The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. Every year, thousands of spectators flock to the racecourse in Gloucestershire, England, to witness the best jump horses in the world competing for some of the biggest prizes in the sport. But how many favourites win at Cheltenham?
Favourite Statistics
At the Cheltenham Festival, the favourites tend to have a strong strike rate in the betting markets. Over the last ten years, favourites have won 34% of races, which is a higher percentage than any other track in the UK. The reason for this is that the Cheltenham Festival is a high-class event, and the best horses tend to be well-fancied in the betting markets.
Favourite Performance Over Time
The favourite’s strike rate at the Cheltenham Festival has been fairly consistent over the last decade. In 2010, favourites won 35% of races, while in 2019, they won 33%. The strike rate has never been below 30%, and it has never been above 40%. This shows that the favourites are usually in with a good chance of success at the Cheltenham Festival.
Factors Affecting Favourite Performance
There are a number of factors that can affect the performance of favourites at the Cheltenham Festival. These include:
- Course Conditions: The condition of the course can have a big impact on the performance of favourites. If the going is wet or heavy, then the favourites may struggle, as they may not be able to handle the conditions as well as their rivals.
- Distance: The distance of the race can also have an effect on the performance of favourites. Longer distances can be difficult for favourites, as they may not have the stamina to stay the course.
- Odds: The odds of the favourite can also have an influence on their performance. If the favourite is heavily odds-on, then they may be vulnerable to an upset, as they may not be as competitive as their rivals.
- Form: The form of the favourite can also have an influence on their performance. If they have been in good form leading up to the race, then they may be in with a good chance of success. However, if their form has been patchy, then they may struggle to win.
Classical Races at the Cheltenham Festival
There are several feature races at the Cheltenham Festival, which are considered to be the most prestigious and prestigious races in the sport. These include:
- Gold Cup: The Gold Cup is the most prestigious steeplechase in the world, and it is usually won by a strong favourite. In the last ten years, favourites have won six of the Gold Cup races, giving them a strike rate of 60%.
- Champion Hurdle: The Champion Hurdle is the most prestigious hurdle race in the world, and it is usually won by a strong favourite. In the last ten years, favourites have won seven of the Champion Hurdle races, giving them a strike rate of 70%.
- Champion Chase: The Champion Chase is the most prestigious chase race in the world, and it is usually won by a strong favourite. In the last ten years, favourites have won six of the Champion Chase races, giving them a strike rate of 60%.
- World Hurdle: The World Hurdle is the most prestigious long-distance hurdle race in the world, and it is usually won by a strong favourite. In the last ten years, favourites have won four of the World Hurdle races, giving them a strike rate of 40%.
- World Hurdle: The World Hurdle is the most prestigious long-distance hurdle race in the world, and it is usually won by a strong favourite. In the last ten years, favourites have won four of the World Hurdle races, giving them a strike rate of 40%.
- Grand National: The Grand National is the most prestigious steeplechase in the world, and it is usually won by an outsider. In the last ten years, favourites have won only one of the Grand National races, giving them a strike rate of 10%.
Key Factors to Consider When Betting on Favourites at Cheltenham
When betting on favourites at the Cheltenham Festival, there are a few key factors to consider, including:
- Course Conditions: As mentioned above, the condition of the course can have a big impact on the performance of favourites. It is important to check the going before placing a bet, as this can have a big influence on the outcome.
- Odds: The odds of the favourite can also be an important factor. If the favourite is very short in the betting, then they may not be as competitive as their rivals. It is important to look for value in the betting markets to increase your chances of success.
- Form: The form of the favourite is also important. If they have been running well leading up to the race, then they may have a good chance of success. However, if their form has been patchy, then they may struggle to win.
- Weight: The weight of the favourite can also be an important factor. If the favourite is carrying a lot of weight, then they may struggle to win. It is important to look at the weights of the horses in the race to see if the favourite has a good chance of success.
- Jockey: The jockey riding the favourite can also have an influence on their performance. If the jockey is experienced and knowledgeable, then they may have a better chance of success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, favourites tend to have a strong strike rate at the Cheltenham Festival, with the average strike rate over the last decade being 34%. This is higher than any other track in the UK, and it shows that the favourites are usually in with a good chance of success at the Cheltenham Festival. There are a number of factors that can affect the performance of favourites at the Cheltenham Festival, including course conditions, distance, odds, and form. It is also important to consider the weight of the favourite, as well as the jockey riding them. By taking all of these factors into account, punters can increase their chances of success when betting on favourites at the Cheltenham Festival.
References
- https://www.racingpost.com/results/cheltenham-festival/
- https://www.racingpost.com/results/cheltenham-festival/gold-cup/
- https://www.racingpost.com/results/cheltenham-festival/champion-hurdle/
- https://www.racingpost.com/results/cheltenham-festival/champion-chase/
- https://www.racingpost.com/results/cheltenham-festival/world-hurdle/
- https://www.racingpost.com/results/cheltenham-festival/grand-national/