Cheltenham Festival 2026: Race Card and Preview

The Cheltenham Festival remains the undisputed pinnacle of National Hunt racing. Four days in March where reputations are made, champions are crowned and the famous roar from the packed grandstands signals the start of something truly special.

Prestbury Park is not simply a racecourse during Festival week. It becomes the centre of the racing universe.

The 2026 renewal arrives with fascinating storylines. Several championship races look more open than in recent years, dominant forces face emerging challengers and the Anglo Irish rivalry continues to intensify.

Prize money is once again at record levels, ensuring the very best horses from Britain and Ireland arrive primed for battle. Cheltenham’s undulating terrain, stiff uphill finish and unforgiving fences demand the perfect blend of stamina, precision and courage. Only the toughest prevail.

Tuesday Champion Day

Champion Day is the electric opening to the Cheltenham Festival and arguably one of the most anticipated days in the entire National Hunt calendar. The famous Cheltenham roar erupts as the tape rises for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, instantly setting the tone for the week. Headlined by the prestigious Champion Hurdle, this is a day built around speed, class and championship quality.

It is popular because it delivers immediate elite action, often featuring some of the most talked-about horses of the season, and it marks the official beginning of four unforgettable days at Prestbury Park.

13:20 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Top three horses

• Old Park Star
• Might Park
• Talk The Talk

The traditional curtain raiser is always run at a relentless gallop. The Supreme demands slick jumping at speed and mental toughness from inexperienced hurdlers. Horses that travel strongly and settle early tend to excel, while those who get lit up by the occasion often fade on the climb to the line.

14:00 Arkle Chase

Top three horses

• Hope Des Bordes
• Lulamba
• Kargese

The Arkle is the championship for two mile novice chasers and routinely produces future superstars. Accuracy at the fences is crucial. Even a minor jumping error at this pace can prove costly. This year’s contenders look closely matched, making tactical positioning vital.

14:40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Top three horses

• Saratoga
• Winston Junior
• Manlaga

This competitive handicap for four year olds is often a puzzle. Weight allocation plays a significant role and improving types can outrun their marks. It frequently produces a surprise result.

15:20 Ultima Handicap Chase

Top three horses

• Jagwar
• Iroko
• Handstands

A thorough stamina test over an extended trip. The Ultima often rewards seasoned chasers who conserve energy and finish powerfully up the hill.

16:00 Champion Hurdle

Top three horses

• The New Lion
• Lossiemouth
• Brighterdaysahead

The feature of the opening day and one of the most prestigious hurdle races in the world. With Constitution Hill no longer in the line up, this year’s contest feels wide open. Tactical pace and positioning will be decisive, particularly turning for home.

16:40 TrustATrader Festival Plate Handicap Chase

Top three horses

• Madara
• Mclaurey
• Jaqwar

A fiercely competitive handicap where experience and course form can prove invaluable.

17:20 National Hunt Chase

Top three horses

• Backmersackme
• Newton Tornado
• Wade Out

A race steeped in tradition and a searching examination of stamina. Patience from jockeys is often rewarded in this marathon event.

Wednesday Ladies Day

Ladies Day blends high-class racing with an unmistakable sense of occasion. Known for its style and social atmosphere, it attracts one of the most vibrant crowds of the week. On the track, the action is equally compelling, with championship races such as the Queen Mother Champion Chase showcasing elite two-mile speed and precision jumping.

The mix of fashion, tradition and fiercely competitive racing makes Wednesday a favourite for many racegoers who want both top-tier sport and a memorable social experience.

13:20 Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle

Top three horses

• No Drama This End
• Talk The Talk
• Skylight Hustle

A key stepping stone for progressive hurdlers with Grade One aspirations.

14:00 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

Top three horses

• Final Demand
• The Big Westerner
• Kaid d’Authie

A staying novice chase that frequently identifies future Gold Cup contenders. Jumping fluency and stamina are paramount.

14:40 Coral Cup Hurdle

Top three horses

• Storm Heart
• I Started A Joke
• Kateira

One of the deepest handicaps of the week. Big fields, tight margins and late surges define this race.

15:20 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

Top three horses

• Favori De Champdou
• Stumptown
• Destermore House

Unique in its layout and obstacles, the cross country course demands agility and adaptability. Specialists often thrive here.

16:00 Champion Chase

Top three horses

• Majborough
• Marine Nationale
• L’Eau Du Sud

The championship two mile chase. Run at a blistering tempo, it rewards sharp reflexes and fearless jumping.

16:40 Grand Annual Chase

Top three horses

• Be Aware
• Ryan’s Rocket
• Vanderpoel

A fast run handicap where clean jumping under pressure can make the difference.

17:20 Champion Bumper

Top three horses

• Love Sign d’Aunou
• The Irish Avatar

The closing race of the day showcases the best young National Hunt prospects before they tackle obstacles in future seasons.

Thursday St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Thursday celebrates the powerful Irish influence at the Cheltenham Festival. With Irish trainers and jockeys historically dominating many of the week’s biggest races, the atmosphere carries a strong celebratory feel, with green colours filling the grandstands.

