Cheltenham 2026: Four Days of Championship Racing
The Cheltenham Festival returns from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March 2026, bringing 28 races across four days, including 13 Grade 1 contests. It remains the pinnacle of National Hunt racing and one of the biggest betting events of the year.
Whether you're a seasoned racing fan or someone who only has a flutter during the big meetings, this guide covers everything you need: the full schedule, the key races to watch, the horses generating the most buzz, and where to find the best betting offers.
Gates open at 10:30 each day, with the first race at 13:20 and the last at 17:20.
The Full Race Schedule
Day 1: Champion Day (Tuesday 10th March)
The festival opener sets the tone with two Grade 1 contests and some fiercely competitive handicaps.
| Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | Supreme Novices' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 87y |
| 14:00 | Arkle Novices' Chase | Grade 1 | 1m 7f 199y |
| 14:40 | Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | Premier Handicap | 2m 87y |
| 15:20 | Ultima Handicap Chase | Premier Handicap | 3m 1f |
| 16:00 | Champion Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 87y |
| 16:40 | Plate Handicap Chase | Premier Handicap | 2m 4f 56y |
| 17:20 | National Hunt Chase | Listed | 3m 5f 148y |
The Champion Hurdle at 16:00 is the day's showpiece. The two-mile hurdling championship often produces thrilling finishes and has a habit of throwing up surprises.
Day 2: Ladies' Day (Wednesday 11th March)
Ladies' Day features arguably the most exciting race of the entire festival: the Champion Chase, a breathtaking two-mile test of speed and jumping.
| Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | Turners Novices' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 3f 200y |
| 14:00 | Brown Advisory Novices' Chase | Grade 1 | 3m 80y |
| 14:40 | Coral Cup | Premier Handicap | 2m 5f |
| 15:20 | Cross Country Chase | Listed | 3m 6f |
| 16:00 | Champion Chase | Grade 1 | 1m 7f 199y |
| 16:40 | Grand Annual | Premier Handicap | 2m 62y |
| 17:20 | Champion Bumper | Grade 1 | 2m 87y |
Day 3: St Patrick's Thursday (12th March)
Thursday's card is packed with quality, headlined by both the Stayers' Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase.
| Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | Mares' Novices' Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m 87y |
| 14:00 | Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase | Grade 2 | 2m 4f 56y |
| 14:40 | Mares' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 3f 200y |
| 15:20 | Stayers' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 7f 213y |
| 16:00 | Ryanair Chase | Grade 1 | 2m 4f 127y |
| 16:40 | Pertemps Network Final | Premier Handicap | 2m 7f 213y |
| 17:20 | Kim Muir | Listed | 3m 2f |
Day 4: Gold Cup Day (Friday 13th March)
The festival's grand finale. Everything builds towards the Gold Cup at 16:00, the most prestigious race in National Hunt racing.
| Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | Triumph Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 87y |
| 14:00 | County Hurdle | Premier Handicap | 2m 87y |
| 14:40 | Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase | Grade 2 | 2m 4f 56y |
| 15:20 | Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 7f 213y |
| 16:00 | Cheltenham Gold Cup | Grade 1 | 3m 2f 70y |
| 16:40 | Festival Hunters' Chase | Listed | 3m 2f 70y |
| 17:20 | Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle | Premier Handicap | 2m 4f 56y |
The Big Three: Championship Races to Watch
Champion Hurdle (Tuesday 16:00)
The 2026 Champion Hurdle is one of the most open in recent memory. The New Lion heads the market after an impressive victory in the Unibet Hurdle on Cheltenham Trials Day, proving he handles the course well.
Close behind in the betting is Brighterdaysahead, who put in a dominant performance in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. The mare looked exceptional that day and could become the first female winner of the Champion Hurdle in years.
The big story is Constitution Hill, whose odds have shortened dramatically from 16/1 to around 5/1 following the season-ending pelvic injury to stablemate Sir Gino. Nicky Henderson's charge was sensational when winning this race in 2023 but has been plagued by setbacks since. If he turns up anywhere close to his best, he could win this again.
Key runners: The New Lion, Brighterdaysahead, Constitution Hill, Lossiemouth
Stayers' Hurdle (Thursday 15:20)
Teahupoo is the clear market leader at 13/8 and looks like one of the strongest favourites at this year's festival. He's a powerful stayer who travels well through his races and produces a devastating finish. His form over this sort of trip is rock solid.
Marine Nationale at around 2/1 offers the main alternative. Known for sharp jumping and the ability to travel on the bridle for long stretches, he brings a different style to the race. If Teahupoo has an off day, Marine Nationale is the most likely beneficiary.
Cheltenham Gold Cup (Friday 16:00)
The Gold Cup picture is fascinating in 2026. Fact To File has emerged as the new favourite at around 9/2, though the horse needs to be supplemented for the race (entered late at additional cost), which always adds a layer of uncertainty.
