The Cheltenham Festival 2026 is here — four glorious days of the best jump racing on the planet, from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March 2026. Twenty-eight races, thirteen Grade 1 contests, and more drama, heartbreak, and punter glory than any other week in the racing calendar. This is where champions are crowned, fortunes are won (and lost), and legendary performances are etched into racing folklore.
For early value before the festival, see our Cheltenham 2026 ante-post betting tips covering all four championship races and key supporting events.
Whether you’re hunting the best Cheltenham Festival 2026 betting offers, looking for expert Cheltenham tips ahead of the Gold Cup, or simply want to know what time the Champion Hurdle goes off, you’re in the right place. We’ve got the full race schedule, detailed previews for all 28 races, top contenders with current odds, and the best bookmaker promotions to maximise your Festival punting.
Best Cheltenham Festival 2026 Betting Offers (New Customers)
The bookies roll out their biggest guns for Cheltenham. Free bets, boosted odds, money-back specials — it’s Christmas for punters. If you’re new to any of these firms, now’s the time to grab a welcome offer and load up for the Festival. Below are the top-rated bookmakers with the best sign-up deals for Cheltenham 2026.
Best Cheltenham Festival 2026 Offers (Existing Customers)
Already signed up everywhere? Don’t worry — the bookies love existing punters at Cheltenham too. Enhanced each-ways, best-odds guarantees, money-back on beaten favourites… the daily promotions during Festival week are where the real value hides. Check these out every morning before you place your bets.
- Over £700k in cash prizes across the Cheltenham Festival
- Free Bets awarded for 2 or 3 correct predictions
- Cash prizes for 4, 5 or 6 correct race winners
£5
UK Gambling Commission
14/03/2026
Pick the winners from six selected races for your chance to win! Bag Free Bets for two and three correct results, and a cash prize for four, five and six correct results with bet365. The prize values displayed for four, five and six correct predictions are the maximum available based on a single winner for each prize-pool and will be reduced in the event of shared prize-pools. If more than one entrant predicts four, five or six correct race results, the total amount of applicable prize-money will be shared equally between all entrants involved for each prize-pool. Entrants will only receive a share of the prize-pool they have finished within, a maximum of one prize per game. Entry to 6 Horses Challenge is separate from standard bet placement and all bet365 offers do not apply. The prizes listed within the game are based on all races taking place as scheduled. In the event of a race being abandoned, amended prizes will be listed within the game. Should multiple races be abandoned, the game will be made void. New and eligible customers only. T&Cs apply. Registration Required.
https://www.bet365.com
Hillside (Media) Group Limited – Denise Coates (founder, 50.01% shareholding)
2000
Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Get rewarded based on finishing position, not just winners
- Available on selected UK, Ireland & international horse racing
- Free Bets credited within 48 hours of the race finishing
£5
UK Gambling Commission
31/12/2026
Welcome to the new way of betting. It’s not just about rewarding winners; it’s about rewarding where you finish. So now, the higher your selection finishes, the higher your payout. Position Payout is available pre-race on selected UK & Ireland Horse Racing from 10:00am UK Time on the day of the race. For selected Australia and New Zealand Horse Racing, Position Payout will be available pre-race from 01:00am UK Time on the day of the race. For Horse Racing from North America, South America and International meetings, Position Payout will be available pre-race on selected meetings one hour before the start of the first race at each meeting, where Fixed Prices are available. This offer is available from 10:00 UK Time on Thursday 10th July 2025, to new and eligible customers only. To qualify for this offer, place qualifying pre-race bets on any horse race that offers the Position Payout market. Your Free Bets will be available within 48 hours of the race finishing. Bet restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
https://www.bet365.com
Hillside (Media) Group Limited – Denise Coates (founder, 50.01% shareholding)
2000
Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Add extra places to Each Way bets on horse racing
- Remove places to get bigger odds on your selection
- Available on selected races daily at bet365
£5
UK Gambling Commission
31/12/2026
Each Way Extra gives you the option to increase or decrease the number of places in a race when you are betting Each Way on selected Horse Races at bet365. When you use Each Way Extra you can add places to your Each Way Horse Racing bets and take a reduced price or remove places and increase the odds on your selection. The number of Each Way Extra places offered on a race can be viewed on the Each Way Extra coupon or on the bet slip. Each Way Extra bets will not be eligible for bet365 Price Promise, Best Odds Guaranteed, ITV Racing 4/1 Offer or Feature Race 4/1 Offer, except where a new or eligible customer selects place terms that match the standard Win and Each Way market for that race. Where Place Boosts are offered on a race and selected by a new or eligible customer, ITV Racing 4/1 Offer and Feature Race 4/1 Offer will apply. T&Cs apply. Registration required.
