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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Michael Jones,Jonathan Doidge and Alex Ross

Cheltenham Festival LIVE tips and results: Il Etait Temps beats favourite Majborough in Champion Chase shock

Majborough Cheltenham (Organization) Cheltenham Festival Lossiemouth (Person) Willie Mullins Festival Ladies Day Dan Skelton Luke Baker

The Cheltenham Festival continues today for the second day of horse racing action at Prestbury Park.

The main event on Ladies Day saw a Willie Mullins success but not with the horse he might have expected as heavy favourite Majborough struggled in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, eventually pulling up, as another Mullins ride came through to win in the form of the Paul Townend-saddled Il Etait Temps. The biggest non-Mullins fancy in the race, the Dan Skelton-trained, Sir Alex Ferguson-owned L’Eau du Sud, came home third as 50/1 shot Libberty Hunter took second.

That was Townend’s second winner of the day after taking glory on 11/1 shot King Rasko Grey in the opener, the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, while another 11/1 shot won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase in the form of Kitzbuhel. Sadly, a second horse died of fatal injuries in as many days as HMS Seahorse fell at the last in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle, ultimately suffering the same fate as Hansard on the opening day.

Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips, free bet offers and the latest Cheltenham odds from day two of the Cheltenham Festival with our live blog below:

Cheltenham Festival day - live updates

  • The 2026 Cheltenham Festival continues today, live on ITV1
  • REPORT: Cheltenham Festival provides glimpse into horseracing’s future while returning to its past
  • Second horse dies in as many days at Cheltenham as HMS Seahorse suffers fatal injuries
  • 5.20pm RESULTS! The Mourne Rambler concludes action with Champion Bumper win
  • 4.40pm RESULT! Martator wins at 60/1!
  • 4.00pm RESULT! Heavy favourite Majborough beaten by Il Etait Temps in Champion Chase shock
  • 3.20pm RESULT! Final Orders beats favourite Favori De Champdou
  • 2.40pm RESULT! Jingko Blue triumphs from the front for James Bowen's second win in as many days
  • 2.00pm RESULT! Kitzbuhel, ridden by Harry Cobden, holds off Final Demand for victory
  • 1.20pm RESULT! King Rasko Grey kicks off Ladies Day with victory for Paul Townend

‘We flew to Benidorm to watch Cheltenham in the sunshine – but the weather’s better at home’

22:00 , Alex Ross

It might be 1,300 miles away, but more and more people are choosing to swap Cheltenham for Benidorm during festival week, where cheap drinks and hotels are a-plenty.

However, for the sun-seekers arriving on the Mediterranean coastline for festival week this year, there’s been one problem – the weather.

As Prestbury Park basks in warm winter sunshine, in Benidorm, rain has forced T-shirt-wearing race enthusiasts to head inside many of the bars on the strip.

‘We flew to Benidorm to watch Cheltenham in the sunshine – but it’s raining here’

Cobden on Kitzbuhel

21:00 , Mike Jones

The Brown Advisory winning jockey said: "He's braver than I am, this little chap. He's a phenomenal horse.

"He was brilliant today, looking right the whole way, so that's why I kept him in the middle. Everywhere I asked him, he delivered. He's very tough."

(Action Images/Reuters)

'Unbelievable' ride from Harry Cobden

20:00 , Mike Jones

Harry Cobden made the switch to ride horses trained by Willie Mullins over in Ireland and was rewarded with a winning run atop Kitzbuhel in the Brown Advisory.

Cobden, said: "Unbelievable. I thought the horse was very tough, and I must admit I thought Paul Townend had come to beat me at the last.

“He battled well and stuck his neck out and that is what you need.

"When I saw Townend's head at the last, I thought 'Oh, no'. I wouldn't have been too happy if he beat me.

"It is a privilege to ride for Willie [Mullins]."

Sean Bowen hits 200 winners for season

19:00 , Mike Jones

Jockey Sean Bowen, was speaking about his impressive season this year and how one of his goals was to race 200 winner.

