What is Cheltenham Festival? When is it? What are the Championship races? Who are the big favourites? Who will be top Jockey?

The start of the New Year means a lot of things. New Year’s resolutions are underway, you’re working off that post-December beer belly and most importantly – you can start getting excited about the Cheltenham Festival.

But, what exactly is it? What are the most important races to look out for? Are there any big favourites worth punting on? Who will be crowned Top Jockey?

Luckily, Oddschecker has taken a look at the Greatest Show on Turf, so you don’t have to.

•    What is Cheltenham Festival?

For those of you not familiar with Cheltenham, it’s essentially Christmas day for horse racing enthusiasts – and quite simply the most important event in the calendar.

Featuring the best horses from every corner of the globe, it’s the ultimate testing ground for trainers and jockeys.

•    What are the Championship races?

In total, there are four Championship races, one on each day of the festival. These are the most prestigious races, culminating with the grand finale on the final day – the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The championship races are as follows:

Tuesday	Champion Hurdle
Wednesday	Queen Mother Champion Chase
Thursday	Stayers’ Hurdle
Friday	Cheltenham Gold Cup

•    Who are the big favourites?

Although we’re still months away from the festival, ante post punting has resulted in a number of top potential entrants already being available at short prices.

Below are a host of horses currently available at 5/1 or shorter:

Stayers’ Hurdle	Paisley Park	11/8
Mares Hurdle	Benie Des Dieux	13/8
Ballymore Novices Hurdle	Envoi Allen	6/4
Cross Country Chase	Tiger Roll	7/4
Champion Chase	Defi Du Seuil	2/1
Gold Cup	Al Boum Photo	9/2
Ryanair Chase	A Plus Tard	5/1
Mares Hurdle Novices	Dolcita	5/1

•    Who will be Top Jockey?

One of the main markets heading into Cheltenham Festival, punters can bet on which jockey will win the most races throughout the week.

Nico de Boinville was crowned Top Jockey of the 2019 festival, taking over from previous (2018) winner, Davy Russell.

Prior to Russell, racing legend Ruby Walsh won the prestigious title for a mightily impressive five years in a row from 2012 – 2015.

This year’s odds are predicting that Paul Towend (15/8) will reign victorious, followed by joint-second favourites Barry Geraghty and Davy Russell – both 9/2.

Jack Kennedy follows next at 6/1, then comes Nico de Boinville (8/1) and Rachael Blackmore (8/1).