Supreme Novices' Hurdle Odds
How to Bet on the Supreme Novices' Hurdle
The Supreme Novices' Hurdle is the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival, run over two miles on the Old Course and is reserved for novice hurdlers aged four and older.
As the traditional curtain-raiser, it draws a lot of interest from punters and is known for its electric atmosphere, often accompanied by the 'Cheltenham Roar'.
Given the race's prominence, Supreme Novices' Hurdle odds are available well in advance. Many of the best betting sites publish early markets on potential runners, with odds shifting throughout the jumps season based on performances in key trial races. Here are the most common ways to bet on the Supreme:
Ante-Post & Futures Betting
Supreme Novices' Hurdle odds can be found in ante-post markets months before the festival. These futures markets allow punters to back a horse at potentially bigger prices before declarations are finalised. However, this comes with the risk that your horse might not run.
Closer to the event, online bookmakers often introduce Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) promotions, which refund stakes on horses that do not take part. Always check the terms and conditions before placing an early wager on this prestigious Grade 1.
Win Market
A win bet on the Supreme Novices' Hurdle is a simple wager on your chosen horse to finish first. If the horse crosses the line in front, the bet wins. If not, the stake is lost.
Place Bets
With a field that often features between 12 and 18 runners, many bookmakers will offer extra places on the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. This means your selection can finish second, third or sometimes even fourth, depending on the terms, and still yield a return.
Each-Way Betting
Each-way bets split your stake in two: half goes on your selection to win, the other half on the horse to place. If your selection wins, both parts of the bet pay out. If it only places, you’ll receive a partial payout at a reduced odds fraction, commonly 1/5 or 1/4 of the starting price.
Given the competitive nature of this novice event, many punters opt for each-way bets to cover more scenarios.
How to Read Supreme Novices' Hurdle Odds
Horse racing odds appear in three formats: fractional, decimal, and American. Most horse racing betting sites allow you to switch between them. Here's a concise explanation of how to read each format:
Fractional odds remain the most familiar format for UK and Irish punters. Odds such as 5/1 indicate that for every £1 wagered, you would earn £5 profit if the horse wins, plus your original stake back. So a £10 bet at 5/1 returns £60 in total.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle Facts
- Grade 1 race for novice hurdlers
- Distance: 2 miles and 87 yards on Cheltenham's Old Course
- Open to horses aged four years and older
- First race of the Cheltenham Festival each year
- Key trials include the Tolworth Hurdle, Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle and the Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle
Supreme Novices' Hurdle Tips & Insights
This race often features top novice hurdlers who go on to become Champion Hurdle contenders. Many winners come from elite trainers like Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson and Gordon Elliott, so paying attention to their entries and market moves can be crucial.
Speed, jumping fluency and recent form are major assets in a fast-paced race like this. Trial races in Ireland and Britain can offer useful pointers, particularly those contested on similar ground.
If you're seeking value, consider horses that have shown potential in smaller fields but are bred for better ground or stronger competition. Using betting apps that offer enhanced each-way terms or odds boosts can help you make the most of your stake.
Comparing Supreme Novices' Hurdle Odds
With so many competitive entries, the Supreme market is constantly moving. You can stay ahead by comparing odds via the live tracker at the top of this page.
Some operators offer early prices, NRNB promotions or Best Odds Guaranteed closer to the festival.
Whether you’re backing an odds-on favourite or siding with an outsider, Gambling.com's odds comparison tool can help you get the most value on one of Cheltenham’s most anticipated races.
