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Cheltenham Festival Betting Offers & Free Bets 2026 (UK)
During the famous four-day Cheltenham festival in mid-March, leading bookmakers present an array of Cheltenham free bets and betting offers.
As National Hunt champions head into battle in the season's most competitive races, there is no better time to claim your UK Cheltenham free bets prior to the week's major events. The fiercely competitive nature of the races allows you to unearth superb value and big-priced winners.
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New and existing customers can take advantage of the best Cheltenham free bet offers and specials prior to and during the week of the Cheltenham Festival.
You can learn about the types of free bets on offer, which bonuses present the best value, along with learning how to claim welcome offers and specials.
Which Bookmakers will offer the best Cheltenham Specials?
It is well worth keeping an eye out for specials from the following bookmakers this Cheltenham, from which we can expect to offer some exceptional value:
BoyleSports - the Irish operator is known for serving up plenty of specials for new and existing customers over the four days. This year it is splashing out and offering you the chance to get free bets to spend on the festival.
Tote - the operator is known for serving up placepots so look out for this offer over the four days. This year one of our most popular operators will offer up a whole host of Cheltenham specials.
This year's Tote guarantees are below:
- Placepot: £750,000 each day
- Jackpot: £50,000 each day
- Scoop6: Open every day of the Festival
LiveScore Bet - this is an operator you may not be as familiar with, however if you are a racing fan, expert or a casual player, this is a bookmaker you should add to your betting portfolio. Its welcome offer is competitive, it has a host of Cheltenham specials to get stuck into for existing customers and the platform is incredibly intuitive.
William Hill - this historic and highly acclaimed operator is offering various price boosts ahead of next week on well-fancied horses and is one to consider if you have figured out the favourites and which horses will prevail.
Types Of Cheltenham Betting Sign Up Offers
Every sportsbook is different when it comes to the type of Cheltenham free bets available but you can get a better understanding of the most prominent new and existing customer offers from the UK's best bookies right here.
If you are wondering how to bet on Cheltenham, we got you covered.
Betting offers can be split into two main types:
- New Customer Offers - available to new customers ONLY.
- Existing Customer Offers - offers for new AND existing customers.
| Type of Offer | Description |
|---|---|
| Sign up Offers | Deposit/wager and receive free bets |
| Money Back Offers | Take back for various eventualities |
| Non-Runner No Bet | Money back for non-runners |
| Best Odds Guaranteed and Enhanced Offers | Get the best odds |
| Each Way Extra | Choose each-way places |
| Ante-post Bets | Advance bets |
Below you can learn which bets come under which category.
1. Cheltenham New Customer Offers
Cheltenham presents the opportunity to sign up to new customer offers which present fantastic value and can be used throughout the Festival. The main types of new customer offers are detailed below.
Bet-and-Get
The most popular new customer offers are bet-and-get welcome offers, in which you place your initial bet to get free bets credited to your account. Register with an operator, place a bet of a specified amount and get free bets in return - place a bet of £10 and receive a £50 in free bets.
Deposit Bonus
These horse racing bet offers are much less common and are claimed when you deposit money with a bookmaker and you are rewarded with a percentage of your deposit. Some offer 100% while others offer 50%. For example, if you deposit £20 you will get a 50% bonus of £10.
Money-back bets
Fancy some fun with your horse racing free bets? Register with a bookmaker, place a wager with your own money and the bookmaker will refund your money for various outcomes, such as if you finish 2nd to the SP favourite or if you back a loser.
Matched bonus
Register with an operator, place a bet and it will match the value of your bet - place a bet of £10 and receive a £10 free bet. Among the most popular of horse racing offers
Free bet no deposit
The least common of all the free horse bets, these are bonuses you can claim without having to make a deposit and are awarded when registering with a bookmaker.
2. Cheltenham Existing Customer Offers
Do you possess an extensive portfolio betting accounts? These Cheltenham existing customer offers should be taken advantage of during the Festival and a must for experienced and savvy bettors.
| Type of Offer | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Runner No Bet | Money back for non-runners |
| Best Odds Guaranteed and Enhanced Offers | Get the best odds |
| Money Back Offers | Take back for various eventualities |
| Each Way Extra | Choose each-way places |
| Ante-post Bets | Advance bets |
Cheltenham Non-Runner No Bet
Players will get their stake returned to them should their selection not run in the race that they have bet on. It is one of the most appealing Cheltenham betting offers and is one that fanatical horse racing bettors look for when signing up for a sportsbook.
