Cheltenham Trials Day Date is Saturday, 30 January 2021
Racecourse: Cheltenham
7 races - trials for the Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Trials Day 2020 Schedule (25/01/2020)
12:40 – The JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial
13:15 – The Timeform Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase
13:50 – The Spectra Cyber Security Solutions Trophy Steeple Chase
14:25 – The Cotswold Steeple Chase
15:00 – The Ballymore Classic Novices’ Hurdle
15:35 – The Cleeve Hurdle
16:10 – The Steel Plate & Sections Handicap Hurdle
Cheltenham Trials day takes place on the final Saturday in January and provides punters with possible clues as to which runners and riders will come out on top by the time the Cheltenham Festival comes around in March.
For many, it will be their last outing before the Festival itself, with the momentum gained from a win on Trials Day often proving invaluable by the time the main event takes place. With a total of seven races to look forward to during a jam-packed day at Cheltenham Racecourse, there is plenty of opportunities for punters to cast their eye over some potential Festival bets.
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About Cheltenham Trials Day 2021
It may be very early in the UK National Hunt horse racing season which takes us from autumn 2020 through to the spring of 20210, but there’s plenty going on. Horse racing enthusiasts and sports bettors have one eye on 2021 Cheltenham Festival, following the form of the main runners without yet knowing which contests they will run in.
The 2021 Cheltenham Trials Day is an invaluable tool for those looking to get their cash down on the Prestbury Park showpiece event which takes place over the course of four days in March, running from Tuesday to Friday. Bookmakers have priced up a number of antepost markets on the festival and this gives punters the chance to predict which races horses will run in and how they will perform, placing win and each-way bets.
The Cheltenham Trials Day will take place on Saturday 30 January 20210 and will be the final meeting before the festival in March. One last chance to get a look at some of the early betting favourites, checking on form, price and fitness. The results of Cheltenham Festival trials day will have a huge impact on how many punters approach their antepost bets.
Cheltenham Trials Day Races
Let’s now take a closer look at all seven of the races that help to make up the Cheltenham Trials Day, starting with the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Registered as the Finesse Juvenile Hurdle) – 12:40
JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial Time: 12: 40
Type: Grade 2 National Hunt Juvenile Hurdle
Age Of The Horses: 4 Years Old
Distance: 2 Miles And 179 Yards
Winner 2020: Galahad Quest
This race is also known as the Prestbury Juvenile Novices Hurdle and has a Grade 2 listing. It is contested over two miles at Cheltenham and is open to three-year-old entrants with eight hurdles standing between the opening field and a champion. The race was first run back in 1987 when Daffodil scored under the ride of Ron Hyett for owner Sally Oliver.
2021 Triumph Hurdle Trial
As a recognised trial for the Triumph Hurdle, the Finesse produced Katchit (2007), Peace And Co (2015) and Defi Du Seuil (2017) who went on to Grade 1 glory at the Cheltenham Festival. Off the back of his 2019 win, Fakir D’Oudairies was bought by JP McManus and thought good enough to run against his elders in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Last year’s race also threw up the Fred Winter runner-up Night Edition, who ran second in the Finesse to Galahad Quest.
JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial Past Winners
- 2020 – Galahad Quest (Jockey: Harry Coben / Trainer: Nick Williams)
- 2019 – Allmankind (Jockey: Harry Skelton / Trainer: Dan Skelton)
- 2018 – Quel Destin (Jockey: Harry Cobden / Trainer: Paul Nicholls)
- 2017 – Apple’s Shakira (Jockey: Barry Geraghty / Trainer: Nicky Henderson)
Timeform Novices Handicap Chase – 13:15
Timeform Novices Handicap Chase Time: 13:15
Type: Class 2 National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Steeplechase
Age Of The Horses: 5+ Years Old
Distance: 2 Miles, 4 Furlongs And 127 Yards
Winner 2020: Simply The Betts
The second race of the day comes in the form of the Novices Handicap Chase, which gets underway at 13:15pm. Run over a distance of 2 miles and 5 furlongs, many trainers will be looking on to see if their prized assets have the stamina to last over such a demanding track.
With a number of Cheltenham hopefuls expected to line up in this one, it could well be one of the most competitive races on Trials Day, with the betting odds from the bookies representing this already. Mick Channon-trained Mister Whitaker was last years winner.
The 2020 renewal of the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase was one of the strongest ever run as it produced not one by two subsequent winners at the Festival. Simply The Betts, who won the race, went on to land the Grade 3 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase.
This event was also a useful guide for the Listed novices’ handicap chase but that is no longer being run at Cheltenham and instead features on the Imperial Cup card at Sandown. In recent years, the Timeform race has produced three subsequent winners of that and even a Ladbrokes Trophy winner, Sizing Tennessee, came third in 2018.
