Cheltenham Festival Going 2024: Likely Ground Conditions on Day One
Cheltenham Festival Going 2024 Day One: Race Schedule, Ground Conditions & Betting Odds

On this page 4
Cheltenham Festival Going 2024: Likely Ground Conditions on Day One
As anticipation builds for the Cheltenham Festival 2024, all eyes are on the going report for day one. After a series of consistent showers, the current condition is marked as ‘soft’, with areas of ‘heavy’ ground. However, the weather gods seem to be in a generous mood, promising a dry spell leading up to the Festival, potentially altering the ground conditions to ‘good’ on the opening day.
Key Takeaway Table
| Key Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Going | SOFT, heavy in places |
| Forecast for Day One | Good-to-soft favoured |
| Weather Forecast | Dry period with light showers expected; 11-12 degrees temperature |
| Impact on Horses | Positive for runners like Banbridge and Hewick |
| Betting Odds | Good-to-soft at 8/11, Soft at 13/8, Heavy at 14/1, Good at 40/1 |
| Cheltenham Race Times | First race at 1:30pm, last at 5:30pm; Coverage on ITV/Racing TV |
The Lead-Up to the Festival
In the week before the Cheltenham Festival 2024, a notable dry spell is expected to shift the going reports significantly. Despite the ‘soft’ and ‘heavy in places’ tag, the absence of rain until the 9th of March hints at a potential change to ‘good’ grounds by day one. Light showers might sprinkle over the course before the event, but the warming temperatures between 11-12 degrees create an optimistic outlook for a ‘good-to-soft’ condition by the opening race.
Betting Insights
The fluctuating weather has stirred the betting markets, with ‘good-to-soft’ now the frontrunner at a best price of 8/11. The odds reflect the expected shift in conditions, offering punters a glimpse into the most anticipated ground state for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the opening race of the Festival.
Cheltenham Weather and Going Forecast
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Going | SOFT, heavy in places |
| Weather | Dry with light showers; 11-12°C expected |
| Betting Favourite | Good-to-soft at 8/11 |
For those looking to place bets, keeping an eye on the latest betting odds and the weather forecast is crucial as the Festival approaches.
The Impact on Competitors
The expected conditions are particularly favourable for horses like the Ryanair hopeful Banbridge and Gold Cup contender Hewick, who perform well in softer grounds. The shift towards ‘good-to-soft’ could significantly impact the strategies and outcomes for many runners.
William Hill
Our score: 9.6/10
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
New customers; min £10 first single at odds 1/2 (1.5)+ on sportsbook (excl. virtuals); £30 in free bets; free bets expire after 7 days; PayPal, Apple Pay, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Neosurf, Paysafe and Kalibra/Postpay deposits excluded
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this William Hill offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- Best Odds Guaranteed on racing
- 24/7 live chat
- Withdrawals in as little as 24 hours
Bet Storm
Our score: 8.9/10
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
New players; 18+; min deposit £10; £10 qualifying bet at min odds 1.5 (1/2); £40 free bet; 1x wagering on winnings; max conversion £200; free bet valid 7 days; Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded; no promo code
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this Bet Storm offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- Cash out and bet builder
- Deposit limits and self-exclusion
- 24/7 live chat
Unibet
Our score: 9.3/10
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
New customers; bet £10 at odds 2.0+; £30 in free bets (2 x £10 Bet Builder + 1 x £10 acca); racing, greyhounds and virtuals excluded
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this Unibet offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- 40+ sports to bet on
- UKGC licensed
- Instant withdrawals on some methods
BetGoodwin
Our score: 9.1/10
Bet £10 Get £15 in Free Bets
New customers; code WELCOME15; bet £10+ at evens or bigger within 7 days of registering; 3 x £5 free bets (acca, sports, Sub Cover); free bets expire after 7 days
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this BetGoodwin offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- 30+ sports to bet on
- Live streaming
- iOS and Android apps
18+. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org
Cheltenham Festival Day One Highlights
The Festival kicks off on the 12th of March, with ITV covering the first five races. The action-packed day starts with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and features other key races, including the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy.