The Cheltenham Non-Runner No Bet offer will ensure that you get your money back should your selection not be declared for the race due to issues such as the ground, a setback or an injury.
Which bookmakers are offering Cheltenham Non-Runner No Bet 2026?
- bet365 is offering non-runner no bet on all 28 races at the Cheltenham Festival. Please be aware wagering restrictions may apply.
- William Hill is including ALL Cheltenham Festival races - you will get your stake back if your selections do not run in any of your chosen races.
- Paddy Power is also offering NRNB on ALL Cheltenham Festival races.
- Betfred is offering NRNB on the five championship races at the Cheltenham Festival.
| Offering Cheltenham Non-Runner No Bet |
|---|
| bet365 |
| William Hill |
| BetVictor |
| LiveScore Bet |
| Paddy Power |
| Coral |
| Ladbrokes |
| Betfred |
Cheltenham Money Back Offers
Money-back offers are among the best Cheltenham betting offers on the market and often served up by Paddy Power and Betfair. The majority of leading sportsbooks will offer Cheltenham money back offers throughout the week.
An example of this popular Cheltenham betting offer is money back should your selection finish second or third and usually applies to one of the feature races of the meeting.
Other examples include customers getting their money back should their selection fall in a race during the Festival.
Cheltenham Best Odds Guaranteed and Enhanced Odds
Best Odds Guaranteed is a no-brainer for enthusiastic racing punters, this Cheltenham betting offer ensures that you get the best odds available for your chosen horse. For example, if your horse is 4-1 at the time of backing your selection and it shortens to 2-1 on the day of the race, you will be paid out at 4-1.
An additional odds-related offer is enhanced odds. New customers get higher prices on short-priced favourites, known as a 'price boost' with returns being credited to the new account as bonus cash.
Cheltenham Each-way Extra
The competitive action at Cheltenham results in cracking odds at Cheltenham making each-way betting all the more attractive. This Cheltenham offer takes it one step further and allows punters to choose the number of places in a select race.
Cheltenham Ante-Post
Most bookmakers will allow bettors to place a bet up to a year in advance of the Cheltenham Festival. The main attraction is the bigger odds available on well-fancied horses, who are likely to shorten before the day.
How To Claim Your Cheltenham Offer in the UK
Signing up for Cheltenham free bets and betting offers only takes a couple of minutes, and you can follow these simple steps to make the process as easy as possible:
- First, you need to determine the sportsbook that you wish to sign up for.
- After making the decision, click on the 'Claim Here' buttons above.
- You will be prompted to fill out a registration form, which includes entering your date of birth, full name and email address.
- You may need to also opt-in for the welcome bonus when registering for your account.
- After verifying your account, you can then add funds to your account.
- Once you have met the terms and conditions of the Cheltenham Festival bet offer, you will be rewarded with one of the leading sign up offers.
Which Cheltenham Free Bets and Betting Offers present the best value?
Which betting offers are our favourite and serve up the best value for the four days of the Cheltenham Festival?
- bet365 - Bet £10 Get £30 in FREE BETS
T&C - Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. Registration required.
Betfred - GET £40 in Bonuses
New customers only. 00:00 06/03/26 — 23:59 13/03/26. Register with FRED40, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get £20 in Sports Free Bets & £20 in Acca Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment exclusions & T&Cs Apply. GambleAware.org
Best UK Bookmakers for Cheltenham
Each year during the Cheltenham Festival, racing enthusiasts are treated to a multitude of cheltenham bet offers from the most popular UK bookmakers. Below we highlight which operators to keep an eye on for the very best Cheltenham free bets.
- bet365 Cheltenham offers - offering the best odds for all-important value
- Paddy Power Cheltenham offers - daily offers and price boosts
- Unibet Cheltenham offers - beginner friendly with a 100% bonus in free bets
- William Hill Cheltenham offers- excels when it comes to multiple bets
- Ladbrokes Cheltenham offers - brilliant welcome bonuses
- Tote Cheltenham offers- try your hand at a placepot and take advantage of the World Pool for excellent odds
1. bet365 Cheltenham 2026
bet365 has been a sportsbook that has been trusted by customers throughout its history. It is the main player in the online scene. It has been regarded as one of the leading bookies ever since it began trading online.
