ITV Racing Today: Expert Tips and Odds for Cheltenham New Year’s Card

When the calendar flips to a new year, few British sporting traditions feel as alive as Cheltenham’s jump racing spectacle — and on ITV Racing today, the stakes are as high as the anticipation. For punters and fans alike, New Year’s Day at Cheltenham is more than a series of races; it’s a celebration of grit, history, and the unpredictable magic of horse racing.

So, what’s on offer for viewers and bettors this January 1st? The card features several competitive handicaps and a headline hurdle — each bringing its own drama, stories, and opportunities. Let’s dive into the expert tips and odds, as reported by Free Bets and Oddschecker, for the three main televised contests.

Cheltenham 1:25pm — A Wide-Open Handicap
Here, the spotlight falls on ‘Does He Know,’ tipped each-way by the Free Bets team. Veteran status hasn’t dulled his edge — the horse demolished his rivals by 17 lengths at Haydock earlier this season, earning a 6lb rise. While the Haydock field arguably collapsed, the win was convincing enough to catch the eye. The handicapper’s response was measured, and, carrying top weight, ‘Does He Know’ remains a solid each-way proposition. Yet, alternative voices highlight ‘Shannon Royale,’ recommended each-way by Oddschecker’s Architect Tips at tempting odds of 9/1. Making his British debut off a mark of 135, Shannon Royale brings fresh credentials to the mix and could surprise.

Cheltenham 2:00pm — A Test of Stamina and Value
For the second race, the narrative shifts to two contenders: ‘Matata,’ the outsider with graded race experience, and ‘Glengouly,’ Architect’s win selection. Matata’s recent history includes running close to top horses like Jonbon and a respectable third at Kelso. His rating, once as high as 163, is now 154, bringing him right into the handicap equation. The hope? The added distance might suit his current profile. On the other hand, Glengouly, at 4/1, looks set for a bold show. Oddschecker’s tipster singles him out as the win candidate, citing his form and conditions.

Cheltenham 2:35pm — Relkeel Hurdle, Proven vs. Potential
Here, ‘Lucky Place’ carries the weight of history — having won this race last year, he’s tipped again to repeat the feat. The horse’s reliability as a staying hurdler is well established, making him the safer bet. However, the challenge comes from ‘Kabral Du Mathan,’ fresh off a smooth handicap win and entering graded company as the odds-on favourite. Yet, questions linger: Can Kabral Du Mathan handle the step up? Will Lucky Place’s experience prevail against raw potential? The odds suggest a close contest, but the experts lean toward the proven over the possible.

For those chasing more than just today’s winners, both Free Bets and Oddschecker offer broader betting guides — a nod to the ever-evolving world of punting, from smoky backstreet shops to high-tech apps. The coverage today reflects not just the horses and odds, but the changing face of racing itself.

As the races unfold, stories of comeback, promise, and risk will play out on the Cheltenham turf — each tip backed by analysis, each odds shift a signal of collective expectation. Whether you’re hoping for a long-shot payout or just savoring the spectacle, ITV Racing’s New Year’s Day card is a reminder of why horse racing endures: it’s unpredictable, dramatic, and always invites one question — who will seize their moment today?

The 2025 Cheltenham New Year’s Day meeting on ITV Racing showcases not only the talent on the track, but also the depth of expertise among tipsters. With both proven performers and intriguing outsiders in the mix, the day’s outcomes will hinge on the balance between experience and the allure of fresh talent. As always, punters should weigh the odds and tips carefully, recognizing that in racing, certainty is often the rarest commodity of all.

Sources: Free Bets, Oddschecker