Cheltenham Races & Cheltenham Festival 2027
Cheltenham Racecourse hosts racing throughout the National Hunt season, from the November Meeting to the Cheltenham Festival. Explore our guides to the meetings and races at Prestbury Park, with racecards, tips and odds for upcoming fixtures. The 2027 Cheltenham Festival takes place from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March, with 28 races across four days, culminating in Cheltenham Gold Cup day. Find individual race guides below, alongside the latest available Cheltenham Festival odds and Festival tips. Read More
Our guides cover the key races throughout the season, as well as the Festival schedule, past winners and how to watch. Betting readers can also explore Cheltenham betting offers and compare horse racing betting sites.
#AD 18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. T&Cs Apply. 18+. IRE/NI & UK online only. Max Free Bet £/€10. Win or win part of e/w outright singles. 5+ runners. 1st bet on each race. Free/void/antepost bets don't qualify. In event of a dead heat, offer won’t apply. Applies to First Past the Post result. Unnamed 2nd Favs don’t qualify. Acc & Payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.
Cheltenham Major Races
Cheltenham Festival 2027 Race Schedule
The 2027 Cheltenham Festival takes place from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March, with seven races each day and 28 across the meeting. Racing is scheduled to start at 13:20 and finish at 17:20 each afternoon. All times below are UK time and are subject to change.
Day 1: Tuesday 16th March 2027
Champion Day opens the Festival with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The Champion Hurdle headlines the afternoon at 16:00, alongside novice chases and competitive handicaps. The opening day’s schedule is:
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (13:20);
- Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (14:00);
- Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (14:40);
- Ultima Handicap Chase (15:20);
- Champion Hurdle (16:00);
- Plate Handicap Chase (16:40);
- National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase (17:20).
Day 2: Wednesday 17th March 2027
Wednesday’s feature is the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00. The card also includes the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and Cross Country Chase, before the Champion Bumper closes proceedings. The schedule is:
- Turners Novices’ Hurdle (13:20);
- Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (14:00);
- BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (14:40);
- Cross Country Handicap Chase (15:20);
- Queen Mother Champion Chase (16:00);
- Grand Annual Handicap Chase (16:40);
- Champion Bumper (17:20).
Day 3: Thursday 18th March 2027
St Patrick’s Thursday features two championship contests: the Stayers’ Hurdle at 15:20 and the Ryanair Chase at 16:00. The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle opens the afternoon, while the Kim Muir brings the day to a close. The schedule is:
- Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (13:20);
- Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (14:00);
- Mares’ Hurdle (14:40);
- Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (15:20);
- Ryanair Chase (16:00);
- Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (16:40);
- Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (17:20).
Day 4: Friday 19th March 2027
Gold Cup Day concludes the Festival, with the Cheltenham Gold Cup scheduled for 16:00. The Triumph Hurdle and Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle also feature, before the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle closes the meeting. The final day’s schedule is:
- Triumph Hurdle (13:20);
- County Handicap Hurdle (14:00);
- Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (14:40);
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (15:20);
- Cheltenham Gold Cup (16:00);
- Princess Royal Challenge Cup Hunters’ Chase (16:40);
- Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (17:20).
Cheltenham Odds
Before you bet on Cheltenham festival, it’s wise to check the odds. Whether you’re doing a bit of research on which horse to back, or simply looking for the best price for your chosen runner, you can use our Cheltenham odds to compare every race during the festival. Once you’ve found your best odds, you can click through to sign up to one of our top bookies.
Cheltenham Tips
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or are looking to make your first wager on the festival, be sure to consult our Cheltenham tips, featuring a range of picks from around the web alongside our resident tipster, Raceolly.
Cheltenham Results
If it’s simply the winners you’re looking for, check out our Cheltenham results page, featuring results dating all the way back to 2010. For each year we have a detailed breakdown of who finished where, as well as information on each runner.
Cheltenham Free Bets
Here at HorseRacing.net, we’ve looked far and wide for some of the best Cheltenham free bet offers. Here’s a sneak preview of some of our favourites, but head over to the main page to see the full menu.
BetMGM
New customers at BetMGM can land £40 of free bets when they sign up and bet £10. The £40 comes as 4x £10 free bets: two for football accas (four selections or more) and two for sports multiples (two selections or more).
#AD 18+ New customers: Deposit £10+ and place a sports bet within 7 days from registration. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets - 2 x Football Accas (4+) & 2 x Sports Multiples (2+), valid 7 days. Min odds apply. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. Opt-in required. 18+. T&Cs apply.
bet365
Sign up and wager £10 at bet365 and you’ll unlock £30 of free bet credit, which can be used on a huge range of markets, including the Cheltenham racing.