https://www.bet365.com
Hillside (Media) Group Limited – Denise Coates (founder, 50.01% shareholding)
2000
Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Great value for horse racing punters
- Available on big meetings like Cheltenham, Aintree, Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood
- Includes bigger odds on most selections
£5
UK Gambling Commission
31/12/2026
bet365 offer Best Odds Guaranteed on every horse race – every day! When you place your bet with bet365, take the price on your selection – and if the SP is bigger they will pay you out at the bigger odds! Only bets placed from 08:00 UK Time on the day of the race will qualify for Best Odds Guaranteed. Ante-Post, Tote/Pari-Mutuel/Colossus (bets and dividends), ‘Not to Win’, Enhanced Win, Cover Bets and In-Play bets are excluded. This offer includes Board Prices, bet365 Early Prices, singles and multiples as well as Showcast bets on all racing where a fixed price is offered. Offer applies to bets placed on Win and Each Way Fixed Odds markets only. All other markets, including adjusted place terms (Each Way Extra), Ante-Post bets (unless otherwise stated), Place Boosts and Tote/Pari-Mutuel/Colossus (bets and dividends), are excluded from this offer. All racing in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong is excluded. For example, if you take an Early Price of 3/1 and your selection wins at 4/1, you get paid at 4/1! T&Cs apply. Only available to new and eligible customers. Registration required.
https://www.bet365.com
Hillside (Media) Group Limited – Denise Coates (founder, 50.01% shareholding)
2000
Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Money back as free bet if your horse loses the first race
- Up to £10 refund every day — four chances across the Festival
- Available to new and existing BoyleSports customers
£Not specified
Boylesports Limited
13/03/2026
BoyleSports are offering Money Back on the First Race Every Day at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Place a bet of up to £10 on any outright selection in the first race of the day (1:20pm) across all four days. If your horse loses, BoyleSports refund your stake as a free bet up to £10. The first race each day: – Tuesday: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Wednesday: Turners Novices’ Hurdle – Thursday: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Friday: JCB Triumph Hurdle Four chances across the week to get your money back. Available to both new and existing customers. 18+. T&Cs apply.
https://www.boylesports.com
BoyleSports Holdings Limited – John Boyle (founder, family-owned)
1982
Dundalk, Ireland
- £10 free bet every day of Cheltenham — up to £40 total
- Available to both new AND existing customers
- Just bet on the 1:20pm opener each day at min odds Evens
££10
Livescore Bet Limited
13/03/2026
LiveScore Bet are offering a £10 free bet every single day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Bet on the first race each day — the 1:20pm — at minimum odds of Evens (1/1), and you’ll receive a £10 free bet to use on horse racing the same day. Do it across all four days and that’s £40 in free bets on top of whatever you win from your qualifying bets. The bet must be a win single — each-way bets do not qualify. Available to both new and existing LiveScore Bet customers. 18+. T&Cs apply.
https://www.livescorebet.com
LiveScore Group (part of Anzo Group)
2020
London, UK & Gibraltar
- £5 Surprise Bet when you bet £10+ on Cheltenham races
- Winnings withdrawable with no wagering requirements
- Singles and accumulators both qualify
££10
UKGC
13/03/2026
Bet £10 or more on any Cheltenham Day horse racing market and get a £5 Cheltenham Surprise Bet. Min odds per selection: 1.75. Single or acca bets count towards the promotion. Only the first qualifying bet will count. Surprise Bets will be generated instantly when fulfilling stake requirements. Winnings from Surprise Bets can be withdrawn without restriction or wagering requirements. Selected customers only. UK and Republic of Ireland only. Cashed out, voided, or Surprise bets do not count. One per customer. 18+. T&Cs apply.
https://www.kwiff.com
Eaton Gate Gaming Ltd / Spryme Ltd
2015
Malta (The Watercourse, Level 2, Mdina Road, Zone 2, CBD, Birkirkara, CBD2010)
- Extra places paid on selected Cheltenham Festival races
- Each-way bets at 1/5 odds for extra place terms
- Available to new and existing customers
££10
Quinnbet Limited
13/03/2026
QuinnBet are offering Extra Places on selected races throughout the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Extra Place races will be announced during Festival week. Users can get extra places on their each-way bets at 1/5 of the odds on selected races. This is a great offer for punters who like each-way value — more places paid means more chances of a return even if your horse doesn’t win. Available to new and existing customers. 18+. T&Cs apply.
https://www.quinnbet.com
Quinn family ownership via QuinnB Sports trust
2017
Gibraltar (operations), originally Ballyconnell, Republic of Ireland
- £10 free bet for Cheltenham with promo code CHEL2026
- Free bets valid on Horse Racing only
- New customers — great for trying PricedUp at the Festival
££1
13/03/2026
PricedUp are offering new customers a Bet £10 Get £10 Free Bet for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Use promo code CHEL2026 on first deposit. Min deposit £20. Min qualifying bet £20 on Horse Racing at minimum odds of 1/1 (2.0). Cash-out not permitted on qualifying bets. Free bets valid on Horse Racing only. New customers only. 18+. T&Cs apply.
