CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW
MARCH 2026
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FESTIVAL CHANGES
Keeping our customers at the forefront of what we do.
PLAN YOUR DAY
The Shopping Village 40+ fabulous trade stands with bespoke tailored jackets, gifts for friends or to treat yourself, beautiful art and handmade crafts. A shopping heaven to visit between races. The Entertainment Stages There are several music stages across the site with live acts before, during and after racing. If you like the lively party atmosphere in the Guinness Village you'll love The Tumbling Paddies on Thursday, and if you prefer something gentler, The Champagne Bar has smooth jazz all week. The Centaur has post-racing music each day and on Wednesday there's a full-on Ladies Day take over by Belfast Brunch Co, DJ-ing throughout the day and bringing all the vibes. Whatever your taste, there's something for all moods and all moments. Gold Cup brings the very best of the best together for a spectacle which provides one of the sternest tests that a racehorse can face. Racing’s “Blue Riband” event celebrated its centenary in 2024 and its roll of honour is truly a who’s who of Jump racing greats, from Golden Miller to Arkle, L’Escargot, Desert Orchid, Best Mate, Kauto Star and Denman to name but a few. Al Boum Photo and Galopin des Champs are both dual winners in recent years. Another highlight today is The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase which provides a unique test that some use as a warm-up for the following month’s Randox Grand National at Aintree. Dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll won this race a record three times, in 2018, 2019 and 2022. Thursday 12th March – ST PATRICK’S DAY A celebration of all things Irish, from the exhilarating cheers that echo from the stands to the thrilling races that unfold on the course. Irish racing fans turn the racecourse into a sea of green and gold. Feature Races – The PADDY POWER Stayers’ Hurdle at 3.20pm and The RYANAIR CHASE at 4pm Only two horses have won the Ryanair more than once - Albertas Run (2010 & 2011) and Allaho (2021 & 2022). The Stayer's Hurdle however has been won four times by one horse - the legendary Big Buck's (2009-2012) Friday 13th March – GOLD CUP DAY Feature Race – The BOODLES Cheltenham Gold Cup at 4pm The pinnacle of the Jump season, the Boodles Cheltenham
It’s all about the racing — but it’s also all about you. Last year’s changes proved very popular and this year we are taking those forward again, to make sure your enjoyment of your day at the races is uninterrupted.
DAILY Gates open
10:30
Preview Show in the Parade Ring
12:30
No Drinks Control All drinks control has been removed. Buy your drink and enjoy it wherever you like, with no restrictions. Eco Cups Once you’ve finished your drink, simply return your cup for recycling to any one cup bin around site. A small change dramatically reducing waste on raceday. The Horseshoe Pavilion & The Racing Lounge Two firm favourites with regular racegoers have been relocated to M8 & M9 to create more space and improve accessibility. You’ll still be right at the heart of the action, with easy movement between the paddock and the track between races. The Cheltenham Retreat Regulars will already be familiar with The Cheltenham Retreat, offering a simple but stylish covered space to sit, eat or drink. Watch the racing on screens or study the racecard in comfort. Free to all Club & Tatts ticket holders.
The Guinness Village The stage now takes centre stage — quite literally. Relocated to the middle of the Village, entertainment can now be enjoyed from all sides. New to the Guinness Village for 2026 is the Harp & Horseshoe bar. With its two levels and a viewing platform, we are sure this will become a firm favourite for racing fans to get together on these special occasions with a pint of the black stuff and celebrating a great day out at the Festival! Undercover Food Courts Choose from a huge range of culinary treats in comfort, whatever the weather. Parade Ring Terrace, Lower Tattersalls, Quevegas and The Green Grazer in Vestey are now bespoke undercover food courts, so your meal won’t be spoiled by the elements. More Facilities Than Ever We’ve added more internal and external seating, along with additional toilets, improving the customer experience for you.
