Cheltenham Festival 2026: Everything You Need to Know
The Cheltenham Festival 2026 is fast approaching, with just one month remaining until the pinnacle of the National Hunt season captivates racing enthusiasts. Scheduled to unfold over four thrilling days from Tuesday, March 10 to Friday, March 13, this event stands as the centrepiece of the British jumps calendar, attracting massive crowds to the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside.
How to Watch the Cheltenham Festival 2026
For viewers in the UK, comprehensive free-to-air coverage of the first five races each day will be broadcast live on ITV Racing. Fans seeking uninterrupted access to the full card can subscribe to Racing TV or stream the action through major bookmakers, ensuring no moment of the excitement is missed.
Cheltenham Festival 2026 Schedule and Key Races
The week-long festival features a stellar lineup of premier races, each day highlighting a marquee event:
- Tuesday, March 10: The Champion Hurdle, a two-mile Grade 1 contest that crowns the fastest and most accurate hurdler in training, serving as the emotional peak of the opening day.
- Wednesday, March 11: The Queen Mother Champion Chase, testing the jumping precision and raw speed of the best two-mile chasers, widely considered the most intense spectacle due to its breakneck pace and daunting fences.
- Thursday, March 12: The Stayers' Hurdle and Ryanair Chase, offering a double dose of top-tier competition.
- Friday, March 13: The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, the ultimate prize in jump racing contested over a punishing three miles and two and a half furlongs, granting winners a permanent place in history.
Attendees are encouraged to wear smart-casual attire, with tweed and warm layers being the traditional choice. This is especially true on Ladies Day, when high fashion is actively celebrated and adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
Early Favourites for Cheltenham Festival 2026 Races
Champion Hurdle Favourites: Dan Skelton's The New Lion has solidified his position as the market favourite at 5/2 with Betfair, following a victory on Trials Day. In a rather open renewal, he could face rivals like the talented mare Brighterdaysahead at 7/2 and the legendary Constitution Hill at 9/2, if his connections target this race.
Champion Chase Favourites: Willie Mullins' Majborough currently leads the betting at 13/8 after romping home in the Grade 1 Dublin Chase last time out. He faces competition from defending champion Marine Nationale at 9/4, who looks to prove his class once again after upsetting Majborough at short odds last year.
Gold Cup Favourites: Fact To File heads the betting at 9/2 after a dominant Irish Gold Cup win, though he could be pitched at the Ryanair Chase instead and would need supplementation for the Gold Cup. Market rivals include fan favourite Galopin Des Champs at 9/1, King George VI winner The Jukebox Man at 11/2, and Jango Baie at 5/1.
Tickets and Attendance Information
Tickets can be purchased directly through the official Jockey Club website, with multiple enclosure options available to suit different budgets. It is essential to book early, as Friday's Gold Cup Day is already nearing capacity and premium hospitality packages often sell out months in advance, highlighting the event's immense popularity.
