A beginner's guide to betting at Cheltenham Festival 2025

Cheltenham Festival 2025 is one of the biggest horse racing events of the year, attracting seasoned bettors and newcomers alike.

If you're new to betting on horse racing, this guide will take you through everything you need to know to get started, from basic bet types to Cheltenham-specific betting tips.

Cheltenham Festival 2025 takes place from Tuesday, 11th March to Friday, 14th March.

Over these four days, some of the most prestigious races in the sport will be run, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the final day.

Whether you're planning to watch the races live or place bets online, knowing the schedule will help you prepare.

Betting on horse racing may seem complicated at first, but it's actually straightforward once you understand the basics. Here are some of the most common types of bets:

A simple bet where you pick a horse to win the race. If your chosen horse finishes first, you win.

An each-way bet consists of two separate bets: one for the horse to win and another for the horse to place (usually finishing in the top three or four, depending on the race and terms). If the horse wins, both bets pay out; if it places, you get a partial return.

A bet on a horse to finish in one of the top positions (e.g., top 3 or 4). The odds are lower than a win bet, but the chances of a return are higher.

• Forecast: Predicting the first and second-place finishers in the correct order.
• Tricast: Predicting the first, second, and third-place finishers in the correct order
  

An accumulator (or acca) combines multiple bets into one. All selections must win for the bet to pay out, but the odds are multiplied, leading to potentially huge returns.

Cheltenham Festival is different from standard horse racing meetings due to its competitive fields, historic races, and large number of betting markets.

Here are some key betting features unique to Cheltenham that you need to be aware of:

This involves placing bets weeks or even months before the festival. Ante-post odds tend to be higher than on the day of the race, but there is a risk of losing your stake if your horse does not run.

Many bookmakers, including Ladbrokes, offer NRNB promotions closer to the festival. This means if your ante-post selection doesn’t run, you get your money back.

Popular at Cheltenham, these bets cover multiple selections across races, giving you returns even if only some of your picks win or place.

We will have several Cheltenham-specific promotions, including extra places, boosted odds, and free bets. Keep an eye on Ladbrokes' promotions page for exclusive offers.

• Do Your Research: Check horse form, trainer records, and previous festival performances.
• Watch the Odds: Market movements can indicate confidence in a horse’s chances.
• Consider Each-Way Bets: With competitive fields, each-way betting can be a safer way to get returns.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it.
• Follow Expert Insights: Ladbrokes will provide tips and analysis leading up to the festival.
  

1. Register or Log In to your Ladbrokes account.
2. Browse the Cheltenham 2025 markets and select your race.
3. Choose your bet type (win, each-way, accumulator, etc.).
4. Enter your stake and confirm your bet.
5. Enjoy the race and track your bets.
   

Betting at Cheltenham Festival 2025 can be exciting and rewarding, even for beginners. By understanding basic betting types, taking advantage of festival-specific offers, and following expert advice, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of the action.

Keep an eye on Ladbrokes for the latest odds, tips, and promotions leading up to the festival!