A traditional curtain-raiser to the New Year takes place at Cheltenham on Thursday 1 January, as the home of National Hunt racing provides a seven-race card full of quality, competitive races.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers takes a look through the meeting, which includes the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle, and he picks out his best bets of the afternoon.
Cheltenham Racing Tips (Thursday 1 January 2026)
Four hurdle races, two chases and a National Hunt flat race make up Cheltenham’s meeting and we pick out an array of selections for the live racing at Prestbury Park.
1.25 Cheltenham – Inch House (1pt win – 9/1)
Having failed to land any sort of blow in the hugely competitive Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury earlier in the season, Inch House will enjoy a return to Cheltenham for their intriguing 3m 1f 56y contest. Prior to that Newbury run he ran well for a long time when finishing sixth at Cheltenham and a return to the track in a less competitive race can bring on improvement. He’s been given another 2lb drop by the handicapper, so a mark of 129 looks attractive, if he can hold his position through the early stages of the contest. He was rushed off his feet at Newbury, but this shower gallop should suit and he can down the likes of the top-weighted Does He Know and Katate Dori.
2.00 Cheltenham – Il Ridoto (1pt win – 8/1)
Glengouly was a fine winner of the December Gold Cup here, but a 10lbs rise in the handicap should help his chances disintegrate. Twinjets and Just Over Land are two vastly improved horses and both come into this contest on the back of fine wins, but they also have been hit by the handicapper. One that is proven around the undulations of Cheltenham and has a fabulous chance at the weights is Il Ridoto for Paul Nicholls. A former Paddy Power Gold Cup winner, the Ditcheat inmate is now only rated 1lbs higher than his last winning mark, and with Freddie Keighley taking a valuable 7lbs off his back then he is sure to run a huge race in ground that should suit here.
3.10 Cheltenham – Ace Of Spades (1pt win – 15/8)
A winner at Aintree back in October, Ace Of Spades then improved on that effort when finishing fourth in the Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park, and a repeat of that effort here for Dan Skelton should see him have far too much for his rivals in the 3.10pm at Cheltenham. He’s been given a 2lbs rise for those Haydock exertions, so more will be needed, but whilst some of his rivals on Thursday appear to be on the downgrade, Ace Of Spades looks more than capable of continuing on an upward trajectory and can land this prize with aplomb.
Cheltenham New Year’s Day Tips – Thursday 1 January
1.25 Cheltenham – Inch House (1pt win – 9/1)
2.00 Cheltenham – Il Ridoto (1pt win – 8/1)
3.10 Cheltenham – Ace Of Spades (1pt win – 15/8)
Cheltenham Meeting Start Time
- Cheltenham – first race 12:15
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are Thursday’s Cheltenham tips?
Steve Chambers provides four bets for Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day card on Thursday 1 January, 2026
What is on the Cheltenham New Year’s Day racecard?
Here’s the full race schedule for Cheltenham on New Year’s Day:
- 12:15 – Enquire About The Cheltenham Bloodstock Club Maiden Hurdle
- 12:50 – Ellenborough Park Hotel ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase
- 13:25 – Betfair Handicap Chase
- 14:00 – Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase
- 14:35 – Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle
- 15:10 – Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle
- 15:40 – 18-24 Get Your Racepass ‘Junior’ NH Flat Race
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 10 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
When were the Cheltenham tips published?
The Cheltenham New Year’s Day tips were published at 12.55pm on Tuesday 30 December.
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