Horse Racing Tips
Cheltenham Day Four – Non Runner Money Back tips
We are just under a month out from the first day of the biggest horse racing betting event of the year, the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
Our blog looks at Non Runner Money Back angles for Friday’s headline races.
Check out our Cheltenham 2025 Festival Non-Runner Money Back ante-post markets with William Hill
Triumph Hurdle
The final day of the Cheltenham Festival kicks off with the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle, a prestigious two-mile contest exclusively for four-year-old hurdlers. Historically, this race has been a strong indicator of top juvenile talent, with five of the last ten winners being sent off as the favourite—suggesting that market confidence can be a key factor.
Irish dominance has been a recurring theme, with eight of the last ten winners coming from across the water. However, this year’s betting suggests a potential shift in power, with current favourite East India Dock trained in England. Likewise, the second-favourite, Lulamba, hails from Nicky Henderson’s yard, hinting at a possible resurgence of British-trained juveniles in the division.
East India Dock put in a commanding performance in the Triumph Trial, and if he can replicate that effort, he’ll be a major contender. However, there’s an interesting alternative at bigger odds—one that could be worth backing, especially with William Hill’s Non-Runner Money Back concession in play.
Trained by Joseph O’Brien, Galileo Dame is a fascinating contender with entries in both the Triumph Hurdle and the Ryanair. A high-class performer on the Flat, she has made significant strides since switching to hurdles. Although she has yet to get her head in front in her last four, her latest effort saw her finish just ¾ of a length behind market rival Hello Neighbour—despite encountering traffic issues in the closing stages. With a clearer run, she could easily reverse that form.
Given that Hello Neighbour is currently priced at 9/2, Galileo Dame represents fantastic value at 14/1. With the added safety net of the Non-Runner Money Back offer, she makes for a smart each-way play—whether she lines up in the Triumph or takes her chance in the Ryanair.
Bet on the Triumph Hurdle with William Hill’s Non Runner Money Back here
William Hill County Handicap Hurdle
The William Hill County Hurdle, a Grade 3 handicap at Cheltenham, challenges runners with eight hurdles over two miles and one furlong. Recent history suggests Irish dominance, with four of the last five winners hailing from across the water—and this year looks no different, with the top six in the betting all trained in Ireland.
Among them, Kopeck De Mee has attracted significant attention since joining JP McManus from French trainer Joel Boisnard. A three-time hurdle winner in five starts, he’s a 5/1 shot across multiple Festival handicaps, including this race, the Coral Cup, and the Martin Pipe. With William Hill’s Non Runner Money Back offer, ante-post punters can back him without the risk of missing out.
Leading trainer Willie Mullins has already won this race seven times, and while Absurde (7/1) bids to make history as the first dual winner, it’s stablemate Ethical Diamond (12/1) who could be the dark horse. His impressive Maiden Hurdle win at Punchestown suggests untapped potential, and his jockey booking will be eagerly awaited.
Bet on the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle with William Hill’s Non Runner Money Back here
Gold Cup
Friday’s feature race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, could see history in the making as Galopin Des Champs aims for a third consecutive victory. With Paul Townend in the saddle, the superstar chaser isn’t just defending his crown—he’s chasing a legacy. A win would not only cement his dominance but also secure Townend’s fifth Gold Cup triumph, making him the race’s most successful jockey. At 2/5, he’s the clear favourite.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing last year, with defeats to Fastorslow (Punchestown Gold Cup) and Fact To File (John Durkan). But he silenced any doubts with a commanding performance in December’s Savills Chase, turning the tables on Fact To File in style.
While Banbridge (5/1), Fact To File (5/1), and Monty’s Star (12/1) present intriguing cases, they may be left fighting for minor honours. Galopin Des Champs’ dominance makes him tough to oppose.
For those seeking each-way value, Gentlemansgame (40/1), trained by Mouse Morris, is worth consideration. His third-place finish in the Savills Chase showed he can handle the big stage. With uncertainty over Fact To File’s target, the Non Runner Money Back option is a useful safety net for punters. Expect a thrilling contest—but the champ is still the one to beat.
Bet on the Gold Cup with William Hill’s Non Runner Money Back here
