Best Cheltenham Betting Sites Ireland 2024 - Get the Best Free Bet Offers, Odds & More

The Cheltenham Festival is a prestigious horse racing festival that takes place in Cheltenham every year. If you want to place bets on the Cheltenham festival, we listed Ireland's top betting sites and bookmakers. Our Irish online casino experts thoroughly vetted each operator and selected the best betting offers. Learn more about this festival, why it is popular, and our top sports betting tips.

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Written by

Eamon Doggett
Eamon DoggettVerified
Fact checked by Siobhan Aslett

Top Cheltenham Betting Sites in Ireland 2024

In the list below, we listed 12 betting sites that passed our Cheltenham betting criteria. William Hill Casino takes the lead as #1 betting site for horse race betting, with Unibet Sports and Spreadex Sports following closely behind.

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Let's look deeper at the top 5 Cheltenham betting sites in Ireland. We looked through every nook and cranny to ensure we give you all the information necessary, including the pros and cons of each operator.

William Hill has made it #1 on our list for Cheltenham betting for many reasons. This operator offers the best sports betting odds in the industry, and a whopping 91% of our readers claimed our 100% buy in bonus up to €300 offer this month. Horse race betting is big on William Hill and Cheltenham betting has already started. Bet on Top Jocky Without Paul Townend or Top Trainer today.

Pros:

  • Wide range of sports

  • Amazing mobile app

Cons:

  • Not crypto-friendly

Coming in at #2, Unibet Sports is one of the world's oldest and most prominent sports betting operators. Licenced by the MGA, this operator offers Irish players a welcome offer of up to €40 money back and €10 casino bonus. This welcome offer isn't the only reason this operator made it so high on our list. Horse race betting is big on Unibet, with its own tab on the operator's homepage. There are countless races to bet on, including Cheltenham.

Pros:

  • Outstanding promotional offers

  • Good choice of betting

Cons:

  • Cashout option is not always reliable

Spreadex Sports, another giant in the online sports betting industry in Ireland, has found itself in the #3 position. Novice Irish players get a welcome offer of bet €10, get €30, which is very useful when it comes to placing bets on your favorite sports, including horse racing. This operator is continuously adding new races and odds to its page, and that's a feature we greatly appreciate. Players can rest assured that they will find the latest sports, tournaments, events, and odds at Spreadex Sports.

Pros:

  • Internationally renowned brand

  • Native mobile sports app

  • Live streaming available

Cons:

  • Limited payment methods

888sport is a must-mention when talking about sports betting in Ireland. This operator is an innovative, popular, and dynamic sports betting site. With an exclusive promo code, Irish players can claim a 100% bonus of up to €100 on their first deposit. Horse racing is big on 888sport, with a number of different races and odds easily available. This operator also has an Instant Horses section where it shows live races. 888sport also has a number of guides readily available to help you when it comes to sports betting.

Pros:

  • Live chat is available

  • Flexible payment options

Cons:

  • Sometimes bias in their live streaming

Over 85% of our readers visited Betfair Sports, and all had very good reviews about this operator. 64% of these players were novices, and so they got €20 in free bets as their welcome offer. With an extensive array of betting markets available, we were pleased to see that horse racing was at the top of their list. Irish players can bet on a number of daily races, and new races are being added each day. Cheltenham is obviously a big one, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Pros:

  • Extensive sportsbook

  • Amazing promotions

Cons:

  • Low withdrawal limits

General Information on the Cheltenham Festival

📍 AddressThe Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucester GL50 4SH.
👋 General AdmissionTickets can be purchased from the official Cheltenham Races website.
🚌 How To Get ThereBus - Stagecoach running buses from town centre outside W H Smith during
Road - 1 1/2m N of town on A435; M5 Jctn 10 or 11
Rail - Cheltenham (Lansdowne Station), fee-paying shuttle bus operating to and from the station.
Disabled FacilitiesAvailable

How To Signup To Cheltenham Betting Sites

Signing up to the best horse racing betting sites is very easy. We listed the steps you need to follow below:

