The 2026 Cheltenham Festival kicks off on Tuesday, 10th March, as the iconic Cheltenham roar will be heard from miles away when the tapes go up to signal the start of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Racing expert Alex has gone through the races televised at Cheltenham on Tuesday and picked out his ITV horse racing tips, including a 74/1 accumulator for ITV racing.
The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival kicks off with the Grade One Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with a distance of an extended two miles covered.
Old Park Star sets a high standard, but the fact that only one of the last 12 winners has previously won at the track would be a concern. With a hot pace expected, it could set up perfectly for Talk The Talk and Mydaddypaddy, who will likely arrive late on the scene.
The preference is for the former for trainer Joseph O’Brien. The selection battled to victory in the Grade One Ireland Novice Hurdle last time out, out-staying Ballyfad to win by a short head, avenging his fall at Leopardstown at Christmas when appearing to have the Grade One Future Champions Novice Hurdle at his mercy.
Ground is no major concern after previously winning on better ground over two miles at Limerick and Fairyhouse.
Next up is the Grade One Arkle Novices’ Chase, where the betting indicates a straight fight between Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes.
However, the fact that the latter has only had one run over fences is a major concern. Meanwhile, the Nicky Henderson star may be more suited to a longer trip.
But, the class at the top two in the betting ensures that the Arkle likely remains a two-horse race. Kopek Des Bordes is better suited to the two-mile trip, with the fast-travelling chaser making a striking impression on chase debut in November, beating Lovely Hurling by 13 lengths.
Experience is a negative, but the yard has been bullish about his chances, and he was a winner at the Festival 12 months ago, landing the Supreme.
The first handicap at the Festival this year comes in the form of the Fred Winter. Saratoga and Winston Junior have been well-found in the market, leading to a value each-way play in the form of Glen To Glen.
Joseph O’Brien has an excellent record in the race, winning each of the last two, and three renewals since 2019.
Glen To Glen was professional when winning over two miles and one at Cork in December, and was highly rated on the flat, achieving an OR of 87. He matches plenty of the typical trends of winners of this race, and he’s the choice of J J Slevin.
One of the most competitive betting races on Day One of the Festival comes in the form of the Ultima Handicap Chase.
However, Jagwar, trained by Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero, is too challenging to overlook. The progressive seven-year-old has run excellently off top weight in two big handicaps at Cheltenham this season, finishing second in the December Gold Cup, before taking second on trials day at the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase, beaten a head. The front two were ten lengths clear of the third-place runner.
Jagwar’s Festival form is also strong, having won the Plate Handicap Chase by a commanding two-length margin last year, and he ticks all boxes.
Each way alternatives include Hyland and Blaze The Way.
The feature on Day One of the Festival is the Grade One Champion Hurdle. Golden Ace is back to defend her crown, while recent course winner The New Lion should be respected.
Brighterdaysahead should be capable of an improved effort after a no-show 12 months ago. However, the inclusion of Lossiemouth shouldn’t be ignored. The three-time Festival winner has an excellent record at the track.
The changes to the layout, which extends the run from the final hurdle to the finish line, will play to her stamina. Willie Mullins’ leading hope in the race, and the choice of Paul Townend.
ITV’s final race on Day One is the Plate Handicap Chase. Older horses have a strong record in the race, with runners aged ten or older winning three of the last four renewals.
Therefore, Guard Your Dreams could be a notable each-way play. The ten-year-old ticks plenty of the right boxes, including being a last time out winner after dominating a Veterans’ Chase at Warwick, beating Fugitif by 13 lengths.
Has form over further after finishing second at Uttoxeter over three miles at the end of last season.
Looks to have been mapped out for this by Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies, and worth noting that he is a two-time winner at Cheltenham.
