Cheltenham Festival 2026

THE ULTIMATE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026 GUIDE

Full Schedule • Betting Insights • Race Changes • Daily Itinerary

The Cheltenham Festival 2026 takes place from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March, delivering four days of world‑class National Hunt racing at Prestbury Park. With major race‑day reshuffles, new equine stars emerging, and the most competitive fields in years, the 2026 Festival is shaping up to be a blockbuster.

⭐ What’s New for Cheltenham 2026?

The Jockey Club has introduced several structural changes to improve balance and competitiveness across the week:

2026 Race Changes

• The Mares’ Hurdle moves to Thursday, giving it a prime Grade 1 slot.
• The Plate Handicap Chase returns to Day One, strengthening Tuesday’s card.
• The Ryanair Chase moves later on Thursday, creating a Grade 1 triple‑header.
• Each day now features at least three Grade 1 races, improving distribution.
• Earlier start times to improve crowd flow and TV scheduling.

These changes make 2026 one of the most strategically interesting Festivals in years.

🗓️ Cheltenham Festival 2026 Full Itinerary & Race Schedule

Cheltenham Festival 2026 – Day 1 Racing Analysis & Tips 

13:20 – MIGHTY PARK (9/2)

Mighty Park arrives as a horse trending sharply upward, and this opening contest looks tailor‑made for him. His cruising speed, tactical versatility and ability to handle a strong gallop give him a major edge in a race that traditionally rewards balance and rhythm. He finishes his races with authority, and the stiff Cheltenham hill plays directly into his strengths.

Verdict: A rock‑solid win contender with the ideal profile for a Festival opener.

—

14:00 – KARGESE (5/1)

Kargese has been campaigned with patience and precision, and this is the moment connections have clearly targeted. Her jumping has tightened, her engine is proven, and she brings the kind of toughness that wins Grade 1s on Day 1. She travels strongly, finds plenty, and handles pressure — exactly what this race demands.

Verdict: A confident selection in a race where class should rise to the top.

—

14:40 – MINO DES MOTTES (25/1) – Each‑Way Value

This is the first proper betting angle of the day. Mino Des Mottes is massively overpriced at 25/1 given his staying power, improving profile and ability to grind through a relentless tempo. He’s the type who keeps finding when others crack, and the Festival often rewards these unflashy, relentless types.

Verdict: A standout each‑way play with genuine place claims and a sneaky win chance if the race collapses late.

—

15:20 – BLOW YOUR WAD (16/1) – Each‑Way

Blow Your Wad is the definition of a dark horse. He’s battle‑hardened, tactically sharp, and has already shown he can mix it with graded performers. Cheltenham suits horses who can travel, sit handy, and then dig deep — exactly his profile. At 16/1, he’s a dangerous floater in a race where the market leaders have questions to answer.

Verdict: A high‑value each‑way selection with the tools to outrun his price.

—

16:00 – LOSSIEMOUTH (2/1)

The banker of the day. Lossiemouth brings elite form, proven Festival class, and a turn of foot that very few in the division can match. She’s tactically bombproof, handles any ground, and has the professionalism you want in a short‑priced favourite. If she gets a clean passage, she simply wins.

Verdict: The most reliable win bet on the Day 1 card.

—

16:40 – DOWN MEXICO WAY (9/1) – Each‑Way

Down Mexico Way is a proper Festival type — strong traveller, jumps economically, and has been campaigned with this exact race in mind. His form lines are deeper than they look, and he’s the sort who improves for a strong pace and a stiff finish. At 9/1, he’s sitting in the sweet spot for each‑way punters.

Verdict: A major player with both win and place potential.

—

17:20 – GRAND CASTLE (14/1) – Each‑Way

The finale often throws up a price, and Grand Castle fits the bill perfectly. He’s progressive, well‑handicapped, and shaped like a horse crying out for a big‑field Cheltenham test. His finishing effort is his weapon, and if he’s within striking distance turning for home, he’ll be flying up the hill.

Verdict: A live each‑way contender with upside still to come.

DAY ONE – CHAMPIONS DAY

Tuesday 10th March 2026

Time Race Grade Distance
13:20 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Grade 1 2m
14:00 Arkle Novices’ Chase Grade 1 2m
14:40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Grade 3 2m
15:20 Ultima Handicap Chase Grade 3 3m 2f
16:00 Champion Hurdle Grade 1 2m
16:40 Plate Handicap Chase Grade 3 2m 4f
17:20 National Hunt Chase Grade 2 3m 6f

Day One Feature: Champion Hurdle

The speed championship over timber — and the first major roar of the week.

---

Cheltenham Festival 2026 – Day 2 Racing Analysis & Tips

13:20 – BALLYFAD (11/1) – Each‑Way Value with a Proper Festival Profile

BALLYFAD shapes like a horse built for the intensity of a Cheltenham opener. His strongest performances have come on tracks that demand rhythm, balance and stamina, and he finishes his races with purpose. This contest is likely to be run at a searching pace, which plays directly into his strengths.

