Sky Bet first firm to offer non-runner no bet on all 28 races at Cheltenham

Have a novice race fancy at Cheltenham but unsure in which contest he or she will run? Already spotted one for one of the handicaps? You're in luck as on Monday Sky Bet became the first firm to go non-runner, no bet on all 28 races at the 2018 festival.

With this year's Cheltenham picture murkier than usual at this point in the season bookmakers are doing their best to spark interest.

Last week bet365, Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook introduced the NRNB concession on the five championship races and now the sponsor of the opening race on day one, the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, have rolled out the offer across each race every day – and nearly a month earlier than they did last year when it was brought into effect on February 4.

Sky Bet's Michael Shinners said: "We're into the new year and, if they weren't already, all eyes are now looking towards the Cheltenham Festival in March, so seeing as we're already betting on all races at the meeting we've decided to add the non-runner, no bet offer too.

"The Cheltenham Festival continues to grow and grow as National Hunt racing’s jewel in the crown and punters have never had it so good."

There remains, of course, the possibility that the winner is not yet priced up in several races, but for punters looking to take a price about one already in the market they can now do so with the guarantee that if it does not run in their chosen race they will get their money back.

Later on Monday, bet365 also went non-runner, no bet on all 28 festival races.

William Hill have offered customers a money back concession only if their horse misses the festival entirely, with horses running in a different race to the one for which they were backed not qualifying.

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