Wondering when does Cheltenham 2026 start? One of the biggest events in the racing calendar is fast approaching. In less than a month, Cheltenham Racecourse kicks off four days of non-stop racing. Our guide will provide you with all the details, from the exact dates to the schedule.
Cheltenham Festival 2026 Dates
The event spans over four days. The Cheltenham Festival 2026 dates are from Tuesday, March 10 to Friday, March 13, 2026. The event is split into four distinct themed days, each featuring a major Championship race. The Cheltenham races start at around 1:20 PM (UK time) on all four days. Here’s how the days look:
- Day 1 (Champion Day): Tuesday, 10 March 2026
- Day 2 (Ladies Day): Wednesday, 11 March 2026
- Day 3 (St Patrick’s Thursday): Thursday, 12 March 2026
- Day 4 (Gold Cup Day): Friday, 13 March 2026
When Is Cheltenham 2026?
The Cheltenham start date is on Tuesday, March 10, while it ends on Friday, March 13. Since 2005, the Festival has been a four-day event. While there are occasional talks about adding a fifth day or moving the Gold Cup to Saturday, these ideas are not really popular with fans. For now, the traditional four-day Tuesday-to-Friday format remains.
When Does Cheltenham Start Each Day?
As we mentioned earlier, the festival spans four days, from March 10 to March 13. But what time is the first race at Cheltenham? Well, the gates at the racecourse open at 10:30 AM (UK time) each day. However, the first race starts at around 1:20 PM (UK time). Meanwhile, the last race approximately starts at 5:20 PM (UK time) daily. Please note that it is always a good idea to check the official Order of Running closer to the date, as minor adjustments can occur.
When Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026?
Coming to the Cheltenham Gold Cup date, it will take place on Friday, 13 March 2026. As the premier race of the four-day Festival, it is the centrepiece of Day 4 (Gold Cup Day). The race is typically scheduled to start at 4:00 PM (UK time).
Cheltenham Festival 2026 Daily Schedule
Let’s look at the detailed schedule for each day at the Cheltenham Festival 2026.
| Day | Date | Feature Race | Event Time |
| Day 1: Tuesday | March 10 | The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 1:20 PM |
| Day 1: Tuesday | March 10 | The Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1) | 2:00 PM |
| Day 1: Tuesday | March 10 | The McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Registered as the Fred Winter) (Premier Handicap) | 2:40 PM |
| Day 1: Tuesday | March 10 | The Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | 3:20 PM |
| Day 1: Tuesday | March 10 | The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) | 4:00 PM |
| Day 1: Tuesday | March 10 | The Sun Racing Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Premier Handicap) | 4:40 PM |
| Day 1: Tuesday | March 10 | The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase) (Class 2) | 5:20 PM |
| Day 2: Wednesday | March 11 | The Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 1:20 PM |
| Day 2: Wednesday | March 11 | The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) | 2:00 PM |
| Day 2: Wednesday | March 11 | The Cup Handicap Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap) | 2:40 PM |
| Day 2: Wednesday | March 11 | The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase | 3:20 PM |
| Day 2: Wednesday | March 11 | The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) | 4:00 PM |
| Day 2: Wednesday | March 11 | The Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Premier Handicap) | 4:40 PM |
| Day 2: Wednesday | March 11 | The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory of Sir Johnny Weatherby) (A Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1) | 5:20 PM |
| Day 3: Thursday | March 12 | The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) | 1:20 PM |
| Day 3: Thursday | March 12 | The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) | 2:00 PM |
| Day 3: Thursday | March 12 | The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2:40 PM |
| Day 3: Thursday | March 12 | The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 3:20 PM |
| Day 3: Thursday | March 12 | The Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) | 4:00 PM |
| Day 3: Thursday | March 12 | The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap) | 4:40 PM |
| Day 3: Thursday | March 12 | The Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase (0-145) | 5:20 PM |
| Day 4: Friday | March 13 | The JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) | 1:20 PM |
| Day 4: Friday | March 13 | The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) | 2:00 PM |
| Day 4: Friday | March 13 | The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2) | 2:40 PM |
| Day 4: Friday | March 13 | The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 3:20 PM |
| Day 4: Friday | March 13 | The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1) | 4:00 PM |
| Day 4: Friday | March 13 | The Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase | 4:40 PM |
| Day 4: Friday | March 13 | The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle | 5:20 PM |
Please note that all the UK times mentioned in the table are subject to change.
When Are Cheltenham Races Confirmed?
Final confirmation for the runners in each race happens via declarations, which are made 48 hours before each race day — and that’s when the Cheltenham racecards become fully confirmed with the final runners and riders. This means that the confirmed runners and riders for Tuesday’s races will be known on Sunday morning, with the following days’ lineups revealed sequentially throughout the week.
While the general schedule for the 2026 Festival is already set, with the first race each day typically starting at 1:20 PM, exact race times are subject to change. These minor adjustments are often made to accommodate live television broadcasting schedules and to ensure the safest possible track conditions for the horses.
Cheltenham 2026 Key Race Times
Let’s look at the details of the championship races at Cheltenham 2026.
Champion Hurdle – Tuesday, 4:00 PM
Tuesday’s main event is the Champion Hurdle, a fast-paced Grade 1 race over two miles. It is designed to find the fastest and most skilled hurdler in the sport, serving as the high-energy highlight of the festival’s opening day.
Queen Mother Champion Chase – Wednesday, 3:30 PM
Wednesday’s highlight is the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a two-mile test of pure speed and agility. Held on the demanding Old Course, the race is famous for its fast pace and challenging fences.
Stayers’ Hurdle – Thursday, 3:30 PM
The Stayers’ Hurdle is the highlight of Day 3 (St Patrick’s Thursday). It looks like a battle between stablemates Teahupoo and Bob Olinger, both owned by the Robcour team. After an impressive seven-length win over his rival at Leopardstown in December, Teahupoo is the one to beat as both horses aim for a second title in this race.
Cheltenham Gold Cup – Friday, 4:00 PM
Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup is the ultimate prize in jump racing. Covering a gruelling three miles and two furlongs, victory in this Blue Riband event cements a horse’s place in sporting history.
FAQ
When Is Cheltenham 2026?
The Cheltenham Festival 2026 dates are from Tuesday, March 10 to Friday, March 13, 2026.
When Does Cheltenham Start?
Cheltenham starts on Tuesday, March 10 and ends on Friday, March 13.
What Time Does Cheltenham Races Start?
The Cheltenham races start at approximately 1:20 PM (UK time) every day.
When Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is on Friday, 13 March 2026. The race is typically scheduled to start at 4:00 PM (UK time).
How Many Days Is the Cheltenham Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival spans for 4 days, from March 10 to March 13, 2026.
Is Cheltenham Always in March?
Yes, Cheltenham is always scheduled for March every year.
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