The 2026 Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide, written by Paul Ferguson and Guest Authors, is the complete guide to The Festival, with every fact, stat and trend covered to help you make the most informed bets throughout the best week of the year.

Last year’s guide featured gems like these.

SPRING HORSES TO FOLLOW (12 horses highlighted):
Haiti Couleurs - won the National Hunt Chase (7-2JF) Irish Grand National (13-2)

Jagwar - won the 'Plate' (3-1F)
Paul warned of the potential switch from the novices' handicap chase, stating:
'Having had the four runs, he is also eligible for the 'Plate'.....'

Kopek des Bordes - won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle (4-6F)
'This (win at the DRF) was the standout performance in the novice hurdle division, and he will take a lot of beating in the Supreme.'

The New Lion - won the Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle (3-1)
'The intermediate trip looks to be ideal and there is a strong chance that he could be the horse to finally put the Challow curse to bed.'

THE BUMPER DIVISION
'.....after such a dominant display, I would be shocked if Bambino Fever doesn't now head to Cheltenham. In receipt of the sex-allowance, she looks to be a leading player.' (won 4-1)

HIGHLIGHTS FROM TRENDS RACES
Arkle - Day 1
Key Trends - 5yo's are 0-16 since 2007
Majborough finished 3rd (sent off 1-2F)

Ultima - Day 1
Trainers To Note
'Lucinda Russell won the two previous renewals and has been responsible for a couple more fourth placed horses, so take note if she targets the race again.' she ran two, including Myretown (won 13-2F, having been 33-1 days before the race).

Weatherbys Champion Bumper - Day 2
Mullins The Master
'The mare Bambino Fever looks to head his team.' (won 4-1, providing Mullins with a 14th win in the race).

Ryanair Chase - Day 3
Leading Contenders - Fact To File
'The New Course ought to suit and would take some stopping if switched to this.' - won 6-4F

DAILY TIPS - HIGHLIGHTS
Sam Turner
Haiti Couleurs (National Hunt Chase, day one) - won 7-2.

Rory Delargy (Banker Or Bust section - LIVELY OUTSIDER)
Lecky Watson (Brown Advisory, Day two) - won 20-1.

Jodie Standing
The New Lion (Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle, Day two) - won 3-1.

FRESH FOR AINTREE
Impaire Et Passe (and Gidleigh Park) highlighted for the Manifesto Novices' Chase - they finished 1st & 2nd (Exacta £18).

Kalif du Berlais - 'could be one for the Maghull Novices' Chase over the minimum trip, where Harry Cobden will be able to use his excellent jumping from the front.' - jumped beautifully en route to winning the Maghull (15/8).