  1. Browse our list of Cheltenham betting sites and take your pick

  2. Click 'Signup' or 'Register'

  3. Fill in your personal information and other information required by the betting site

  4. Verify your account

How To Bet on the Cheltenham Races

To place a bet on the top Cheltenham races, we listed all the necessary steps:

  1. Add funds to your account

  2. Familiarise yourself with the bookmakers' T&C

  3. Claim your welcome bonus on your preferred betting site

  4. Navigate to the Cheltenham racing section

  5. Select a race you want to bet on

  6. Check the odds and bet types

  7. Review the goods

  8. Place your bet

  9. Confirm your bet

  10. Follow the race

  11. Add the odds to your bet slip

  12. Collect your winnings

How We Select The Best and Safest Cheltenham Betting Sites

We select the best betting sites by assessing 12 different aspects:

  1. Bookmaker's reputation

  2. Comprehensive coverage

  3. Variety of odds and markets

  4. Bonuses and promotions available

  5. Mobile-friendliness

  6. Customer support

  7. Cheltenham betting communities

  8. Live streaming

  9. Competitive odds

  10. Variety of payment methods

  11. Licencing validity

  12. Available features

💡 Our team uses an extended rating guidelines checklist when assessing whether a sports betting site should be listed on Irishluck. By complying with these guidelines, we can give our readers unbiased, honest reviews of all operators and help them make the best choices possible.

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Bookmaker's reputation

To ensure we only list safe and secure betting sites, we consult real players, collect information from unbiased review sites, and research reported complaints to understand their reputation and credibility. If an operator has great positive feedback with no major complaints reported, it gets the greenlight from our experts.

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Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage of the Cheltenham Festival refers to how much coverage a betting site gives. If a particular betting site focuses on the Cheltenham races and gives it importance, it is added to our top list. We believe the more range a betting site has, the more valuable it is to our readers.

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Variety of odds and markets

We look at how big the selection of odds and markets available is. If we see that a sports betting site has a fair selection of markets and odds, our experts add it to the list. The more options a sports betting site has, and the greater the market depth, the better. This helps improve the gameplay of Irish players.

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Bonuses and promotions

We look at sportsbook bonuses by browsing through the promotions available, the terms and conditions of each bonus, and the wagering requirements. We claim the welcome bonus by creating an account and ensuring it is fair for Irish players. If we come across a sports betting site that doesn't have fair bonuses, it automatically doesn't make the cut.

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Mobile friendliness

To ensure mobile usability, we test a sports betting site across various devices, namely iPhones, Androids, and tablets. If a sports betting site has seamless mobile usability and even its betting app, it passes the Irishluck reliability guidelines. We test every aspect by placing bets on different sports, creating an account, and contacting customer support.

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Customer support

Customer support is the first point of contact when an issue arises or a player has a question. We ensure the bookmaker offers email, live chat, phone support, and a comprehensive FAQ section in English. Our teams test the promptness of the customer service, and if it doesn't meet our standards, then we do not include them in our lists.

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Cheltenham betting communities

Cheltenham betting communities are groups or forums where punters discuss and share their insights about the Cheltenham festival. If we see a betting site that has these communities or supports them, it is a good signal to our experts. This is because these communities consist of avid racing enthusiasts, and they share valuable information.

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Live streaming

Live streaming is a handy feature that allows users to watch live sports events directly on the betting site's platform and enables them to follow in real time as they place their bets. If we see that a sports betting site has a live betting feature that works well, our experts consider adding it to the list. This feature is very handy for Irish bettors.

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Competitive odds

We look at competitive odds to ensure that Irish players get the best value for their wagers. To make sure that the odds are competitive, we look at different brands and compare them. If a particular operator doesn't offer competitive odds, it is not listed as the best Cheltenham betting site.