#AD 18+ New customers can sign up using bonus code HR365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only.
BOYLE Sports
You’ll get the best of both worlds at BOYLE Sports — sign up and bet £10 and you’ll bag a £30 bonus which you can use to bet on Cheltenham.
#AD 18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. T&Cs Apply. 18+. IRE/NI & UK online only. Max Free Bet £/€10. Win or win part of e/w outright singles. 5+ runners. 1st bet on each race. Free/void/antepost bets don't qualify. In event of a dead heat, offer won’t apply. Applies to First Past the Post result. Unnamed 2nd Favs don’t qualify. Acc & Payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.
Cheltenham Racecourse Guide
Cheltenham Racecourse features two different courses — the ‘old’ course and the ‘new’ course — which allow the four-day festival to host a greater variety of races.
Unsurprisingly, the Old Course is the original track. It’s shorter and less demanding than the New Course, and is often favoured by faster horses. Races that take place on Tuesday and Wednesday use the Old Course, and the tight turns and upward slope of the last half mile can make for some exciting finishes.
The New Course offers a wider track for races taking place on Thursday and Friday. A substantial climb means races on this course are better suited to the strongest and most durable stayers.
Cheltenham Racecourse Visitor Guide
Planning a visit to Cheltenham Racecourse? Here is the key information on enclosures, parking, transport and what to bring, whether you are attending the Festival or another meeting during the season.
Different Enclosures Available
The Cheltenham Festival offers three main enclosures: Club, Tattersalls and Best Mate. At many other meetings, Club and Tattersalls are combined into a Club/Tatts ticket. Check the options available for your chosen raceday before booking.
- The Club Enclosure is the premium public enclosure, offering viewing areas near the winning post and main grandstand, access to Parade Ring viewing and a wide choice of food and drink outlets. Club ticket holders can also access the Tattersalls areas. Hospitality packages and reserved facilities may require a separate booking.
- The Tattersalls Enclosure offers a middle ground between Club and Best Mate, with Parade Ring viewing, views of the Winner’s Enclosure and access to the grandstand viewing steps. There is also a range of bars and food outlets.
- The Best Mate Enclosure is the most affordable of the three Festival enclosures. Positioned opposite the main grandstand, it has its own viewing areas, bars, food outlets and betting facilities. Best Mate tickets do not include access to the Parade Ring or Pre-Parade Ring.
Parking and Accommodation
On-site public parking is free at most Cheltenham race meetings. Charges apply on the Saturday of the November Meeting and on all four days of the Cheltenham Festival, when a parking pass must be purchased in advance. Follow the route and parking instructions supplied with your pass, and allow plenty of time to arrive on busy racedays.
Cheltenham and the surrounding area offer a range of hotels, guest houses and B&Bs. Book accommodation early for the Festival and other popular meetings, and plan your journey to the racecourse in advance. Raceday traffic can make journeys considerably longer than usual.
Where is Cheltenham Racecourse?
Cheltenham Racecourse is at Prestbury Park, on Evesham Road, just outside Cheltenham town centre in Gloucestershire. The postcode for satellite navigation is GL50 4SH. Follow official raceday signs and any directions provided with your parking pass as you approach the course.
The nearest railway station is Cheltenham Spa, which is a separate journey from the racecourse. Raceday bus services connect the station and racecourse, while taxis provide another option. Check the timetable and pick-up arrangements for your chosen meeting before travelling.
For visitors travelling from further afield, Birmingham Airport is approximately 48 miles from the racecourse and Bristol Airport approximately 54 miles away.
Vital Information on Visiting Cheltenham
Cheltenham Racecourse operates cashless payments for food, drink and other concessions, so bring a card or suitable contactless payment method. Cash is accepted by on-course bookmakers and the Tote. Bring any cash you intend to use for betting.
There is no formal dress code, but comfortable footwear and clothing suited to the weather are recommended. Much of your day may be spent outdoors, so warm layers and a waterproof coat can be useful throughout the jump racing season.
During the Cheltenham Festival, fancy dress is not permitted in the Club Enclosure, hospitality areas or restaurants. It may be permitted elsewhere at the racecourse’s discretion, provided it is not offensive.
Before setting off, check the official information for your meeting, including gate opening times, ticket access and travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Cheltenham Festival
When is the next meeting at Cheltenham?
