Cheltenham First Race Betting Offers 2026 – Best Free Bets for the Opening Race

The Cheltenham Festival begins with one of the most anticipated moments in horse racing — the first race on Day 1.

As the tape rises for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, bettors across the UK rush to place their first wagers of the festival. It’s the race that officially starts Cheltenham week.

Because of this surge in betting activity, bookmakers release some of their biggest promotions of the entire festival for the opening race.

If you’re looking to take advantage of these deals, this guide covers the best Cheltenham first race betting offers for 2026, how they work, and how to maximise their value.

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Best Cheltenham First Race Betting Offers 2026

Below are examples of the types of promotions bookmakers often release for the Cheltenham opener.

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Betfred – Bet £10 on the First Race and Get £10 Free Bet

Offer Overview

✔ Bet £10 on the first race of Cheltenham every day
✔ Receive £10 in free bets after the bet settles
✔ Free bet can be used on Cheltenham races

This offer is a straightforward entry-level promotion that allows bettors to place an additional wager during the festival without risking extra funds.

Terms: Opt in req. £10 Win/EW single on 13:20 Cheltenham 10-13/03/26. £5 E/W will count. Free Bets on settlement. Restricted to bets on Cheltenham. Removed 17:30 on same day. T&Cs Apply.

➡ Promotion page

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StarSports – Bet £100 (or more) on the first race (13.20) and Get a £50 Free Bet to use on the last race (17.20) at Cheltenham Festival!

✔ Bet £100 or more on first race at Cheltenham
✔ Receive £50 free bet
✔ Often includes enhanced odds markets

StarSports is well known for price boosts during major horse racing events.

Terms: 18+ New customers who register using specific day's promo code only. Deposit and Bet £100 (or more) on the 13.20 at Cheltenham at EVS (2.0) or greater on race winner market only, get 1 x £50 Free Bet to use on the 17.20 Cheltenham on the same day. Free bets credited automatically and expire at 17.20. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

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10Bet – 100% up to £50 on first deposits

✔ Bet £10
✔ Receive £20
✔ Often released during major horse racing festivals

This promotion is commonly used by bettors looking to spread multiple free bets across Cheltenham races.

Terms: New players. Choose bonus at signup. Wager bonus 10x. Any withdrawals void bonus. Valid 30 days. Deposit used 1st. Odds, bet & payment limits. T&Cs apply. 18+

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BetGoodwin – Bet £10 Get £15 Free Bet

✔ Bet £10 on sports
✔ Receive £15 free bet
✔ Regular Cheltenham promotions available

BetGoodwin frequently runs odds boosts and racing specials during the festival.

Terms: 18+ only Full Terms and conditions apply.

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What Is the First Race at Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival traditionally begins with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

This Grade 1 race features the best novice hurdlers in training and regularly produces future stars of the sport.

Because it’s the opening race of the entire festival, betting interest is extremely high.

That’s why bookmakers attach many of their promotions to this race.

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Cheltenham Day 1 Race Card

Cheltenham Day 1 contains seven races.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

The opening race of the festival and one of the most heavily bet races of the week.

Arkle Challenge Trophy

A Grade 1 novice chase featuring elite young chasers.

Ultima Handicap Chase

A competitive handicap race that often attracts large fields.

Champion Hurdle

One of the most prestigious hurdle races in the world.

Mares’ Hurdle

A Grade 1 race exclusively for mares.

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

A large-field handicap featuring four-year-old hurdlers.

National Hunt Challenge Cup

The final race of Day 1.

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Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Betting Trends

Many bettors study historical trends before wagering on the Cheltenham opener.

Favourites Perform Well

Compared with other Cheltenham races, favourites have historically had a solid record in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

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Irish Trainers Have Dominated

Irish trainers have won many recent renewals of the race.

Top Irish yards regularly send their best novice hurdlers to Cheltenham.

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Strong Novice Form Is Important

Horses that have already performed well in Grade 1 novice hurdles earlier in the season often perform strongly in the race.

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How Cheltenham First Race Free Bets Work

Most Cheltenham betting promotions follow a simple structure.

1. Register a new betting account
2. Deposit funds
3. Place a qualifying bet
4. Receive free bets once the wager settles

These free bets can then be used on races during the Cheltenham Festival.

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How to Use Cheltenham Free Bets Strategically

Free bets can be used in several ways.

Betting on Outsiders

Some bettors prefer placing free bets on longer-priced horses, as the potential return is larger.

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Betting on Favourites

Others use free bets on shorter-priced runners, increasing the chances of converting the free bet into real winnings.

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Using Matched Betting

Matched betting allows bettors to convert free bets into profit by placing opposing bets on betting exchanges.

During Cheltenham week, this strategy becomes particularly popular because of the number of available promotions.

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People Also Ask

What time is the first race at Cheltenham?

The Cheltenham Festival usually begins around 1:30 PM UK time with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

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Which bookmakers offer Cheltenham free bets?

Bookmakers that frequently release Cheltenham promotions include:

• Betfred
• 10Bet
• BetGoodwin
• StarSports

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Are Cheltenham free bets withdrawable?

Free bets themselves cannot be withdrawn.

However, winnings generated from free bets can usually be withdrawn, depending on the bookmaker’s terms.

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Products / Tools / Resources

If you plan to use Cheltenham betting offers, these tools can help.

Bookmaker comparison sites
Allow bettors to compare multiple Cheltenham promotions.

Odds comparison tools
Help ensure you are getting the best available price.

Matched betting calculators
Useful for calculating stakes when using matched betting strategies.

Cheltenham racecards and form guides
Provide detailed information about runners and race trends.

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