The Cheltenham Festival, one of the most iconic and heavily attended horse racing events of the year, is set to commence on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This prestigious meeting unfolds over four thrilling days at Prestbury Park in Gloucestershire, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe for a showcase of top-class jumps racing.
Festival Schedule and Key Details
The action-packed festival runs from Tuesday, March 10, through Friday, March 13. Each day features seven races, with the first race starting at 1:20 PM and the final race concluding at 5:20 PM. Races are spaced with 40-minute intervals, allowing spectators to fully immerse themselves in the excitement and strategy of each event.
Extensive Television Coverage
For those unable to attend in person, the Cheltenham Festival receives comprehensive broadcast coverage. ITV1 leads the way, with daily coverage beginning at 12:45 PM. Additionally, Racing TV offers extensive broadcasting, going on air much earlier in the morning to provide in-depth analysis and previews of every race throughout the meeting.
Highlight Races of the Festival
Each day of the festival is anchored by a feature race, the most prestigious on its respective card. The schedule includes:
- Tuesday: The Champion Hurdle
- Wednesday: The Queen Mother Champion Chase
- Thursday: The Stayers’ Hurdle
- Friday: The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup stands out as the most coveted race of the entire meeting and is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the jumps racing season.
International Competition and the Prestbury Cup
While jumps racing is most prominent in Britain and Ireland, the Cheltenham Festival has evolved into a fierce contest between these two nations. The winning country is awarded the Prestbury Cup, adding a layer of national pride to the competition. Although less common, runners from other nations, such as France, have occasionally participated and achieved success over the years.
Top Horses and Trainers to Watch
Leading trainers are poised to make a significant impact at this year's festival. Nicky Henderson, one of the meeting's top trainers, has high expectations for several contenders:
- Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
- Lulamba in the Arkle
- Jango Baie in the Gold Cup
Irish trainer Willie Mullins, who has dominated the fixture in recent years, brings a strong lineup with plentiful chances across all four days. Key horses from his stable include Majborough in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Gaelic Warrior in the Gold Cup.
Champion Hurdle: An Open Contest
The Champion Hurdle presents a particularly open contest this year. The New Lion, trained by Dan Skelton, is one of the ante-post favourites. Meanwhile, last year's surprise winner, Golden Ace, who triumphed at 25-1 odds, returns to defend her title, adding an element of unpredictability to the race.
With its blend of elite competition, national rivalry, and star-studded entries, the Cheltenham Festival 2026 promises to deliver unforgettable moments for racing fans worldwide.
