The Cheltenham Festival presents a wide range of world-class horse racing events in March 2026. Let’s take a look at the Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival.
One of the biggest and most prestigious events in the annual horse racing calendar, the Cheltenham Festival takes place over four days from Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th March 2026. The festival attracts thousands of spectators to watch the best horses, jockeys and trainers from around the world compete for coveted trophies.
Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival are highly anticipated events, showcasing elite talent across hurdles and steeplechases. Whether you’re new to the festival or have been following it for years, we’ve put together the key information around the main races at Cheltenham Festival, and how to place a bet on horse racing with Betway.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in the week’s full roster, see the complete Cheltenham Festival schedule.
Read on for more information about the Grade 1 races, or alternatively explore our Cheltenham Festival guide to find out everything you need to know about the biggest week in jump racing.
What is a Grade 1 race in horse racing?
Before we delve into the Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival, but what exactly does this race category mean? A Grade 1 race is the highest level of competition in horse racing and features the very best horses from around the world. The main races at Cheltenham are thrilling events that test the speed, agility, stamina and often the jumping ability of each horse, delivering an edge-of-your-seat experience.
How many Grade 1 races are there during the Cheltenham Festival?
So, how many Grade 1 Races take place at Cheltenham Festival? We’re sure you’ll be pleased to hear that there are twelve being held at this year’s festival in March 2026. This includes three on Day 1, four on Day 2, three on Day 3, and three on Day 4. Add to this a variety of other events interspersed across the four days, and you have yourself a fantastic celebration of international horse racing.
What is the Cheltenham Grade 1 race schedule?
Now let’s take a look at the Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival and when they take place. Bear in mind that these races are relatively short, so make sure to set time aside in your diary and don’t miss a single moment!
Day 1: Champion Day
Champion Day takes place on Tuesday 10th March 2026. There are seven events scheduled for this day and three of them are Grade 1 races:
1:20pm: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race (2 miles)
2pm: Arkle Novices’ Chase (2 miles)
4pm: Champion Hurdle (2 miles)
Day 2: Style Wednesday
Style Wednesday takes place on Wednesday 11th March 2026. There are seven events scheduled for this day and four of them are Grade 1 races:
1:20pm: Novice’s Hurdle Race (2 miles and 5 furlongs)
2pm: The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (about 3 miles)
4pm: Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase (about 2 miles)
5:20pm: Champion Bumper (a standard open flat race over 2 miles)
Day 3: St. Patrick’s Thursday
St. Patrick’s Thursday takes place on Thursday 12th March 2026. There are seven events scheduled for this day and three of them are Grade 1 races:
2:40pm: The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (2 miles 4 furlongs)
3:20pm: Ryanair Steeple Chase (2 miles and 4 furlongs)
4pm: Stayers’ Hurdle (3 miles)
Day 4: Gold Cup Day
Gold Cup Day takes place on Friday 13th March 2026. There are seven events scheduled for this day and three of them are Grade 1 races:
1:20pm: Triumph Hurdle (2 miles)
3:20pm: Novices’ Hurdle Race (3 miles)
4pm: Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (3 miles and 2 furlongs)
What are the main races at Cheltenham Festival?
Whether you’re attending the festival or watching the action at home on ITV1 or through a Racing TV subscription, each of the Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival has something unique to offer spectators.
Here’s a rundown of what to expect from the main races at Cheltenham:
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious of the Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival and one of the most iconic events in international horse racing. A Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase featuring jumps and fences over three miles and two furlongs, the Cheltenham Gold Cup takes place on the final day of the festival (Friday 13th March 2026), which is aptly named Gold Cup Day.
Known for its demanding route and 22 fences along the New Course at Cheltenham Racecourse, the Gold Cup is the crown jewel of Cheltenham Festival thanks to its long history, dating back over a century to 1924.
The Champion Hurdle
Another main race at Cheltenham Festival, the Champion Hurdle showcases the best hurdlers in National Hunt racing and is held on Tuesday 10th March 2026, making it a highlight of the festival’s opening day.
Open to horses aged four years and older, the runners cover two miles on the Old Course and have to jump eight hurdles along the way. This is one of the most exciting Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival, as the fast pace demands not only speed but also agility and stamina from start to finish.
The Queen Mother Champion Chase
Brimming with excitement, the Queen Mother Champion Chase is dedicated to the best two-mile chasers in National Hunt racing. Taking place on Wednesday 11th March 2026, this Grade 1 steeplechase is open to horses aged five and older.
It covers two miles and runners need to jump 13 fences along the New Course at Cheltenham Racecourse, with both speed and jumping accuracy being the major factors behind who takes first place. If you’re interested in placing a bet on the Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase, make sure to check out our Cheltenham Festival Day Two tips.
The Stayers’ Hurdle
Taking place on Day Three of the Festival, the Stayers’ Hurdle is a prestigious, long-distance hurdle race that challenges horses on their endurance, precision, and jumping ability over a three-mile course.
With 12 hurdles to overcome, and often pitting experienced champions against one another, this race ranks among the premier Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival – if not the wider horse racing calendar!
How to bet on the Grade 1 races at Cheltenham Festival
At Betway, we make it easy to bet on the main races at Cheltenham. Whether you’re a first timer who fancies a flutter or a seasoned follower of the Festival, we have everything you need to back your favourite.
You can either place a race win bet on your chosen horse, or take advantage of our 1/5 each way odds, which includes a win bet and a place bet (in this case, if your horse finishes in the top 3).
With that in mind, for the latest advice from our experts, explore our complete collection of Cheltenham betting tips , or check out our full range of horse racing antepost odds.
