Cheltenham Festival Day 1 - Races + Guide for Tuesday 16 March 2026
The first day of the Cheltenham Festival takes place tomorrow on Tuesday 16th March 2027. The feature race is the Champion Hurdle at 16:00. Read More
You can access the Cheltenham day 1 racecard including Cheltenham odds for the day 1 races below, with the likes of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Arkle Challenge Trophy just another brace of Grade 1 events that will take place on Tuesday.
We will have all the Cheltenham tips for Tuesday's racing from the home of National Hunt racing from star writer @RoadCheltenham, our in-house team and of course our daily tipster RaceOlly, as well as a host of Cheltenham free bets offers.
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Cheltenham Festival Tuesday Racecards
Below is the race schedule and running times for the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. Click into the races to see the racecard including form and information around the jockey and trainer as well as the latest odds.
| Race Time | Race Name |
|---|---|
| 13:20 | Supreme Novices' Hurdle |
| 14:00 | Arkle Challenge Trophy |
| 14:40 | Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle |
| 15:20 | Ultima Handicap Chase |
| 16:00 | Champion Hurdle |
| 16:40 | Plate Handicap Chase |
| 17:20 | National Hunt Chase |
Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Tips
We will display our Cheltenham Tuesday tips here closer to the time...
About Cheltenham Festival Day 1
Known as "Champion Day", day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival is perhaps the most eagerly awaited day of racing in the whole calendar. The famous Cheltenham roar as the runners line up for the first race - the Supreme Novices Hurdle - is always a spine tingling moment as punters and racing fans gear up for four days of pulsating action.
The course opens its gates at 10:30am giving racegoers ample time to savour the atmosphere before the first race at 13:20 and a Preview Show is hosted in the Parade Ring before racing for those who want to get clued up on the runners and riders. Below we give a little bit more information about the races taking place.
Race 1 - Supreme Novices Hurdle
A Grade 1 race for novices run on the Old Course over 2 miles and 87 yards during which 8 hurdles will be jumped.
Race 2 - Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase
A Grade 1 race for novice chasers run over just shy of 2 miles with 13 fences to be jumped.
Race 3 - Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle
Officially titled the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle but known as the "Fred Winter", this is a Premier Handicap Hurdle race run over 2 miles and 87 yards with eight hurdle to be jumped.
Race 4 - Ultima Handicap Chase
The Festival Handicap Chase known as the Ultime Handicap Chase is a 3 mile 1 furlong handicap with 20 fences jumped around the Old Course.
Race 5 - Champion Hurdle
The first of the 'Championship' races during the week, the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle is the most prestigious hurdle race in the national hunt calendar. It is run over 2 miles 1/2 furlong with eight hurdles jumped on the Old Course.
Race 6 - Plate Handicap Chase
The Plate is a handicap chase run over 2 miles 4 furlongs with 17 fences jumped.
Race 7 - National Hunt Chase
The NH Chase is a Class 2 Novice Handicap Chase run over a marathon 3 mile 5 furlong trip. Previously restricted to amateur jockeys, the race was made open for professional jockeys to contest from 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cheltenham Festival Day 1
When is day one of the Cheltenham Festival?
Day one of the Cheltenham Festival takes place on Tuesday 16th March, 2027.
What is the feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival?
The feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival is the Champion Hurdle, which is run at 16:00.
Where can I watch day one of the Cheltenham Festival
You will be able to watch day one of the Cheltenham Festival on ITV1 and Racing TV.
You can also watch the action on various bookmakers accounts, who have a free live horse racing stream, or if you have placed a bet on the race.
What time does Cheltenham Racecourse open on day 1?
Cheltenham opens its gates at 10:30am on day 1 of the 2027 Cheltenham Festival.
Do you have any tips for Cheltenham Day 1?
Yes, you can view them all on our Cheltenham Tips page.