He told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "I set out to have 200 winners and to get 200 winners so early on in the season - it wasn't planned. I could do with getting a Cheltenham Festival winner to top it all off."

Sean’s brother, James Bowen, secured his own Festival winner atop Holloway Queen on day one in a race Sean described as ‘brilliant’.

He added: "It was brilliant. Mum and Dad were here - a family affair.

“It was more Bowen's than Henderson's in the winners' enclosure. It is great that he has done it for Nicky as well."

Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips: Experts’ best bets and horses to watch on day three

18:30 , Mike Jones

The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2026 edition promises to be action-packed before culminating in Friday’s Gold Cup with Inothewayurthinkin attempting to win the trophy for a second successive year.

St. Patrick’s Thursday looks set to follow in the footsteps of two fabulous days of racing with Willie Mullins’ Irish Gold Cup winner, Fact To File, the odds-on favourite to triumph in the Ryanair Chase (4.00pm).

Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day three

Former England cricketer Craig Kieswetter a race winner with Il Etait Temps

18:15 , Jack Tanner

Craig Kieswetter jetted in from South Africa to watch the horse he owns, Il Etait Temps, take victory over the more-fancied Majborough in the Champion Chase.

The former England cricketer spoke to ITV.

Colin Keane improves impressive CV with maiden Cheltenham win

18:00 , Jack Tanner

A master on the flats, Colin Keane rode 7/1 runner The Mourne Rambler to glory in the Champion Bumper to achieve his first Cheltenham victory.

No Drama This End owner Max McNeill blasts Cheltenham starting procedure

17:55 , Jack Tanner

The opening race of the day produced a shock, with favourite No Drama This End impacted by the false start to proceedings.

The horse’s owner Max McNeill did not hold back on offering his opinion.

He is quoted by the Racing Post as saying: "The starter should give them a chance to walk in again.

"If they don't get it right first time, tell them off and then say 'have another go'. They've got to do it again.”

Martator jockey and trainer on narrow win

17:45 , Jack Tanner

Martator gave us the finish of the festival so far when he pipped Jazzy Matty for the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual.

Jockey Charlie Deutsch had plenty of praise for Venetia Williams and her decision making. He shared: "I'm so used to bad luck this year, I thought it can't happen.

"The blinkers helped his jumping, helped him travel. Venetia is classy. Form is temporary and class is permanent."

Williams herself added: "I'm pretty speechless. I just can't believe it. He met the last few on a great stride and winged them."

17.20: Champion Bumper - Results

17:32 , Jack Tanner

And the action draws to a close on Ladies’ Day. The Mourne Rambler ends the action with a late surge to take the Champion Bumper, with long-time race leader Bass Hunter slipping to third.

Here are the top five placers in the final race of Cheltenham Festival Day Two.

17.20: Champion Bumper - Results

  1. The Mourne Rambler - 9/1
  2. Mets Ta Ceinture - 14/1
  3. Bass Hunter - 20/1
  4. Boycetown - 22/1
  5. Diamant Dore - 40/1

The Mourne Rambler wins the Champion Bumper

17:27 , Jack Tanner

Bass Hunter led until the final turn, when all the challengers began their assault. Mets Ta Ceinture looked good to snatch a late win, but faded, only for The Mourne Rambler to take victory!

17.20: Champion Bumper

17:23 , Jack Tanner

Bass Hunter still leads, but to his far right are the nearest challengers.

17.20: Champion Bumper

17:22 , Jack Tanner

Bass Hunter leads the pack from the off.

17.20: Champion Bumper

17:21 , Jack Tanner

Away for the final time on Ladies’ Day at Cheltenham at the second attempt.

17.20: Champion Bumper

17:20 , Jack Tanner

A false start to the final race of the day. We’ll reset for the Champion Bumper.

Majborough jockey Mark Walsh not best pleased with horse

17:19 , Jack Tanner

Mark Walsh has not held back in his post-race appraisal of Majborough, the bookies’ favourite for the Champion Chase that did not place in the top five.

He tells ITV: “Just so disappointing. He jumped brilliant until the water, went down to the first ditch and rubbed his knuckles.

