The build-up to the Cheltenham Festival is gathering pace and we are now offering Non-Runner No Bet on every race at this year's Cotswolds spectacle.
Commencing Tuesday 11th March, four days of racing will see 14 Grade 1s across 28 races as the highlight of the National Hunt calendar is set to be greeted by that long-awaited roar to get the week underway, and if your horse doesn't run, you'll get your money back in full (terms and conditions apply).
bet365's Pat Cooney said: “This really is exciting news, particularly as we have many key Festival trials this weekend, particularly at Leopardstown.
"The safety net of NRNB has seen many varied strategies over the years, with same horse being backed for multiple races.
"The Irish Gold Cup on Saturday is a real case in point. What if Fact To File reverses recent form with Galopin Des Champs?
"Chances are he may well be the new Gold Cup favourite, but if soundly beaten again, could he then go for the Ryanair Chase instead? Why not back him for both!
"Another popular strategy is to put as many mud lovers as you can find and put them in multiple bets, if it's really testing ground, they’ll shorten in price on the day.
"The offer now on all races means the value may well be found in the Handicaps. You may have spotted one for a handicap at the Festival, but it’s not certain which race is the plan, then keep it simple, and back it in every race at the Festival!
"Usually though, it’s the hot pots that are the most popular from here onwards. Constitution Hill, Sir Gino, Jonbon etc. will now be of even more interest now NRNB.
"Time to get studying!"
Racing Value with bet365
In typical ante-post markets, you place a bet on a horse ahead of declarations being made, meaning there's a chance your horse doesn't run and your bet will count as a loser.
For Non-Runner No Bet markets, however, stakes are returned for horses that don't run for whatever reason, adding a layer of security to bets if you're not certain a horse will run.
While there are more than a dozen Grade 1s at the Cheltenham Festival, the championship races represent the highlight of each day's racing. There are five in total across the week, and they are:
Champion Hurdle (Tuesday)
Champion Chase (Wednesday)
Ryanair Chase (Thursday)
Stayers' Hurdle (Thursday)
Gold Cup (Friday)
While the Cheltenham roar will send off runners for the curtain-raising Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the Champion Hurdle is the feature race of the Tuesday, with all eyes on Constitution Hill.
Nicky Henderson's charge will be going off favourite, but could face stiff competition from the likes of Brighterdaysahead and Lossiemouth.
Champion Hurdle Non-Runner No Bet odds
Energumene is bidding for a Champion Chase hat-trick and Jonbon is looking to put last year's disappointment behind him when being withdrawn from the race by trainer Nicky Henderson.
Far from a two-horse race, however, we could also see Gaelic Warrior follow up his win in last year's Arkle with Champion Chase success.
Champion Chase Non-Runner No Bet odds
While the existing ante-post market still looks wide open, the NRNB market is dominated by the current favourite.
Fact To File may well head to the Gold Cup after running in the Brown Advisory last year and the Savills Chase over Christmas, but his John Durkan win at Punchestown may convince connections to stick with the shorter trip.
Ryanair Chase Non-Runner No Bet odds
A beaten favourite in 2023, Teahupoo returned in 2024 to land the honours in the Stayers' Hurdle, and looks set to go off a short-priced favourite again in 2025, with Home By The Lee and Crambo potential challengers.
Stayers' Hurdle Non-Runner No Bet odds
Friday will see the blue riband event of the Cheltenham Festival with the Gold Cup, as Galopin Des Champs bids to become the first horse since Best Mate in 2004 to win three straight Gold Cups.
It's hard to see any strong challengers beyond Fact To File, who's not guaranteed to go for the Gold Cup, though the likes of Gerri Colombe, Banbridge and Grey Dawning will likely stake their claim.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Non-Runner No Bet odds