{"id":20747,"date":"2026-02-26T12:47:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T09:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=20747"},"modified":"2026-03-10T16:03:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T13:03:45","slug":"when-is-cheltenham-2026-festival-dates-start-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/when-is-cheltenham-2026-festival-dates-start-times\/","title":{"rendered":"When Is Cheltenham 2026? Festival Dates &#038; Start Times"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<div class=\"post_banner sticky\">\r\n                    <div class=\"container\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\">\r\n                        <div class=\"text\">\r\n                            <p>Choose your bet on <a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/betting\/horse-racing\/uk\/cheltenham\">Cheltenham Festival<\/a><\/p>\n\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                        <a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/betting\/horse-racing\/uk\/cheltenham\">BET<\/a>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                    <div class=\"responsibly\">18+ | Play responsibly | BeGambleAware.org<\/div>\r\n                <\/div>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wondering <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when does Cheltenham 2026 start<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cheltenham Festival 2026 Dates<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The event spans over four days. The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheltenham Festival 2026 dates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are from <\/span><b>Tuesday, March 10 to Friday, March 13, 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The event is split into four distinct themed days, each featuring a major Championship race. The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheltenham races start<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at around <\/span><b>1:20 PM (UK time)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on all four days. Here\u2019s how the days look:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Day 1 (Champion Day):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tuesday, 10 March 2026<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Day 2 (Ladies Day):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Wednesday, 11 March 2026<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Day 3 (St Patrick\u2019s Thursday):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Thursday, 12 March 2026<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Day 4 (Gold Cup Day):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Friday, 13 March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>When Is Cheltenham 2026?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheltenham start date<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is on <\/span><strong>Tuesday, March 10<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while it ends on <\/span><strong>Friday, March 13<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>When Does Cheltenham Start Each Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we mentioned earlier, the festival spans four days, from <\/span><b>March 10 to March 13<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what time is the first race at Cheltenham<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Well, the gates at the racecourse open at <\/span><b>10:30 AM (UK time)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> each day. However, the first race starts at around <\/span><b>1:20 PM (UK time)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Meanwhile, the last race approximately starts at <\/span><b>5:20 PM (UK time)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>When Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coming to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheltenham Gold Cup date<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it will take place on <\/span><b>Friday, 13 March 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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 <\/span><b>4:00 PM (UK time)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cheltenham Festival 2026 Daily Schedule<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s look at the detailed schedule for each day at the Cheltenham Festival 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Day<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Date<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Feature Race<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>Event<\/strong><b> Time<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 1: Tuesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Sky Bet Supreme Novices\u2019 Hurdle (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">1:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 1: Tuesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:00 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 1: Tuesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Registered as the Fred Winter) (Premier Handicap)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:40 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 1: Tuesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">3:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 1: Tuesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:00 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 1: Tuesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Sun Racing Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Premier Handicap)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:40 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 1: Tuesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Novices\u2019 Handicap Steeple Chase) (Class 2)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 2: Wednesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 11<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Turners Novices\u2019 Hurdle (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">1:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 2: Wednesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 11<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Brown Advisory Novices\u2019 Chase (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:00 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 2: Wednesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 11<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Cup Handicap Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:40 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 2: Wednesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 11<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">3:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 2: Wednesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 11<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:00 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 2: Wednesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 11<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Premier Handicap)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:40 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 2: Wednesday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 11<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory of Sir Johnny Weatherby) (A Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 3: Thursday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\"> The Ryanair Mares\u2019 Novices\u2019 Hurdle (Grade 2)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">1:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 3: Thursday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Jack Richards Novices\u2019 Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:00 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 3: Thursday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Close Brothers Mares\u2019 Hurdle (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:40 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 3: Thursday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Paddy Power Stayers&#8217; Hurdle (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">3:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 3: Thursday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:00 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 3: Thursday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:40 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 3: Thursday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase (0-145)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 4: Friday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 13<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">1:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 4: Friday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 13<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:00 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 4: Friday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 13<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Mrs Paddy Power Mares\u2019 Steeple Chase (Grade 2)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:40 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 4: Friday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 13<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Albert Bartlett Novices\u2019 Hurdle (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">3:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 4: Friday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 13<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:00 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 4: Friday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 13<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters\u2019 Steeple Chase<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:40 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Day 4: Friday<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">March 13<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys\u2019 Handicap Hurdle<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please note that all the UK times mentioned in the table are subject to change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/lobby\/promotions\/sportsbook\/welcome-boosted-odds-offer-cheltenham-festival-2026\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20839 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-festival-betting-banner.jpg\" alt=\"Cheltenham festival betting banner\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-festival-betting-banner.jpg 600w, https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-festival-betting-banner-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>When Are Cheltenham Races Confirmed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final confirmation for the runners in each race happens via declarations, which are made 48 hours before each race day \u2014 and that\u2019s when the <a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/cheltenham-2026-racecards-all-festival-days\/\">Cheltenham racecards<\/a> become fully confirmed with the final runners and riders. This means that the confirmed runners and riders for Tuesday&#8217;s races will be known on Sunday morning, with the following days\u2019 lineups revealed sequentially throughout the week.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cheltenham 2026 Key Race Times<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s look at the details of the championship races at Cheltenham 2026.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Champion Hurdle \u2013 Tuesday, 4:00 PM<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuesday\u2019s 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\u2019s opening day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Queen Mother Champion Chase \u2013 Wednesday, 3:30 PM<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wednesday\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Stayers\u2019 Hurdle \u2013 Thursday, 3:30 PM<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Stayers\u2019 Hurdle is the highlight of Day 3 (St Patrick\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Cheltenham Gold Cup \u2013 Friday, 4:00 PM<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Friday\u2019s 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\u2019s place in sporting history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>When Is Cheltenham 2026?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0The Cheltenham Festival 2026 dates are from Tuesday, March 10 to Friday, March 13, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>When Does Cheltenham Start?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheltenham starts on Tuesday, March 10 and ends on Friday, March 13.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>What Time Does Cheltenham Races Start?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cheltenham races start at approximately 1:20 PM (UK time) every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>When Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cheltenham Gold Cup is on Friday, 13 March 2026. The race is typically scheduled to start at 4:00 PM (UK time).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>How Many Days Is the Cheltenham Festival?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cheltenham Festival spans for 4 days, from March 10 to March 13, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Is Cheltenham Always in March?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, Cheltenham is always scheduled for March every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #18ae62;\">Betting is only available to participants aged 18 years and over. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org<\/span><\/strong><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Wondering when does Cheltenham 2026 start? One of the biggest events in the racing calendar is fast approaching. In less<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":20750,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[464],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-horse-racing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>When Is Cheltenham 2026? Dates, Race Time and Other Details<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get the Cheltenham 2026 Festival dates, start date, Gold Cup day, and what time the first race begins \u2013 plus key daily start times.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/when-is-cheltenham-2026-festival-dates-start-times\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"When Is Cheltenham 2026? 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