Paddy Power Trophy Handicap Chase – 13:50
Paddy Power Trophy Handicap Chase Time: 13:50
Type: Grade 3 National Hunt Handicap Steeplechase
Age Of The Horses: 5+ Years Old
Distance: 2 Miles, 4 Furlongs And 127 Yards
Winner 2020: Cepage
Another race that’s sure to pull in the crowds, the results, times and performances of each of the entrants will have antepost backers reaching for their notepads, jotting down those all-important numbers with an eye on March’s festival. Could a Cheltenham Festival winner appear in this race?
It’s certainly possible but this race is also a great chance for backers to boost their profits in great time for March. This may be a trials race but it’s also a very competitive contest and there will be no lack of value available. For those unable to attend Cheltenham, this race will be shown live on ITV.
Frodon (2018) is perhaps the most famous recent winner of this race, after going on to win the 2019 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the 2020 King George VI Chase around Kempton Park. Siruh Du Lac (2019) tasted victory in both this and the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase. Both became synonymous with their regular riders and female jockeys Bryony Frost and Lizzie Kelly.
Cotswold Chase – 14:25
Cotswold Chase Time: 14:25
Type: Grade 2 National Hunt Steeplechase
Age Of The Horses: 5+ Years Old
Distance: 3 Miles, 1 Furlong And 56 Yards
Winner 2020: Santini
The Cotswold Chase is another Cheltenham Trial and is a Grade 2 contest open to horses aged five years old and above. Run on the new course, it sees entrants do battle over 3m 1f with no less than 21 fences to be jumped. It’s a real tough test but shows us the shape of the main runners and how well their preparations are going.
As the official trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Cotswold Chase has an illustrious roll of honour. Equine steeplechasing greats like See More Business, Exotic Danger, Neptune Collonges and Many Clouds have all won this race over the last 20 years. While doubling up at the Festival has proved difficult for a number of hopefuls, recent Cotswold Chase winners have given a great account of themselves. Frodon (2019) went on to land the Ryanair Chase, while Santini (2020) was runner-up in the Gold Cup.
Win this race and runners will be extremely popular in the festival antepost betting, that’s for sure. Who will your cash be on?
Past Costwold Chase Winners
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Santini | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson | |
| 2019 | Frodon | 7 | Bryony Frost | Paul Nicholls |
| 2017 | Many Clouds | 9 | Leighton Aspell | Oliver Sherwood |
| 2018 | Definitly Red | 9 | Danny Cook | Brian Ellison |
Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle Trial (Registered as the Classic Novices’ Hurdle) – 15:00
Ballymore Classic Novices' Hurdle Time: 15:00
Type: Grade 2 National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle
Age Of The Horses: 4+ Years Old
Distance: 2 Miles, 4 Furlongs And 56 Yards
Winner 2020: Harry Senior
As perhaps one of the most important races on Cheltenham Trials Day, the Ballymore Classis Novices Hurdle is always notoriously difficult to predict, with a whole host of future stars set to be on show.
Punters have an option on this race. They can watch on as interested bystanders, keeping an eye on eth results and noting the performances of early betting favourites for the Cheltenham Festival or treating the race as a single contest and making the bets needed to beat the bookies and boost your betting balance.
The 2021 renewal promises to provide us with a star-studded field with owners and trainers running the rule over their runners before deciding which race to enter them in at the Cheltenham Festival. It also provides them with an update on the shape of their main rivals.
Bobs Worth, a subsequent winner of the King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup, is perhaps the most famous winner of the Classic Novices’ Hurdle. While it is officially a trial for the Ballymore at the Festival, those who run well in it can go on and contest the Albert Bartlett there instead. Santini (2018) stepped up in trip and hit the frame with At Fishers Cross (2013) winning both races.
Ballymore Classic Novices Hurdle Past Winners
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Harry Senior | Robbie Power | Colin Tizzard | |
| 2019 | Birchdale | 5 | Barry Geraghty | Nicky Henderson |
| 2017 | Wholestone | 6 | Daryl Jacob | Nigel Twiston-Davies |
| 2018 | Santini | 6 | Jeremiah McGrath | Nicky Henderson |
Cleeve Hurdle – 15:35
Cleeve Hurdle Time: 15:35
Type: Grade 2 National Hunt Hurdle Race
Age Of The Horses: 5+ Years Old
Distance: 2 Miles, 7 Furlongs And 213 Yards
Winner 2020: Paisley Park
Anyone looking to place a bet on the Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival 2021 should certainly keep an eye on the Cleeve Hurdle on Trials Day, with many of the contenders set to take part.
The Cleeve Hurdle may be a Cheltenham Festival trials day race, but it is also a very interesting contest in its own right. Another Grade 2 national hunt race, it is open to horses aged five years old and above. The race takes place on the new course and a winner is crowned over the course of about 3m with no less than a dozen fences to be jumped.