“Went down to the next fence, and he just let fly for no reason.

"He's a very frustrating horse. You can't win a race jumping like that."

17.20: Champion Bumper

17:14 , Jack Tanner

Time for our final race of day two - the Champion Bumper.

BOYLE Sports have provided the latest odds:

Champion Bumper

  • Keep Him Company – 7/2
  • Love Sign D'aunou - 5/1
  • Quiryn - 13/2
  • The Mourne Rambler - 7/1
  • Bass Hunter - 15/2
  • Broadway Ted - 12/1
  • The Irish Avatar - 14/1
  • Mets Ta Ceinture - 14/1
  • It's Only A Game - 18/1
  • Moonverrin - 18/1
  • Our Trigger - 20/1
  • Boycetown - 28/1
  • Wilde's Legacy - 28/1
  • BAR – 40/1

WATCH: Best finish of this year's Cheltenham Festival so far?

16:51 , Jack Tanner

Martator wins the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual

16:48 , Jack Tanner

Could have been a dead heat, but the review confirms it, Martator beats Jazzy Matty to win the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual.

4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual

16:47 , Jack Tanner

Vanderpoel has peaked too early, fades long before the line. Martator beats Jazzy Matty by an inch it seems, but we need a review. Western Diego fell at the last.

4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual

16:45 , Jack Tanner

Just as Be Aware took the lead, he loses it. Vanderpoel now leads with two fences to go.

4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual

16:45 , Jack Tanner

Be Aware has taken the lead. Vanderpoel also in contention.

4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual

16:44 , Jack Tanner

Personal Ambition leads after a few flights. Be Aware, the pre-race favourite, is in contention.

Cheltenham Festival provides glimpse into horseracing’s future while returning to its past

16:43 , Mike Jones at Cheltenham Racecourse

In its quest to draw back audiences and boost attendance numbers, there has been a real push from the Cheltenham Festival to look to the past and repeat previous successes.

Whether that is reducing the price of a pint of Guinness by 30p, bringing back the Ladies Day moniker for the first time in seven years or making fan-favourite retired jockey Rachael Blackmore the face of the day, these initiatives are having a positive impact. But they pale in comparison to the draw of watching the best horses race at this most splendid of racecourses.

Cheltenham provides glimpse into horseracing’s future while returning to its past

4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual

16:42 , Jack Tanner

A ‘false’ false start there - looked like we had a no-go, but the horses are allowed to go at the first attempt.

4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual - latest odds

16:36 , Jack Tanner

The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual - or the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup to call it by its full name - is minutes away.

BOYLE Sports have the latest odds ahead of the race.

4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual - latest odds

  • Be Aware – 7/2
  • Jazzy Matty – 13/2
  • Vanderpoel – 8/1
  • Inthepocket – 8/1
  • Ballysax Hank – 9/1
  • Release The Beast – 9/1
  • Relieved Of Duties – 10/1
  • Break My Soul – 12/1
  • Rubaud – 14/1
  • Jour D’Evasion – 18/1
  • Personal Ambition – 20/1
  • The Other Mozzie – 66/1
  • Jaso Des Dames – 20/1

Paul Townend interviewed after latest win

16:32 , Jack Tanner

Paul Townend and Willie Mullins are enjoying themselves at Cheltenham.

Mullins has trained three winning horses on day two, whilst Townend has ridden Lossiemouth, King Rasko Grey, and now Il Etait Temps to wins this Cheltenham.

He’s been speaking to ITV.

WATCH: Il Etait Temps pulls off upset in Champion Chase

16:20 , Jack Tanner

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase - Results

16:09 , Jack Tanner

Majborough does not place in the top five as Il Etait Temps takes the Champion Chase.

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase - Results

  1. Il Etait Temps - 11/4
  2. Libberty Hunter - 50/1
  3. L’Eau Du Sud - 22/1
  4. Captain Guinness - 100/1
  5. Quilixios - 50/1

Il Etait Temps wins the Queen Mother Champion Chase

16:06 , Jack Tanner

Majborough is going backwards here as Il Etait Temps somehow navigates the final hurdle to take the win.

