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Cheltenham 2026
Champion Day Free Bets
The roar is back. Secure the best value for Tuesday’s opening card with our verified sign-up offers and expert race-specific betting guide.
★★★★★
- £20 Sports + £20 Acca Tokens
- Extra Places on the 2:40 PM
- BOG from 8am daily
★★★★★
- 4 x £10 Free Bets
- Includes £20 Bet Builders
- Watch HD Streams of Day 1
★★★★☆
- 3 x £10 Free Bets
- Daily Epic Odds Boosts
- NRNB – Stake back guarantee
★★★★☆
- 3 x £10 Free Bets
- Weekly Acca Club Boosts
- Fast Withdrawals for winners
★★★★☆
- 2 x £10 + £10 BB
- Daily Racing Specials
- Live Track Stats & Trends
★★★☆☆
- Welcome Bonus (Code: SPORT)
- Excellent Market Depth
- Exclusive Reload Bonuses
Day 1 Betting Masterclass: Maximizing Your Offers
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, marks the beginning of the most exhilarating race meeting of the year. Success on Day 1 is built on aligning your bonuses with the specific races on the card.
1. The Qualifier Strategy
Most sign-up offers require a qualifying bet. We suggest placing this on the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1:20 PM). Settling your first bet in the opener typically releases your free bet tokens in time for the Champion Hurdle (3:20 PM), allowing you to back the day’s class acts effectively for free.
2. Strategic Bonus Deployment
- Multiple Bets: Use Betfred’s £20 Acca tokens on a Day 1 treble. Combining short-priced favorites like Kopek Des Bordes and Lossiemouth is a popular way to chase a larger return with bonus funds.
- Handicap Coverage: The Ultima Handicap Chase (2:40 PM) is famously tough. Use your William Hill or BetUK tokens here to take advantage of extra place offers, which often pay out down to 6th or 7th position.
- Bet Builders: BetMGM and LiveScore Bet provide dedicated Bet Builder tokens. These are perfect for the Champion Hurdle, where you can combine a winner with a predicted winning distance for higher odds.
3. Race-by-Race Insights
For the opener, Sober Glory is a popular tip to set the tone. In the Arkle (2:00 PM), Kopek Des Bordes looks explosive, while the consensus banker of the day is JP McManus’s Lossiemouth in the feature Champion Hurdle.
Day 1 Race Card & Expert Picks
Essential Day 1 FAQ
What is the best offer for Cheltenham Day 1?
The Betfred £40 offer is a top pick as it provides a mix of racing and acca tokens to cover the whole Tuesday card.
Can I use my free bets on any race?
Yes, all featured bookmakers allow tokens on any Day 1 race, including the 3:20 PM feature Champion Hurdle.
What time is the “Cheltenham Roar”?
The roar occurs at 1:20 PM GMT as the tapes rise for the first race of the festival.
Who is the favorite for the Champion Hurdle?
Lossiemouth, trained by Willie Mullins, is the favorite for the 3:20 PM feature race.
What is Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG)?
BOG means if you back a horse at 4/1 and its price drifts to 6/1, the bookie pays you at the higher odds automatically.
How can I watch the races live?
Races 1-5 are live on ITV1, or you can stream in HD via bookmaker apps like BetMGM or William Hill.
What is the weather forecast?
The ground is currently Good to Soft as of Monday morning, with a largely dry forecast for Tuesday.
What is NRNB?
Non-Runner No Bet means your stake is refunded in cash if your horse is withdrawn before the race starts.