It really does separate the contenders from those simply making up the numbers and the winner of this race is always well supported in the Cheltenham Festival betting, both antepost and on the day.
Paisley Park has won the Cleeve Hurdle in each of the last two seasons, and is set to bid for a hat-trick in the race en route to the Festival this year. Trainer Emma Lavelle likes to take the same route with the horse in his bid to regain the Stayers’ Hurdle crown he lost last season. Many greater staying hurdlers have gone on from the Cleeve including Inglis Drever (2008), Big Buck’s (2009 and 2012) and Thistlecrack (2016) to follow-up on the grand stage.
Cleeve Hurdle Past Winners
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Paisley Park | 8 | Aidan Coleman | Emma Lavelle |
| 2019 | Paisley Park | 7 | Aidan Coleman | Emma Lavelle |
| 2018 | Agrapart | 7 | Lizzie Kelly | Nick Williams |
| 2017 | Unowhatimeanharry | 9 | Barry Geraghty | Harry Fry |
Steel Plate & Sections Handicap Hurdle – 16:10
Steel Plate And Sections Handicap Hurdle Time: 16:10
Type: Class 2 National Hunt Handicap Hurdle
Age Of The Horses: 4+ Years Old
Distance: 2 Miles And 179 Yards
Winner 2020: Back On The Lash
This race has provided us with some very talented winners in recent years and we expect 2020 to be no different. The winner of this race will be pushed to the head of the Cheltenham Festival antepost betting for a few possible races and punters are sure to react.
This contest will prove to be useful in helping predict how the festival will pan out in March. Bet on the winner of this race and, if you are lucky enough to make a profit, you can reinvest your cash into the early festival betting markets. Keep your eye out for betting odds in the early part of 2021.
Remiluc (2017) went on to be runner-up in the following year’s County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Frodon was third in this in 2016, while 2019 runner-up Flash The Steel went on to win the Grade 3 Silver Trophy at Chepstow the following autumn. Although this race isn’t all that informative about the Festival, Cheltenham local trainer Martin Keighley often targets it with a well-handicapped horse.
Cheltenham Trials Day Betting Offers
With a race meeting as important as Cheltenham Trials Day, you can be sure that there will be a few betting offers available through the bookies. From non-runner no bet promotions and terms that cover any wagers placed one final declarations have taken place 48 hours beforehand, to extra place races, there could well be something to pique your interest. Online bookmakers know that this meeting is one with a lot of attention focused on it.
After all, the card does contain a number of official Cheltenham Festival trials and these may be the last opportunity for trainers to get a run into their horse before the four big days of National Hunt horse racing action in March. Check out the latest offers and promotions below for more details of what you can get betting on Cheltenham Trials Day.
T&Cs: UK & Irish and selected International horse racing only. Doesn’t apply to bets placed with free bets, ante-post bets, Tote bets or Lucky 15s, 31s and 63s bets. Available on bets placed after 08:00 on the day of the race. Full T&Cs Apply.
Available on selected races. ‘Winner or E/W’ market only. Applies to single and multiple bets. Depends on minimum runner stipulations. Doesn’t apply to ante-post bets. Full T&Cs Apply.
Best Odds Guaranteed
Now that ante post markets for Cheltenham Trials Day 2020 are open, it is time to take advantage of those sweet prices available to early bettors. Sometimes however your selection will go off with a bigger starting price. But no worries – with Best Oddsa Guaranteed, you’ll be paid out at the more generous price, whether it is SP or the odds available when the bet was placed. Below you’ll find a list of bookies offering Best Odds Guaranteed on Cheltenham Trial Day races:
T&Cs: UK & Irish and selected International horse racing only. Doesn’t apply to bets placed with free bets, ante-post bets, Tote bets or Lucky 15s, 31s and 63s bets. Available on bets placed after 08:00 on the day of the race. Full T&Cs Apply.
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Free Bets & Money Back Offers
Give your Cheltenham Trials Day bet a boost with daily offers from top online bookies:
BoyleSport Fair Play Money Back
If your horse fails to race after coming under starting orders, BoyleSport will give you a refund as a free bet up to £100.
Important: Cashed out and antepost bets, as well as free bets do not qualify for this promotion.
Bet365 ITV Racing 4/1 Risk Free Bet
Place a Win or Each Way single bet at minimum odds of 4/1 on any race broadcasted live on ITV Racing. If your first bet wins, you’ll get one risk free bet to the same stake (up to £50*) on the next race broadcast live on ITV Racing. Place a bet on the next race – and if you lose, your stake will be refunded.
Qualifying Cheltenham Trials Day Races: 1.50, 2.25, 3.00, 3.35 (January, 25th)