Paul Townend and Il Etait Temps powered to victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase (AFP/Getty)

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase

16:05 , Jack Tanner

Quilixios is not going away quietly. Majborough back under pressure, and with two fences to go he jumps poorly to slip to third behind L’Eau Du Sud

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase

16:04 , Jack Tanner

Jockey Mark Walsh opts to push Majborough to take the lead, with a healthy gap over Quilixios. Five fences to go.

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase

16:03 , Jack Tanner

A poor start for Majborough has been forgotten as he comes to the side of early leader Quilixios.

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase

16:02 , Jack Tanner

Favourite Majborough not off to a flier as we start.

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase

16:01 , Jack Tanner

Time for today’s best offering, the Champion Chase. The horses look ready.

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase - latest odds

15:55 , Jack Tanner

Soon it will be time for the marquee event of day two - the Champion Chase.

Majborough is an odds-on favourite, but we've seen plenty of big names upset so far this Festival.

Here are the latest odds ahead of the race via Coral.

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase - latest odds

  • Majborough - 4/5
  • Il Etait Tempts - 3/1
  • L’Eau Du Sud - 13/2
  • Quilixios - 12/1
  • Irish Panther - 16/1
  • Found A Fifty - 28/1
  • Captain Guinness - 40/1
  • Saint Segal - 50/1
  • Libberty Hunter - 80/1
  • Brookie - 150/1

WATCH: Final Orders wins the Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:40 , Jack Tanner

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase - Results

15:38 , Jack Tanner

Another upset as Final Orders, priced at 7/1, defeats favourite Favori De Champdou, who held odds at 2/1.

Here are the other top placers.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase - Results

  1. Final Orders - 7/1
  2. Favori De Champdou - 2/1
  3. Vanillier - 6/1
  4. Stumptown - 10/3

Jockey Conor Stone-Walsh discusses Final Orders' win

15:34 , Jack Tanner

After a few second place finishes last year, jockey Conor Stone-Walsh is finally a winner at Cheltenham in his third year.

He rode Final Orders to first in the Handicap Steeple Chase.

He can’t hide his joy when speaking to ITV: “He’s small. The ground is a big factor to him. He jumped brilliantly. For a small horse he has so much scope, and is so brave.”

Final Orders wins the Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:31 , Jack Tanner

A tidy jump over the final hurdle allows Final Orders to extend his lead over favourite Favori De Champdou. The final chase sees the gap cut down, but Final Orders takes it by two lengths.

Vanillier leads a belated chasing pack to take third.

Final Orders won the Clenfarclas Cros Country Chase which could set him in good stead for the Grand National (PA)

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:29 , Jack Tanner

Final Orders still holds the lead over the second last.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:28 , Jack Tanner

With six jumps to go Final Orders is under the most pressure he has faced of the race. Favori De Champdou has regained second and is eyeing up the leader.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:27 , Jack Tanner

Water jump navigated for the second time. Pied Piper has fallen.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:26 , Jack Tanner

Jump 18 now - a double bank with hedge. Still Final Orders from Favori De Champdou.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:25 , Jack Tanner

Final Orders still leading the pack as we approach the halfway mark of this race.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:24 , Jack Tanner

Favourite Favori De Champdou has settled after some pre-race jitters, and is now putting the pressure on Final Orders.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:23 , Jack Tanner

Eight fences down with Final Orders leading.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

15:21 , Jack Tanner

We’re heading towards the fourth race of the afternoon, with the horses approaching the starting line.

Second horse death of Festival

15:13 , Mike Jones

Paul Nolan-trained HMS Seahorse fell in the Handicap Hurdle and has died.

In a statement, Cheltenham Racecourse said the eight-year-old was "immediately attended to by a team of expert vets, but sadly sustained an injury at the final hurdle and could not be saved."

HMS Seahorse is the second horse to die following a racing incident at this Festival after Hansard suffered a fatal injury yesterday.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase - latest odds

15:12 , Jack Tanner

The action doesn’t stop any time soon at Cheltenham. At 3.20pm we have the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase.