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Variety of payment methods

We always look for the number of payment methods available for Irish players. We check the depositing and withdrawal process, whether fees are involved, and how long players need to wait to get their winnings. If a sports betting site offers reputable payment methods such as Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, Maestro, Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal, it makes our list. We also ensure the bookmaker complies with the Payment Card Industry Security Standard (PCI DSS). If we notice an absence of safe payment methods or the withdrawal process is too lengthy, the sports betting site fails to be listed. 

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Licence validity

To establish the validity of the licence, we check that the sports betting site holds a valid licence under a legal jurisdiction such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and Curacao Gaming Authority. A bookmaker must have a licence from the Ireland Revenue Commissioners. If we encounter an operator that does not hold a valid licence or has a licence from a disreputable licencing authority, we do not list them and are marked as blacklisted on our database. 

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Available features

Features like live streaming, bet builder, cashout options, and others add more excitement to the betting experience of punters. When we are selecting a sports betting site to add to our list, we look out for these features.

What Is The Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival is a major horse racing event that attracts millions of people worldwide. The festival hosts a total of 28 races that are raced across four days every March. The Cheltenham festival is one of the most celebrated events on the National Hunt calendar, welcoming the best horses, jockeys, and trainers to Prestbury Park every March to compete in some of the most respected jump races.

When Is The Cheltenham Festival 2024?

This year, the Cheltenham Festival will take place from Tuesday, 12 March 2024, until Friday, 15 March 2024. Every day compromises of seven races. The first race starts at 1:30 pm, and the last race ends at 5:30 pm. Several championships occur during these four days. Some of the most sought-after ones include the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Ryanair Chase, the Stayer's Hurdle, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

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How Popular Is Betting on Cheltenham in Ireland?

Betting on the Cheltenham races is incredibly popular in Ireland, with a large number of people participating every year. It provides the strongest betting markets of the year and is one of the major highlights in the sports betting industry. On average, this event attracts between 50,000-60,000 racing fans from Ireland.

Why Is The Cheltenham Festival Popular With Irish Punters?

There are several reasons why Irish punters flock to bet on these races.

  1. It is a big event with prestigious races featuring top-quality races and horses.

  2. There is a strong horse racing tradition in Ireland.

  3. The festival coincides with St. Patrick's Day, which adds to the celebratory atmosphere.

  4. Cheltenham betting sites offer a wide range of betting opportunities and attractive odds.

  5. A number of the owners, jockeys, and horses are Irish. Most notable names include Ruby Walsh, Tony McCoy, and the legendary Irish horse Arkle.

Biggest Cheltenham Races to Bet on

For punters looking to get in on the action at Cheltenham, there are a few races that they should pay attention to. If you are interested in the top Cheltenham races to bet on, we listed them below.

Below, we've pinpointed the top contenders, specifically the biggest Cheltenham races to bet on to make the most of your bets:

  1. Cheltenham Gold Cup

  2. Champion Hurdle

  3. Queen Mother Champion Chase

  4. Stayers' Hurdle

  5. Ryanair Chase

  6. Arkle Challenge Trophy

  7. Supreme Novices' Hurdle

  8. Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

  9. Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

  10. Coral Cup

Cheltenham Festival Full Schedule

As mentioned, Cheltenham is home to 28 races, which are held over 4 days. This means that seven competition races are held each race day. Join us as we deep dive into the Cheltenham Festival schedule for this year's competition.

March 12th, 2024: Day One

Day One of the Cheltenham Festival is historically known as Champion Day. If you are interested on the races occurring on the first day, we listed the full schedule below:

Start Race & GradeDistanceTypeDescription
13:30Supreme Novices' Hurdle2m abt ½fHurdle8 hurdle jumps, open to horses aged 4 +
14:10The Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase - Grade 1abt 2mChase13 fence jumps, open to horses aged 5 +
14:50The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase - Grade 33m abt 1fSteeple chaseHandicap races open to horses aged 5 +, with 20 fences jumped.
15:30The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy - Grade 12m abt ½fHurdlePrestigious featured hurdle race started in 1927, 8 flights to be jumped.
16:10The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race - Grade 12m abt 4fHurdleEstablished in 2008, open to mares aged 4 +, with 10 hurdles jumped.
16:50The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race - Grade 32m abt 4½fHandicap HurdleRestricted to 4-year-old juvenile hurdlers with 8 hurdles to be jumped.
17:30The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Steeple Chase) - Grade 23m abt 6fChaseAmateur riders race, horses aged 5 years +, with 23 fence jumps.