The old guard is well represented by Galopin des Champs, a two-time Gold Cup winner looking to make history with a third victory. He's shown enough this season to suggest he remains a serious contender, though he may not be quite the force he was.
Inothewayurthinkin is another fascinating runner, having been supplemented late at last year's festival and running a huge race. This year he'll be better prepared and better known.
What makes this Gold Cup especially intriguing is the absence of a dominant favourite. Unlike years where a single horse is odds-on, the 2026 renewal looks genuinely competitive, which makes it more exciting for punters and more rewarding if you find the winner.
Key runners: Fact To File, Galopin des Champs, Inothewayurthinkin, Doyen Quest
Cheltenham Betting Tips for Beginners
If the Cheltenham Festival is your first serious dip into horse racing betting, here are some practical tips:
Understand each-way betting. An each-way bet gives you two chances: you win if your horse finishes first, and you get a return (usually at a quarter or a fifth of the odds) if it places. In the bigger handicap races with large fields, each-way betting is often better value than a straight win bet.
Handicap races are harder to predict. The Grade 1 championship races (Champion Hurdle, Gold Cup, etc.) tend to have smaller fields where form is more reliable. The handicaps can have 20+ runners and produce more surprises. They're exciting but trickier.
Check the ground. Cheltenham in March can be anything from heavy mud to good ground depending on the weather in the days before the festival. Some horses love soft ground; others hate it. Pay attention to the going report on the morning of racing.
Don't chase losses. This is the most important tip of all. The festival runs across four days with seven races each day. Losing on day one doesn't mean you need to bet bigger on day two to catch up. Set a budget, stick to it, and treat it as entertainment. Read our guide on bankroll management and responsible gambling for more on this.
Look at trainer and jockey records. Certain trainers dominate Cheltenham. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott from Ireland regularly send over large raiding parties. In recent years, Irish-trained horses have won the majority of races. It's worth checking which trainers have the strongest records at the festival.
Best Cheltenham Betting Offers 2026
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest promotional periods for betting sites. Most major operators roll out enhanced offers, free bets, and money-back specials specifically for the meeting. Here's what's currently available for new customers:
| Bookmaker | Welcome Offer | Key Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Paddy Power | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | 90-day validity |
| Betfair | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | New customers only |
| Coral | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | New customers only |
| Betfred | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | General welcome offer |
| BOYLESports | Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets | Credited as 1x £40 |
| William Hill | Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets | New customers only |
| BetMGM | Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets | New customers only |
| bet365 | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | New customers only |
| Betano | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets + 50 Free Spins | Free spins on Big Bass Return |
| Ladbrokes | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | New customers only |
Important: All offers are for new customers only and subject to terms and conditions. Always read the full T&Cs before signing up. Wagering requirements, minimum odds, and time limits apply. Offers may change before the festival begins, so check the bookmaker's site directly for the latest details.
If you're more of a slots player who fancies a flutter on the racing, several of these bookmakers also offer excellent casino welcome bonuses alongside their sports betting offers. Betano's inclusion of 50 free spins alongside the racing free bet is a good example of this crossover.
For a broader look at the best slot sites and top-rated casinos available in the UK, explore our full reviews.
Beyond the Racing: Cheltenham as an Event
The festival isn't just about the racing. For many, it's a social event and a celebration of the jump racing season. If you're thinking about attending in person:
- Tickets range from general admission to premium hospitality packages. Book early as Gold Cup Day sells out fastest.
- Getting there is easiest by train to Cheltenham Spa station, with shuttle buses to the racecourse. Driving is possible but parking is limited and expensive.
- Dress code varies by enclosure. The Best Mate Enclosure is more relaxed; Club and Premium areas expect smart dress.
- Atmosphere builds across the four days, peaking on Gold Cup Friday. If you can only go one day, Friday is the one, though Tuesday's Champion Day has a special buzz as the festival opener.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2026?
Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March 2026. Four days, seven races per day, 28 races in total.
What time do the races start?
The first race each day is at 13:20 and the last race is at 17:20. Gates open at 10:30.
What is the biggest race at Cheltenham?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, run on Friday at 16:00, is the most prestigious National Hunt race in the calendar. The Champion Hurdle (Tuesday) and Champion Chase (Wednesday) are also major championship contests.
Can I bet on Cheltenham at slot sites?
Many online casino and slot sites also offer sports betting. Operators like bet365, Betfred, and BetMGM have both casino and sportsbook products. Check whether your preferred site offers horse racing markets alongside their slot games.
What does each-way mean?
An each-way bet is two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet. If your horse wins, both parts pay out. If it places (usually top 3-4 depending on field size), you receive a fraction of the win odds. It costs twice your stake but gives you two chances of a return.
Is ante-post betting worth it?
Ante-post bets (placed before the day of the race) offer bigger odds but carry more risk because you lose your stake if the horse doesn't run. For the championship races where you're confident about a runner, the enhanced odds can offer good value. For handicaps, it's generally better to wait for final declarations.
