Watch Cheltenham Races: Excitement Builds for the 2026 Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is a significant event in British horse racing, attracting a large number of spectators and contributing to the local economy. Scheduled from March 10 to March 13, 2026, the festival will feature seven races each day, with the first race starting at 1:20 PM GMT and the last at 5:20 PM GMT.
Each day includes a feature race at 4 PM GMT, except for Thursday, which will host two feature races. The final race of the festival, the prestigious Gold Cup, will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Breaking Development
As anticipation builds, viewers in the UK can watch the first five races on ITV1 and stream them on ITVX, while the final two races each day will be available on Racing TV. Tickets for the first three days start from £54, although Gold Cup day is already sold out.
The economic impact of the Cheltenham Festival is substantial, estimated at £274 million, with around 250,000 spectators expected to attend over the four days, averaging 65,000 per day. The festival is often described as the “World Cup of jumps racing,” highlighting its significance in the sport.
Additionally, the Prestbury Cup, a competition between Irish and British trainers, has seen Irish trainers dominate since 2015. Observers expect this trend to continue, despite hopes for a stronger performance from British trainers.
What to Expect Next
As the festival approaches, preparations are underway to ensure a successful event. Fans are encouraged to secure their viewing options early, especially for the final two races each day, which will not be broadcast on ITV. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional features or changes to the schedule.