March 13th, 2024: Day Two

Popularly referred to as the Ladies Day, Day Two of the Cheltenham festival also hosts another seven races. Here is a full schedule of the races that will occur on the second day of the festival:

Start Race & GradeDistanceTypeDescription
13:30The Ballymore Novices' Hurdle Race - Grade 12m abt 5fHurdleThe premier race during the Jump racing season for novice hurdlers, open to horses aged 4 + with 10 hurdle jumps
14:10The Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase - Grade 13m abt ½ fChaseOpen to horses aged 5+, with 20 fences to be jumped.
14:50The Coral Cup Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) - Premier Handicap2m abt 5fHurdleIntroduced in 1993, open to 4 years + horses with 10 hurdle jumps.
15:30The Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase - Grade 1Abt 2mChaseA featured championship race for 2-mile chasers, focuses purely on speed.
16:10The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase - Ungraded3m 6fChaseA country course race open to horses aged 5 years + with 32 obstacles to jump.
16:50The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup - Premier HandicapAbt 2mChaseThe oldest race dating back to 1864, open to horses aged 5 years + with 14 fence jumps.
17:30The Weatherbys Champion Bumper - Grade 12m abt ½fBumperEstablished in 1992, it is unlike the rest of the races in the festival. A Standard Open NH Flat Race for horses aged 4 - 6 years.

March 14th, 2024: Day Three

The third day of the Cheltenham Festival is home to the celebration of St Patrick’s Day with an exciting atmosphere second to none. Like all the other days during the Cheltenham Festival, Day three is also marked by seven races, two of which are feature races. Here is a full schedule of the races that will occur on the third day of the festival:

Start Race & GradeDistanceTypeDescription
13:30The Turners Novices’ Chase - Grade 12m abt 4fChaseIntroduced to the festival in 2011, the Marsh Novices' Chase is open to horses aged 5 years + with 17 fences jumped.
14:10The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Listed)Abt 3mHurdleServes as the final for the 21 long-distance qualifying races run throughout the Jumps season before the Cheltenham Festival. Open to horses aged five + with 12 hurdles to be jumped.
14:50The Ryanair Steeple Chase - Grade 12m abt 5fChaseA feature race open to 5-year-olds +, run over a distance of 2 miles/ 4½ furlongs.
15:30
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle - Grade 1Abt 3mHurdleIntroduced in 1972, the Stayers’ Hurdle is a stamina test for hurdlers.
16:10The Magners Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) - Premier Handicap2m abt 4 ½ fChaseThe Magners Plate is open to horses aged 5 + with 17 fences jumped.
16:50The Jack de Bromhead Mares Novices’ Hurdle - Grade 22m 1fHurdleOne of the latest races at the festival open for novice hurdlers. Fillies and mares aged 4+ can participate, with 8 hurdle jumps
17:30Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (sponsored by the JRL Group) (0-145)3m abt 2fChaseIt is a handicap Chase race restricted to amateur jockeys and is open to horses aged 5+ with 21 fences to be jumped.

March 15th, 2024: Day Four

Historically known as the Gold Cup Day, Day Four of the Cheltenham Festival concludes the four racing days of the festival. It is the day when the most coveted championship race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup race, takes the stage. Here is a full schedule of the races that will occur on the fourth day of the festival:

