Cheltenham Festival 2026 free bets and betting offers: get over £700 for day two

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Best Cheltenham Festival 2026 betting offers for day two

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival gets underway today. Grab the best day two free bets and bookmaker promotions, including welcome bonuses and huge odds boosts, worth £700 for Cheltenham day two. Perfect for backing favourites or finding value on outsiders.

Combined with offers across the Festival, you can claim over £700 in free bets. Total may vary depending on the bookmakers you’re already registered with.

Total may vary based on the bookmakers you're already registered with

How to claim your 2026 Cheltenham Festival day two free bets

If you're new to betting, claiming a Cheltenham welcome offer is usually quick and straightforward. Click the link to your chosen bookmaker and hit Join or Sign Up.

Most bookmaker promotions follow a similar structure: 

1. Click the link to your chosen bookmaker and select Join or Sign Up
2. Complete the registration process and verify your account
3. Make a qualifying deposit (minimum amounts vary – usually £5 or £10)
4. Place your first bet at the required minimum odds
5. Receive your free bets once the qualifying bet is placed or settled

These bonuses can be used across Wednesday's races, giving you extra chances to land a winner on opening day.

At the Racing Post, we have rounded up all of the best Cheltenham Festival free bets and betting offers in one place. Across the Festival, you can claim £2,000+ in bookmaker bonuses, including offers available on each day of Cheltenham 2026.

Cheltenham Festival 2026 day two preview

The top-class action continues on day two of the Cheltenham Festival, featuring four Grade 1 contests headlined by the best two-mile chasers in action in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

That race will grab the most attention as the highly-talked about Majborough is the red-hot favourite to join the greats like Sprinter Sacre, Moscow Flyer, Master Minded and Altior. He roared back to his brilliant best at the Dublin Chase.

Multiple Grade 1 winner Il Etait Temps and L'Eau Du Sud, who heads Britain's team, make it a contest to savour.

The Brown Advisory Novices' Chase is usually dominated by the Irish - specifically Mullins - and this year will be no different. The trainer has leading hopes Kaid D'Authie and Final Demand.

Final Demand had been a red-hot favourite for this race, but needs to get his career back on track after his stablemate effortlessly beat him at the Dublin Racing Festival. Wendigo aims to take the race back for Britain.

The Champion Bumper usually unearths a star of the future, while the ultra-competitive Coral Cup and Grand Annual Handicap Chase are puzzles for punters. There is also the Cross Country Handicap Chase

Cheltenham Festival 2026 day two race schedule

Day two

• 1.20pm - Turner's Novices' Hurdle 
• 2.00pm - Brown Advisory Novices' Chase
• 2.40pm - Coral Cup Hurdle
• 3.20pm - Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
• 4.00pm - Champion Chase
• 4.40pm - Grand Annual Chase
• 5.20pm - Champion Bumper

Cheltenham Festival 2026 day two betting FAQs

What is a Cheltenham free bet?

A bonus from bookmakers that lets you bet without risking your own money. Winnings are retained, but the stake is not returned.

How do I claim Cheltenham day two betting offers?

Register with a bookmaker, deposit the minimum, place your qualifying bet at the required odds, and the free bet will be credited once settled.

Do I need a new account to claim day two free bets?

Yes, most opening-day promotions are for new customers only, though some operators run retention offers.

What are the minimum qualifying bets?

Usually £5–£10 at minimum odds of 1-1 (2.0). Always check T&Cs for each offer.

Can I use free bets on any day two race? 

Most can be used on UK & Irish races, including all day two events. Some offers may be restricted to certain races.

How long do day two free bets last? 

Generally 7–30 days, depending on the bookmaker. Use them before expiry.

Are stakes returned when using free bets?

No, only winnings are returned. For example, a £10 free bet at 2-1 returns £20.

Can I use free bets on accumulators?

Yes, many offers are eligible for multiples, including horse racing accas. Check terms to confirm.

Do I need to opt in?

Many offers require ticking an opt-in box during registration.

Do I need to verify my account?

Yes. Verification confirms age and identity, usually via ID upload or mobile.

For more expert insight, check out our expert Cheltenham Festival tips for the best racing picks.

Remember to gamble responsibly

Gambling can be an enjoyable and exciting form of entertainment, but it can also be a serious risk if not done responsibly. It is important to understand the risks associated with gambling and to take steps to minimise them. You can always call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamstop.co.uk if you need extra help or advice.

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Important information: This article may contain links to offers or promotions that were available at the time of publication. These offers may have since expired or changed.

Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.