Cheltenham betting: 2026 National Hunt Challenge Cup contenders and tip

Day one of Cheltenham Festival 2026 concludes with the National Hunt Challenge Cup, which Coral has provided its tip for.

Coral's National Hunt Challenge Cup Cheltenham 2026 tip

Over a marathon trip of three miles and six furlongs, this is the sort of race which could throw up a surprise result. 

Paul Nolan’s Iceberg Theory seeks a hat-trick and is a very able stayer, so could be in contention here.  

Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore run King Of Answers here, who was lately seen beating the useful Bill Baxter over three miles and Kelso.

With more staying power in his arsenal, he looks somewhat tempting, though might prefer to be lower in the weights for this. 

Wa Wa carries topweight but is good at this track, winning here in a Listed novices’ chase at the November meeting. He could factor, but this is a long race around which it will be difficult to shoulder top weight. 

Grand Geste is likely to be popular, having remained very consistent all season long and thrives over a longer trip, but he will need to produce a career best to win this. 

Coral ambassador Joe Tizzard’s First Confession could be way overpriced at 28/1, given his good win at Carlisle in February and his considered recent improvement. He might represent some each-way value, particularly if there are extra places left.

Coral’s big-race tip: Newton Tornado at 9/2

View the latest Cheltenham Festival 2026 betting odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.