Cheltenham National Hunt 2026: The Festival

The Cheltenham Festival, taking place in March each year, is the pinnacle of the National Hunt racing season.

Across four action-packed days, racing fans flock to Cheltenham Racecourse to witness top-class horses, jockeys, and trainers battle for glory.

From the first hurdle to the final furlong, each day is full of unforgettable moments, and the best way to enjoy it all is with Cheltenham hospitality tickets.

Here’s a guide on what to expect from each day of the Festival, and the key races you won’t want to miss.

Champion Day – Tuesday 10 March

The day opens with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, where early-season form has Old Park Star, El Cairos, and Talk The Talk fancied to make an impression.

The excitement continues with the Arkle Novice Chase, the clash of the day, featuring Lulamba taking on Kopek Des Bordes in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

The highlight of the Tuesday is always the Grade 1 Unibet Champion Hurdle over 2 miles, where the season’s top hurdlers, including The New Lion, Golden Ace, and Brighterdaysahead, take centre stage. It’s a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat race that sets the tone for the entire week.

From the very first race, the energy in the stands is electric, making Champion Day a must-see for every racing fan. With Cheltenham hospitality tickets, you can take it all in from prime viewing areas.

Ladies Day – Wednesday 11 March

Ladies Day brings a mix of top-class racing and festival glamour.

The day opens the Turners Novice Hurdle, followed by the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, where some of the season’s most promising young chasers take to the course, offering a glimpse of potential future Gold Cup stars.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the highlight of the day, where Majborough, Marine Nationale, and Il Etait Temps go head-to-head in a thrilling two-mile contest that demands speed and precise jumping.

Whilst the Cross Country Chase provides a unique spectacle, with its unconventional fences and testing course producing unpredictable drama and plenty of excitement for the crowd.

St Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday 12 March

St Patrick’s Thursday is one of the most electric days of the Festival, full of colour, atmosphere, and top-class racing as everyone celebrates St Patrick’s Day.

The day builds to its feature race, the Stayers’ Hurdle, where the 11-year-old Bob Olinger looks to defend his crown against a new generation of talented stayers.

Earlier, the Ryanair Chase delivers fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action as leading chasers battle it out over the fences.

Alongside these headline events, big-field handicaps keep the excitement flowing, offering plenty of twists and surprises for spectators.

Whilst away from the racing, the Guinness Tent provides a lively hub for drinks, music, and socialising, letting fans soak up the Festival atmosphere in style throughout the day.

Gold Cup Day – Friday 13 March

The Festival finale, Gold Cup Day, is the most prestigious day of all, where the best staying chasers in National Hunt racing compete for the ultimate prize.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup promises edge-of-your-seat excitement from start to finish, and this year looks set to be one of the most thrilling contests in recent memory.

Britain’s challenge comes from The Jukebox Man and Jango Baie, while Irish contenders, including crowd favourite Galopin Des Champs, Gaelic Warrior, and potentially Fact to File following his success at the Dublin Racing Festival, will descend on Prestbury Park in pursuit of glory.

The day kicks off with the Triumph Hurdle, offering an early glimpse of the stars of tomorrow, before the Foxhunters Chase gives amateur jockeys their moment in the spotlight.

The action culminates with the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, rounding off what will have been an incredible week of racing, drama, and unforgettable Festival moments.

Cheltenham Racecourse Hospitality with Circuit Hospitality

Make the most of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival with Circuit Hospitality. Enjoy exclusive access to premium hospitality, including views from the Champions Club Balcony overlooking the final fences and fully inclusive dining in the Long Run ‘Champions Club’ restaurant.

As an official provider of Cheltenham hospitality tickets, we offer a seamless, all-inclusive experience with no hidden fees, letting you focus on the thrill of the racing.

Whether you’re entertaining clients, celebrating with friends, or enjoying the Festival for yourself, our packages put you at the heart of the action from the first race to the Gold Cup finale. Secure your Cheltenham hospitality tickets today and experience the Festival in style.

Contact us to check availability or discuss bespoke options and make your Festival visit truly unforgettable.