Here are the latest odds according to Bet365.

3.20: Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase - latest odds

  • Favori de Champdou - 7/4
  • Stumptown - 10/3
  • Vanillier - 6/1
  • Final Orders - 8/1
  • Desertmore House - 8/1
  • Pied Piper - 14/1
  • The Goffer - 18/1
  • Fakir D’Ouadairies - 20/1
  • Conflated - 33/1
  • Latenightpass - 33/1
  • Velvet Elvis - 66/1
  • Horantzau D’Airy - 66/1
  • Famous Bridge - 66/1
  • Minella Crooner - 150/1

‘We flew to Benidorm to watch Cheltenham in the sunshine – but the weather’s better at home’

15:06 , Luke Baker

It might be 1,300 miles away, but more and more people are choosing to swap Cheltenham for Benidorm during festival week, where cheap drinks and hotels are a plenty.

However, for the sun-seekers arriving on the Mediterranean coastline for festival week this year, there’s been one problem – the weather.

As Prestbury Park basks in warm winter sunshine, in Benidorm, rain has forced t-shirt-wearing race enthusiasts to head inside many of the bars on the strip. Huge outdoor screens remain rolled up, and uncovered outdoor seating areas are near empty.

“We came to watch Cheltenham in the sun with cheap beer and hotels – but the rain, well, we could be in Cheltenham,” said Daniel Sewell, who is in the popular resort from Monday to Thursday.

‘We flew to Benidorm to watch Cheltenham in the sunshine – but it’s raining here’

Sign up to Independent Racing with Jonathan Doidge

15:00 , Mike Jones

You can find more insights, tips, odds and more each day of the Cheltenham Festival right here at The Independent.

Along with our dedicated live blog coverage of each race day we have expert analysis of the biggest stories, tips and predictions from weekly meetings and specialist coverage from the world of horseracing in our Independent Racing newsletter with Jonathan Doidge.

To subscribe to our daily newsletters covering all things Cheltenham follow the link below.

Independent Racing will then drop into your inbox each Friday after the Festival concludes as our insights move towards the Grand National and the Flat racing season beyond.

Get expert tips with Jonathan Doidge’s Independent Racing newsletter

WATCH: James Bowen rides his second winner of the festival

14:56 , Jack Tanner

Welshman James Bowen has followed up on his opening day win on Holloway Queen by riding Jingko Blue to victory in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle - Results

14:54 , Jack Tanner

Jingko Blue was well backed, and he lived up to his favourite tag with a dominant run.

Here are the other top placers.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle - Results

  1. Jingko Blue - 9/2
  2. Franciscan Rock - 50/1
  3. Storm Heart - 5/1
  4. Ballyadam - 40/1
  5. Beckett Rock - 33/1

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase - Results

14:52 , Jack Tanner

Kitzbuhel lead from the go to take the 2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase Results

  1. Kitzbuhel - 11/1
  2. Final Demand - 7/2
  3. Salver - 25/1
  4. Oscars Brother - 18/1

Jingko Blue wins the 2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:48 , Jack Tanner

Jingko Blue takes it ahead of Franciscan Rock and Storm Heart.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:47 , Jack Tanner

The Yellow Clay has fallen at the third last.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:46 , Jack Tanner

Franciscan Rock has regained second with three hurdles to go. Jingko Blue has lead from the off.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:46 , Jack Tanner

Still the same three in front after six hurdles. Jingko Blue leads Forty Coats, whilst Franciscan Rock has dropped to third.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:45 , Jack Tanner

As we take the final circuit it is still favourite Jingko Blue who leads.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:44 , Jack Tanner

Another hurdle cleared by leader Jingko Blue, Franciscan Rock second and pushed by Forty Coats in third.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:43 , Jack Tanner

Jingko Blue leads the field after two flights.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:43 , Jack Tanner

No problems this time! We’re straight underway in the Handicap Hurdle. Only 10 jumps in this race.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

14:42 , Jack Tanner

We’re moments away from our third race of the afternoon.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle - latest odds

14:40 , Jack Tanner

Onto our third race of the day.