https://www.pricedup.bet
Off Course Bookmakers Limited
2024
Hove, UK
Cheltenham 2026 Bookmaker Offers
We have dedicated pages for each bookmaker covering their full range of Cheltenham Festival 2026 offers, including welcome deals, daily promotions, and how to make the most of each one:
- bet365 Cheltenham 2026 Offers and Free Bets
- BoyleSports Cheltenham 2026 Offers and Free Bets
- LiveScore Bet Cheltenham 2026 Offers and Free Bets
- Kwiff Cheltenham 2026 Offers and Free Bets
- QuinnBet Cheltenham 2026 Offers and Free Bets
- PricedUp Cheltenham 2026 Offers and Free Bets
- Great value for horse racing punters
- Available on big meetings like Cheltenham, Aintree, Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood
- Includes bigger odds on most selections
£5
UK Gambling Commission
31/12/2026
bet365 offer Best Odds Guaranteed on every horse race – every day! When you place your bet with bet365, take the price on your selection – and if the SP is bigger they will pay you out at the bigger odds! Only bets placed from 08:00 UK Time on the day of the race will qualify for Best Odds Guaranteed. Ante-Post, Tote/Pari-Mutuel/Colossus (bets and dividends), ‘Not to Win’, Enhanced Win, Cover Bets and In-Play bets are excluded. This offer includes Board Prices, bet365 Early Prices, singles and multiples as well as Showcast bets on all racing where a fixed price is offered. Offer applies to bets placed on Win and Each Way Fixed Odds markets only. All other markets, including adjusted place terms (Each Way Extra), Ante-Post bets (unless otherwise stated), Place Boosts and Tote/Pari-Mutuel/Colossus (bets and dividends), are excluded from this offer. All racing in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong is excluded. For example, if you take an Early Price of 3/1 and your selection wins at 4/1, you get paid at 4/1! T&Cs apply. Only available to new and eligible customers. Registration required.
https://www.bet365.com
Hillside (Media) Group Limited – Denise Coates (founder, 50.01% shareholding)
2000
Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Available on UK, Irish and selected international events
- Applies to qualifying bets where the SP is bigger than the price taken when the bet was placed
££5
Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited
31/12/2023
Applies to UK, Irish and selected International horse racing only. Best Odds Guaranteed applies to bets placed after 08:00 on the day of the race. Best Odds Guaranteed will be applied on qualifying bets where the SP is bigger than the price taken when the bet was placed. Offer does not apply to Win and Each Way bets on Super Extra Place Races highlighted in the race book. Offer does not apply for Lucky 15s, 31s and 63s. Offer does not apply to Ante Post, Tote or Pari-Mutuel. In the event of a Rule 4 deduction, we will pay at the bigger odds after the Rule 4 deduction has been made to the price taken. Bets using existing free bet funds do not count. Bets placed on specials market or boosts will not count towards this offer. Best Odds will not be applied where non-runners result in the race reverting to SP only. Where the terms of the offer are breached or there is evidence of collusion by a customer, or group of customers, which seek to guarantee profit irrespective of the outcome, Betfred reserves the right to void the bonus element and settle the bets at the correct odds. Betfred reserve the right to exclude certain customers from this offer at our discretion due to internal risk policies and/or account staking restrictions. General Betfred.com rules apply, see website for details.
https://www.betfred.com
Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited – Fred Done (founder, family-owned)
1967
Warrington, UK
- Best Odds Guaranteed available at 48 declaration stage for showcase festival meetings like The Cheltenham Festival
- Best Odds Guaranteed available on all UK & Irish horse racing and greyhound racing.
- Win up to an extra £25000 with Best Odds Guaranteed
££10
Malta Gaming Authority under license: MGA/CRP/121/2006-05
31/12/2023
Terms and Conditions 1. General restrictions a. We expect you to be fair when you take part in promotions. We consider certain types of play to be unfair and to break these terms and conditions. These unfair types of play include the following. Using ‘minimal risk wagering patterns’ (that is, a set pattern of bets or stakes that unfairly minimises risks). Using more than one account in order to get more than the number of bonuses allowed for each customer. Sharing personalised promotions (that is, promotions only available to specific customers we offer them to) with others. This includes taking part in any personalised promotion forwarded to you by someone else when it was not intended for you. Taking part in a promotion that is not available in the country you live in. Colluding with other customers (that is, plotting with others to gain an unfair advantage). Using more than one account per person, per household or per IP address. b. If you take part in any play that we consider to be unfair, we may cancel any bonuses or promotions applied to your account, reclaim any bonus you have received as part of any promotion we have cancelled, and either: settle bets at the correct odds, not the bonus or promotion odds; void any free bets or bets funded by a bonus (that is, treat them as if they had never been placed); or remove any winnings relating to any bonus. 2. General conditions a. Regardless of anything else set out in these terms and conditions, you can withdraw funds from your main balance at any time, except where we must withhold the funds to meet our legal or regulatory obligations. b. You cannot take part in this promotion if we have previously banned you from taking part in promotions, or from betting or playing any games on our website. c. We can withhold or refuse to pay any winnings from a bonus if funds you paid into your main balance (including any amounts you have already used) are cancelled or denied by any payment service (for example, your card provider). d. We can change or cancel this promotion, or change these terms and conditions: without giving you notice, if the change or cancellation is needed because of any change in law or regulation; or by giving you notice beforehand, if the change or cancellation is for any other valid reason (for example, if there is a fault in the software or systems we use to provide this promotion, or we identify a mistake in this promotion or these terms and conditions). We can also award an equivalent bonus to the one referred to in this promotion. e. We will not be responsible for any technical, hardware or software failures, or any unavailable or lost network conditions which may result in incorrect information being displayed, or affect your ability to enter or take part in the promotion. If there is any dispute over your eligibility for the promotion, our decision will be final. f. Your use of our website, and your gaming or betting, is governed by our terms and conditions of using our website or telebetting service (the general terms). You must read the general terms and these terms and conditions before you take part in this promotion. If any of these terms and conditions conflict with the general terms, these terms and conditions will apply. g. These terms and conditions are governed by, and interpreted in line with, the laws of England and Wales. Any legal action in connection with these terms and conditions will be dealt with in the courts of England and Wales h. This promotion is offered, managed and made available on our website (williamhill.com) by us, WHG (International) Limited.