• Travels strongly and stays better than most in the field.
• Handles undulating tracks and finds plenty up the hill.
• Well enough treated to get involved late if the leaders overdo it.

Verdict: A live each‑way player who should be powering home when it matters.

—

14:00 – FINAL DEMAND (13/2) – The Most Complete Profile in the Race

FINAL DEMAND brings the right blend of tactical speed, consistency and mental toughness. He’s proven in big fields, he responds when asked, and he has the versatility to sit handy or stalk the pace. That adaptability is gold dust at the Festival.

• Strong form lines against higher‑rated rivals.
• Reliable jumper who doesn’t waste energy.
• Trainer excels with horses peaking for this meeting.

Verdict: A major win contender with a rock‑solid chance.

—

14:40 – JINGKO BLUE (15/2) – Each‑Way with Serious Upside

JINGKO BLUE is the improver in the field and arrives with the profile of a horse who could easily out-run his mark. His turn of foot off a strong pace is a weapon, and this race traditionally rewards horses who can travel and quicken.

• Lightly raced and still progressing.
• Ideal setup: strong pace, long straight, stiff finish.
• Looks ahead of the assessor based on recent runs.

Verdict: One of the most appealing each‑way bets of the day.

—

15:20 – THE GOFFER (16/1) – Big‑Price Festival Specialist

THE GOFFER is always underestimated at this meeting. He’s a proven Festival performer, stays all day, and thrives in races where stamina and resilience matter more than raw speed. This looks tailor‑made for him.

• Cheltenham form is a major positive.
• Stays strongly and handles pressure.
• Quiet campaign suggests this has been the long‑term target.

Verdict: A must‑include each‑way at a price that doesn’t reflect his Festival record.

—

16:00 – MAJBOUROURGH (1/1) – The Standout Favourite

MAJBOUROURGH has the clearest winning profile of the entire card. His jumping is sharp, he travels like a class act, and he finds more when challenged. Horses with his style tend to dominate on the New Course.

• Controls races with smooth, efficient rhythm.
• Proven ability to quicken twice.
• Brings the most reliable form into the race.

Verdict: The most likely winner on the day.

—

16:40 – RELEASE THE BEAST (10/1) – Each‑Way Grinder with the Right Setup

RELEASE THE BEAST is a relentless galloper who keeps finding when others are fading. His recent runs have been better than they look, and he’s been crying out for a stiff finish and a long straight.

• Strong late sectionals in unsuitable races.
• Will relish the uphill drive to the line.
• Race shape looks ideal for his grinding style.

Verdict: A proper each‑way swing with the engine to get involved.

—

17:20 – KIM HIM COMPANY (15/2) – Strong Finisher in the Finale

KIM HIM COMPANY is the type who excels in late‑card Festival races: travels well, stays well, and handles the hustle of big‑field handicaps. He’s still improving and looks primed for this test.

• Consistent and progressive profile.
• Tactical speed to hold a position early.
• Stamina to finish strongly as the race breaks apart.

Verdict: A major contender at a fair price.

DAY TWO – LADIES’ DAY

Wednesday 11th March 2026

Time Race Grade Distance
13:20 Turners Novices’ Hurdle Grade 1 2m 5f
14:00 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase Grade 1 3m
14:40 Coral Cup Grade 3 2m 5f
15:20 Cross Country Chase Class 2 3m 6f
16:00 Champion Chase Grade 1 2m
16:40 Grand Annual Grade 3 2m
17:20 Champion Bumper Grade 1 2m

Day Two Feature: Queen Mother Champion Chase

Pure speed. No hiding place.

---

DAY THREE – ST PATRICK’S THURSDAY

Thursday 12th March 2026

Time Race Grade Distance
13:20 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Grade 2 2m 1f
14:00 Novices’ Handicap Chase Grade 2 2m 4f
14:40 Mares’ Hurdle Grade 1 2m 4f
15:20 Stayers’ Hurdle Grade 1 3m
16:00 Ryanair Chase Grade 1 2m 5f
16:40 Pertemps Final Listed 3m
17:20 Kim Muir Class 2 3m 2f

Day Three Feature: Stayers’ Hurdle

The ultimate test of stamina and heart.

---

13:20 – PROACTIF (4/1) – Win

Proactif brings the strongest all‑round profile into the opener: efficient cruising speed, clean jumping, and the ability to sustain pressure late. His recent form has repeatedly worked out and he looks ahead of his mark. The expected race shape should suit a horse who can sit handy and quicken, making him the most reliable winning proposition in the field.