Here are the latest odds for the frontrunners for the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle courtesy of Sky Bet.

  • Jingko Blue - 7/2
  • Storm Heart - 9/2
  • Katrina - 11/2
  • The Yellow Clay - 6/1
  • Iberico Lord - 8/1
  • Kopeck de Mee - 9/1
  • Puturhandstogether - 10/1

Willie Mullins on his latest winner

14:31 , Jack Tanner

Willie Mullins is two from two on day two after wins for King Rasko Grey and Kitzbuhel. He’s been speaking to ITV.

Winning jockey Harry Cobden praises 'brave' Kitzbuhel

14:14 , Jack Tanner

Harry Cobden is the winning jockey, and he’s talking to ITV, full of praise for his mount, Kitzbuhel:

“He’s braver than I am, this little chap.Thanks to the owners and Willie Mullins for putting me on him”

Wendigo okay after fall in Brown Advisory

14:12 , Jack Tanner

ITV’s coverage confirms that Wendigo is okay after a dramatic fall at the last.

Kitzbuhel wins the 2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:11 , Jack Tanner

Late, late pressure from a resurgent Final Demand, but Kitzbuhel takes the win.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:10 , Jack Tanner

Wendigo down at the last.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:10 , Jack Tanner

Kitzbuhel not as far in the lead now. Koktail Divin has pushed ahead, whilst Wendigo pushes into the picture.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:09 , Jack Tanner

Kitzbuhel’s lead has only grown as we approach the final four hurdles.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:08 , Jack Tanner

Favourite Romeo Coolio makes two mistakes in successive hurdles.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:07 , Jack Tanner

A circuit has been completed, and Kitzbuhel maintains the lead. Final Demand similarly has kept hold of second.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:07 , Jack Tanner

Koktail Divin had a brief foray with the front runners, but has now dropped back into four. Final Demand still follows Kitzbuhel.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:05 , Jack Tanner

Kitzbuhel with the lead, and retains it over the water jump. 15 fences to go. Final Demand in second.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:05 , Jack Tanner

Salver eventually gets out the way and recovers to join the chasing pack. 20 fences to go in the Brown Advisory.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

14:04 , Jack Tanner

Most of the field takes a turn, with Salver continuing ahead. He’ll require a vet check.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

13:57 , Jack Tanner

We have two non-runners in our next race, the 2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Predators’ Gold and The Big Westerner will sit this one out.

The Big Westerner was removed due to concerns over the ground.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins shocked by King Rasko Grey odds

13:54 , Jack Tanner

Willie Mullins knows how to produce a winner at Cheltenham, so perhaps his thoughts on King Rasko Grey’s 11/1 odds are not fuelled only by bias.

He believes his horse should have been priced far lower.

Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville exchange barbs

13:53 , Jack Tanner

Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville have exchanged fiery words.

Initially asked about the troubled start to the race, which was halted a bit longer than usual after a no-go, Queally briefly told ITV: “Being abused by an English rider Nico de Boinville… I’m over here riding in front of my kids, horrific.”

De Boinville was more coy in his response, telling ITV: “Maybe he should look in the mirror.”

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase - latest odds

13:52 , Jack Tanner

Attention now turns to the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, which runs at 2pm.

BOYLESports have provided the latest odds for the field:

Romeo Coolio – 5/2

Final Demand – 4/1

Kaid D’authie - 5/1

Wendigo - 13/2

Koktail Divin - 7/1

Western Fold - 10/1

Kitzbuhel - 12/1

Oscars Brother - 12/1

Salver - 22/1

Argento Boy - 40/1

Thomas Mor - 50/1

Now Is The Hour - 66/1

Joystick - 100/1

Rushmount - 150/1

Saint Baco healthy after fall

13:41 , Jack Tanner

Towards the end 50/1 runner Saint Baco took a tumble, but ITV’s coverage has reported that all horses and jockeys are healthy following the first action of the day.

