The Cheltenham Festival is the crown jewel of jump racing – a dazzling gem that shines at the heart of the National Hunt season.
For four extraordinary days, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds become the stage as the best horses, jockeys and trainers in the world gather to chase history before a roaring crowd.
Once again in 2026, Prestbury Park in Gloucestershire will play host as Ireland and Great Britain’s finest renew their rivalry. Before then, we have the small matter of this week's November Meeting, featuring both the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Unibet Greatwood Hurdle.
JUMP TO:
- Cheltenham Betting Tips and Offers
- When is the Cheltenham Festival 2026?
- Cheltenham Festival Races & Schedule
- Road to Cheltenham's Five Horses to Follow
- FAQs About Cheltenham
Best Betting Sites for Cheltenham
Cheltenham week is the most lucrative betting event in British horse racing.
Bet365 has already opened ante-post odds for 2026, joined by Paddy Power and Betfair both launching early-bird promotions.
In recent years, the Non Runner No Bet (NRNB) window has opened earlier than ever. For 2025, William Hill went live with NRNB across all 28 Festival races from January 1, while other major firms followed suit during the same month.
The long-held tradition of a February launch is now obsolete – the New Year (or even earlier) marks the true start of Cheltenham betting season.
NRNB ensures full refunds on scratched runners, allowing punters to take early value with reduced risk - particularly while race targets for major horses remains unclear. Add in Best Odds Guaranteed and Money Back if 2nd offers, and timing becomes as important as selection.
During the Festival itself, bookmakers roll out enhanced odds, “Each-Way Extra,” and special boosts for headline events like the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup.
Comparing multiple sites remains the most reliable strategy for any serious backer.
EXPLAINED: Win vs Each-Way Betting | What is a NAP in horse racing?
Cheltenham Betting Tips and Offers
Betting on the Cheltenham Festival is equal part data and instinct.
Over the past decade, Irish trainers have won around 60% of Festival races, underscoring the dominance of Willie Mullins, who claimed 10 victories in 2025, extending his record as the most successful trainer in history.
- Short distances (~2 miles): Mullins reigns supreme.
- Staying races (3 miles +): Gordon Elliott’s battalions remain formidable.
- Soft ground → Irish advantage / Good ground → British revival.
Major firms such as Paddy Power and Sky Bet offer daily bonuses such as “Bet £10 Get £10” or “Money Back if 2nd” insurance throughout the week. New bettors should begin with NRNB-eligible markets to balance exposure and opportunity.
When Is the Cheltenham Festival Taking Place?
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival will run from Tuesday 10 March to Friday 13 March 2026, maintaining the traditional Tuesday-to-Friday format.
Located just two hours from London by train, Cheltenham Spa station offers shuttle links directly to Prestbury Park. In 2025, daily attendance averaged over 66,000 fans, with tickets selling out weeks in advance.
For one week each March, the entire town transforms into a carnival of racing passion – and every pub hums with talk of winners and near-misses.
Cheltenham Festival Races & Schedule
Day 1 – Champion Day
The curtain rises with the Supreme Novices’ hurdle before the day’s feature race, the Champion Hurdle, the pinnacle of speed and precision over 2 miles.
In 2025, both Constitution Hill and State Man fell at the third-last, leaving outsider Golden Ace to seize an unforgettable victory.
The 2026 renewal sets the stage for redemption - both Constitution Hill and State Man sit in the top five of the betting market led by The New Lion.
Day 2 – Ladies Day
Style meets speed on Ladies Day, highlighted by the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Having dethroned Jonbon in 2025, seeking back-to-back triumphs will be Marine Nationale - the ante-post favourite for the race alongside Sir Gino.
Day 3 – St Patrick’s Thursday
Emerald flags dominate as Ireland’s faithful descend upon Cheltenham. The Stayers’ Hurdle crowns the toughest stayers in training – Bob Olinger out-lasted Teahupoo in 2025 and aims to repeat the feat on stamina-sapping ground. Ballyburn is the ante-post favourite.
Day 4 – Gold Cup Day
The grand finale – the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the sport’s ultimate test of heart and class. In 2025, Inothewayurthinkin toppled dual champion Galopin Des Champs, ending hopes of a historic treble.
For 2026, the story writes itself: defence vs redemption, old king against new. The bookmakers have taken their stance on the likeliest winner…
Top Horses, Jockeys & Trainers to Watch
We asked the man behind the hugely popular Road to Cheltenham profile on X to give us five horses to follow ahead of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival in March. Keep these in mind for your ante-post betting, particularly as bookmakers roll out NRNB in the new year.
- Kopek Des Bordes - a dual Grade 1 novice hurdler who should be even better over fences. He sets the standard in the Arkle division.
- Jeriko Du Reponet - forget about Sandown, he is a dark horse in the staying novice chase division and I'd expect him to be competing in the Brown Advisory in March.
- Doctor Du Mesnil - won his bumper in impressive style and he can make into a Grade 1 novice hurdler. He could go either way but the Turners Novices' Hurdle looks favourite at this stage.
- Wodhooh - she can take high rank in the Mares' Hurdle division and may even be the one to beat come March, even if Lossiemouth turns up!
- Mydaddypaddy - the dogs have been barking about him for a while and all roads lead to the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. He looks like a proper, proper horse to me.
Next we asked the AllSportsPeople' horse racing writer Hiroshi Ichino to follow with his five!
- Inothewayurthinkin – the reigning Gold Cup hero thrives on testing ground
- Galopin Des Champs – beaten but unbowed, still the benchmark of brilliance
- Marine Nationale – two-mile sensation eyeing another Champion Chase crown
- Bob Olinger – the relentless stayer seeking back-to-back Stayers’ Hurdles
- Golden Ace – last year’s shock Champion Hurdle winner with everything to prove
Among jockeys, Paul Townend remains the Festival’s main, while Willie Mullins towers above all on the training front. Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead lead the chase in Ireland, with Nicky Henderson spearheading Britain’s response.
FAQs About Cheltenham
When is Cheltenham Festival 2026?
→ Tuesday 10 March – Friday 13 March 2026 (confirmed).
What is the main race?
→ The Cheltenham Gold Cup, the ultimate jewel of jump racing.
When does betting open?
→ Ante-post markets open the previous autumn. For 2025, major bookmakers offered NRNB from early January, a trend likely to continue.
Where can I buy tickets?
→ Via the official Cheltenham Festival website. Ladies Day typically sells out first, so early booking is essential.