Four Days Of Championship Racing
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival runs from Tuesday March 10 to Friday March 13, with 28 races including 14 Grade 1 contests spread across four days at Prestbury Park. Champion Day opens proceedings on Tuesday, followed by Ladies Day on Wednesday, St Patrick's Thursday, and the showpiece Gold Cup Day on Friday. Racing runs from 1:20pm to 5:20pm GMT each day, with the feature races at 4pm.
Over 250,000 spectators are expected across the four days, with Gold Cup Day already sold out. The festival is worth an estimated £274 million to the local Gloucestershire economy.
Gold Cup Wide Open After Galopin Des Champs Withdrawal
Friday's Gold Cup is shaping up to be one of the most open renewals in years after two-time winner Galopin Des Champs, who took the race in 2023 and 2024, was withdrawn in the week before the festival. Willie Mullins' Gaelic Warrior is the 3/1 favourite, with Nicky Henderson's Jango Baie next in the market at 7/2.
The Jukebox Man, part-owned by former football manager Harry Redknapp, represents Britain's best Gold Cup hope in years. Unbeaten in four starts over fences and a King George winner, the horse has captured the public imagination. Defending champion Inothewayurthinkin is aiming to become the first horse since Best Mate to win back-to-back Gold Cups. Irish-trained horses have won nine of the last ten Gold Cups. Check our racecards for full fields and odds.
Champion Hurdle Without Constitution Hill
Tuesday's Champion Hurdle has been blown wide open by the absence of Constitution Hill, who has been diverted away from Cheltenham. Willie Mullins' Lossiemouth is the 2/1 favourite, unbeaten in three previous visits to the festival including the 2023 Triumph Hurdle. Dan Skelton's The New Lion is second favourite at 11/4 after winning the Novices' Hurdle at last year's meeting.
Henry De Bromhead's Brighterdaysahead brings strong form after winning the 2026 Irish Champion Hurdle. Defending champion Golden Ace, who won last year at 25/1 after State Man fell at the final flight, is available at 8/1 to repeat the feat.
Champion Chase And Programme Changes
Wednesday's Champion Chase sees Willie Mullins' Majborough heavily fancied after reigning champion Marine Nationale was pulled out. The 2026 programme features several changes, with the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle moved from Day 1 to Day 3, and the Ryanair Chase now at 4pm on Thursday with the Stayers' Hurdle at 3:20pm.
All four days are live on ITV1 and ITVX, with Racing TV providing full coverage. Use our betting calculator to work out returns on your festival selections.
