(3 minutes read)
With just less than a couple of weeks to the start of Cheltenham Festival 2026, we check out some horses that may slipped off the radar! Dark horses of Cheltenham Festival 2026!
NRNB: Non-Runner No Bet
Most of our partners are offering NRNB for Cheltenham Festival 2026. Bet365 and William Hill are 100% NRNB whilst Betfred and Bet Victor are not offering NRNB on handicaps at this stage. NRNB ensures any Cheltenham bets are refunded if the horse fails to participate for any given reason.
Poniros, The Champion Hurdle, Day 1, Tuesday March 10th
This Willie Mullins trained entry was the darkest of horses last year as he flummoxed everybody by beating Lulamba in The Triumph Hurdle at a mammoth 100/1.
Lulamba got revenge at Punchestown next time out. However, with the way the market for The Champion Hurdle is panning out, in that Lossiemouth will probably end up in the Mares Hurdle, whilst Constitution Hill’s destiny now lies with the flat, this surely brings Poniros into the mix. 
We know he relishes the 2-mile trip around Cheltenham, and he ran ok behind Betterdaysahead and Lossiemouth in the Irish Champion Hurdle. The 14/1 NRNB with William Hill, Betfred and Boylesports will tumble to single figures if Lossiemouth at al go elsewhere.
Apache Tribe, The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, Day 4, Friday March 13th
This Noel Kelly trained six year old has been running in low grade novice hurdles but winning them with aplomb. He jumps and travels well as demonstrated in both his two wins under rules.
He is going into uncharted territory by tackling 3 miles for the first time, however, his performances suggests that this will not inconvenience him. It is well within his scope to improve further. Best odds of 16/1 NRNB with Bet365, William Hill and Betfred.
Quilixios, The Champion Chase, Day 2, Wednesday 11th March
The Henry De Bromhead trained Triumph Hurdle winner from 2021 has been a mixed bag since that victory. However, he showed signs of recovery last season with a decent second in the Tingle Creek and looked set for a good finish in the Champion Chase itself but for falling at the last. 
He looks a viable each way proposition at 16/1 NRNB with Bet365, Betfred and Boylesports.
La Conquiere, The Mares Novices Hurdle, Day 3, Thursday 12th March
The market for the Mares Novices Hurdle is clearly dominated by Bambino Fever and Oldschool Outlaw for trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, respectively. However, the each way potential could lie within the Jamie Snowden trained La Conquiere who has been campaigned quietly, registering a couple of decent novice wins and a good performance to be runner up in an Ascot Grade 2.
She jumps well, travels nicely for a novice and its key to remember that Jamie Snowden won this race on You Wear It Well in 2023. In with a squeak at 14/1 with Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports with NRNB.
King Rasko Grey, The Turners Novices Hurdle, Day 2, Wednesday 11th March
Mighty Park could take some beating after his 38 length victory in his maiden hurdle victory at Fairyhouse and although Willie Mullins has enormous regard for the horse, it’s all down to trust in the trainer's words. 
However, his stable mate King Rasko Grey looked as if he can stay further after his decent third to Talk The Talk and Ballyfad in the Grade One at Leopardstown. King Rasko Grey currently holds an entry for The Supreme Novices Hurdle on Day 1; however, the Turners would be a more viable option for me. 10/1 available with William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports with NRNB.
Spinningayarn, The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, Friday 13th March
Our second Cheltenham Festival dark horse for The Albert Bartlett is a Gordon Elliott entry who has shaped up well in his three starts this season, most noticeably in this latest run, winning a Punchestown novice hurdle event over 2 miles and 3 furlongs on heavy ground. 
He is tipped to stay longer distances and certainly does his best work in the closing stages so a step up to 3 miles should be ideal, especially with testing conditions. Best odds of 12/1 NRNB with William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
MORE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026
- Lucky 15 Acca For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Best Long Shot Bets For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Cheltenham Festival 2026 Event Page!
- How To Watch Cheltenham Festival 2026 in Benidorm!
- Best Handicap Bets For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- The Champion Hurdle Tuesday March 10th
- The Champion Chase Wednesday 11th March
- The Cheltenham Gold Cup Friday March 13th
- Cheltenham Festival Free Bets 2026!
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (6pm 26th February 2026) and are subject to change
Min deposit requirement. Registration Required. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply
Click to Claim
