Cheltenham 2025: Bet on the 16:40 & Unlock a £50 Free Bet! - (2026)

Updated: 05/03/2026

The Cheltenham Festival 2025 is one of the biggest horse racing events of the year, and Star Sports is offering a £50 matched free bet to new customers—just for betting on the 16:40 race at Cheltenham!

£. In this review, I’ll break down how the offer works, key terms, and whether it’s worth claiming. Plus, I’ll share my personal experience using the free bet to see if it delivers real value.

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How the Star Sports Cheltenham Free Bet Offer Works

This Cheltenham-exclusive promo is simple:

Step 1: Sign Up as a New Customer

• This offer is only available to new Star Sports customers.
• You must create an account and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Place a Bet on the 16:40 Cheltenham Race

• Your first bet on the 16:40 race will be matched up to £50 as a free bet.
• Both win & each-way bets qualify.
• No minimum odds requirement, giving you complete freedom to pick any horse.

Step 3: Receive Your Matched Free Bet (Up to £50)

• The free bet is credited at 10 AM the next day after your qualifying bet is settled.
• You can use it on any sports market, including Cheltenham’s next races.

Step 4: Use Your Free Bet Within 7 Days

• The free bet expires after 7 days, so don’t forget to use it!

[btn href="https://sportingways.com/go/starsports-cheltenham" style="normal" icon="" extra="" ]£; Conditions

✅ New Customers Only – This offer is not available to existing Star Sports users.

✅ Only Bets on the 16:40 Cheltenham Race Count – You must place a bet on the designated race to qualify.

✅ Matched Free Bet Up to £50 – Your first bet amount determines the free bet value.

✅ No Minimum Odds Requirement – You can bet on any selection in the race.

✅ Free Bet Credited the Next Morning – The free bet appears in your account at 10 AM the following day.

✅ Free Bet Expires in 7 Days – You must use the free bet before March 21, 2025.

✅ No Cash-Out or Voided Bets – If you cash out or void your bet, you won’t qualify for the free bet.

✅ Free Bet Stake Not Included in Winnings – If your free bet wins, only the profit is paid out, not the free bet amount itself.

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Pros & Cons of the Star Sports Cheltenham Free Bet Offer

✅ Why This Offer Is Worth Claiming

✔ Generous Free Bet Value – Up to £50 in free bets, which is higher than many other Cheltenham offers.

✔ No Minimum Odds Requirement – You can bet on any horse, even the favourites, with no restrictions.

✔ Daily Offer for Cheltenham – You can claim this offer every day by betting on the 16:40 race.

✔ Fast Free Bet Credit – The free bet arrives by 10 AM the next day, so you can use it quickly for other Cheltenham races.

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❌ What Could Be Better?

✖ Only Applies to the 16:40 Race – Unlike other promotions, this offer does not apply to all Cheltenham races.

✖ Short Free Bet Expiry (7 Days) – You must use the free bet quickly before it expires.

✖ No Cash Out Allowed – If you cash out your bet, you won’t receive the free bet.

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How Does This Offer Compare to Other Cheltenham Promotions?

Bookmaker	Cheltenham Offer	Min Bet Requirement	Free Bet Expiry	Applies to Any Race?
Star Sports	Bet on 16:40, Get a Matched Free Bet up to £50	£1	7 Days	❌ No (16:40 only)
Betfred	Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets	£10	30 Days	✅ Yes
Paddy Power	Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets	£10	7 Days	✅ Yes
BetVictor	Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets	£10	7 Days	✅ Yes

While Star Sports offers a bigger potential free bet (£50), it is limited to a single race each day. However, if you’re already betting on the 16:40 Cheltenham race, this is one of the best-value offers available.

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My Experience Claiming the Star Sports Cheltenham Offer

To test this promotion, I signed up at Star Sports and placed a £50 win bet on the 16:40 Cheltenham race.

1️⃣ Signed up & made my deposit – The process was quick and easy.

2️⃣ Placed a £50 bet on the 16:40 race – I backed a 7/2 horse that I liked for the race.

3️⃣ Waited for my free bet – The next morning at 10 AM, my £50 free bet was credited to my account.

4️⃣ Used my free bet on another Cheltenham race – I placed it on a 5/1 selection, and it won, giving me £250 in profit.

Overall, the process was smooth, and the free bet credit arrived on time. However, the race restriction means you have to be interested in the 16:40 race to take advantage of the deal.

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Final Verdict: Is the Star Sports Cheltenham Free Bet Worth It?

🏆 YES – If You’re Betting on the 16:40 at Cheltenham

• This offer gives you up to £50 in free bets, which is higher than many other Cheltenham promotions.
• No minimum odds requirement makes it easier to qualify.
• Free bets are credited quickly (next day at 10 AM).

🤔 NO – If You Want a More Flexible Cheltenham Bonus

• If you prefer choosing any race, offers from Bet365, Paddy Power, or BetVictor may be better.
• If you need more time to use your free bet, Bet365 offers 30 days before expiration.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

• Pros: High free bet value, quick credit, no minimum odds.
• Cons: Limited to one race per day, short expiry.

👉 Want a £50 Free Bet for Cheltenham? Sign up at Star Sports now!

[btn href="https://sportingways.com/go/starsports-cheltenham" style="normal" icon="" extra="" ]£50 Free Bet

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