WATCH: King Rasko Grey takes race one of day two

13:40 , Jack Tanner

King Rasko Gray is our first winner on Wednesday, taking the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle - Results

13:37 , Jack Tanner

It was a close call for third - but we have confirmation of the top four places in the 1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle Results

  1. King Rasko Grey - 11/1
  2. Act of Innocence - 10/1
  3. Zeus Power - 50/1
  4. Soldier Reeves - 150-1

Winning jockey Paul Townend - King Rasko Grey 'very exciting'

13:35 , Jack Tanner

Paul Townend has ridden his first winner of day two, to go alongside his victory with Lossiemouth yesterday.

He tells ITV: “I love this horse. He’s still a little babyish, but we’ve brought him on a lot. He’s a very exciting horse - I promise you.”

King Rasko Grey wins 1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle

13:32 , Jack Tanner

King Rasko Grey wins it by a few lengths ahead of Act of Innocence.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle

13:29 , Jack Tanner

Act of Innocence making his move with two hurdles remaining. Alongside King Rasko Gray, they overtake I’ll Sort That.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle

13:28 , Jack Tanner

Three flights remaining. I’ll Sort That leads King Rasko Gray as Skylight Hustle has faded.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle

13:28 , Jack Tanner

Halfway through the hurdles and it is still Skylight Hustle leading I’ll Sort That.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle

13:26 , Jack Tanner

Another hurdle down, and a big change in the lead. Skylight Hustle leads ahead of I’ll Sort That.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle

13:25 , Jack Tanner

King Rasko Gray leads the field after two jumps. Walk In June, with odds of winning at 200/1, strides along in second.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle

13:24 , Jack Tanner

After a small delay, the second attempt is a flier for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. 10 hurdles to clear for the field.

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle - No-go

13:22 , Jack Tanner

The first Cheltenham ‘Roar’ of the day might be premature - the pack is coming in hot around the bend, too hot.

We’ll reset after that no-go.

Queen Camilla comes to Cheltenham

12:33 , Luke Baker

A very special guest is at the Cheltenham Festival today - Queen Camilla is on site for Ladies Day.

She’s been in the parade ring with legendary retired jockey Rachael Blackmore and will be watching some of the races later today

(Adam Davy/PA Wire)
(Action Images via Reuters)
Queen Camilla spoke to Rachael Blackmore (Getty Images)
The Queen also spoke to jockey Aamilah Aswat (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips: Experts’ best bets and 14 horses to watch on day two

09:26 , Luke Baker

Today is the return of Ladies Day. Renamed back to its old moniker, Ladies Day is as thrilling off the course as on it with spectators turning out in their finest attire to match the splendour of the racehorses themselves.

Following Lossiemouth’s victory in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, Irish trainer Willie Mullins is aiming to continue his impressive form as he fields Majborough in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Once more his closest rival looks to be one of Dan Skelton’s charges with L'Eau du Sud just behind on betting sites at 9/2.

Elsewhere, there’s Gordon Elliott interest in the Brown Advisory with Romeo Coolio and a wide open Turner's Novices' Hurdle looks set to begin proceedings in fascinating fashion.

Here’s who the experts are backing today:

Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips, best bets and 14 horses to watch on day two

Ladies Day schedule

09:16 , Luke Baker

So, what’s on the docket today? Here’s the race schedule for Ladies Day at Cheltenham

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)Race conditions: £200,000 | 3m½f | 20 fences | Old Course

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap)Race conditions: £100,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course

3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m6f | 32 obstacles | Old Course

4.00: BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £400,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course

4.40: Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Premier Handicap)Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course

5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory of Sir Johnny Weatherby) (Grade 1)Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | Old Course

Cheltenham Festival 2026 race card, start times and full four-day schedule

08:28 , Luke Baker

The Cheltenham Festival is back as the National Hunt jump racing season gathers pace with the four-day bonanza of horseracing goodness one of the highlights of the sport’s calendar.

The Festival began with Champion Day yesterday before Ladies Day today and then St Patrick’s Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Cheltenham Festival 2026 race card and full four-day schedule

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