Cheltenham Festival 2026: A Comprehensive Guide
The Cheltenham Festival, a highlight of the British sporting calendar, is set to return from Tuesday, March 10th to Friday, March 13th, 2026. This four-day event showcases the best of National Hunt racing at Prestbury Park, attracting both seasoned racing aficionados and casual punters alike. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Festival.
What is the Cheltenham Festival?
Cheltenham is widely considered the “World Cup of jumps racing.” It’s the week when the top National Hunt horses in the United Kingdom and Ireland compete in some of the sport’s most prestigious and lucrative races. The meeting features seven races each day, varying in length and presenting unique challenges to both horse and rider.
Dates and Schedule
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival will seize place over four days:
- Tuesday, March 10th, 2026: Champion Day
- Wednesday, March 11th, 2026: Ladies’ Day
- Thursday, March 12th, 2026: St Patrick’s Thursday
- Friday, March 13th, 2026: Gold Cup Day
Races begin at 1:20 p.m. GMT each day, with the last race running at 5:20 p.m. GMT. Thursday features two feature races, starting at 3:20 p.m. And 4:00 p.m. GMT, while all other days have a feature race at 4:00 p.m. GMT.
Feature Races
- Tuesday, March 10th: The Unibet Champion Hurdle
- Wednesday, March 11th: The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase
- Thursday, March 12th: The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle & The Ryanair Chase
- Friday, March 13th: The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup
Location
The Cheltenham Festival is held in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in the southwest of England. The town has a population of approximately 118,800 (as of the 2021 Census) and is well-known for hosting this annual racing event.
Recent Changes to the Schedule
For the 2026 Festival, the 2m4f Mares’ Hurdle has been moved to Thursday and will now be run on the New Course. The TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (2m4f) will move to Tuesday.
Where to Watch
ESPN will provide live coverage across all four days of the Festival, along with the latest news and reaction. The event will also be extensively covered by ITV Racing.