Cheltenham 2024 is almost upon us, and that means that the horse racing fans out there will be already planning their bets for the event via sites like Irishbettingsites.ie. Who are the favourites for the festival this year, and who should you be placing your bets on to win? Here are all the horses that you need to have your eye on.
Champion Hurdle: Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill is a must watch at the Champion Hurdle this year, with many saying that he’s a guaranteed winner. Trained by Nicky Henderson, this horse is one that is just getting win after win. Currently, he is unbeaten, and if he wins this race then he will likely become one of the most famous horses in modern racing.
Recently, he managed to beat Rubaud in the Christmas Hurdle easily, in his very first outing this season. If you are looking for a horse that will give you a guaranteed win, this is the most likely bet you will get that win on.
Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle: Lossiemouth
Running in the first day of the festival, Lossiemouth is a horse to watch. This particular race could go a few different ways, and this horse has what it takes to clinch the win.
During the Unibet Hurdle in January, she managed to hold her own in the competitive field. That was her first outing for the season, in fact her first race for 273 days. This gives her the best start for the Cheltenham Festival season, as she will be fresh and ready to give it her all.
Ryanair Chase: Stage Star
There are currently 32 early entries for this race, and several very exciting horses that you will be checking out right now. One of these horses is Stage Star, which many will underestimate as a contender. If you really want to back a horse that will offer an exciting race, then you shouldn’t ignore him.
He did come up against several challenges in recent races, such as a tweaked muscle on a New Year’s Day race, as well as having to deal with soft ground. He was also considered an outsider at the Turners race, but he still has a lot to offer.
He has had all summer to recover and train, and many experts are pointing to him as one to watch.
Triumph Hurdle: Sir Gino
This is another Nicky Henderson trained horse who is one that is considered overdue for a victory at this point. As Henderson has won the race seven times, in 2019, 2015, 2010, 2009, 1999, 1987, and 1985, many feel it is time for him to do so again with Sir Gino.
He had a wind op in the summer, and this has clearly helped him in consequent races, such as the Kempton Christmas Festival where he easily won the Juvenile Hurdle. Thanks to his recent wins, he could well clinch the triumph here as well.
Queen Mother Champion Race: El Fabiolo
There is some really severe competition within this race, but right now, it is considered to be a rematch between El Fabiolo and Jonbon. Jonbonhas won all four of his runs after their last meetup at Aintree in 2022, and El Fabilolo has won his two races since.
Both horses are in top form, but many experts feel that El Fabiolo has what it takes to win. This is despite his jumping still not being where it should be, but Jonbon is very much in the same boat. It will come down to how they both perform on the day, so it’s shaping up to be an exciting race.
Paddy Power Stayer’s Hurdle: Crambo
There are 51 possible entries for the Thursday of the Cheltenham Festival, but currently Crambo is the favourite for the Paddy Power Stayer’s Hurdle.
He has shown some real determination to get ahead already, such as winning the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last December. With this win under his belt, horse racing experts are eagerly watching him to see what he achieves at this event.
Cheltenham Gold Cup: Galopin De Champs
This horse was a big NAP winner at last years event, and so fans are watching closely to see how he fares this time around. He has already shown that he can handle soft or yielding ground, which will be a real boon, as rainfall will probably create a very wet and soft track this year.
He has a formidable win record behind him, so any other horses entering will need to work hard to beat him this year.
These are all the favourites that are currently in the running for the Cheltenham Festival 2024. Keep an eye on them to see whether they can live up to the hype, and of course consider placing a bet or two on some of them.
