If you have already scored tickets to the Cheltenham Festival, you are in for a treat. This event is not one you are likely to forget anytime soon, considered by many to be the Olympics of jump racing and very easily the greatest show on turf.
With just under 300,000 people expected to attend over the four days, the crowd energy is often unmatched, exemplified by the famous “Cheltenham Roar” at the start of the first race on Day 1. The best horses, the best trainers, the best jockeys, you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. Here’s a breakdown of the daily race schedule for 2026, the event’s history, and key details for first-time attendees.
History
The Cheltenham Festival is steeped in history, having started in 1860 at Market Harborough before being moved to its current location at Prestbury Park in 1911. What started as a one-day event has developed into a 4 day racing spectacle that has witnessed racing legends like Arkle, considered to be the greatest steeplechaser ever, Dawn Run, the only horse to win both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup, and Best Mate with three consecutive Gold Cup wins between 2002 and 2004. Attending the festival gives you a rare opportunity to watch history in the making as athletes, horse and rider, worth their weight in gold, jostle for prize money that well exceeds £5 million.
Betting Tips
The event’s popularity means the races are available on all sports betting sites, from traditional options to online platforms. Enthusiasts can keep it simple by placing bets on a no ID verification betting site before the race or raise the stakes with in-play betting, which allows them to adjust their wagers as the race unfolds. Galopin Des Champs and Inothewayurthinkin are both currently priced at the top, at 6/1 odds, for both win and each way bets for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
For more immersion, enthusiasts can consider on-course bookmakers who will be posted throughout the venue. The process is fairly simple: find the bookmakers, state your bet clearly: how much you want to bet, the horse name, and the type of bet. Make your payment and collect your ticket. Watch the race unfold, and if your parlay is correct, use your ticket to collect your winnings paid out in cash.
Attending the Cheltenham Festival
If you are planning to attend the Cheltenham festival, there are a few things you need to know and do as the date of the event approaches:
Step One: Tickets
You cannot attend the events without tickets, and they sell out quickly. You can purchase tickets for each day or a 4-day pass for the entire event. You should know that hospitality packages include premium dining and private viewing areas. It is important to book well in advance, as they sell out quickly. Tickets are available for purchase on the official Cheltenham Racecourse website.
Step Two: Getting There
Locating the Cheltenham Festival is easy. The location is at Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. You can get there by train via the Cheltenham Spa station (2 miles from the course), with shuttle buses available on race days. If you are driving, your best bet is the M5 motorway access, with private parking available for those who book early.
Step Three: What to Wear
What to wear is very important; the last thing you want is to stick out like a sore thumb. Anything from smart casual to formal should do, depending on the enclosure. You should dress comfortably and be prepared for unpredictable March weather.
2026 Cheltenham Race Schedule
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival runs March 10-13, with gates opening at 10:30 daily. Racing begins at 13:20 and ends at 17:20.
Day 1 (Champion Day – Tuesday, March 10): Seven races, including the Unibet Champion Hurdle at 16:00.
Day 2 (Ladies Day – Wednesday, March 11): Features the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00.
Day 3 (St Patrick’s Thursday – March 12): Highlights include the Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.
Day 4 (Gold Cup Day – Friday, March 13): The prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup takes center stage at 16:00, concluding the festival’s four days of elite jump racing.
