The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. It is a four-day festival featuring elite jump racing. It was originated in 1860 when it was first held as the National Hunt Chase. It took place at several locations in UK before it found its permanent home at Cheltenham Racecourse at Prestbury Park in 1911. The festival is best known for the Cheltenham Gold Cup which was first run in 1924.
Over the years Cheltenham has become a global spectacle, attracting top jockeys, trainers and bettors with its thrilling races and ever-increasing prize money. In 2025, Cheltenham Festival is set to increase its total prize fund, making it even more lucrative for participants. With betting playing a significant role in its financial ecosystem, the rise in prize money naturally ties into the excitement surrounding racing wagers. The larger the jackpots, the bigger the stakes for punters, bookmakers and online casino platforms offering racing-themed games and promotions. In 2022, the Cheltenham Festival attracted a record crowd of 280,627 attendees, contributing an estimated £274 million to the local economy.
Schedule for the Cheltenham Festival 2025
The schedule for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is as follows:
- Day 1 (11th March 2025) – Champion Day
- Day 2 (12th March 2025) – Style Wednesday
- Day 3 (13th March 2025) – St Patrick’s Thursday
- Day 4 (14th March 2025) – Gold Cup Day
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 promises four thrilling days of horse racing. Each day the gates will open at 10:30 AM, with the first race kicking off at 13:20 and the final race wrapping up by 17:20. Each day will feature 7 different races.
On Day One, fans can look forward to seven exciting races with the highlight being the Unibet Champion Hurdle at 16:00. This two-mile Grade 1 race will be the focus of betting action as punters analyse the odds-on leading contenders. Online sportsbooks and casinos will roll out special promotions including free bets, enhanced odds and Cheltenham-themed games.
Day Two features the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase, another two-mile Grade 1 event with 12 challenging fences. This race is a favourite among bettors with bookmakers offering live in-play betting and boosted odds for those looking to wager.
St Patrick’s Thursday (13th March) is known for its festive atmosphere, making it a key date for racing and betting fans. The standout races include the Ryanair Steeple Chase (at 15:20) and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (at 16:00). Many online casinos and sportsbooks will launch exclusive Cheltenham promotions such as jackpot giveaways and themed slot games.
The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is the grand finale main event on 14th March at 16:00. It is the most prestigious race of the festival spanning three miles and two furlongs. The competition will be tough with highest prize money (£625,000) of all Cheltenham races in the 2025 event, making it a prime event for betting. Expect live streaming, bet boosts and even Gold Cup-themed casino games which will allow fans to enjoy the action beyond traditional wagers.
As the Cheltenham Festival 2025 approaches, racing enthusiasts, punters and online casinos are gearing up for an unforgettable week. Whether you’re placing a bet on the Gold Cup winner or enjoying a spin on a racing-themed slot at www.norskcasino.io, there will be plenty of opportunities to win big!
Record-Breaking Prize Money Increases
The Cheltenham Festival is set to be even bigger in 2025 with a major boost in prize money. This year, the total prize pool has reached an all-time high of £4.93 million, an increase of £115,000 compared to 2024. That means over £1 million will be up for grabs each day across the four-day festival, making it one of the most lucrative horse racing events of the year.
The most prestigious race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, remains the highest-paying event, with the winner taking home a massive £625,000. The Champion Hurdle (£450k) on Day 1, Queen Mother Steeple Chase (£400k) on Day 2, Ryanair Steeple Chase (£375k) and Stayers’ Hurdle (£325k) on Day 3 and of course, the Cheltenham Gold Cup (£625k) on Day 4 are the five most lucrative races at the Cheltenham Festival offering the highest prize money of the event.
When a horse wins a race at Cheltenham, the prize money is divided among several parties. The owner, trainer, jockey and stable staff each receive a share of the winnings. Jockeys typically earn 8-9% of the total prize for a win, while those who place in a race receive 3.5% of the prize money for their position. The remaining amount is allocated after the winner’s cut is deducted. Even if a jockey doesn’t win or place, they are still paid a guaranteed fee. The guaranteed riding fee in 2024 was set at £164.74 for jump riders and £120.66 for flat racing jockeys. With these increased rewards the festival is expected to attract elite horses, world-class jockeys and top trainers, setting the stage for an unforgettable week of racing.
The record-breaking prize fund is just one of many changes for Cheltenham 2025. Organisers have also adjusted the running order and race schedule, ensuring an even more thrilling experience for fans and punters. With the stakes higher than ever, the Cheltenham Festival 2025 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for horse racing enthusiasts, bettors and online gaming fans alike.
Here is a day-by-day breakdown of all the races at the Cheltenham Festival, along with the prize money for each event:
Tuesday, March 11
- Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – £150,000
- The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase – £200,000
- Ultima Handicap Chase – £150,000
- The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – £120,000
- Unibet Champion Hurdle – £450,000
- The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – £80,000
- National Hunt Chase – £200,000
Wednesday, March 12
- Turners Novices’ Hurdle – £150,000
- Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase – £200,000
- Coral Cup Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) – £100,000
- The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase – £75,000
- The BetMGM Queen Mother Steeple Chase – £400,000
- The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup – £150,000
- The Weatherbys Champion Bumper – £80,000
Thursday, March 13
- The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – £105,000
- Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase – £125,000
- Pertemps Network Final – £100,000
- Ryanair Steeple Chase – £375,000
- The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle – £325,000
- TrustATrader Plate Handicap Steeple Chase – £150,000
- Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase – £75,000
Friday, March 14
- The JCB Triumph Hurdle – £150,000
- The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle – £98,370
- Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase – £120,000
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – £150,000
- The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase – £625,000
- The St. James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase – £50,000
- Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle – £75,000
Final Thoughts
The Cheltenham Festival has long been a cornerstone of the horse racing world and the decision to boost prize money in 2025 underscores its commitment to maintaining its elite status. With increased prize money, rising betting interest and expanding online casino engagement, the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is set to be the biggest yet. As we count down to Cheltenham 2025, expect exciting promotions, special offers, and high-stakes racing action. Whether you’re placing a bet on your favourite horse or spinning the reels on a racing-themed slot game, the opportunities to win big are endless. As 11th March 2025 approaches, both horse racing enthusiasts and betting fans will be eagerly anticipating the biggest Cheltenham Festival yet.
The prize money increase for the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 is a win-win for everyone involved. It elevates the competition, enhances the fan experience, generates revenue and creates new opportunities for betting and online gaming. As the festival continues to grow, its connection to the world of online casinos and jackpots will only strengthen, ensuring that the Cheltenham Festival remains a highlight of the sporting calendar for years to come.