Cheltenham Festival 2026 Day One: A Spectacular Start with Champion Hurdle Showdown
The Cheltenham Festival 2026 commences today, marking the beginning of four days of exhilarating horse racing action at Prestbury Park. This year's edition promises to be more unpredictable than ever, with fewer clear favourites and tightly contested fields adding an extra layer of excitement for spectators and punters alike.
Champion Day Highlights and Key Races
The Festival runs from Tuesday 10 March to Friday 13 March, with day one featuring fan-favourite runners such as Willie Mullins' Lossiemouth and Dan Skelton's The New Lion. These two stars are set to go head-to-head in the Champion Hurdle at 4.00pm, a race that could spring a surprise winner and set the tone for the entire event. The question on everyone's mind is whether Mullins' mare, Lossiemouth, can step up and compete at this elite level.
Irish trainer Willie Mullins is aiming for yet another champion trainer crown, while his long-time partner, jockey Paul Townend, hopes to secure another champion jockey title. Their dominance adds to the intrigue, but British trainers are eager to challenge a decade of Irish supremacy in the Prestbury Cup, seeking to restore pride after last year's 20-8 defeat.
Schedule and Viewing Details
Each day of the Festival will see the first race at 1.20pm and the final race at 5.20pm, with a champion race scheduled for 4pm daily. Day one features the Unibet Champion Hurdle, while day four concludes with the Boodles Gold Cup. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the first five races will be broadcast on ITV1, with coverage starting at 12.45pm GMT and streaming available on ITVX. A preview show airs from 9am to 10am GMT on ITV4 and ITVX.
Why This Festival Is More Unpredictable
Horse racing fans often rely on research and trends to predict outcomes, but the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to defy expectations. With fewer clearly defined favourites, the event promises thrills, shocks, and surprises. The Festival, a highlight of the National Hunt season, attracts around 250,000 spectators over four days and generates an estimated £274 million in economic impact, up from £100 million in 2016. This growth is partly due to the unpredictable nature of the races, which keeps audiences engaged and betting markets lively.
Follow our live blog for all the latest news, expert tips, free bet offers, and Cheltenham odds as the action unfolds. Whether you're a seasoned punter or a casual viewer, the Cheltenham Festival 2026 is poised to deliver unforgettable moments from the very first race.
