The Cheltenham Festival returns for 2026, bringing four days of premier horse racing action to Prestbury Park from March 10 to 13. This annual event features seven races daily, making it the largest meeting on the racing calendar and a highlight for sports enthusiasts. Each day culminates with a champion race, starting with the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday and ending with the Gold Cup on Friday, where Inothewayurthinkin aims for a second consecutive victory.
Schedule and Champion Races
The festival runs from Tuesday, March 11, to Friday, March 14, with the first race at 1:20 PM and the final race at 5:20 PM each day. A champion race is scheduled for 4:00 PM daily, beginning with the Unibet Champion Hurdle on day one and concluding with the Boodles Gold Cup on day four. This structure ensures a thrilling climax to each day's events.
Television and Online Coverage
In the United Kingdom, ITV1 broadcasts the first five races of each day, with coverage starting at 12:45 PM GMT and concluding at 5:00 PM GMT. Viewers can also stream these races online via ITVX. Additionally, a morning preview show airs from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM GMT on ITV4 and ITVX, providing insights and analysis ahead of the day's action.
Watching Races After ITV Coverage Ends
For the final two races of each day, which are not shown on ITV, fans can tune in via Racing TV. Subscriptions to Racing TV are available through Sky, Virgin Media, and online via its website and app. Coverage begins at 12:30 PM GMT daily and continues until after the last race. Alternatively, betting sites and apps often stream all races for users with funded accounts, and The Independent offers a live blog for real-time updates.
Ticket Availability and Pricing
Tickets for the festival vary by enclosure and day. Club Enclosure tickets for the first three days start at £103.50 per day, while Tattersalls tickets begin at £73.80 for the same period. The Best Mate enclosure offers the most affordable option, with day tickets priced from £54 for the initial three days. Note that Friday, Gold Cup day, is sold out across all enclosures. Tickets can be purchased through the Jockey Club's official channels.
This guide ensures you have all the information needed to enjoy the Cheltenham Festival 2026, whether watching from home or attending in person. Stay updated with the latest odds and offers as the event approaches.