https://www.williamhill.com
888 Holdings Plc (acquired July 2022) – publicly traded on London Stock Exchange
1934
Gibraltar (operations), UK heritage
New and eligible customers only. Bet restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+. BeGambleAware.org
Richard Smith has been writing Cheltenham Festival tips for over a decade, with a proven track record of finding value in both the championship races and the tricky handicaps. Every day of the Festival, we’ll publish detailed analysis, race-by-race tips, and suggested bets across win singles, each-ways, and multiples. Want the full breakdown? Check out our dedicated day-by-day preview pages:
- Day 1 Preview – Tuesday 10th March (Champion Day)
- Day 2 Preview – Wednesday 11th March (Ladies Day)
- Day 3 Preview – Thursday 12th March (St Patrick’s Thursday)
- Day 4 Preview – Friday 13th March (Gold Cup Day)
2026 Cheltenham Festival Schedule & Race Guide
Below you’ll find the complete Cheltenham Festival 2026 race schedule with times, race names, and detailed previews for all 28 contests. We’ve picked out the leading contenders based on current ante-post markets and form heading into March. Odds are approximate and will shift right up until the off — always check your bookmaker for the latest prices.
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026 – DAY 1 – TUESDAY 10TH MARCH
Champion Day kicks off the Festival with a bang. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle opens proceedings, the Arkle showcases the best young chasers, and the day crescendos with the Champion Hurdle — the first of the big four championship races. This year’s Champion Hurdle is wide open after Sir Gino’s season-ending injury, making it one of the most competitive renewals in years.
Day 1 Race Schedule
- 13:20 – Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m ½f)
- 14:00 – Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, 2m)
- 14:40 – McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle / Fred Winter (Premier Handicap, 2m ½f)
- 15:20 – Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 3m ½f)
- 16:00 – Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m ½f)
- 16:40 – TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 2m 5f)
- 17:20 – National Hunt Chase (3m 5f 210y)
13:20 – Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
The Festival opener is always a nervy one — no idea how the ground’s playing, the crowd’s roaring, and everyone’s trying to get off the mark. This year’s Supreme looks like a two-horse race between Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star and Willie Mullins’ Talk The Talk, though the Irish handler doesn’t yet have a standout favourite like he usually does.
Old Park Star won the Rossington Main at Haydock impressively and is only entered in the Supreme, which tells you Henderson thinks this is his race. Talk The Talk was looming large when he fell at Leopardstown in the Future Champions, and he’s drifted slightly in the market since. El Cairos is the other single-entry contender worth a look.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Old Park Star (15/8) – Nicky Henderson
- Talk The Talk (4/1) – Willie Mullins
- El Cairos (5/1)
14:00 – Singer Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
The Arkle has historically been kind to odds-on favourites, and Lulamba looks like he could be the day’s best bet. Nicky Henderson’s charge won the Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury with the sort of authority that screams “Arkle winner.” He’s only had three chase runs but he jumps like a cat and travels like a Ferrari.
The danger is Willie Mullins’ Kopek Des Bordes, who won the 2025 Supreme but has only had one chase run this season. Romeo Coolio is dual-entered across multiple races and could turn up here, but Lulamba looks a cut above.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Lulamba (6/4) – Nicky Henderson
- Kopek Des Bordes (3/1) – Willie Mullins
- Romeo Coolio (8/1)
14:40 – McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Fred Winter)
The Fred Winter is a punting minefield — a wide-open handicap hurdle for four-year-olds with entries only confirmed on 17th February. Markets are still forming, but this is typically a race where Irish raiders dominate and British hopes flounder. Wait for the weights and study the Trials Day form before wading in.
Market Status: Still forming — handicap entries published 17th February.
15:20 – Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
Another tricky handicap, this time over three miles and a bit. The Ultima has been won by everything from 33/1 shots to well-backed favourites, so there’s no pattern to cling to. Look for horses who’ve won at the track before, stay well, and can handle Cheltenham’s undulations. Entries were published mid-February and the market is still bedding in.
