Every March, the racing world turns its attention to the Cheltenham Festival – the crown jewel of jumping season. The four-day Festival showcases elite horses and top trainers vying for the huge prize money and the coveted Gold Cup.
The atmosphere at the racecourse is loud and unforgettable. However, if you can’t be on the ground, you can still catch all the action on TV and live streaming.
Below, we tell you where to watch Cheltenham Festival coverage live.
Where to Watch Cheltenham Festival 2026
Viewers can watch the Cheltenham Festival live on major UK broadcasters. Here’s where you can tune in on TV:
- ITV1: This channel gives free-to-air coverage of selected races each day, including key contests. ITV also broadcasts highlights and the Gold Cup.
- Racing TV: This is a subscription-based channel. Racing TV subscribers can view every race live across all four days. This channel provides full build-up, expert analysis, and post-race reaction.
You can also stream the action live:
- ITVX: This is ITV’s official streaming platform. Viewers can watch the live stream via the ITVX website or app. Note that you’ll need to register first to access their programming.
- Racing TV online streaming: Select a paid plan on Racing TV’s website to stream every race live.
- Mobile apps: Both ITVX and Racing TV have mobile apps for viewing the races on the go.
Seven races are scheduled daily, and they usually begin at 1:30 PM (UK time) each day. See the complete Cheltenham Festival Dates & Start Times here.
What Channel Is the Cheltenham Races On?
In the UK, the Cheltenham Festival is shown on two main broadcasters: ITV and Racing TV.
ITV provides free-to-air coverage, but it doesn’t cover every race. Fans can see the Festival’s biggest races, including headline events like the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and other feature contests of the day. You can watch the ITV channel on your television without a subscription. The ITVX website and app also provide free-to-air coverage upon registration.
For full coverage, tune into Racing TV. It shows every race live across all four days. However, this streaming service is not free. Fans need to purchase a daily, monthly, or annual plan to access the live coverage.
How to Watch Cheltenham Live Online
If you’re not near a TV, you can watch the Cheltenham races live on a device.
Here’s how to access:
- ITVX: ITV’s official streaming platform shows the same live races broadcast on ITV. Go to ITVX’s website and complete the sign-up formalities. It gives an option to select the free or paid plan. You can select the free plan if you don’t mind watching ads before and during the stream. Paid plan removes the ads.
- Racing TV: While ITVX streams only select races, this platform will give you access to the entire racecard. An ideal platform if you want wall-to-wall coverage. Note: There is no option for free viewing on this platform. Minimum plan starts at £10 for a day pass.
- Mobile & Tablet Access: Both ITVX and Racing TV have apps to stream live races on phones and tablets. Perfect if you’re travelling, or following multiple races.
- Desktop Streaming: Both services support live streaming via web browsers on desktop and laptop.
- Smart TV & Connected Devices: ITVX is available on many Smart TVs and devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku. Racing TV can also be accessed via supported Smart TV platforms and casting devices.
All these ways of watching the Festival are compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac (desktop browsers), and most Smart TVs and streaming devices. As long as you’ve got a stable internet connection, you won’t miss any race.
Can You Watch Cheltenham Live for Free?
Yes, but only selected races are available for free viewing. ITV broadcasts these races on free-to-air TV as well as on its website and app. The streaming service is free to use once you create an account.
Racing TV shows every race live across all four days. However, this is a paid subscription service.
Where to Watch Cheltenham Outside the UK
If you’re wondering how to watch the Cheltenham Festival from outside the UK, we’ve got you covered.
International broadcasting varies by country. If your region has a dedicated horse racing channel, they might carry Cheltenham coverage. In Ireland, for example, races are shown on RTÉ and Racing TV.
For other countries, you’ll have to check the sports channels’ listings closer to the Festival.
If you don’t have any TV coverage in your region, watching online is the best option. Tune into Racing TV or the ITVX website to catch the live action.
How to Watch Cheltenham Festival on Mobile Devices
Follow these steps to watch the Cheltenham Festival on your phone or tablet:
- Download the ITVX app from the App Store or Google Play. It lets you stream ITV’s live coverage for free once you’ve created an account.
- If you want every race live, download the Racing TV app. You’ll need to subscribe to a payment plan to watch full coverage.
Both apps are available on iOS and Android.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection before you tune in. Races only last a few minutes, so if your signal drops, you might miss the action. Use WiFi instead of mobile data if you are streaming in HD, especially during busy race times.
Cheltenham Gold Cup: Where to Watch Live
The Gold Cup is the climax of the four-day event. It typically starts around late afternoon on the last day of the Festival.
Fans in the UK can catch the live action on ITV and Racing TV.
ITV shows the race free-to-air as part of its Festival coverage. Racing TV provides full live coverage for paid subscribers.
FAQ
Where can I watch Cheltenham live?
ITV broadcasts selected races for free, while Racing TV gives full coverage to paid subscribers. Both also offer online streaming options.
What channel is Cheltenham on in the UK?
Cheltenham is shown on ITV. It gives free coverage of feature races, high-stakes matches, and the Gold Cup. Racing TV gives full race-by-race coverage, including pre- and post-match analysis.
Can I stream Cheltenham races online?
Yes. You can stream selected races live on ITVX for free upon registration. If you want to catch every race live, you’ll need a Racing TV subscription.
Is Cheltenham free to watch?
It is partly free to watch. ITV and ITVX stream major races across the four days. Full coverage of all races requires a paid Racing TV subscription.
What time does Cheltenham coverage start?
Racing usually begins at 1:30 PM (UK time) each day. The live coverage often starts earlier with pre-race analysis and interviews.
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