Cheltenham Festival Day 2: Top Free Bets and Betting Offers for 2026
The Cheltenham Festival continues into its second day with intense competition at Prestbury Park, and we have gathered the finest free bets available for punters. UK betting sites are rolling out a plethora of Cheltenham-specific promotions, ranging from daily specials and race-specific deals to sign-up bonuses, best odds guaranteed, price boosts, and accumulator enhancements. This comprehensive guide covers the best offers for the 2026 Festival, which runs through Friday, ensuring bettors can maximise their experience.
Best Cheltenham Free Bets for Day Two
Here is a detailed breakdown of the top free bet offers for day two of the Cheltenham Festival:
- Sky Bet: New customers can get enhanced odds of 60/1 on Majborough to finish in the top three in the Champion Chase. This offer requires a maximum bet of £1, with free bets credited as six £10 tokens.
- Paddy Power: Back Majborough at 50/1 to win the Champion Chase and receive a £10 free bet for the Champions League. Open to new customers who stake £1 on Majborough at normal odds, with enhanced winnings paid as free bets.
- LiveScore Bet: Place a bet on the first race on Wednesday to receive a free bet for any other race on the card. The free bet value varies per customer, and money back is offered as a free bet if your horse finishes 2nd, 3rd, or 4th in selected races.
- Tote: Get money back as a free bet on every race at the Cheltenham Festival if your horse finishes second, with a maximum refund of £10.
- Virgin Bet: Bet on the Coral Cup (14.40) on Wednesday, and if your horse does not win, Virgin Bet will refund your stake in free bets.
These promotions are available on leading betting sites for day two races, including the Coral Cup, Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, Cross Country Handicap Chase, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Free bets provide a risk-free way for both novice and experienced punters to engage with the action, leveraging sign-up offers, loyalty bonuses, and other incentives.
How We Evaluate Cheltenham Free Bets
Our assessment of Cheltenham free bets is based on several key criteria to ensure safety and value for users:
- Licensing: All recommended betting sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), guaranteeing regulated operations and customer protection.
- Welcome Offer: Sign-up bonuses should reflect the significance of the Festival, with higher-than-usual promotions considered.
- Betting Bonuses: A diverse range of offers is essential, including free bets, moneyback specials, best odds guaranteed, non-runner no bet, price boosts, accumulator boosts, and extra places.
- Value: We prioritise promotions that deliver the best odds or favourable terms for unlocking bonuses.
- Markets: Offers should cover various betting markets to cater to different customer preferences.
- Payment Options: Sites must support multiple payment methods, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, for accessing offers.
Today’s Best Cheltenham Odds and Horses to Follow
For those unsure where to place their bets, here are some suggestions based on recent form:
- In the opening race at 1.20, Bambino Fever is one to watch after a comfortable win at Fairyhouse, showing significant improvement in her second hurdles start.
- At 2.40, Wodhooh presents an interesting option with a strong record over fences and consistent form this season, having only lost to a Champion Hurdler.
- The highlight of the day is Fact To File in the 4.00 race, who won easily last year and returns in dominant form following a victory at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Cheltenham Betting News
Market movements indicate increased interest in certain horses. No Drama This End has shortened to 9/4 from 4/1 for the Turners Novices' Chase, making it the standout mover. According to William Hill, British-trained horses are popular after a home sweep in Monday's opener, with No Drama This End also featuring in accumulator bets. Other notable shifts include Gordon Elliott's Romeo Coolio and Favori De Champdou shortening for the Brown Advisory and Cross Country races, respectively. Additionally, Il Etait Temps has moved to 11/4 from 5/1 in the Champion Chase, while Keep Him Company is now at 11/2 from 8/1 in the Bumper.
Responsible Gambling
It is crucial to gamble responsibly during the Cheltenham Festival. Always set and stick to a budget, avoid chasing losses, and remember that even knowledgeable punters can lose bets. Utilise tools provided by betting sites, such as deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options. The same principles apply to casino and slot sites, and always review terms and conditions when claiming bonuses. If you need support for gambling-related issues, organisations like the NHS, GambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, and GAMSTOP offer assistance. Gambling can be addictive, so play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.
Note: Offers and odds are accurate at publication but subject to change. Terms and conditions apply to all promotions.