Market Status: Still forming.
16:00 – Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) ⭐
The Champion Hurdle 2026 is the race that defines Champion Day, and this year’s renewal is wide open. Willie Mullins’ Sir Gino was the short-priced favourite until he suffered a season-ending fractured pelvis in the Unibet Hurdle on Trials Day. State Man is also absent. Constitution Hill’s form figures read FF5F over jumps this season — he’s had a flat run at Southwell to try and rebuild confidence, but whether Nicky Henderson even runs him is anyone’s guess.
That leaves us with a fascinating four-way battle. The New Lion won the Unibet Hurdle on Trials Day and is unbeaten this season — he’s Britain’s main hope and Dan Skelton’s best-ever chance at a Championship race. Brighterdaysahead beat Lossiemouth by three lengths in the Irish Champion Hurdle and gives Gordon Elliott a live contender, though he’s 0/2 at the Festival.
Lossiemouth might not even run here — she’s odds-on for the Mares’ Hurdle and could go for the hat-trick instead. If she does line up, she’s a major player. Golden Ace is the reigning champion but looked second-best to Sir Gino at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle.
The New Lion looks the each-way value if you’re backing British, but this is a race to savour rather than lumping on. No standout favourite, no Mullins steamroller (yet), just pure, open championship racing.
Top 5 Contenders:
- The New Lion (5/2) – Dan Skelton
- Brighterdaysahead (11/4) – Gordon Elliott
- Constitution Hill (5/1) – Nicky Henderson
- Lossiemouth (7/1) – Willie Mullins (may run in Mares’ Hurdle instead)
- Golden Ace (8/1) – Willie Mullins (reigning champion)
16:40 – TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
The Plate used to be on St Patrick’s Thursday but has swapped places with the Mares’ Hurdle for 2026, landing on Champion Day. It’s a two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase that often throws up a surprise winner. Markets are still forming as trainers finalise their entries.
Market Status: Still forming.
17:20 – National Hunt Chase
The day’s finale is a stamina test for amateur riders — nearly four miles of Cheltenham’s punishing terrain. It’s a race that separates the genuine stayers from the pretenders, and it often produces future Gold Cup contenders. Markets are thin at this stage, but keep an eye on Willie Mullins’ entries when they’re confirmed.
Market Status: Still forming.
📖 Read the full Day 1 preview with detailed tips for all seven races →
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026 – DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH
Ladies Day is the most glamorous day of the Festival, but don’t let the fashions distract you — there’s serious racing on offer. The Turners Novices’ Hurdle and Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase showcase the best staying novices, while the Champion Chase is the second of the big four championship races. Willie Mullins’ Majborough looks a monster after his 19-length demolition in the Dublin Chase.
Day 2 Race Schedule
- 13:20 – Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, ~2m 4f)
- 14:00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, ~3m)
- 14:40 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap, 2m 5f)
- 15:20 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (~3m 6f)
- 16:00 – BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1, 2m)
- 16:40 – Debenhams Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 2m)
- 17:20 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1, 2m ½f)
13:20 – Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
The Turners (formerly known as the Ballymore) is the championship race for staying novice hurdlers. Act Of Innocence was scratched from the Supreme and confirmed for this, which tells you connections fancy him over the longer trip. Ballyfad and Taurus Bay are the main dangers, but this looks like Act Of Innocence’s race to lose.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Act Of Innocence (5/2)
- Ballyfad (5/1)
- Taurus Bay (6/1)
14:00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
The Brown Advisory is the staying novice chase equivalent of the Turners, and this year’s favourite is a puzzle. Willie Mullins’ Final Demand looked outstanding early in the season but flopped badly on heavy ground at Leopardstown in February. Some pundits reckon he “shouldn’t even be market leader” after that performance.
Jeriko Du Reponet is the dark horse in the staying novice chase division and could spring a surprise. Romeo Coolio is dual-entered but might run in the Arkle instead. This is a race to approach with caution — wait for the final declarations before committing.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Final Demand (3/1) – Willie Mullins (something to prove after Leopardstown flop)
- Jeriko Du Reponet (5/1)
- Romeo Coolio (8/1) – dual-entered
14:40 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
The Coral Cup is one of the most competitive handicaps of the week — a cavalry charge of 20+ runners over two and a half miles. It’s a race where pace, positioning, and a bit of luck all matter. Markets are still forming, but look for horses who’ve run well at the track before and can handle a strongly-run race. This is a great one for each-way punting.
Market Status: Still forming.
15:20 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
Love it or hate it, the Cross Country Chase is Festival theatre. The course takes in banks, ditches, and obstacles you won’t find on any other racecourse. Stumptown won this in 2025 and is the early favourite to repeat. It’s a specialist’s race — ignore it if you’re not into the quirky stuff, or embrace the chaos and have a small punt.
