The prestigious Cheltenham Festival reached its thrilling climax on Friday 13 March 2026, with Gold Cup Day delivering a spectacular finale to a week of unpredictable and exhilarating horse racing action. The festival, renowned for its high stakes and intense competition, saw notable absences of big names like Constitution Hill, Marine Nationale, and Galopin Des Champs, leading to fewer clear favourites and an open field across the events.
Gold Cup Day Highlights and Key Races
Friday's schedule featured seven races, headlined by the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase at 4.00pm. This year's edition was particularly intriguing, with Harry Redknapp's The Jukebox Man contending for glory, while Inothewayurthinkin aimed to secure back-to-back victories, potentially making history. The day kicked off with the JCB Triumph Hurdle, where Apolon De Charnie stunned spectators with a remarkable 50/1 win, continuing trainer Willie Mullins' successful week.
Complete Racecard and Winners for Friday 13 March
Here is the full breakdown of results from Gold Cup Day:
- 1.20 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1): 1. Apolon De Charnie 50/1; 2. Maestro Conti 5/1; 3. Minella Study 7/1
- 2.00 William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap): A large field including Murcia, Khrisma, and Karbau, with detailed runner list provided.
- 2.40 Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2): Dinoblue, Panic Attack, Spindleberry among entries.
- 3.20 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1): Doctor Steinberg, Thedeviluno, No Drama This End leading the pack.
- 4.00 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1): Gaelic Warrior, The Jukebox Man, Jango Baie, Inothewayurthinkin, Haiti Couleurs, Grey Dawning, Spillane's Tower, Envoi Allen, Banbridge, Affordale Fury, Firefox, Stellar Story, Gold Tweet, L'Homme Presse.
- 4.40 Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase: Wonderwall, Its On The Line, Panda Boy, Con's Roc featured.
- 5.20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle: Kel Histoire, Roc Dino, A Pai De Nom, Air Of Entitlement among runners.
Earlier Festival Days: Results Recap
The festival began on Tuesday 10 March with Champion Day, followed by Ladies Day on Wednesday 11 March, and St Patrick’s Thursday on 12 March. Key victories included Old Park Star in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Kargese in the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy, and Lossiemouth in the Unibet Champion Hurdle. Wednesday saw King Rasko Grey win the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, while Thursday featured surprises like White Noise's 40/1 win in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
Viewing and Ticket Information
For those looking to watch the action, ITV1 broadcast the first six races each day, with full coverage available through a Racing TV subscription. Both platforms offered live streams via apps and websites, while some UK betting sites provided streams, often requiring a bet or funded account. Ticket availability varied, with Club Enclosure tickets for the first three days priced from £103.50, Tattersalls from £73.80, and Best Mate enclosure from £54. However, Gold Cup Day on Friday was completely sold out, highlighting the event's immense popularity.
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