—

14:00 – HELLO NEIGHBOUR (18/1) – Each‑Way

Hello Neighbour is the right kind of unexposed handicap runner for this race: improving, travelling strongly through his races, and shaping last time like a horse ready for a deeper test. His mark still looks workable and a strong pace will help him settle and finish. He has the profile to outrun his price in a big‑field Festival handicap.

—

14:40 – SPINDLEBERRY (5/1) – Win

Spindleberry has been progressing like a mare with graded potential. Her jumping is sharp, she travels with purpose, and she has already shown she can quicken off a strong pace—an essential trait here. The form of her latest win has been boosted multiple times, and she arrives with the most upward momentum. She sets the standard.

—

15:20 – KAZANSKY (14/1) – Each‑Way

Kazansky is a grinder with deep stamina reserves, and this race typically rewards exactly that. He’s been shaping like a horse who wants a relentless test, and Cheltenham’s uphill finish is ideal. His handicap mark gives him room to land a blow, and he tends to run best in big fields where the pace collapses late. A solid each‑way player.

—

16:00 – GAELIC WARRIOR (9/2) – Gold Cup

Gaelic Warrior brings raw ability and a huge engine—arguably the most naturally talented horse in the field. His jumping has tightened up and he can apply sustained pressure when in rhythm. The unknown is the trip, but his pedigree and running style both suggest the Gold Cup distance could unlock further improvement. If he stays, he has the tools to win.

—

16:40 – STATTLER (12/1) – Each‑Way

Stattler is a proven Festival stayer with a relentless galloping style. He’s not a speed horse, but this race rarely rewards speed; it rewards stamina and resilience. His prep runs have been quietly encouraging and he tends to peak in March. If this turns into a slog, he will still be finding when others are empty.

—

17:20 – AIR OF ENTITLEMENT (10/1) – Each‑Way

Air Of Entitlement has been improving steadily and shaped last time like a mare ready for a stronger test. She travels well, handles the track, and finishes her races with purpose. The expected pace scenario—strong early, stretched late—plays directly to her strengths. She fits the profile of a reliable each‑way closer.

DAY FOUR – GOLD CUP DAY

Friday 13th March 2026

Time Race Grade Distance
13:20 Triumph Hurdle Grade 1 2m
14:00 County Hurdle Grade 3 2m
14:40 Mares’ Chase Grade 2 2m 4f
15:20 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Grade 1 3m
16:00 Cheltenham Gold Cup Grade 1 3m 2f
16:40 Hunters’ Chase Class 2 3m 2f
17:20 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Class 2 2m 4f

Day Four Feature: The Cheltenham Gold Cup

The biggest race in National Hunt racing. Careers are defined here.

---

🐎 Horses to Follow for Cheltenham 2026

A Festival is only as good as its stars — and 2026 has some monsters.

Champion Hurdle Division

• The New Lion – the new superstar; unbeaten in 2025/26.
• Lossiemouth – could go Mares’ Hurdle, but still entered here.

Champion Chase Division

Each Way Extra Places

Get the edge with extra paying places at Cheltenham this year!

With large numbers of horses running in races at Cheltenham getting paid on extra places is imperative.

That extra paying 5th, 6th or 7th place in race could be the difference between you landing the accumulator of a lifetime or not.

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 Racing.

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.

Super Bet Boosts

Bookmakers will offer incentives to join them especially over the Cheltenham festival period, however bet365 offer the Bet Boost daily. A bet boost is for example a horse being boosted from 2/1 to 4/1 in a selected race.

Get a bigger boosted price on selected runners on all UK, Irish and selected International horse races here.

Price Promise

Usually when you are backing a horse it is to win some money and given the option you would want to win the biggest amount possible for your stake.

bet365 will not be beaten on price on any horse for all UK and Irish races shown live on ITV Racing.

Best Odds Guaranteed

Often in horse racing the odds of horses drift. You could back a horse at 5/1 and it runs at 12/1 for example, this is great if you have best odds guaranteed however if you don’t it’s wrenching. Let’s say you placed £10 on a horse at 5/1 that drifted to 12/1 and won but your bookmaker doesn’t offer best odds guaranteed your returns would be £60.

However, if your bookmaker did offer best odds guaranteed your returns would be £130. Thats over double the returns!

Make sure you have best odds guaranteed for Cheltenham festival here.

The turn of the New Year means one thing for racing fans, the Cheltenham countdown is officially underway! We’re less than a week away from the Greatest Show on Turf and already punters are placing their ante-post bets, here’s how we think the Cheltenham horse racing tips will fair.

#ad bet365 are NRNB and Best Odds Guaranteed* on every race of the Festival we have listed, giving you the safety net of backing a horse for a race you think they may run in, but if they don’t then you will get your stake returned. Here we preview each of those 5 races below. Please note that all prices are subject to change. Applies from 17:00pm 6^th March 2026. No rule 4 will apply until after the final declaration. T&Cs apply.