The day features stamina-sapping contests such as the Stayers’ Hurdle and the thrilling Ryanair Chase, attracting horses at the peak of their powers. It is popular not just for the racing quality, but for the passionate cross-channel rivalry that adds an extra layer of excitement.

13:20 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Top three horses

• Bambino Fever
• Oldschool Outlaw

14:00 Jack Richards Novices’ Chase

Top three horses

• Koktail Divin
• Regent’s Stroll
• Meetmebythesea

14:40 Mares’ Hurdle

Top three horses

• Lossiemouth
• Wodhooh
• Brighterdaysahead

This race has grown in stature and now attracts top class performers capable of competing in open company.

15:20 Stayers’ Hurdle

Top three horses

• Teahupoo
• Honesty Policy
• Kabral Du Mathan

The championship staying hurdle. Run over three miles, it demands rhythm, stamina and the ability to respond under pressure late on.

16:00 Ryanair Chase

Top three horses

• Fact To File
• Jonbon
• Gaelic Warrior

An intermediate championship often contested by horses just shy of Gold Cup stamina but too strong for the minimum trip. Tactical nous plays a huge role.

16:40 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle

Top three horses

• Supremely West
• C’est Different
• Electric Mason

17:20 Kim Muir Handicap Chase

Top three horses

• Supremely West
• C’est Different
• Electric Mason

Friday Gold Cup Day

Gold Cup Day is the grand finale and the most prestigious day of the Festival. It centres around the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the ultimate prize in National Hunt racing and the race every owner, trainer and jockey dreams of winning.

The atmosphere builds throughout the afternoon as anticipation grows for the feature event, and when the field turns for home, the intensity is unmatched. It is popular because it represents the pinnacle of the sport, crowning the best staying chaser in the land and closing the Festival in dramatic, emotional fashion.

13:20 Triumph Hurdle

Top three horses

• Proactif
• Selma De Vary
• Minella Study

A championship for juvenile hurdlers, often revealing future stars.

14:00 County Hurdle

Top three horses

• Murcia
• Khrisma
• Karbau

A lightning fast handicap that requires both class and composure.

14:20 Mares’ Chase

Top three horses

• Dinoblue
• Spindleberry
• Panic Attack

15:20 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Top three horses

• Doctor Steinberg
• Thedeviluno
• No Drama This End

A gruelling stamina test for novice stayers.

16:00 Gold Cup

Top three horses

• The New Lion
• Lossiemouth
• Brighterdaysahead

The most coveted prize in jumps racing. Three miles and two furlongs around Cheltenham’s demanding course tests every element of a racehorse’s ability. Jumping under pressure, energy conservation and bravery up the hill are essential. Champions are defined by this race.

16:40 St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase

Top three horses

• Madar
• Mclaurey
• Jagqar

17:20 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

Top three horses

• Backmersackme
• Newton Tornado
• Wade Out

Top Five Jockeys to Watch at Cheltenham 2026

Paul Townend:

Paul remains the benchmark Festival jockey. As retained rider for Willie Mullins, he consistently partners leading contenders across championship races. His calm race management and ability to deliver horses late up the hill make him especially dangerous in Grade One contests.

Rachael Blackmore

Rachel has already written her name into Cheltenham history. Her balance and timing are exceptional, particularly in big field chases. She rides with confidence and tactical clarity, traits that are vital at this meeting.

Harry Cobden

Harry continues to lead the British challenge. Strong in the saddle and fearless over fences, he is often prominent in novice chases and major handicaps. His partnership with leading yards ensures he will have multiple live chances.

Nico de Boinville

Nico brings a wealth of Festival experience. Known for his composure and precision, he excels in championship races where tactical patience is rewarded.

Jack Kennedy

Jack has become synonymous with success in staying contests. His judgement of pace over longer trips frequently proves decisive in events like the Brown Advisory and Gold Cup trials.

For more information about all the races at the Cheltenham Festival, please view here: Racing Post 

Festival Preview and Key Talking Points

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival feels transitional. Established stars have either retired or shifted divisions, leaving opportunities for emerging talent to seize the spotlight. The Champion Hurdle, without its recent dominant force, appears particularly open. That unpredictability injects excitement into the opening day.

Irish trainers continue to exert a powerful influence on the meeting, with depth across novice and open divisions. However, British yards will look to exploit home advantage and course familiarity.

The Gold Cup picture is intriguing. Proven stamina and resilience are essential on Cheltenham’s testing terrain. Any contender must combine flawless jumping with the capacity to respond under pressure after the final fence. This year’s leading trio suggest a competitive and potentially dramatic renewal.

Handicaps throughout the week promise value and unpredictability. Races such as the Coral Cup, County Hurdle and Grand Annual regularly produce thrilling finishes and career defining victories for emerging horses.

Overall, Cheltenham 2026 promises intensity, emotion and elite sporting theatre. Across four days, stories will unfold, dreams will be realised and new heroes will emerge on racing’s greatest stage.

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