Horse racing is one of the principal sports for bet365, and it covers every meeting from around the world. There is particular emphasis put on the Cheltenham Festival, with the majority of their ante-post markets opening a year in advance of the Festival taking place.
- Like all the other leading sites, players will be able to live stream the action on their mobile devices and desktop computers and make wagers on the win, each-way and place markets among others.
- Live streaming availability depends on the territory. Make sure to read terms and conditions.
- bet365 offers excellent odds, and that is demonstrated by the current prices it has for the favourites of the Champion Chase and Cross Country Chase. New customers can find an exceptional bet365 welcome bonus available.
2. Paddy Power Cheltenham 2026
Paddy Power is one of the bookmakers that are most recognisable at the Cheltenham Festival, and this year it will sponsor a number of the biggest races during the event.
The Irish bookie rightfully sponsors two of the biggest races that take place on St Patrick's Day at the Festival.
- Paddy Power offers a magnitude of markets during the Festival, and specialise in offering the most comprehensive ante-post markets for every race during the Festival.
- It also has competitive odds and offers live streaming for all races. The Paddy Power bonus is also among the best Cheltenham bet offers available, as new customers will be able to claim a risk-free bet.
3. Betfair Cheltenham 2026
The world's number one online betting exchange and among the top online bookmakers horse racing, offering something a little different for UK customers and lots of added benefits to those who do sign up.
- Back or lay (bet against) a horse.
- Great Cheltenham ante-post odds
4. BoyleSports Cheltenham 2026
One of Ireland's most prominent bookmakers, offering an excellent welcome offer and plenty of Cheltenham Festival specials during major, it's easy to see why it is one of the favoured horse betting sites with our audience.
- Simple user experience.
- Live streaming option.
- Brilliant Cheltenham sign up offers for new customers.
5. William Hill Cheltenham 2026
Another sportsbook that has one of the leading Cheltenham Festival offers is William Hill. The sportsbook has been trusted by players since being founded in 1934 and is extremely popular among horse racing fans.
- There are competitive odds to be found with this sportsbook, while players will also be able to watch live streams of the action throughout the Cheltenham Festival.
- Markets available to players during the Festival include, betting to win, each-way, and to place. William Hill also excels when it comes to multiple bets, as customers will be able to place wagers on Lucky 15s and accumulators.
- Finally, the William Hill Cheltenham bonus is one of the best Cheltenham free bet offers, as customers get to have more fun while betting on the sports event.
6. Coral Cheltenham 2026
Coral is another leading sportsbook that has an exceptional Cheltenham free bet offer that customers new to the site would be able to take advantage of. The Coral Cheltenham betting offers centre around the bookmaker's welcome bonus.
For Coral newcomers, operator promotes the jockey Sean Bowen to be the riding winner of this year's Cheltenham festival! Click below to see if you like this offer and wager as you wish on the winning horses!
- The bookmaker excels at offering a comprehensive Festival experience with a number of other Cheltenham betting offers. Furthermore, the bookmaker offers excellent odds on markets such as win, each-way and forecasts. Multiple bets can also be placed at Coral.
- The sportsbook also sponsors one of the most competitive betting races of the Festival. The Grade 3 Coral Cup will take place on the second day of the Festival.
7. Ladbrokes Cheltenham 2026
Ladbrokes has been revered for its dedication to horse racing throughout its history. It remains a prominent name in the industry. Players will be able to get one of the best experiences when making wagers with the sportsbook, as it has competitive odds and a range of markets.
Ladbrokes: Dan Skelton to train a winner at the Cheltenham Festival 33/1- The bookie also offers Cheltenham non-runner no bet on all ante-post markets.
- Customers are able to bet on the win, each-way and forecast markets throughout the Festival. There is also an exceptional Ladbrokes Cheltenham welcome bonus available, which is one of the best Cheltenham betting offers around.
