The pinnacle of jump racing - complete guide with AI predictions, race schedule and expert betting tips
Dates
10-13 March 2026
Venue
Cheltenham Racecourse
Races
28 Races (7 per day)
Attendance
250,000+ expected
The festival runs from March 10-13 with 28 races over 4 days. Check our daily tips for today's predictions from other tracks.
The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, attracting the best horses, jockeys and trainers from Britain and Ireland for four days of championship racing. Held annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse in the Cotswolds, the 2026 festival runs from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March. With 28 races including approximately 14 Grade 1 contests, this is the most prestigious meeting in jump racing, culminating in the legendary Cheltenham Gold Cup.
For punters, the festival represents the ultimate betting challenge. With competitive fields, Irish raiders competing against British runners, and championship races that often produce surprises, finding winners requires thorough preparation. Our AI-powered predictions analyse form, trainer records, jockey bookings and historical patterns to identify value selections across all four days. Browse our Cheltenham track page for course-specific statistics and trends.
The festival opens with Champion Day, featuring the Champion Hurdle as the centrepiece race at 4:00pm. The day begins with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at 1:20pm, traditionally the first race of the festival and a key indicator of Irish versus British strength. The Arkle Novices' Chase follows, highlighting the best two-mile novice chasers. Other highlights include the Ultima Handicap Chase and the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle.
Ladies Day combines top-class racing with fashion and style. The Queen Mother Champion Chase takes centre stage at 4:00pm, showcasing the fastest two-mile chasers in training. Earlier races include the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase for staying novices, the Coral Cup handicap hurdle, and the unique Cross Country Chase over Cheltenham's banks and ditches. The day concludes with the Champion Bumper for National Hunt flat horses.
St Patrick's Thursday celebrates Irish racing heritage with special atmosphere and entertainment. The Ryanair Chase at 4:00pm provides an alternative championship for horses not quite staying the Gold Cup distance. The Stayers' Hurdle follows at 4:40pm for the best long-distance hurdlers. For 2026, the Mares' Hurdle moves to Thursday from Tuesday, running over the New Course rather than the Old Course.
The festival finale centres on the Cheltenham Gold Cup at 4:00pm, the most prestigious race in National Hunt racing. Run over 3 miles 2 furlongs, this championship tests stamina, class and jumping ability in equal measure. Supporting races include the Triumph Hurdle for juvenile hurdlers, the County Hurdle handicap, the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle and the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle that closes the festival.
Successful Cheltenham betting requires understanding the unique challenges this meeting presents. Fields are highly competitive, with each runner earning their place through trial races and form at other festivals. Irish-trained horses consistently perform well, winning approximately half of all races in recent years. Research trainer and jockey records at the festival, as certain combinations excel under championship pressure.
Consider different bet types for different races. Singles work well for short-priced favourites in Grade 1 races where the best horse often wins. Our singles tips focus on high-confidence selections. For handicaps like the Coral Cup or County Hurdle, each-way betting offers value in competitive fields. Build accumulators carefully using favourites from non-handicap races.
Check our racecards for detailed form analysis and use our betting calculator to work out potential returns. Monitor non-runners carefully as ground conditions can change quickly in March. Compare odds across bookmakers and consider ante-post betting for value on horses you fancy months before the festival.