Start Race & GradeDistance TypeDescription
13:30The JCB Triumph Hurdle - Grade 12m abt 1fHurdleIt is a Grade 1 hurdle for horses aged 4+. It is restricted for juvenile hurdlers and runs on a course with 8 hurdles to be jumped.
14:10The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle Race - Grade 32m abt 1fHurdleIt is a Grade 3 highly competitive handicap hurdle run open to horses aged 5 + and run on a course with 8 hurdles.
14:50The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race - Grade 1Abt 3mHurdleIntroduced to the festival in 2005; the ultimate test for long-distance novice hurdlers. It is open to horses aged 4+ and runs on a course with 12 hurdles.
15:30The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase - Grade 13m abt 2½ fChaseIntroduced in 1819, it is the most prestigious steeplechase found anywhere today and is the biggest attraction at the Cheltenham festival. It is open to horses aged 5 years + and is run on a racecourse with 22 fences.
16:10The St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Steeple Chase - Grade 13m abt 2½ fChaseSame course and distance as the Cheltenham Gold Cup but restricted to amateur jockeys, it is open to horses aged 5 + and is run on a course with 22 fences.
16:50The Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Steeple Chase - Grade 22m abt ½fChaseIntroduced in 2021, replacing the Listed Novices Handicap Chase as the penultimate event. A National Hunt Steeple Chase, with a total running distance of 2 miles/ 4 furlongs with 17 fences open to mares and fillies.
17:30Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-145)2m abt 4½ fHurdleIntroduced in 2009, it is the final race of the Cheltenham Festival. For conditional jockeys and horses aged 4 + and has 9 hurdles.

Best Cheltenham Betting Offers

Casino bonuses and betting offers are incentives provided by sports betting sites and online casinos to attract new players and they are mainly divided into the 8 categories:

  1. Free bets offer

  2. No deposit-free bets

  3. Qualifying deposit/stake free bets

  4. Bet through the card offer

  5. Risk-free bets

  6. Enhanced odds/Price boosts

  7. Extra places

  8. Top price guarantee

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Cheltenham Free Bet Offers

Cheltenham free bet offers are promotions that allow bettors to place bets without risking their own funds. These offers typically come in the form of free bet credits, matched free bets, no deposit free bets, and risk-free bets. These free bet tokens are added to the punter's bankroll and can be used on the Cheltenham sports market.  For example, a bookmaker who normally offers a "bet €10 and get €30" in free bets could increase the offer to a "bet €10 and get €100" in free bets.

No Deposit Free Bets

No deposit free bets also allow Irish players to place a bet without risking their own money. This means that as soon as you register an account with a sportsbook operator that offers the bonus and decide to opt in for the offer, you will be instantly credited with the free bets. It is noteworthy to also mention that due to the free nature of this type of offer, there could be steep wagering requirements attached, which must be completed to process withdrawals from the bonus funds or any bonus winnings.

Qualifying Deposit/Stake Free Bets

The qualifying deposit free bets bonus is the most common type that most sportsbooks offer to new punters who signup to play casino games or place bets on sports on their site. It is a bonus that requires players to make a qualifying deposit and use it to place sports bets on sporting events before being awarded the free bets bonus.

If you are interested in this bonus, it is important to remember that Cheltenham free bet offers may have eligibility restrictions, i.e., payment method restrictions and payment method exclusions. This means that when you make deposits with bank cards, e-wallets, or any other deposit types, you should note which deposit methods are not eligible for the bonus offer.

Bet Through The Card Offer

This offer allows players to place a qualifying bet on a meeting (usually the first race, but sometimes any race). It will then unlock a free bet for each subsequent race throughout the day. For example, you can bet €10 on the first race of the Cheltenham Festival Day One and get 6 x €10 free bets, one to use on each of the remaining races on the race card. It is worth noting that, due to the unique nature of the offer, these deals are time-sensitive, and there are more restrictions than standard free bets. The free bets can only be used on specific meetings and races and not on any other races.

Risk-Free Bets

Risk-free bets require players to place a bet on an event, and if the wager doesn't pan out, the stakes will be refunded to them either as cash or as a free bet. Naturally, these offers usually come with limits, so there will be a maximum amount players will get as refunds.

Enhanced Odds/Price Boosts

Enhanced odds offers, also known as Odds Boosts, are among the most exciting offers that Irish punters can look forward to when placing bets on horse racing during the Cheltenham festival. This usually involves boosting the odds of a particular horse (usually the favorite) to give new players' first bet much higher returns should the horse not achieve victory. For example, you might find a bookmaker offering an enhanced odds of 5/1 on a selection that typically comes with 4/5 odds.

