Cheltenham 2024: Which favourites should you watch?

Though many horse racing fans also glom onto the annual Grand National race, it doesn’t have quite the style and flare of Cheltenham.

Along with its long list of Grade I races, the grounds also become a highly festive social gathering.

That being said, though Cheltenham has hype on par with the Kentucky Derby in terms of fashion and celebrations, the focus is on horse racing.

Each event draws its own fanbase and cheering crowd, many of whom are betting on a favorite.

As 2024’s Cheltenham approaches in mid-March, any fans who haven’t yet selected a favorite based on previous races are now finalizing their virtual betting slips.

In case you haven’t yet selected your champions for the Gold Cup or Champion Hurdle, you still have time. In fact, many sportsbooks offer exclusive deals just for this event that ramp up as it approaches.

For example, www.oddschecker.com & Cheltenham are well-known amongst fans of the festival, as the Oddschecker platform collects and lists the top offers from trusted bookmakers.

This can save you time when looking to compare different deals for Cheltenham, including offers from BetMGM to William Hill to BetFred—but you still need to know which favorites to back.

Are you a little murky about which favorites to keep an eye on at the upcoming festival? Keep reading for a breakdown of the latest favorites for the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle events.

Favourites for the Gold Cup

Fastorslow 5/1

One of the primary reasons that Fastorslow is looking golden ahead of the Gold Cup this year is his recent defeat of last year’s champion, Galopin Des Champs, at the recent Punchestown Grade I race.

However, given there wasn’t another showdown at the Leopardstown race, its uncertain whether Fastorslow still has the form to take on Galopin Des Champs again.

L’Homme Presse 10/1

A string of unfortunate injuries has kept L’Homme Presse from being listed a bit higher in this year’s Gold Cup odds.

The horse has raced only three times since last April—but there’s enough hype around the potential for L’Homme Presse to compete after a smashing appearance at Lingfield.

Galopin Des Champs 11/10

This year’s clear favourite is last year’s Gold Cup champion. However, Galopin Des Champs must make a decisive place at the Irish Gold Cup before heading to Cheltenham.

Will this last-minute race throw a wrench into things for Galopin Des Champs ahead of Cheltenham? Or will he put on another dominant show like at the recent Leopardstown?

Shishkin 9/1

Enter this year’s Gold Cup dark horse. Shishkin has grazed the sun multiple times, but false starts and jumping errors are only two issues that have harangued this highly talented horse.

Though looking at Shishkin’s record might leave a bit to be desired, there’s one reason he’s cut ahead in this year’s Gold Cup odds: he’s full of surprises.

Gerri Colombe 10/1

After bowing out to Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown, all eyes are on Gerri Colombe to step up at the Irish Gold Cup.

Depending on his performance there, along with Galopin Des Champs, it’s possible Gerri Colombe’s odds will shorten.

Favourites for the Champion Hurdle

Constitution Hill 4/9

Like last year’s Gold Cup champion (Galopin Des Champs), this year’s favorite for the Champion Hurdle is last year’s champion, Constitution Hill.

Last year’s performance aside, it’s easy to see why Constitution Hill is the leading pick. The horse remains undefeated, with seven career victories in his seven outings.

However, Constitution Hill has only had a single outing since the 2023 win at Cheltenham.

State Man 7/1

State Man is a dark horse pick for those waiting on Constitution Hill to stumble. Last April, State Man finished second to Constitution Hill, which ended a six-race winning streak.

However, after last year’s second-place finish at the Champion Hurdle event, there’s a fire in State Man’s belly to topple the odds and take home a major win.

Impaire Et Passe 5/1

Constitution Hill isn’t the only undefeated horse entering as a favorite for the 2024 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle.

Though Impaire Et Passe only has five wins under his belt, he has won every race handedly with a total stretch of 44.5 lengths.

But will it be enough to dethrone Constitution Hill? Or will Impaire Et Passe need more experience before coming out ahead at the Champion Hurdle?

Marine Nationale 20/1

Like Impaire Et Passe, Marine Nationale has five wins in five events—a perfect career record. However, there’s a notable gap in experience between Marine Nationale and the other competitors on this list.

Though it’s not unfeasible for the horse to take on those at the top of the table, many are eyeing Marine Nationale as a future contender—if not this year, then in 2025.