Headline racing events coming in March and April 2023

Horse racing fans need little to motivate their excitement, as the thundering sound of hooves around the course is enough to stoke our passions. But when it comes to headline meetings, the biggest are those which often capture the imagination, along with being the most prestigious for those competing.

Owners and trainers, jockeys and the horses themselves; they all have something at stake. Be it the simple pride of participation, and the chance to earn themselves memorable victories. Although punters are also enthused by such big races, just as eager to wager on the outcomes, carefully checking form guides or putting their faith in the tipsters.

The wisest punters will always proceed with prudence, aiming to compare horse racing betting sites, focusing on those offering the most competitive odds and promotions. Given the huge number of online betting options available, checking which best suit our own requirements is often the best approach, especially when backed by positive and impartial reviews.

As we look ahead to what 2023 will bring in the coming months, March and April are often when horse racing enjoys greater appeal, reaching beyond its established fanbase to attract a much wider audience. This is largely because two of the biggest events in British racing are traditionally held, enjoying widespread national and global media coverage.

2023 Cheltenham Festival Traditionally held annually in mid-March each year and held over four days, the Cheltenham Festival often welcomes more than 260,000 people in attendance, according to the BHA. Given the amount of high-profile races they can watch, this is hardly surprising, not to mention being one of the biggest meetings on the National Hunt racing calendar.

This year the Cheltenham Festival will begin on Tuesday 14th March, concluding on Friday 17th March, featuring a packed schedule with plenty of races to enjoy over the four days. While there are now 28 races in total, each with their own high prestige and interesting nuances, the attention of punters and fans is undoubtedly drawn to the headline races.

Day One is when the Champion Hurdle and the Arkle Challenge Trophy are run, while on Day Two there’s are the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Champion Bumber. Day Three has the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Festival Trophy, as this wonderful event builds up to its crescendo. Then on Day Four it’s time for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the top races in the National Hunt racing scene.

Last year in 2022 it was Rachael Blackmore who hit the headlines, becoming the first ever female jockey to ride a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, riding A Plus Tard to memorable victory by more than 15 lengths. This year and based upon the early betting odds, Galopin Des Champs is widely tipped as the favourite in 2023, with Paul Townend in the saddle.

2023 Grand National

Once we head into the opening week of April, the 2023 Ulster National Raceday opens the running on Sunday 2nd, while the Scottish Grand National Festival closes out an excellent month, taking place over the 21st and 22nd this year. Although between those two events, from 13th to 15th of the month, the 2023 Grand National Festival will inevitably grab the most headlines at Aintree Racecourse.

Widely considered to be much more than just the greatest steeplechase, the Grand National is firmly part of British sporting culture and heritage, often attracting the attention of people who don’t usually tend to follow racing. Throughout the country, millions of people tune in to watch the race on TV, while many participate in workplace sweepstakes, hopeful their horse will be the winner.

Opening Day gets the festivities going, while Ladies Day brings out the fashionistas and their colourful outfits, while Grand National Day features the titular headline race itself. Recognised as one of the most difficult and gruelling races in existence, the Grand National is always packed with excitement and plenty of drama, making instant legends of horses and jockeys who reach the finishing post in first position.

The most legendary Grand National horse will always be Red Rum, back to back winner in 1973 and 1974, before another amazing win in 1977. After decades of waiting, none managed the feat consecutive victories until Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019. Now the challenge falls to 2022 winner Noble Yeats, the 50/1 shot last year that stunned everyone, albeit without Sam Waley-Cohen in the saddle this time around.