Cheltenham free bet: get 60-1 odds boost on Lulamba or Kopek Des Bordes to win the Arkle with Paddy Power

Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources or find out more here

Punters looking for a standout Cheltenham free bet can take advantage of a huge Cheltenham odds boost free bet from Paddy Power ahead of the Arkle Chase on day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.

The bookmaker is offering new customers the chance to back either Lulamba or Kopek Des Bordes to win the Arkle at massive odds of 60-1, representing one of the best Cheltenham betting offers available for Tuesday’s racing.

Both runners are among the leading contenders for the Grade 1 contest, and this promotion gives bettors the opportunity to secure a dramatically enhanced price compared with their regular market odds.

Read on for full details on the offer, including how to claim the boost and the key terms and conditions.

Paddy Power Cheltenham betting offer: 60-1 Arkle odds boost

Paddy Power’s latest Cheltenham odds boost free bet promo allows new customers to back either Lulamba or Kopek Des Bordes at 60-1 to win the Arkle.

The pair are currently trading at much shorter odds in the standard market, meaning the bookie is offering a substantial enhancement as part of its Cheltenham Festival betting offers.

These types of promotions are usually available for a limited time around major races, so anyone interested in claiming the Cheltenham free bet should ensure they take advantage before the Arkle gets underway.

How to claim Paddy Power's 60-1 offer

If you want to back Lulamba or Kopek Des Bordes to win the Arkle at 60-1, follow these simple steps to claim the Cheltenham betting offer: Click the ‘Join Here’ button through our Paddy Power link

1. Register a new account and create your login details
2. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more
3. Opt in to the promotion if required
4. Place your bet on Lulamba to win the Arkle his 60-1 enhanced odds

Paddy Power Cheltenham odds boost free bet – terms and conditions

As with all Cheltenham betting offers, it is important to check the key terms and conditions before placing your bet. These include:

• New customer offer
• Max stake £1
• Lulamba or Kopek Des Bordes to win the Arkle (2:00) on Day 1 of Cheltenham
• Winnings paid in cash at normal odds and topped up to the enhanced price in Free Bet Builders, Accumulators or multiples to use on any sport
• Free bets valid for 30 days
• Only deposits via Pay by Bank, Cards & Apple Pay will qualify
• T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly

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 £2,500+ in bookmaker bonuses, including offers available on each day of Cheltenham 2026.

Cheltenham Festival Arkle Chase preview

The Arkle Chase at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival promises to be one of the highlights of the opening day, with Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes expected to dominate the betting.

Lulamba, trained by Nicky Henderson, has made an excellent start to his chasing career and remains unbeaten in three runs over fences. He cemented his Arkle credentials with an impressive victory at Newbury, defeating more experienced rivals in convincing style.

However, his previous visit to the Cheltenham Festival saw him finish second in last year’s Triumph Hurdle when he was beaten by the 100-1 shock winner Poniros.

Kopek Des Bordes, trained by Willie Mullins and often abbreviated to KDB, is already a Cheltenham Festival winner after landing the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last season. While he has only had one start over fences due to injury setbacks, his raw ability makes him a major contender for Arkle glory.

With the likes of Kargese, Romeo Coolio and Irish Panther also in the field, the race could still develop into a fascinating clash between the British hope Lulamba and the Irish star Kopek Des Bordes.

Cheltenham day one Arkle Chase contenders 

Here are some of the leading contenders for the Arkle on Cheltenham Festival day one.

Note, these odds are subject to change

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

Cheltenham Festival 2026 schedule

Day one

• 1.20pm - Supreme Novices' Hurdle 
• 2.00pm - Arkle Chase
• 2.40pm - Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
• 3.20pm - Ultima Handicap Chase
• 4.00pm - Champion Hurdle
• 4.40pm - Festival Plate Handicap Chase
• 5.20pm - National Hunt Chase

Day two

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

Cheltenham Festival 2026 FAQs

How many days is the 2026 Cheltenham Festival?
The 2026 Cheltenham takes place over four days from Tuesday, March 10 until Friday, March 13

When does the 2026 Arkle take place?
The 2026 Arkle Chase is the second race on the opening day on March 10

What time does the 2026 Arkle start?
The 2026 Arkle will go off at 2pm.

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.

Click for more racing free bets and betting offers from the Racing Post

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.