8. BetVictor Cheltenham 2026
BetVictor offers an excellent Cheltenham betting experience in the UK. Live streaming ensures you can watch all 28 races at the Cheltenham Festival live.
- The Cheltenham BetVictor welcome offer is fantastic and one of the best on the market in terms of value.
- An excellent selection of markets is available, along with competitive odds.
9. Betfred Cheltenham 2026
The Betfred Cheltenham special offer is good for UK punters and its very competitive offer is one of the best on this site.
10. Tote Cheltenham 2026
The Tote's world pool has thrust the operator back into the limelight this year. Customers can get excellent odds on the world pool available on select racedays and is among the top horse racing bookmakers for Cheltenham. Definitely check here for Tote offers through Cheltenham week.
- Pool betting is when all the money for a race goes into one ‘pool’ and is paid back out. This means prices on less fancied horses are often bigger.
- Its famous Placepot, Jackpot and Scoop6 add to the enjoyment of betting with this operator.
- World Pool has been an excellent addition and is available on big racedays, offering bigger odds than most other operators
Tote Money Back Cheltenham Offer
Cheltenham Festival 2026 Running Order
See below the running order for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. There are a multitude of opportunities to use your Cheltenham betting offers and free bets.
Tuesday 10 March, 2026, Champion day
- Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (13:20)
- 14:00 - The Arkle Novices’ Chase
- 14:40 - Ultima Handicap Chase
- 15:20 - Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
- 16:00 - Unibet Champion Hurdle
- 16:40 - The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
- 17:20 - National Hunt Chase
Wednesday 11 March, 2026, Ladies day
- 13:20 - Turners Novices’ Hurdle
- 14:00 - Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
- 14:40 - Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
- 15:20 - Glenfarclas Cross Country Limited Handicap Chase
- 16:00 - BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase
- 16:40 - The Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase
- 17:20 - Weatherbys Champion Bumper
Thursday 12 March, 2026, St. Patrick's Thursday
- 13:20 - Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
- 14:00 - Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap
- 14:40 - Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
- 15:20 - Ryanair Chase
- 16:00 - Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
- 16:40 - Trustatrader Plate
- 17:20 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase
Friday 13 March, 2026, Gold Cup Day
- 13:20 - JCB Triumph Hurdle
- 14:00 - William Hill County Handicap Hurdle
- 14:40 - Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase
- 15:20 - Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
- 16:00 - Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup
- 16:40 - St James’s Place Festival Hunter Chase
- 17:20 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Top 5 Tips for Betting on Cheltenham
Cheltenham serves up 28 races jam-packed with quality but where do you start when faced with over 500 horses to choose from?
1. Manage your bankroll
Decide on a total budget for the four days and stick to it, whether you are winning or losing. It's a marathon, not a sprint, so setting a specific stake per race or a daily limit will ensure you don't chase losses and run out of funds before the Gold Cup on Friday.
2. Shop around
Different bookmakers will offer different odds on the same horse, so having multiple accounts allows you to take the best price available. You should also look for festival-specific offers like "Non-Runner No Bet" (NRNB) or "Best Odds Guaranteed" (BOG), which provide a safety net or extra value.
3. Don't be the early bird on the day
While it's tempting to place your bet first thing in the morning, the market is often volatile as bookmakers react to early money. Waiting until closer to the race start time (the 'off') can give you a clearer picture of where the game is going.
4. Follow Cheltenham form
The Cheltenham track, with its unique undulations and demanding uphill finish, is a specialist's course. Horses that have previously performed well at the Festival (often referred to as "course form") frequently have a significant advantage over those experiencing it for the first time.
5. Don't believe all the hype
Every year, certain horses are talked up as "bankers," causing their odds to shorten dramatically due to public popularity rather than just form. Always do your own research to decide if the short price represents genuine value, or if you're simply betting on a horse because it's the popular choice.
What are the Feature Races at the Cheltenham Festival?
Superstars are out in force at the Cheltenham Festival as racing’s elite national hunt horses meet in fascinating and fiercely competitive contests over the four days. The most valuable race of all and a notable betting contest is the Gold Cup on day four of the meeting, won by greats in the past, including Desert Orchid, Kauto Star and three-time winner Best Mate.
