Let's take a look at some of the horses the bookmakers fear the most at Cheltenham 2025.
Held annually in March, the Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. First held in 1911, the festival boasts over a century of rich history, featuring thrilling competition, fierce rivalries, and memorable underdog triumphs.
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival will take place from Tuesday, March 11, to Friday, March 14. As always, the event will showcase the top horses, jockeys, and trainers, all vying for victory in some of the biggest races of the year.
This article delves into the 2025 Cheltenham Festival favourites across the five headline races.
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The Champion Hurdle Favourite
Nicky Henderson’s star hurdler, Constitution Hill, remains the leading contender for the Unibet Champion Hurdle. The seven-year-old is already considered one of the greatest hurdlers of all time, having claimed victory in the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
boasting an impeccable record of 10 wins from 10 starts. His breathtaking nine-length triumph over State Man in last year's Champion Hurdle is still regarded as one of the most memorable performances at the Festival in recent years.
He is a best price of 8/13 in the Champion Hurdle on day 1.
Champion Chase Favourite
A top contender in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase, Jonbon (10/11) faces strong competition from Willie Mullins’ Marine Nationale (5/1) and Energumene (15/2).
Trained by Nicky Henderson, Jonbon has established himself as a dominant force in the two-mile chase division, with an impressive record of 17 wins from 20 starts, including 9 Grade 1 victories.
Jonbon has yet to win at the Cheltenham Festival. His three career defeats have all occurred at Cheltenham, including finishing second to Constitution Hill in the 2022 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, second to El Fabiolo in the 2023 Arkle Chase, and a loss in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase in 2024 due to a significant jumping error.
He is a best price of 10/11 to win the Champion Chase this year.
The Ryanair Chase Favourite
Willie Mullins, the legendary trainer with an unmatched record of 103 Cheltenham Festival victories, is set to dominate the 2025 Ryanair Chase with his top entries: Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior. As the only trainer to surpass 100 wins at the festival, Mullins' expertise is undeniable, and his two contenders are generating significant buzz for the Ryanair Chase on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Fact To File is a best price of 6/4 to win the Ryanair Chase.
The Stayers' Hurdle Favourite
Gordon Elliott's Teahupoo, widely regarded as the trainer's top hurdler, is primed for success at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
With an impressive track record in Ireland and a proven history at Cheltenham, the 8-year-old gelding is the standout favourite to defend his title in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Teahupoo's bid for back-to-back victories in this prestigious race has punters and analysts buzzing, and his recent form only strengthens his case.
Teahupoo boasts an exceptional Cheltenham Festival record, with three top-two finishes in his last three outings.
He won the 2024 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle by 4 lengths over Flooring Porter, highlighting his stamina and class over three miles.
In 2023, he finished second to Sire Du Berlais in the same race, and in 2022, he was runner-up to Honeysuckle in the Weatherbys Champion Hurdle, proving his ability to compete against elite fields.
He is a best price of 6/4 to win the Stayers' Hurdle this year.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Favourite
Galopin Des Champs has been the standout performer at the Cheltenham Festival, securing back-to-back Gold Cup victories in 2023 and 2024. Trainer Willie Mullins is now targeting an unprecedented third win in this prestigious event with the French-bred, Irish-trained thoroughbred.
He is a best price of 4/7 to win the Gold Cup.
