The Cheltenham Festival returns in 2026, promising four thrilling days of elite horse racing at Prestbury Park. With 28 races scheduled across the event, fans worldwide can catch every moment of the action through comprehensive television and online streaming options. This guide provides all essential details for viewers unable to attend in person, ensuring you don't miss a single race from this prestigious meeting.
Event Schedule and Key Details
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to run from Tuesday, March 10th, through Friday, March 13th. Each day features seven races, with the first starting at 1:20 PM and the final race commencing at 5:20 PM. Daily highlights include a champion race at 4:00 PM, beginning with the Unibet Champion Hurdle on day one and culminating with the Boodles Gold Cup on the final day. Trainer Willie Mullins aims to reclaim top honours after narrowly missing a Gold Cup three-peat with Galopin des Champs last year, adding extra intrigue to the competition.
Television Coverage in the United Kingdom
For viewers in the UK, ITV1 will broadcast the first five races of each day, with dedicated coverage starting at 12:45 PM GMT and concluding at 5:00 PM GMT. All races shown on ITV1 can also be streamed live via ITVX. Additionally, a morning preview show airs from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM GMT on ITV4 and ITVX, offering insights and analysis ahead of the day's events.
Streaming Options for Complete Coverage
To watch every race, including the final two not covered by ITV, Racing TV provides full festival coverage. Subscriptions are available through Sky, Virgin Media, and directly via the Racing TV website and app. Their coverage begins daily at 12:30 PM GMT and continues until after the last race. For those preferring digital updates, The Independent will host a live blog with real-time coverage. Many betting sites and apps also stream all races, typically requiring a funded account for access.
Ticket Availability and Pricing
While Friday's Gold Cup day is sold out, tickets remain available for the first three days of the festival. Options include:
- Club Enclosure: Daily tickets start from £103.50 for Tuesday to Thursday.
- Tattersalls: Tickets are priced from £73.80 per day for the initial three days.
- Best Mate Enclosure: The most affordable choice, with day tickets from £54 for Tuesday through Thursday.
All ticket purchases can be made through the Jockey Club's official channels. For the latest odds and betting offers, Independent Sport provides comprehensive resources leading up to the festival.