Champion Hurdle - Tuesday 10 March
The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival serves up some of the greatest days racing with four Grade 1 races on the card. The Champion Hurdle is the highlight. This year's contest is a hot topic as Constitution Hill's participation has been widely discussed among racing's fraternity following his scintillating victory on the Flat at Southwell.
The New Lion is current favourite for the Grade 1 showpiece for Dan Skelton, with the impressive mare, Brighterdaysahead, second in the betting for Ireland.
Queen Mother Champion Chase - Wednesday 11 March
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the highlight on day two of the Cheltenham Festival. The two-mile event tests, speed, agility and talent. Williue Mullins saddles the favourite Majborough with last year's winner Marine Nationale also prominent in the betting for Barry Connell.
Stayers' Hurdle - Thursday 12 March
Teahupoo, a previous winner of this content is favourite to land this crown again, his closest rivals in the betting are Kabral Du Mathan and Honestly Policy with Bob Olinger also popular.
Cheltenham Gold Cup - Friday 13 March
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious event of the four days and is the ultimate prize for staying chasers. Jango Baie, The Jukebox Man and Fact To File are the market leaders.
This year's renewal looks wide open and the perfect opportunity to place a few free bets.
Cheltenham Festival Odds 2026
Stay on top of the best Cheltenham Festival odds and unearth the biggest prices for your Cheltenham bets. We provide betting odds for every single race at the Cheltenham Festival so you can find the best prices from all major bookmakers.
Find the latest odds for the Cheltenham Festival 2026 before you place your bet here.
How to Watch Cheltenham Live in 2026
Are you unable to attend the Cheltenham 2026 or are you out and about and don’t want to miss a race? You can watch the racing unfold wherever you are with bookmaker live streaming options
The majority of bookmakers offer the opportunity to watch Cheltenham via their live streaming option.
| Where to Watch | Watch Cheltenham Festival Live Stream |
|---|---|
| bet365 | Watch bet365 Cheltenham Festival Live Stream here |
| William Hill | Watch William Hill Cheltenham Festival Live Stream here |
| Coral | Watch Coral Cheltenham Festival Live Stream here |
| Boylesports | Watch Boylesports Cheltenham Festival Live Stream here |
| Ladbrokes | Watch Ladbrokes Cheltenham Festival Live Stream here |
| Betfair | Watch Betfair Cheltenham Festival Live Stream here |
More Reading
The Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup are the two biggest races staged at the Cheltenham Festival and provide a spectacle as the best hurdlers and best chasers head into battle. You can find the best Gold Cup betting offers and the best Champion Hurdle offers below:
- Grand National Offers IE
- Grand National Offers UK
- Irish Grand National IE
- Irish Grand National UK
- Punchestown Offers IE
- Punchestown Offers UK
Best Cheltenham Free Bet Offers FAQ
Find more answers about the Cheltenham offers in the FAQ section below.
When are Cheltenham Betting Offers Available?
Cheltenham betting offers with the leading sportsbooks are typically available the week before, or during the same week as the Festival itself. However, new customer bonuses are available all year round.
What Kind of Special Offers Will Be Available During Cheltenham?
There will be various Cheltenham betting offers available. Players will be able to take advantage of bonuses such as money back specials, best odds guaranteed and non-runner no bet, to name a few.
Which Bookmakers Offer the Best Cheltenham Sign Up Offers?
The leading sportsbooks for the Cheltenham Festival can be found on this page. All of the bookmakers offer something different, which means that you're able to take advantage of a number of promotions throughout the action-packed week.
How Do I Get the Best Cheltenham Betting Offers?
You can take advantage of the best Cheltenham free bets by signing up to the leading sites found on this page. However, you should make sure that you follow the essential terms and conditions to take advantage of the bonus.
Which Betting Offer for the Cheltenham Festival is right for me?
There are a number of excellent Cheltenham offers available throughout the week, which means that there is a promotion for everyone. You can learn all about the different bonuses available in this article.
Who is the Current Favourite for the Gold Cup?
The biggest race of the Festival takes place on the final day. The Gold Cup is the most prestigious race in the National Hunt calendar - all sportsbooks make Galopin Des Champs current favourite for the feature event. Last year's winner is seeking to repeat his sparkling success and make it three wins on the bounce.
Betting at Major Events
Useful Cheltenham Festival Links
