The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar, bringing together the best horses, trainers and jockeys for four days of elite jump racing.
Taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse, the 2026 festival promises another thrilling week of competition, with championship races including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Here is our Cheltenham Festival 2026 preview, looking at the key races, potential contenders, and major talking points ahead of the meeting.
What Is the Cheltenham Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival is a four-day National Hunt horse racing event held every March at Cheltenham Racecourse in England. It features 28 races, including championship events like the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase.
Four Days of Top-Level Jump Racing
The festival traditionally features 28 races across four days, each day headlined by a championship event.
Day 1 – Champion Day
The opening day builds towards the Champion Hurdle, one of the most prestigious hurdle races in the sport. It often attracts the best two-mile hurdlers from the UK and Ireland.
Day 2 – Style Wednesday
Day two features the Queen Mother Champion Chase, where the fastest two-mile chasers compete in a race known for its speed and intensity.
Day 3 – Stayers’ Day
The highlight is the Stayers' Hurdle, testing stamina over a longer distance.
Day 4 – Gold Cup Day
The festival concludes with the Cheltenham Gold Cup, widely considered the most prestigious race in National Hunt racing.
Trainers and Stables to Watch
Several leading trainers traditionally dominate the festival.
Irish trainer Willie Mullins has enjoyed huge success in recent years and is expected to send another strong team to the meeting.
British hopes may come from leading trainers such as Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls, both of whom have strong records at Cheltenham.
Irish runners have often performed particularly well at the festival in recent seasons, meaning the competition between British and Irish stables remains a major storyline.
Why Cheltenham Festival Is So Important
The Cheltenham Festival is widely regarded as the highlight of the National Hunt racing season.
It attracts the best jump horses from across the UK and Ireland, while tens of thousands of fans travel to Cheltenham each year to experience the unique festival atmosphere.
The famous Cheltenham roar—the sound of the crowd as the first race begins—has become one of the most iconic moments in horse racing.
What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 festival is expected to deliver:
- Elite competition between the best jump horses
- Strong representation from both British and Irish trainers
- Competitive championship races
- Large crowds and a vibrant festival atmosphere
With multiple Grade 1 races and a packed four-day schedule, Cheltenham once again promises to be one of the biggest highlights in the sporting calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Cheltenham Festival 2026?
The festival traditionally takes place in March, running for four days from Tuesday to Friday at Cheltenham Racecourse.
How many races are at the Cheltenham Festival?
There are 28 races across four days, including multiple Grade 1 championship events.
What is the biggest race at Cheltenham?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is widely considered the most prestigious race of the festival.
Which trainers dominate Cheltenham?
Top trainers such as Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls regularly have runners competing for major prizes.