The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, featuring top-class action over four exhilarating days in mid-March. While the Graded contests attract the sport’s biggest names, the handicaps provide some of the most competitive and unpredictable outcomes. Punters scouring the horse racing odds on LiveScore Bet know that landing a winner in these fiercely contested events is no easy feat.
With plenty of value on offer, these races are a key focus for those looking to back a well-handicapped contender. If you’re starting to plan out your bets for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival or just interested in what races to look out for, here are some of the big handicaps you won’t want to miss this year.
Ultima Handicap Chase (Tuesday)
Run over 3m1f, the Ultima is the first handicap chase of the Festival and a favourite among British trainers, with Irish success surprisingly rare.
Stamina and jumping ability are key to prevailing in this gruelling test, and recent renewals have highlighted the effectiveness of previous Festival form.
Horses who have run well at Cheltenham earlier in the season often feature prominently, so dual course and distance winner Hyland could be worth considering at 10/1.
Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Tuesday)
A race for four-year-olds rated below the elite level of the Triumph Hurdle, the Boodles often features unexposed horses from top yards.
Irish trainers, particularly those from the Joseph O’Brien’s and Gordon Elliott stables, have dominated in recent years.
Market confidence can be a strong indicator of a well-treated youngster ready to strike, so keep an eye on those Irish raiders.
Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Wednesday)
The Festival’s oldest race, first run in 1834, is a fast and furious 2m handicap chase that requires speed, slick jumping, and a touch of class.
Historically, horses with strong form in previous renewals or competitive graded races over two miles tend to fare well.
Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Thursday)
The culmination of a series of qualifiers throughout the season, the Pertemps Final is a 3m hurdle race that consistently produces thrilling finishes.
Stamina is a crucial asset, and staying hurdlers who have kept something in hand during the qualifiers often peak for the big day.
Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Thursday)
Restricted to amateur jockeys, the Kim Muir is a 3m2f handicap chase where experience in the saddle can prove decisive.
The Irish have a strong record in this race, often targeting it with well-handicapped staying chasers who are primed for a big run at Cheltenham.
County Handicap Hurdle (Friday)
A relentless two-mile charge around Prestbury Park, the County Hurdle has become a favoured race for Irish raiders in recent years.
Willie Mullins, in particular, has a phenomenal record, with well-backed market leaders often performing strongly. A turn of foot is crucial in this contest, with winners typically finishing strongly up the hill
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Friday)
The final race of the Festival, the Martin Pipe, has been a launchpad for future stars. Run over 2m4f, it is restricted to conditionals, meaning young, up-and-coming jockeys get their chance to shine.
Horses from powerful Irish yards often dominate the field, with past winners including names that have gone on to Grade 1 success.
