What is the Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival is a four-day horse race event held every year in March; this year (2024), it will take place from the 12th to the 15th. The event features several Grade 1 races, including the Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chae and others.

Every jurisdiction has its elite races and season-defining moments, but at Cheltenham week, they all come at once and in the greatest of all events. There are many Grade 1 races with all the best horses from around the world participating, with around 60,000 people in attendance each day. There is something so magical about the ambience of the Cheltenham Festival, and the excitement and anticipation for each race are palpable.

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Day 1: Champions Day

Day One of the Cheltenham Festival is usually referred to as Champions Day; though the day is built around the Champion Hurdle (hence Champion Day), there are still great races to watch and have a bet on. On Champions Day, there are seven races; the first begins at 13.30, and the last concludes at 17.30. We have highlighted the races below:

• Race 1 13.30 Supreme Novices’Hurdle
• Race 2 14.10 Arkle Challenge Trophy
• Race 3 14.50 Ultima Handicap Chase
• Race 4 15.30 The Champion Hurdle
• Race 516.10   Close Brothers Mares
• Race 616.50Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
• Race 717.30 National Hunt Chase 

Day 2: Ladies Day

Day two of the Cheltenham Festival is traditionally known as Ladies’ Day, known as one of the most exciting days to attend; not only does it feature two chase championship races, but it is also recognised for its fashion and outlandish outfits. The action on the track is only part of the story and experience. Expect a considerable focus on socialising and having fun, lovely cuisine and drink options. Gates open at 10.30 on this day, and for those who want to get the party swinging at this time, there are plenty of bars to start. There are a total of  7 races. The first race commences at 1.30 pm, and the concluding race is 17.30 pm. We have highlighted the races below:

• Race 113.30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
• Race 214.10  Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase
• Race 314.50  Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
• Race 415.30  Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase
• Race 516.10  Glenfarclas Chase
• Race 616.50  Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase
• Race 717.30Weatherby Champion Bumper

Day 3: St Patrick’s Thursday

Day three at the Cheltenham Festival is just as well-liked as the other days of this great festival; it usually takes place on St Patrick’s Day, hence the name. There is a great selection of races taking place, with the two most famous being the Sun Racing Stayers Hurdle Race and the Ryanair Chase. We have listed the races below to see what’s to come on day three at the Cheltenham Festival.

• Race 113.30Turners Novices’ Chase
• Race 214.10Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
• Race 314.50Ryanair Chase
• Race 415.30Stayers Hurdle
• Race 516.10Magners Plate Handicap Chase
• Race 616.50Ryanair Mares Novices Hurdle
• Race 717.30Fulke WalwynKim Muir Challenge Cup

Day 4: Gold Cup Day

Gold Cup Day at the Cheltenham Festival is a day of high emotions, adrenaline and full of expectations. No other horse racing fixture can compare to Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham Racecourse; with the best horses competing for the Holy Grail of jump racing, anything can happen, and drama of plenty is just around the corner. As well as the Gold Cup, there is still some great racing to be had. We have listed the races below for what’s on.

• Race 113.30The JCB Triumph Hurdle  (Grade 1)
• Race 214.10The County Handicap Race
• Race 314.50The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Race
• Race 415.30The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
• Race 516.10 Open Hunters Steeple Chase
• Race 616.50The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2)
• Race 717.30Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Conclusion: Why Should You Go?

The crown jewel of jump racing, Cheltenham, is where champions of champions are made, and experiences last a lifetime. There are many great reasons to attend this highly anticipated racing event; for starters, the atmosphere is like no other and it is an event where you will make memories to last a lifetime. On top of this, there is a competition for only the best of the best, so you know you are watching the best horse racing can offer. Other features include; great food, drinks, betting options, and more.

If you cannot attend the Cheltenham Festival, there are many online betting sites that offer Cheltenham Live Streaming. To learn more, .