Cheltenham Festival Race Schedule & Timings

Curious about the Cheltenham Festival 2026 schedule? We’ve pulled together insights on dates, timings, and races to help you make the most of the event.

Featuring world-class horse racing spread across four exciting days, Cheltenham Festival is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated event in the National Hunt calendar. Held annually in Gloucestershire, it brings together the world’s best jockeys, trainers, and horses to compete for the highest honours.

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a first-time spectator, we’ve pulled together a guide on the Cheltenham Festival 2026 schedule, detailing when and where you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the action.

Read on to find out all the key details about the race schedule & timings at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. Alternatively, explore our full Cheltenham races guide, or discover the latest Cheltenham betting info from Betway.

When is Cheltenham Festival 2026?

In 2026, the Cheltenham Festival is set to take place between Tuesday, 10th March and Friday, 13th March, that’s four days of action-packed racing. Cheltenham’s gates open at 10:30 am each morning, with the first race commencing at 1:20 pm and the last at 5:20 pm, daily.

Changes to the Cheltenham Festival schedule

If you’re a fan of Cheltenham Festival, you may notice a few differences in the schedule vs 2025. Most notably: 

• The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle has been moved from day one to day three.

• The TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase has moved from day three to day one.

• The Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle have switched times on day three. The former now occupies the 4pm slot.

Whether you’re planning on watching the full festival unfold, or checking when to tune in to catch your favourite horse, below we’ve outlined the full Cheltenham 2026 schedule below.

Cheltenham race schedule and timings

With four thrilling days of racing on the horizon, here’s the full Cheltenham race schedule. Mark your calendars for the must-see events so you don’t miss out!

Day 1, 10th March

The highlight of day one, Champion Day, is the prestigious Unibet Champion Hurdle race, which you’ll be able to catch at 4 pm. But with three more Grade 1 races in the schedule, here’s a look at the full day one Cheltenham Festival timings:

Day 2, 11th March

On Style Wednesday, spectators are in for a treat with the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase, where runners will jump twelve fences spanning 2 miles. But this certainly isn’t the only exciting event in the calendar:

Day 3, 12th March

St. Patrick’s Thursday marks the third day of racing, with the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle race kicking things off. There are two championship races you won’t want to miss on the 13th, including the Ryanair Steeple Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle:

Day 4, 13th March

Things show no signs of slowing down by the 13th, with seven action-packed races slotted into the busy Cheltenham schedule. Over three miles and two furlongs long, the 16:00 Cheltenham Gold Cup race is the one to watch. But with six other races planned, there’s plenty more to enjoy:

How many races are there at Cheltenham Festival?

When it comes to the Cheltenham Festival race schedule, seven races take place each day, totalling twenty-eight across the festival. With a mix of hurdle, chase, and bumper races, spectators can look forward to four diverse, action-packed days.

Which courses are included in the Cheltenham race schedule?

Three different courses are used at Cheltenham: the Old Course, the New Course, and the Cross Country Course. But where do most of the festival’s races unfold? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Old Course

The action of the first two days (bar the Cross Country race) takes place on the Old Course, where you’ll be able to catch iconic events like the Champion Hurdle, the Ryanair Hurdle, and the Queen Mother Champion.

New Course

The events of the third and fourth days of Cheltenham, including the famed Gold Cup, take place on the New Course. While the Old Course tests speed, the New Course offers a true test of stamina.

Cross Country Course

The Cross Country Course is used for longer, more challenging races. If you’re hoping to catch the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on 12th March, this is the place to be!

When are the Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival?

We’ve looked at the full schedule, but on which days will you be able to see a Grade 1 race at Cheltenham? Mark your calendars for the following times:

Day 1:

• 1:20 pm: The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

• 2:00 pm: The Arkle Novices’ Chase

• 4:00 pm:The Unibet Champion Hurdle

Day 2

• 1:20 pm: The Turners Novices’ Hurdle Race

• 2:00 pm: The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

• 4:00 pm: The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase

• 5:20 pm: The Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Day 3

• 2:40 pm: The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle

• 3:20 pm: The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle

• 4:00 pm: The Ryanair Chase

Day 4:

• 1:20 pm: The JCB Triumph Hurdle

• 3:20 pm: The Alber Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race

• 4:00 pm: The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup

Finally, whether you’re a first-time better or a seasoned Cheltenham gambler, dive into our full collection of Cheltenham betting tips for insider advice.

More information about the Cheltenham race schedule

Looking for additional insights on the Cheltenham schedule? Below you’ll find information on all the key races.

• When is the Gold Cup?

• When is the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle?

• When is the Ryanair Chase?

• When is the Stayers’ Hurdle?

• When is the Champion Hurdle?

• When is the Triumph Hurdle?

• When is the Champion Bumper?

Finally, whether you’re a first-time better or a seasoned Cheltenham gambler, dive into our full collection of Cheltenham betting tips for insider advice.