If you are interested in enhanced odds, it is worth remembering that this offer usually comes with limits, i.e., minimum (min) and maximum (max) amount that can be enjoyed. The maximum amount a customer can stake on such enhanced odds selection will usually be quite low. These types of offers are usually plentiful when the festival week comes around.

Extra Places

Extra places refer to an offer provided by bookmakers in certain horse racing events. These extra places can significantly increase the chances of winning on each-way bets, as they provide more opportunities for horses to finish in a paying position. Extra places is a popular offer that sports betting sites promote during the Cheltenham festival.

Top Price Guarantee

This type of bet ensures that if you place a bet on a horse and the starting price ends up being higher than the original betting price, you'll be paid out at the higher odds if the horse wins. It's a reassurance that you'll get the best possible odds, even if they improve after you place your bet.

Existing Customer Offers for the Cheltenham Festival

There are also offers to keep existing customers interested during the Cheltenham festival. We listed the most common 6 offers below:

  1. Money back specials

  2. Cheltenham non-runner no bet specials

  3. Tote betting specials

  4. ACCA insurance and ACCA boosts

  5. Faller insurance

  6. Best odds guaranteed

💡 If you are an existing customer and want to make use of these offers, we always advise you to check the bookmakers' T&Cs first to ensure you understand the terms of the bonuses and how you can qualify to claim these offers.

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Money back specials

Money back specials are like cashback offers where betting sites refund players' bets as cash if their bet loses, but a predetermined outcome occurs during the race. If you are an existing customer, this usually happens when your selected horse finishes second or loses by a head or a pretty narrow margin. Depending on the bookmaker, you can also get money-back specials if your selected horse finishes second, third, or fourth or if your horse falls during the race.

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Cheltenham non-runner no bet specials

The Cheltenham non-runner no bet specials are brilliant promotions that allow players to place ante-post bets without the usual risks attached. If you want to claim this bonus, it is worth noting that these pretty much act as insurance for punters, which means that you will receive your bet stake back if your selected horse is a non-runner in the races.

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Tote betting specials

This type of offer and bet allows punters to select a series of winners across the day and put their stake into a prize pool with other players that participate. Once the races conclude, the tote racing pools will be split between the punters who correctly predicted the winners.

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ACCA insurance and ACCA boosts

The ACCA Insurance and ACCA Boost are promotions that give punters an edge when placing wagers using an accumulator bet. The ACCA Insurance will return punters' lost stake as cash or free bet if a qualifying Acca fails by one leg, giving them a safety net. On the other hand, the ACCA Boost will pay a win percentage for successfully landing an accumulator bet. The more legs are in a winning accumulator bet, the bigger the bonus payout.

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Faller insurance

A faller insurance offers returns your stake as a free bet in the event your choice falls during the race. If you are a horse racing betting enthusiast, you know that horse racing can be a bit unpredictable. A faller insurance offer protects your funds in case things don't go the way you hoped.

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Best odds guaranteed

The best odds guaranteed offer gives punters a little cushion, knowing that they will get the best odds available on their selection. When a player places a bet covered by the Best Odds Guaranteed offer, the bookie will settle the bet at a higher price if the selection wins at a larger SP (starting price) than the odds price you took. Similarly, if your winning selection scores at a lower SP than your initial odds, then the bookmaker will pay at the bigger original odds.

There are several popular bets that Irish punters can place on the Cheltenham races. We listed the top 5 below:

  • Win: This bet is the most straightforward; punters bet on the horse they would like to win. 

  • Each Way: A mixture of the win and place bet, punters win if their horse places first or in a few of the top spots.

  • Placepot betting: Punters stake bets on which horse will place in each of the first six races of the day. 

  • Lucky 15:  Four horses and 15 various bets are combined to form this popular bet type.