The Cheltenham Festival is a four-day National Hunt racing extravaganza held in March every year to celebrate the best in the sport. Known as the Olympics of jumps racing, there are 28 races run over four days, featuring the very best horses across all of the different disciplines. Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival features the Champion Hurdle which is for the best two-mile hurdlers plus some top novice races including the Arkle Challenge Trophy which is a two-mile chase contest and the meeting gets underway with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle also run over two miles. Add in the Mares' Hurdle and three competitive handicaps you could argue that Tuesday's the highlight of the week.
On Wednesday, Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival features the Queen Mother Champions Chase run over two miles. The Grade 1 contest is often one of the most exciting and some real legends of the sport have walked away as the Champion chaser including Sprinter Sacre and Altior in recent seasons. Other races on Day 2 include the Ballymore Novices Hurdle run over two and a half miles and the three-mile Festival Novices' Chase. The Coral Cup is the most competitive of handicap hurdles of the week and there's also the Cross Country chase and the Champion Bumper for a really varied day of horse racing.
Thursday sees the Stayers' Hurdle as the highlight of Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, although this day is unique in that there are two feature races with the two and a half mile Grade 1 Ryanair Chase also taking centre stage. If you like big handicaps, the Pertemps Final and the Festival Plate are always hugely competitive and the day is rounded off with the Mares' Novices' Hurdle and another handicap in the shape of the Kim Muir.
Friday is Day 4 at the Cheltenham Festival which features the big race of the week, the Gold Cup. Run over three and a quarter miles, the race is packed full of history and has returned such winners as Arkle, Best Mate and Kauto Star. It's the number one prize in jumps racing and the supporting cast includes the Triumph Hurdle for juveniles, two competitive handicaps with the County Hurdle, Martin Pipe, plus the Hunter Chase for amateur riders and the Mares Chase which is a new addition to the Festival.
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2027?
The 2027 Cheltenham Festival will take up its traditional spot in the middle of March, run on Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th.
- Day 1 - Tuesday 16th March 2027
- Day 2 - Wednesday 17th March 2027
- Day 3 - Thursday 18th March 2027
- Day 4 - Friday 19th March 2027
What time do Cheltenham Festival races start and finish?
At Horseracing.net we have odds for all 28 races for the Cheltenham Festival. We'll have odds comparison grids set up for the races as soon as our trusted bookmaker partners have priced up a race ante-post and on the day of the race you can also find Cheltenham Odds via our detailed racecards for all 28 races.
We work with tried and tested bookmakers to give our users the best possible experience when betting on the Cheltenham Festival. Many of the bookmakers will have sign up offers and Cheltenham Festival Free Bets so keep your eyes peeled on the site before and during the Festival.
Where can I find Cheltenham racecards and results?
The Cheltenham Festival attracts more than 200,000 attendances across its four days. In 2026, the meeting recorded a total attendance of 226,223, with Gold Cup Day drawing the largest crowd.
The Jockey Club currently advertises a daily Festival capacity of 66,000 racegoers, following a reduction introduced for 2026 to improve comfort and ease congestion. Demand varies between days, so visitors should check ticket availability for their preferred date and enclosure rather than assume every day sells out.
Investment in the racecourse continues, with refurbished bars, additional covered seating and improvements to the public-address system and racecourse screens. These changes are designed to make the experience more comfortable and help visitors follow the racing throughout the day.
Where can I watch Cheltenham racing?
There is no dress code as such at the Cheltenham Festival, although you are advised to dress for conditions if the weather is cold or wet and they also advise that if you are in the Club Enclosure you wear a suit if you are a man.
How do I get to Cheltenham Racecourse, and is parking available?
ITV Racing are the host broadcaster but all of the bookmakers featured on Horseracing.net offer users the facility to watch a race if they have had a bet on it if you can't get in front of a television.
What are the different enclosures at Cheltenham?
The racecourse based in the outskirts of Cheltenham in the village of Prestbury is the home of national hunt racing and has three left-hand tracks, the Old Course, the New Course and the Cross Country Steeplechase course.
There are 16 days of racing spread over eight fixtures at Cheltenham the highlight of which is the four-day Cheltenham Festival which is held annually in March and features 28 races including top-notch Grade One races such as the Champion Hurdle, Arkle Challenge Trophy and Queen Mother Champion Chase and the feature race is the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Is there a dress code at Cheltenham Racecourse?
Yes, there is on-site parking at Cheltenham Racecourse. There is a fee to park during Cheltenham Festival and the November Meeting Saturday, but it’s free the rest of the year.
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