Cheltenham Racecourse

the facts, features and history of this contivating racecourse

Cheltenham Festival

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest week of the year at Cheltenham Racecourse and one of the defining events of the jump racing season. Held over four days at Prestbury Park, it brings together the best horses, jockeys, trainers and racing fans from Britain, Ireland and beyond.

The 2027 Cheltenham Festival takes place from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2027. Across the week, there are 28 races, with seven races scheduled each day. Every day has its own identity, atmosphere and feature race, building towards the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the final afternoon.

Champion Day

The Festival begins with Champion Day, when the famous Cheltenham roar greets the opening race of the meeting. It is one of the most anticipated moments in jump racing and sets the tone for the week ahead. The feature race is the Champion Hurdle, a prestigious two-mile contest that often produces one of the highlights of the season.

Ladies Day

Ladies Day combines top-class racing with one of the most stylish days of the Festival. The feature race is the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a fast and exciting two-mile chase over fences. It is a day known for speed, colour and a lively racecourse atmosphere.

St Patrick’s Thursday

St Patrick’s Thursday brings a strong Irish flavour to Cheltenham, with a crowd and atmosphere that make it one of the most popular days of the week. Major races include the Ryanair Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle, both important contests in the Festival programme.

Gold Cup Day

The Festival reaches its peak on Gold Cup Day. The feature race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, is the most famous contest run at the course and one of the greatest prizes in jump racing. It is the race that many horses, trainers, jockeys and owners dream of winning.

Why the Festival Matters

The Cheltenham Festival is more than a race meeting. It is where reputations are made, favourites are tested, and racing history is written. From the parade ring to the final hill, the whole course carries a sense of pressure and excitement. For many racegoers, it is the ultimate Cheltenham experience.