The Cheltenham Festival is set to make a spectacular return in March 2026, marking one of the most anticipated events in the National Hunt jump racing calendar. This four-day extravaganza promises thrilling competition, with the coveted Gold Cup serving as the pinnacle on the final day. As the season gathers momentum, fans eagerly await the action-packed schedule that defines this prestigious festival.
2026 Cheltenham Festival Dates and Race Overview
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival commences on Tuesday, March 10, and concludes on Friday, March 13. Over these four days, spectators can enjoy a total of 28 races, with seven races scheduled each day. The event features a diverse mix of challenges, including 13 races run over fences, 13 over hurdles, plus a bumper flat race and a cross-country chase.
Race distances vary significantly, with the shortest covering just under two miles and the longest extending to nearly four miles. In terms of quality, 13 races are designated as Grade 1, five as Grade 2, six as Grade 3, and four as Listed races. Each day's racing begins at 1:20 PM GMT, with the final race starting at 5:20 PM GMT.
Television Coverage and Live Streaming Options
For those unable to attend in person, comprehensive television coverage is available. ITV1 will broadcast the first six races of each day, while a Racing TV subscription provides full coverage, including the final race of each day. Both broadcasters offer live streaming through their respective apps and websites, ensuring fans can follow the action via traditional TV or digital platforms.
Daily Race Card and Schedule
Tuesday, March 10 – Champion Day
The festival kicks off with Champion Day, featuring a series of high-stakes races. Please note that all race conditions and timings are subject to change.
- 1:20 PM: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – £150,000, 2m½f, 8 hurdles, Old Course
- 2:00 PM: Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1) – £200,000, 2m, 13 fences, Old Course
- 2:40 PM: McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap) – £150,000, 3m1f, 20 fences, Old Course
- 3:20 PM: Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – £120,000, 2m4f, 10 hurdles, Old Course
- 4:00 PM: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) – £450,000, 2m½f, 8 hurdles, Old Course
- 4:40 PM: Sun Racing Plate (Premier Handicap) – £80,000, 2m½f, 8 hurdles, Old Course
- 5:20 PM: National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Class 2) – £200,000, 2m, 13 fences, Old Course
Wednesday, March 11 – Ladies Day
Ladies Day continues the excitement with another slate of competitive races.
- 1:20 PM: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – £150,000, 2m5f, 10 hurdles, Old Course
- 2:00 PM: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – £200,000, 3m½f, 20 fences, Old Course
- 2:40 PM: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – £100,000, 2m5f, 10 hurdles, Old Course
- 3:20 PM: Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase – £75,000, 3m6f, 32 obstacles, Old Course
- 4:00 PM: BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) – £400,000, 2m, 13 fences, Old Course
- 4:40 PM: Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase (Premier Handicap) – £150,000, 2m½f, 14 fences, Old Course
- 5:20 PM: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) – £80,000, 2m½f, Old Course
Thursday, March 12 – St Patrick’s Thursday
St Patrick’s Thursday offers a mix of hurdles and chases, building towards the climax.
- 1:20 PM: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) – £105,000, 2m1f, 8 hurdles, New Course
- 2:00 PM: Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) – £125,000, 2m4f, 17 fences, New Course
- 2:40 PM: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – £100,000, 3m, 12 hurdles, New Course
- 3:20 PM: Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) – £375,000, 2m4½f, 17 fences, New Course
- 4:00 PM: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) – £325,000, 3m, 12 hurdles, New Course
- 4:40 PM: Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap) – £150,000, 2m4½f, 17 fences, New Course
- 5:20 PM: Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase – £75,000, 3m2f, 21 fences, New Course
Friday, March 13 – Gold Cup Day
The festival culminates with Gold Cup Day, featuring the headline race and other key contests.
- 1:20 PM: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) – £150,000, 2m1f, 8 hurdles, New Course
- 2:00 PM: William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – £98,370, 2m1f, 8 hurdles, New Course
- 2:40 PM: Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2) – £120,000, 2m4½f, 17 fences, New Course
- 3:20 PM: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – £150,000, 3m, 12 hurdles, New Course
- 4:00 PM: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1) – £625,000, 3m2½f, 22 fences, New Course
- 4:40 PM: Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase – £50, 2m4½f, 17 fences, New Course
- 5:20 PM: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – £75,000, 2m4½f, 10 hurdles, New Course
Ticket Availability and Pricing
For those planning to attend, ticket options vary by day and enclosure. Daily Club Enclosure tickets are available for the first three days starting from £103.50, though Friday's Gold Cup Day is sold out. Tattersalls tickets begin at £73.80 for Tuesday through Thursday, but again, Friday is unavailable.
The most affordable option is the Best Mate enclosure, with day tickets for the first three days priced from £54. All ticket details and purchases can be arranged through the Jockey Club's official channels.
This year's festival is poised to deliver unpredictable and exhilarating racing, with Irish trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend aiming to maintain their dominance. Meanwhile, British trainers are determined to challenge a decade of Irish supremacy in the Prestbury Cup, seeking redemption after last year's 20-8 defeat.