  • Yankee: This is a bet consisting of four selections and 11 bets: six doubles, four trebles, and a fourfold accumulator.

  • Trainer Odds: This refers to the odds associated with the trainers of the horses competing in the races. These odds indicate the perceived likelihood of a trainer's horse winning a particular race. Trainers with a strong track record at Cheltenham or with highly regarded horses may have lower odds, indicating a higher probability of success, while trainers with less success or less fancied horses may have higher odds

💡 It's important to understand that each bet has its own risk and potential reward associated, so doing extra research and betting responsibly ensures a fun, safe experience. 

How To Pick A Cheltenham Free Bet

There are several factors to keep in mind when selecting a free bet. Our team of experts listed the top 5 factors for you to consider:

  1. Promotional period: Cheltenham bets tend to have an expiry date. The bonus T&Cs will highlight this.

  2. Wagering requirements: Familiarise yourself with wagering requirements associated with the free bet, such as minimum odds or turnover requirements.

  3. Betting market eligibility: Not all markets qualify for the use of a free bet. This is determined by the operators' T&Cs.

  4. Terms and conditions: Read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any limitations or restrictions associated with the free bet

  5. Bet's value: Consider the value of the free bet compared to others available, considering factors like the amount offered and any restrictions.

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Irish Horses to Bet on at Cheltenham

  1. Al Boum Photo - A favourite among many punters, Al Boum Photo has won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice in a row.

  2. Envoi Allen - With a track record of 11 unbeaten races, this horse poses a threat in the Marsh Novices' Chase.

  3. Monkfish - This year, Monkfish will compete in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase following last year's win at Albert Barlett Novices' Hurdle. 

  4. Honeysuckle - The unbeaten reigning titleholder of the Champion Hurdle, we think this mare has a good chance at defending her title.

  5. Chacun Pour Soi - Widely praised, this talented horse should be competing in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

  6. Concerista: A talented mare specializing in hurdle races, known for her speed and agility.

  7. Bob Olinger: A promising novice hurdler with a bright future ahead, often favored by punters in hurdle races.

  8. Shiskin: A talented chaser known for his speed and jumping ability, often competing in Grade 1 races.

  9. Appreciate It: A talented hurdler known for his speed and jumping ability.

  10. Al Boum Photo: A two-time winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, known for his stamina and consistency.

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What is the minimum bet for Cheltenham?

The minimum bet amount for Cheltenham races can vary depending on the specific betting site or bookmaker you are using. Generally, most betting sites have a minimum bet requirement, which can range from as low as €0.10 to €1 or more. It's essential to check the terms and conditions of the betting site you're using to find out their minimum bet amount for Cheltenham races.

Which Bookies Offer Streaming for Cheltenham?

Most of the top operators will offer their own streaming service. We've listed a few for punters to get started. Check out the terms & conditions associated with the live streaming services.

Tips for Horse Race Betting during the Cheltenham Festival

Nobody can be 100% sure when betting on horse races, as you can never tell what the outcome will be until the race ends. Our team of betting experts at Irishluck has some knowledge in this area and can provide quality tips. So, here are some of the things you should watch out for before you go ahead to place your wagers on the races in the Cheltenham festival:

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Track Record

Something that you must never overlook when placing wagers on horse races is the horses’ track record. Looking up information like the performance record and winning record of a horse will help you predict the horse’s potential performance in the next race, which will naturally help you make accurate decisions.

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Present Form

It goes without saying that the horses in optimal health will have a good chance of winning a horse race event. So, before you make your selection, ensure that you check out the present form of the horses in the race.

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Jockey

Another detail on the list of things that punters must not overlook is the jockey riding the horses. This is because both the horses and jockeys riding the horse will determine the race's outcome. So, you should make sure that the jockey riding the horse you pick is an experienced jockey with a high level of skill.

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Trainer

The trainer of a horse can also make all the difference in the outcome of a horse race. So, make sure that you watch out for the trainers and owners too when making selections for your bet-slip.

Why Is Irishluck Your #1 Source For Online Sports Betting Sites?

