Four days of excitement, atmosphere, and world‑class racing are on the way. Whether you're following a favourite runner, checking the schedule, or simply enjoying the buzz of the Festival, here's a clear and friendly guide to each day.
Day 1 — Champion Day (10 March)
A vibrant start to the Festival, Champion Day sets the tone with high‑energy races and a fantastic atmosphere.
Race Schedule
Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
13:20 | Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m ½f |
14:00 | Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase | Grade 1 | 2m |
14:40 | Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | — | 2m ½f |
15:20 | Ultima Handicap Chase | — | 3m 1f |
16:00 | Unibet Champion Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m ½f |
16:40 | TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase | — | 2m 4f |
17:20 | National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase | — | 3m 6f |
⭐ Feature Race: The Champion Hurdle
A Festival classic. This fast and fiercely run race often creates some of the week’s most memorable moments.
Day 2 — Ladies Day (11 March)
A stylish and lively day, full of colour, atmosphere and top‑tier racing.
Race Schedule
Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
13:20 | Turners Novices’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 5f |
14:00 | Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase | Grade 1 | 3m 1f |
14:40 | Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle | — | 2m 5f |
15:20 | Glenfarclas Country Chase | — | 3m 5½f |
16:00 | BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase | Grade 1 | 2m |
16:40 | Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase | — | 2m |
17:20 | Weatherbys Champion Bumper | Grade 1 | 2m ½f |
⭐ Feature Race: Queen Mother Champion Chase
Expect a fast, tactical battle featuring some of the sharpest two‑mile chasers in training.
Day 3 — St Patrick’s Thursday (12 March)
A day packed with atmosphere, tradition and racing that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Race Schedule
Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
13:20 | Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m 1f |
14:00 | Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase | Grade 2 | 2m 4½f |
14:40 | Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 4½f |
15:20 | Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | 3m |
16:00 | Ryanair Chase | Grade 1 | 2m 4½f |
16:40 | Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle | — | 3m |
17:20 | Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup | — | 3m 2f |
⭐ Feature Race: Stayers’ Hurdle
A true test of heart and stamina, this race often delivers dramatic, late‑surge finishes.
Day 4 — Gold Cup Day (13 March)
The final day brings an incredible atmosphere as fans gather for the most anticipated race of the week: the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Race Schedule
Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
13:20 | JCB Triumph Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m 1f |
14:00 | William Hill County Handicap Hurdle | — | 2m 1f |
14:40 | Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase | Grade 2 | 2m 4¼f |
15:20 | Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | 3m |
16:00 | Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup | Grade 1 | 3m 2½f |
16:40 | St James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Hunters’ Chase | — | 3m 2½f |
17:20 | Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle | — | 2m 4½f |
⭐ Feature Race: Cheltenham Gold Cup
The crown jewel of jump racing. This prestigious contest brings together the very best staying chasers, every jockey, trainer and racing fan has their eyes on this one.