Cheltenham Festival – Day Two: Preview, card and how to watch

Day one of the Cheltenham Festival got off to a typically explosive start with impressive wins for Kopek Des Bordes and Lossiemouth and a dramatic Champion Hurdle that saw Constitution Hill and State Man crash out.

After a brief turnaround, the main protagonists return for day two, or Style Wednesday as it is now known. Previously Ladies’ Day, it has been re-branded to be more inclusive.

The day’s racing is headlined by the feature race, the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 1600 in which Jonbon is the star turn.

Card

1.20 – Turners Novices’ Hurdle

A Grade 1 contest that has been dominated by Irish trainers with 10 victories since 2014.
That may be 11 with Willie Mullins’ charge Final Demand the favourite at 6/4.

2.00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

It’s easy to see why Mullins has dominated the Festival in recent years as he also trains the top-two ranked horses in this one – Ballyburn and Dancing City.

2.40 – Coral Cup

It’s Mullins again who will cary the favourite into this race with Bunting. However, the Coral Cup is renown for its volatility so it may be better looking at each way bets. Jipcot at 25/1 looks well priced.

3.20 – Cross Country Chase

An unusual race which goes over a different course before joining the main track for the final stages. Mister Coffey should go well at 15/2.

4.00 – Queen Mother Champion Chase

Step forward Nicky Henderson and Jonbon.

One of the best chasers of his generation, Jonbon has rarely performed at Cheltenham and a Festival win is all that’s missing from his CV.

If you’re looking for value, try Quilixios at around 28/1.

4.40 – Grand Annual Handicap Chase

Harry Skelton rides the favourite – Unexpected Party – in this one.

The King of PRS is a sneaky bet at around 9/1.

5.20 – Champion Bumper

The only race at the Festival not to feature hurdles, it’s a contest for young horses not yet ready for jumps.

Weather

There may be some sleet showers first thing but that will ease and it will be a dry but cold day.

How to watch the Cheltenham Festival on television and via a stream

In the UK, you can watch all the races on ITV Racing and Racing TV. Racing TV is available through Sky and Virgin Media.
If you’re not near a TV set, you can stream the event via ITV Racing and Racing TV.