  1. We have more than 200+ online sports betting partners who have given us countless testimonials.

  2. We have an Online Casino Learning Hub where we educate players about online casinos with more than 70+ guide articles.

  3. We have 3 in-house casino experts, 8 guest specialists, and 4 sports betting experts on our team of experts.

  4. We collect constant feedback from Irish punters with our rating boxes, and we update our sports reviews accordingly for transparency.

The numbers speak for themselves, over 1000+ signed up to a trusted casino on our site just this month.

Which Is The Best Cheltenham Betting Site for 2024?

After spending over 20 hours in total doing research and a further 4 hours fact-checking all the operators, bonuses, bets offered, and the types of horse racing markets, we can conclude that William Hill is the best Cheltenham betting site for 2024.

Not only does this operator have a superb selection of betting markets, but this bookie claimed the #1 spot thanks to its long-standing reputation. It is a trustworthy site that knows how to keep horse racing enthusiasts happy.

Cheltenham Festival FAQs

Where can I bet on Cheltenham?

At the top of this page, you can find recommendations for the best sportsbooks for Cheltenham betting. Our favourite at the moment is William Hill.

What horses to bet on at Cheltenham?

Our favourite Irish horses to bet on at Cheltenham are Al Boum Photo, Envoi Allen, Monkfish, Honeysuckle, and Chacun Pour Soi. These are only our opinions so make sure you also do your own research beforehand. 

How does Cheltenham betting work?

Cheltenham betting works in the same way as horse racing betting. The main goal is to predict which horse will win or at which position, and then punters will place bets on these expected outcomes. We also go over the most popular types of bets in this article, so make sure you have a look at these too.

What kind of Cheltenham Offers will be available?

There are usually plenty of different offers available to both new and existing users of sportsbooks during the Cheltenham festival. This includes bonuses such as the likes of Cheltenham free bets, risk-free bets, money back specials, non-runner no bet, totepool specials etc.

When can I find Cheltenham free bet token offers?

You will find Cheltenham bonuses in most sportsbooks the week before or the same week as the festivals.

How many races are held at the Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham festival is home to 28 world-class races, with seven races held on each of the festival’s four days.

How long is the Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival is usually hosted over four consecutive days.

What is the "Best Odds Guaranteed" (BOG) offer?

Best Odds Guaranteed offer is pretty self-explanatory, and it simply means that a bookie is guaranteeing the best odds for the horse selected by punters. Regardless of which odds price the horse starts or finishes, you will be paid using the larger of the two odds.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling refers to safe and mindful participation in betting and gaming activities while avoiding excessive or harmful behaviors. If online casinos and individuals both prioritize responsible gambling, it fosters a safer and more enjoyable gaming environment for everyone involved. At Irishluck, we strongly support responsible gambling practices, and we are here to equip you with all the information you need to know.

To keep yourself safe while gambling, follow the tips below:

  1. Set Limits: Establish personal limits on time and money spent gambling.

  2. Budget Management: Create a dedicated gambling budget separate from essential expenses.

  3. Self-Exclusion: Use self-exclusion tools provided by casinos if a break from gambling is needed.

  4. Time Management: Set time limits for gambling sessions to prevent excessive play.

  5. Take Breaks: Regularly take breaks during gaming to maintain perspective.

  6. Reality Checks: Use reality check reminders to track time spent gambling.

  7. Avoid Chasing Losses: Refrain from attempting to recover losses by increasing bets.

  8. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Avoid gambling under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  9. Seek Support: Reach out to support networks or professionals if gambling becomes problematic.

  10. Stay Informed: Stay informed about responsible gambling practices and resources.

  11. Access Self-Help Tools: Utilize self-help materials and resources available online.

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Sports Expert
Eamon doggett

Eamon Doggett

Featured Horse Racing & Rugby Specialist

Eamon combines his passion for writing, racing, and rugby by providing horse racing betting, and rugby betting insights for punters.

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Horse RacingRugby BettingHorse Racing Betting
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Fact-checked by: Siobhan Aslett