What is the Cheltenham Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events in the British horse racing calendar. Held annually at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, it features four days of elite National Hunt racing and attracts the best horses, jockeys and trainers from the UK and Ireland.
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival will take place in March 2026 and is expected to attract huge interest from racing fans across the UK and Ireland.
The Festival is known for its competitive racing, large fields and the strong rivalry between British and Irish-trained horses.
The highlight of the event is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious races in National Hunt racing.
Many of the sport’s biggest races take place during the Festival, making it one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar each year.
Why is Cheltenham so popular?
High-quality racing across all four days
Competitive fields and strong Irish participation
Major betting markets throughout the Festival
One of the most anticipated sporting events of the year