Top Contender:
- Stumptown (3/1) – 2025 winner
16:00 – BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) ⭐
The Queen Mother Champion Chase 2026 is two miles of pure speed, precision jumping, and raw class. This year, we’ve got a mouth-watering clash between Majborough and defending champion Marine Nationale.
Majborough won the 2024 Triumph Hurdle but had a disappointing 2025 when beaten odds-on in the Arkle. Fast-forward to February 2026, and he’s a transformed animal — he demolished the field by 19 lengths in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown, cutting from 8/1 to 13/8 favourite overnight. That was one of the most visually impressive performances of the season.
Marine Nationale won this race in 2025, beating Jonbon by 18 lengths, but he was second on heavy ground at Leopardstown in his prep race. He’s better on better ground, and if we get good to soft at Cheltenham, he’s a serious player at 5/2.
Il Etait Temps won the Tingle Creek at Sandown, while L’Eau du Sud was third in that race and won the Shloer Chase earlier in the season. Jonbon is 20/1 after a Clarence House win at Ascot, but he might swerve this and run in the Ryanair instead.
Majborough looks the one to beat, but don’t sleep on Marine Nationale if the ground dries out.
Top 4 Contenders:
- Majborough (13/8) – Willie Mullins (19-length Dublin Chase winner)
- Marine Nationale (5/2) – Barry Connell (2025 winner, needs better ground)
- Il Etait Temps (8/1) – Tingle Creek winner
- L’Eau du Sud (8/1) – Dan Skelton (Shloer Chase winner)
16:40 – Debenhams Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
The Grand Annual is a two-mile handicap chase with a new sponsor (Debenhams) for 2026. It’s a fast, furious cavalry charge where one mistake costs you the race. Markets are still forming, but this is another cracking each-way opportunity once the weights are out.
Market Status: Still forming.
17:20 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1)
The Champion Bumper closes Ladies Day — a Grade 1 for horses who’ve never run over hurdles or fences. It’s a flat race over jumps, basically, and Willie Mullins has an absurd record in it. Markets are thin at this stage, but Dan Skelton’s Risky Obsession is one to watch at around 8/1. Expect Mullins to dominate the market when his entries are confirmed.
Dark Horse:
- Risky Obsession (8/1) – Dan Skelton
📖 Read the full Day 2 preview with detailed tips for all seven races →
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026 – DAY 3 – THURSDAY 12TH MARCH
St Patrick’s Thursday is the day when the Irish really turn up. The Stayers’ Hurdle is the third championship race, the Ryanair Chase is a Grade 1 belter, and the Mares’ Hurdle showcases the best female hurdlers. Lossiemouth could be odds-on for that one if she swerves the Champion Hurdle.
Day 3 Race Schedule
- 13:20 – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle / Dawn Run (Grade 2, 2m ½f)
- 14:00 – Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2, ~2m 4f)
- 14:40 – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m ½f)
- 15:20 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 3m)
- 16:00 – Ryanair Chase / Festival Trophy (Grade 1, 2m 4½f)
- 16:40 – Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap, 3m)
- 17:20 – Rosconn Group Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f)
13:20 – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Dawn Run) – Grade 2
The Dawn Run is the mares’ novice hurdle championship, and Willie Mullins’ Bambino Fever looks a class apart. She won the Champion Bumper last year and followed up with an impressive victory at Fairyhouse in January. She could go odds-on closer to the race.
Oldschool Outlaw actually beat Bambino Fever on hurdling debut and won the Solerina, so she’s not without a chance. But Mullins won the first five renewals of this race, and Bambino Fever looks like she’s got the class to end his six-year drought.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Bambino Fever (7/4) – Willie Mullins (Champion Bumper winner)
- Oldschool Outlaw (4/1)
- Mille Et Une Vies (8/1) – Dan Skelton
14:00 – Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2)
The Jack Richards is a relatively new addition to the Festival — a limited handicap chase for novices. Markets are still forming, but this is one to study once the weights are published. Look for progressive chasers who’ve won over similar trips.
Market Status: Still forming.
14:40 – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle has moved to Thursday for 2026 (swapping with the Plate). And if Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth runs here instead of the Champion Hurdle, she’ll be odds-on. She’s going for a third successive win in this race, having won in 2024 and 2025. Some bookies already have her at 4/5.
The danger is Wodhooh, who was touted as “one to beat” in early-season analysis, but Lossiemouth is a different class. If you’re backing her, this is the race — not the Champion Hurdle, where she faces much stiffer competition.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Lossiemouth (EVS / 4-5) – Willie Mullins (going for hat-trick)
- Wodhooh (5/1)
- Listentoyourheart (10/1) – Dan Skelton
15:20 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) ⭐
The Stayers’ Hurdle 2026 is the championship race for three-mile hurdlers, and this year’s renewal looks like a battle between new blood and the old guard. Teahupoo won this in 2024, finished second in 2025, and has had a superb autumn campaign — winning both the Hatton’s Grace and Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. He’s Gordon Elliott’s main hope and the 7/4 favourite.
Honesty Policy and Impose Toi are the fresh faces in the division, both trained by Willie Mullins for JP McManus. Honesty Policy won the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree last year, while Impose Toi has a three-race winning streak including the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.
