The National Hunt season may not start proper until the end of October, but it is always wise to get ahead and keeping an eye on ante-post betting for Cheltenham Festival 2026 is very much part of that!
We check out the latest and best Cheltenham Festival 2026 ante-post bets from the main championship races, namely, The Champion Hurdle, The Champion Chase, and The Gold Cup.
Odds provided by our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
We also take a look at the best outsider bets for Cheltenham Festival 2026 at this stage.
Ante-post Betting
Cheltenham Festival 2026 Betting ante-post can be a highly lucrative process due to the greatly inflated prices on offer, although it does come with potential significant risks.
Unless the betting rules state NRNB (Non-Runner No Bet), your initial stake will be lost if the horse fails to be declared for whatever reason. NRNB ante-post betting for Cheltenham Festival 2026 often commences with some of our firms after Christmas and nearly all firms offer NRNB in the week running up to The Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham Festival 2026 Dates and Prices
Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March
Early bird Cheltenham Festival 2026 Tickets available from Cheltenham Racecourse here
Ante-post Betting for Cheltenham Festival 2026
The Champion Hurdle
Turners Hurdle hero The New Lion leads the market unsurprisingly (9/2 Betfred, Bet Victor). He kept on well in the extended novice event so one might assume longer trips such as The Stayers Hurdle or chasing may figure in the plans: a risky proposition either way and ludicrous at those odds.
Lossiemouth’s destination will be as usual left to the last minute so the 5/1 with William Hill is not substantial value.
On the other hand, the ever reliable State Man looks cracking value at 8/1 (bet365) and judging by the soundbites regarding Constitution Hill from Seven Barrows, who report their enigmatic but flawed star to be in fine fettle, the 12/1 (bet365) on offer for the 2023 champion looks very enticing.
The Champion Chase
Marine Nationale rightfully leads the market here after his remarkable spring exploits last season, running away with The Champion Chase and the big Grade 1 at Punchestown a few weeks later. 4/1 (bet365) is not a viable bet at this stage of course.
Il Etait Temps is worth keeping an eye on at 7/1 (bet365, William Hill) whilst Jonbon’s plans remain open with The King George in mind: longer distances may beckon especially with the way the Henderson trained star finished in the Champion Chase last season: 12/1 best with William Hill, Betfred and Boylesports.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is dominated by the two recent champions, Galopin Des Champs and his conqueror from last March, Inothewayurthinkin.
The latter is in great shape according to trainer Gavin Cromwell and is expected to be back in action for November. It is always tricky to assess Gold Cup winners in their following season: a Gold Cup win takes a lot out of a horse. However, it is certain that Inothewayurthinkin absolutely relishes the 3-mile 2-furlong trip having now trotted up twice in consecutive seasons. 4/1(bet365, Betfred and Bet Victor) could look very generous come The Cheltenham Festival next March.
Galopin Des Champs will probably track a similar build up to last year, although I would hope a late start might be considered, as the horse looked flat in the Gold Cup last March. 6/1 best for the Willie Mullins trained dual winner with bet365 and William Hill.
Looking at the rest of the field, Haiti Couleurs has matured into a serious contender after his Festival triumph and Irish Grand National glory. He needs to improve to figure with the big two but worth keeping an eye on: another one who hopefully will be nursed with a light campaign leading up to March, 33/1 best with bet365 and Bet Victor.
Other Best Cheltenham Festival 2026 Best Ante-Post Best Bets
The Jukebox Man could be anything if he recovers well from his injury. After having finished runner up in 2024’s Albert Bartlett he went on to win two novice chase events including the Kauto Star Grade One event at Kempton. He could be interesting value at 33/1 with bet365, William Hill and Bet Victor.
The Big Westerner trained by Henry De Bromhead could go down the Mares Chase route, however, based on her encouraging second to Jasmin De Vaux in the Albert Bartlett, she could be a nice each way opportunity for the Brown Advisory at 20/1 (Bet365 and William Hill).
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