Betting Tips for Cheltenham Races
Famously known as the Home of Jump Racing and voted the best racecourse in the world, by the Racing Post, Cheltenham Racecourse is where sporting dreams are made.
Since holding its first flat race in 1815, Cheltenham Racecourse hosts 16 race days a year, including The Festival, second only to the Grand National in terms of prize money.
This prestigious event attracts over 260,000 racegoers and boosts the Gloucestershire economy by a heady £100 million each year.
If you fancy a flutter, this is the racecourse to visit. Keep reading to discover our top tips for enjoying a day, or four, at the races.
Betting Tips for Cheltenham Races
With 16 race days spread throughout the year, Cheltenham Racecourse attracts thousands of racegoers, particularly at The Festival, where betting reaches into the hundreds of millions of pounds.
Horse betting is complex and knowing how to bet can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newbie, we can’t promise a win, but our tips will help you to enjoy the day.
Learn the lingo
From accumulator bets and decimal odds to placepots and yankees, having a good grasp of racing and betting terminology will help you stay informed on race day.
Read the racecard
Learning how to read a racecard can give you the edge when it comes to placing a successful bet. It’s a great way to make an informed decision based on previous race results but it can take a little practice. You can find individual horse’s racecards on the Racing Post’s website and other racing sites.
Know your bets
The two most popular racegoer bets are betting to win and betting each way. Betting to win means you win your bet if the horse comes first. If you want to hedge your bets and play it a little safer, it’s best to go for the each-way bet. This means placing two bets on the same horse, one for them to win, and another for them to come 2nd or 3rd.
Brush up on your racing knowledge
If you’re keen to back a winner, it’s worth watching some horse races in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Races. Get to know the favourite horses and you’ll be more likely to pick a winner.
Back the favourite
A favourite horse is one that’s considered, by most people betting, to win the race.
Many people are tempted to ignore the favourites, hoping to back an outsider and win bigger, but betting on the favourite is often a savvy move. Your chances of winning are higher than if you back an outsider, making it a more enjoyable way to bet. It might not be the best way to win big, but you are less likely to lose your money.
Check the bookies' tips
Of course, no one can predict which horse will win any given race, but the bookies' tips are worth checking out if you’re keen to place a bet at the Cheltenham Races. Most of the big bookies provide free tips from their race experts so it’s well worth doing your research.
Choose your winner in the parade ring
Despite all the insider info, sometimes it pays to pick your own winner. Before each race, the horses are walked around the Parade Ring, giving you the chance to pick your winning horse by sight. Keep an eye out for the horses that look the most relaxed, bright-eyed, well-muscled and athletic.
Take the plunge with a pool bet
A bit like a lottery, a pool bet is split between everyone who backed the winner. Unlike bookmakers who offer odds for betting on the racing horses, Tote bets are pooled together in one pot and shared between the winners. It’s convenient and easy to do and there are several ways to bet. This is a great option if you want to bet on your horse to place but not necessarily win. Generally, the fewer people who pick the winner, the higher the payout.
Bet wisely
The golden rule of betting is to never bet more than you can afford to lose. It’s a great idea to set a budget before heading to the Cheltenham races so you aren’t tempted to overbet. It pays to be gambling aware.
Cotswold Grange
One of the best boutique hotels in Cheltenham, the Cotswold Grange Hotel provides the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a busy day at the races.
Conveniently located in a conservation area between Cheltenham Racecourse and the town centre, we’re a stone’s throw away from the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty.
Whether you’re off to the races or keen to explore Cheltenham’s regency architecture and culinary delights, our luxurious, individually designed rooms with sumptuous beds and indulgent Noble Isle toiletries ensure a comfortable stay.
Our award-winning breakfasts are served in the unique, hand-painted event room. We are proud to source the best quality local ingredients to fuel your day.
Click here to book your stay, we look forward to welcoming you.