Bob Olinger is the defending champion at 11 years old, with a flawless 3/3 Festival record. He’s getting on a bit, but you can’t write him off. Ma Shantou won the Cleeve Hurdle on Trials Day and is Britain’s best hope at 8/1.
Teahupoo looks the one to beat, but this is a deep, competitive renewal. Each-way bets make sense here.
Top 5 Contenders:
- Teahupoo (7/4) – Gordon Elliott (2024 winner, superb autumn form)
- Honesty Policy (4/1) – Willie Mullins / JP McManus (fresh blood)
- Bob Olinger (7/1) – Henry de Bromhead (defending champion, 3/3 at Festival)
- Ma Shantou (8/1) – Cleeve Hurdle winner, best British hope
- Impose Toi (14/1) – Willie Mullins / JP McManus (Long Walk winner)
16:00 – Ryanair Chase (Festival Trophy) – Grade 1
The Ryanair Chase is the in-between championship race — not quite Gold Cup distance, but longer than two miles. It’s a brilliant race, and this year’s renewal hinges entirely on one question: does Fact To File get supplemented for the Gold Cup?
Willie Mullins’ Fact To File is the reigning Ryanair champion and won the Irish Gold Cup brilliantly in February, beating stablemate Gaelic Warrior by five lengths. He’s only entered in the Ryanair, but JP McManus could pay to supplement him for the Gold Cup. If he stays here, he’ll be odds-on. If he goes to the Gold Cup, Gaelic Warrior becomes the banker favourite at 5/2.
Ruby Walsh has said “one of them will run here,” so we’re guaranteed a Mullins steamroller. Jonbon is 6/1 if he swerves the Champion Chase, but he’d be up against it. This is a Mullins benefit match.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Fact To File (2/1) – Willie Mullins (reigning champion, may go to Gold Cup)
- Gaelic Warrior (5/2) – Willie Mullins (becomes favourite if Fact To File goes to Gold Cup)
- Jonbon (6/1) – Nicky Henderson (Clarence House winner, dual-entered)
16:40 – Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap)
The Pertemps Final is a three-mile handicap hurdle for horses who’ve qualified through regional heats. It’s a proper stamina test, and the qualification races are still ongoing. Markets won’t firm up until closer to the Festival, but this is always a competitive betting heat.
Market Status: Qualification races ongoing.
17:20 – Rosconn Group Kim Muir Challenge Cup
The Kim Muir (new sponsor: Rosconn Group) is an amateur riders’ handicap chase over three miles and two furlongs. It’s a race where experience and horsemanship matter as much as raw speed. Markets are thin at this stage, but Willie Mullins usually fields a strong team.
Market Status: Still forming.
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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026 – DAY 4 – FRIDAY 13TH MARCH
Gold Cup Day is the pinnacle of the jump racing season. The Triumph Hurdle kicks things off, the Mares’ Chase and Albert Bartlett showcase future stars, and then it all builds to the main event: the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026. This year’s Gold Cup is wide open — defending champion Inothewayurthinkin is out of form, Galopin Des Champs hasn’t shown his best, and Fact To File might be supplemented. Buckle up.
Day 4 Race Schedule
- 13:20 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m ½f)
- 14:00 – County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap, 2m)
- 14:40 – Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2, 2m 4f)
- 15:20 – Paddy Power Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 3m)
- 16:00 – Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1, 3m 2½f)
- 16:40 – Festival Hunters’ Chase (3m 2f)
- 17:20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle (Handicap, 2m 4f)
13:20 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
The Triumph Hurdle is the juvenile championship — a Grade 1 for four-year-olds. Willie Mullins’ Narciso Has looks a cut above after winning the Grade 1 juvenile at Leopardstown by six lengths, giving 7lb to Mange Tout in the process. He’s dominant on yielding and heavy ground, and if we get soft conditions, he could go off odds-on.
Mange Tout is a filly trained by Gordon Elliott. She beat Narciso Has at Fairyhouse but was well beaten when they met again at Leopardstown. She’s 5/1 and represents the main danger.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Narciso Has (2/1) – Willie Mullins (dominant Grade 1 winner)
- Mange Tout (5/1) – Gordon Elliott (filly, beat Narciso Has once)
- Proactif (10/1) – Willie Mullins (dual-entered Supreme/Triumph)
14:00 – County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
The County Hurdle is a two-mile cavalry charge — one of the most competitive handicaps of the week. Dan Skelton has won this four times, so keep an eye on his entries when they’re confirmed. Markets are still forming, but this is a cracking race for small multiples like a Trixie if you fancy a few at bigger prices.
Market Status: Still forming.
14:40 – Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2)
Willie Mullins’ Dinoblue is the defending champion and has won twice this season in mares-only company. She won the 2025 edition of this race emphatically and looks the one to beat at 15/8.
The danger is Found A Fifty, who beat Dinoblue in the Fortria Chase on seasonal debut. That form gives her a live chance at 4/1. Dan Skelton’s Panic Attack could also be a threat if she runs here instead of the Ryanair.
