheltenham Festival, you can quickly learn everything that is needed to know about the sport. Famous trainers, jockeys, and horses will all be in attendance, so you can get to know who the best names are to follow, all the while enjoying top-class racing that will leave you wanting more.
