The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is poised to deliver another thrilling four days of world-class horse racing from Prestbury Park, featuring unpredictable outcomes and blockbuster action across its 28 scheduled races. For enthusiasts unable to attend in person, every race will be accessible through television broadcasts and online streaming services, ensuring no one misses a moment of the excitement.
Event Schedule and Key Details
The festival runs from Tuesday 10 March through Friday 13 March, with seven races scheduled each day. The first race of each day commences at 1.20pm, while the final race begins at 5.20pm. A highlight of the daily schedule is the champion race at 4pm, starting with the Unibet Champion Hurdle on day one and culminating with the prestigious Boodles Gold Cup on the final day.
Trainer Willie Mullins aims to reclaim his status as the week's top trainer, with a particular focus on securing another Gold Cup victory after narrowly missing a three-peat with Galopin des Champs in the previous year. For those following the action, the latest odds and free bet offers are available through Independent Sport in the lead-up to the festival.
Television and Online Viewing Options
ITV Coverage
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the first five races of each day on ITV1, with dedicated coverage starting at 12.45pm GMT and concluding at 5pm GMT daily. These races are also available for streaming via ITVX. Additionally, a morning preview show airs from 9am to 10am GMT on ITV4 and ITVX, providing insights and analysis ahead of the day's events.
Racing TV for Complete Coverage
The final two races of each day are not broadcast on ITV but can be viewed through Racing TV. Subscriptions to Racing TV, which offers coverage of every festival race, are accessible via Sky and Virgin Media, as well as through its official website and mobile application. Racing TV's coverage begins at 12.30pm daily and continues until after the last race.
For alternative viewing, several betting platforms such as Coral, Tote Unibet, and Betway provide live streaming services for all races, typically requiring a funded account or a bet placed within the preceding 24 hours. The Independent will also host a dedicated live blog for real-time updates and commentary throughout the festival.
Ticket Availability and Pricing
For those seeking to attend in person, tickets remain available for the first three days of the festival. Daily Club Enclosure tickets start from £103.50, while Tattersalls tickets are priced from £73.80 for each of the initial three days. The most economical option is the Best Mate enclosure, with day tickets for the first three days costing from £54. However, tickets for Gold Cup day on Friday are currently sold out. All ticket details and purchases can be arranged through the Jockey Club's official platform.
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