Top 3 Contenders:
- Dinoblue (15/8) – Willie Mullins (defending champion)
- Found A Fifty (4/1) – beat Dinoblue in Fortria Chase
- Panic Attack (8/1) – Dan Skelton
15:20 – Paddy Power Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
The Albert Bartlett is the staying novice hurdle championship — three miles of lung-busting attrition. I’ll Sort That is dual-entered in the Turners and Albert Bartlett and looks the early favourite at 5/1. No Drama This End is 6/1, with Dan Skelton’s Moneygarrow and Dalston Lad also in the mix.
Markets are still bedding in, but this is a race where stamina is king. Look for horses who’ve won over 2m6f+ and stay strongly up the Cheltenham hill.
Top 3 Contenders:
- I’ll Sort That (5/1) – dual-entered
- No Drama This End (6/1)
- Moneygarrow (8/1) – Dan Skelton
16:00 – Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) ⭐⭐⭐
Here it is. The Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026. The one everyone’s been waiting for. Three miles, two and a half furlongs of the most demanding test in jump racing. And this year, it’s wide open.
Defending champion Inothewayurthinkin (Gavin Cromwell) is out of form at 16/1. Dual winner Galopin Des Champs (Willie Mullins) hasn’t shown his best this season and is 10/1. The old guard are fading. Enter the new contenders.
Fact To File won the Irish Gold Cup brilliantly, beating stablemate Gaelic Warrior by five lengths. The problem? He’s only entered in the Ryanair. JP McManus will decide whether to supplement him for the Gold Cup (cost: £50,000), and that decision could shape the entire race. If he runs here, he’s the 4/1 favourite. If he stays in the Ryanair, this race is anyone’s.
Jango Baie won the 2025 Arkle and finished a close fourth in the King George. He’s progressive, young, and proven at the highest level. At 5/1, he’s Willie Mullins’ next-best hope if Fact To File doesn’t supplement.
The Jukebox Man is Britain’s main hope. Paul Nicholls’ charge won the King George at Kempton and looks every inch a Gold Cup horse. He’s 6/1 and represents the best chance for a home-trained winner since Native River in 2018.
Gaelic Warrior finished third in the King George and second in the Irish Gold Cup behind Fact To File. He’s a former Arkle winner with Grade 1 class, and at 7/1, he’s a live each-way player.
Haiti Couleurs is the outsider with a serious chance. Rebecca Curtis’ charge won the Welsh National carrying 11st 13lb and won the 2025 National Hunt Chase. Curtis reckons he has a “serious chance” in the Gold Cup, and at 10/1, he’s worth a look.
This is a Gold Cup with no standout favourite, no Mullins steamroller (unless Fact To File supplements), and genuine chances for multiple horses. It’s the most open renewal in years. Each-way punting is the way forward here — pick two or three at decent prices and hope one of them brings home the bacon.
Top 6 Contenders:
- Fact To File (4/1) – Willie Mullins (Irish Gold Cup winner, only entered in Ryanair — needs supplement)
- Jango Baie (5/1) – Willie Mullins (2025 Arkle winner, progressive)
- The Jukebox Man (6/1) – Paul Nicholls (King George winner, best British hope)
- Gaelic Warrior (7/1) – Willie Mullins (former Arkle winner, Irish Gold Cup second)
- Galopin Des Champs (10/1) – Willie Mullins (dual Gold Cup winner, out of form)
- Haiti Couleurs (10/1) – Rebecca Curtis (Welsh National winner, “serious chance”)
16:40 – Festival Hunters’ Chase
The Hunters’ Chase is a three-mile-plus contest for horses with hunter chase experience. Dan Skelton’s Unexpected Party is a previous Festival winner and sits around 5/1 in early markets. This is a specialist’s race — if you’re not into hunter chasing, give it a miss.
Top Contender:
- Unexpected Party (5/1) – Dan Skelton (previous Festival winner)
17:20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle (Handicap)
The Martin Pipe closes the Festival — a handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys (apprentice riders). It’s a fitting finale that often produces emotional storylines and future stars. Markets are still forming, but this is always a competitive betting heat.
Market Status: Still forming.
📖 Read the full Day 4 preview with detailed tips for all seven races →
Cheltenham Festival 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2026?
What time is the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026?
Who is favourite for the Champion Hurdle 2026?
Who is favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026?
What are the best Cheltenham betting offers for 2026?
How many races are there at the Cheltenham Festival?
Where can I watch the Cheltenham Festival 2026?
What is non-runner no bet (NRNB) at Cheltenham?
Who trains the most Cheltenham Festival winners?
Should I back favourites at Cheltenham?
The Cheltenham Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. With Sir Gino ruled out, Constitution Hill’s form in doubt, and the Gold Cup wide open, there are opportunities everywhere for punters who do their homework. Grab the best betting offers, study the form, and enjoy four days of the finest jump racing on the planet. See you at the Festival. 🍀🏇