| Time | Race Name | Grade | Distance | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30 | Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m½f | ITV |
| 2:10 | My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase | Grade 1 | 2m | ITV |
| 2:50 | Ultima Handicap Chase | Premier Handicap | 3m1f | ITV |
| 3:30 | Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy | Grade 1 | 2m½f | ITV |
| 4:10 | Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m4f | ITV |
| 4:50 | Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | Premier Handicap | 2m½f | Racing TV |
| 5:30 | National Hunt Challenge Cup | Grade 2 | 3m6f | Racing TV |
Horse Racing
Matt Chapman Racing Expert. Top Tips and Betting Expert
Matt Chapman Racing expert, broadcaster & writer. From his early days in Newmarket to a leading voice on…
Horse Racing
Kevin Blake ITV Racing: Renowned Horse Racing Pundit and Expert
Kevin Blake ITV Racing, a prominent horse racing pundit and expert who graces the screens of ITV Racing…
Betzone
Up To £10 In Free Bets
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this Betzone offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- Great Welcome Offer
- Competitive Odds
- Huge Offer
QuinnBet
Our score: 9.5/10
Get 50% Back as a Free Bet up to £50
New customers; min deposit £10; bet £10+ at evens or bigger plus 2 more qualifying bets on different events on day one; 50% of losses back as a free bet (min £5, max £50); free bet valid 7 days
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this QuinnBet offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- Cash out and bet builder
- Withdrawals in as little as 24 hours
- Deposit limits and self-exclusion
Heyspin
Bet £15 Get £10 Freebet
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this Heyspin offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- Great Welcome Package
- Multiple Games
- Top support
18+. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org
10Bet
Our score: 9.4/10
100% up to £50
New players; min deposit £10; 100% match up to £50; wager bonus 10x within 30 days at min odds 2.00 singles / 1.50 per acca leg; Skrill/Neteller excluded; withdrawals void bonus
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this 10Bet offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- Low 10x wagering
- Live chat (08:00–01:00) support
- UKGC licensed
32Red
Our score: 9.3/10
Play £30 Get 320 Free Spins
New customers; play £30 on slots; 320 Free Spins on Big Bass Splash; 10x wagering
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this 32Red offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- Low 10x wagering
- PayPal accepted
- Live casino tables
All British Casino
Our score: 9.4/10
10% Cashback on Net Losses
New customers only, 18+. The full terms and conditions for this All British Casino offer are on their website. Please read them before you sign up.
- Withdrawals in as little as 24 hours
- UKGC licensed
- 9 payment methods
18+. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org
Latest Racing News
More Racing TalkHorse Racing
Horse Racing Odds Explained: Turn Fractional Prices Into Returns
Horse racing odds explained with real numbers: how 9/2 or 4/1 becomes profit and total return, how each-way,…
Horse Racing
Rule 4 Calculator: Check Horse Racing Returns After Non-Runners
A Rule 4 calculator shows what a non-runner does to your winning fixed-odds bet. Get the full deduction…
Horse Racing
How to Read Horse Racing Tips: What Expert Analysis Adds
A horse racing tip is only as good as the reasoning and the price behind it. Here is…
FAQs: Cheltenham Festival Going 2024
- What is the current going at Cheltenham?
- As of 4th March 2024, the going is SOFT, heavy in places.
- What weather conditions are expected leading up to the Festival?
- A dry period with light showers and temperatures between 11-12 degrees.
- Which ground condition is favoured for day one?
- ‘Good-to-soft’ is the betting favourite.
- How does the weather impact the horses?
- Warmer, drier conditions are beneficial for horses like Banbridge and Hewick.
- Where can I find the best betting odds for the Cheltenham Festival?
- Visit N1Bet Review for up-to-date betting insights.
- What races will be covered on ITV?
- ITV will broadcast the first five races, starting with the Supreme Novices










