The eagerly anticipated Cheltenham Festival 2026 is officially underway, offering four thrilling days of world-class National Hunt racing at Prestbury Park. For punters unable to attend the iconic meeting in person, comprehensive live coverage is available on ITV Racing, with the broadcast team set to guide viewers through every moment of the action.
Extensive Live Coverage Schedule
Commencing on Tuesday, March 10, the festival features a total of 28 races across its duration, culminating in the historic Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday afternoon. ITV Racing will deliver extensive live coverage each day, starting at 12:45pm and broadcasting the first six races of every card. This ensures fans do not miss a second of the elite competition.
Meet the Award-Winning Presentation Team
Leading the ITV Racing team is the primary anchor for the week, Ed Chamberlin, the reigning Sports Broadcaster of the Year. His expert presentation will set the tone for the festival's coverage.
Providing unparalleled analysis from the podium is the legendary Sir Anthony McCoy. As a 20-time Champion Jockey, AP secured over 4,000 winners during his unmatched riding career, famously winning the Gold Cup twice. His insights are invaluable for understanding the nuances of each race.
Expert Analysis and Tactical Breakdown
Ruby Walsh will be stationed in his dedicated analysis hub, breaking down the tactical intricacies of every performance on track. As the most successful jockey in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, Walsh recorded a staggering 59 winners and was crowned leading rider at the meeting an impressive 11 times.
Returning as a core pundit is the beloved Grand National and Gold Cup-winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald. He famously rode See More Business to victory in the 1999 Gold Cup, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the broadcast.
Paddock Previews and Trackside Reporting
Megan Nicholls adds her expertise as a former professional flat jockey, contributing to the team's analysis and paddock previews. The daughter of 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls, she rode over 100 winners before transitioning to a successful media career.
Former rider Luke Harvey and the experienced Alice Plunkett will report directly from the thick of the action at trackside. They are joined by Matt Chapman, who will track market moves and conduct interviews in the winner's enclosure.
Specialised Roles and Commentary
Rishi Persad, a veteran sports broadcaster with decades in horse racing and multiple Olympic Games coverage, will assess the horses' physical condition in the paddock before they head to the start.
Oli Bell hosts the Social Stable and The Opening Show, keeping fans updated on all the latest trends and news. He is joined by respected journalist Sally-Ann Grassick, who provides specialised updates on the highly competitive Irish raiding party.
The iconic voice of Richard Hoiles will guide viewers through every jump as the lead commentator for all major races, supported by the legendary former jockey and acclaimed author Brough Scott. Brian Gleeson will be positioned in the heart of the betting ring, delivering the latest news on price changes and significant gambles.
With this stellar lineup of pundits and presenters, ITV Racing is perfectly equipped to bring the excitement, drama, and elite competition of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival directly to viewers' screens.