First Race
13:20
Feature Race
16:00
Last Race
17:20
Tuesday 10th March – CHAMPION DAY See equine racing legends and past Festival heroes in the Retraining of Racehorses Parade, in the Parade Ring before racing starts. Feature Race – The UNIBET Champion Hurdle at 4pm The ultimate test of speed, the Champion Hurdle’s roll of honour is a who’s who of some of the greatest racehorses ever to have graced the hallowed Cheltenham turf. Constitution Hill, Hardy Eustace, Hurricane Fly, Istabraq, See You Then, Sea Pigeon, Hatton’s Grace, Night Nurse, Monksfield – the list is endless. Reigning Champion Golden Ace is back to defend her crown. Wednesday 11th March – LADIES DAY The Style Awards are back for 2026 with £10,000 worth of prizes supplied by Boodles and Holland Cooper amongst others. Outfits to dazzle and wow are what the judges will be looking for on the day so dress to impress. Feature Race – The BETMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at 4pm Multiple winners of the race this century have included Jump racing legends such as Energumene, Altior, Sprinter Sacre, Master Minded, Moscow Flyer and Viking Flagship. 2025 winner Marine Nationale returns to attempt to join this illustrious list.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CAR PARKING MUST BE PRE-BOOKED. IN 2026 ARLE COURT PARK AND RIDE NOW HAS INCREASED CAPACITY. SEE WEBSITE FOR ALL DETAILS AND TO BOOK.
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Unique to the Cheltenham Festival is The Orchard. A beautifully styled corner of the Tented Village where Club ticket holders can take a moment away from the racing to immerse themselves in the high-end shopping experience and activations that bring together the Festival Partners. Shop, drink and eat in style in The Orchard. THE ORCHARD
bottlegreen Bar For an authentic taste of the Cotswolds, discover bottlegreen’s secret garden bar in The Orchard. We’re showcasing our vibrant, refreshing and distinctive cordials and pressés, inspired by nature and crafted in the Cotswolds, through a curated menu of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails.
Make the most of our photo booth to capture a moment from the races and relish in the laid-back atmosphere of our bar alongside the buzz of race week. Whether you’re celebrating a big win or simply enjoying the Cheltenham experience, our immersive bar is the perfect place to unwind and refresh with a slice of the Cotswolds.
Holland Cooper Holland Cooper has long been synonymous with race day elegance, where timeless British tailoring meets modern sophistication. Designed and meticulously crafted in England, each piece represents the pinnacle of British-made luxury, blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary style. Born in the heart of the Cotswolds, just moments from Cheltenham, the brand is deeply connected to the countryside that inspires every collection. Expertly cut from the finest fabrics, Holland Cooper designs are defined by precision, structure and enduring quality. From iconic blazers and equestrian-inspired coats to statement accessories, every piece embodies confidence, refinement and unmistakable modern British style.
Debenhams Day Spa Returns to Cheltenham Festival
Calling all Race Day goers & beauty lovers! Debenhams Day Spa is returning to The Orchard™ in 2026, offering festival-goers the chance to refresh their look between races. Our glam team will be on-hand for complimentary touch-ups, so you can keep your makeup perfect and hair looking flawless all day long – featuring all the best beauty from luxury brand, Lancôme. Plus, if you try something you like at the event, you're in luck! Attendees can purchase all their favourite products between races: from makeup to fragrance from our most iconic brands. Rooted in rich heritage, and known for celebrating its sense of community, Debenhams continue to cultivate its legacy as Britain’s Online Department Store, bringing fashion, beauty & home direct to your door. Whether you’re visiting us at the Day Spa, or shopping ahead of time for the perfect Race Day look, do it all with Debenhams.
Boodles Raindance is one of Boodles’ most iconic and enduring designs - a collection that has sparkled for decades and continues to evolve in bold and beautiful ways. Celebrated for its distinctive design, Raindance showcases some of the rarest stones in the world, including exceptional Argyle pink diamonds, for which Boodles is renowned. An enduring icon of British design, the Raindance ring forms part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s permanent jewellery exhibition, Best of British Design. The story of Raindance began during a visit to the quintessentially British Chelsea Flower Show, where Boodles’ Director of Design, Rebecca Hawkins, was captivated by the play of light. Inspired by this enchanting spectacle, she created a platinum-set collection reminiscent of scattered raindrops glistening in the sun - playful, timeless, and unmistakably British.
Brooklands Watch Company At Brooklands Watch Company, we design luxury Swiss- made timepieces that capture the precise moment when potential becomes performance—whether on the racetrack or at the absolute frontiers of speed. In partnership with The Jockey Club, we've created the Golden Miller Racing Chronograph, strictly limited to just 100 pieces. Each watch features a buckle cast from an original horseshoe worn by Golden Miller in his triumphant 1934 season. At Cheltenham, thousands touch his statue hoping for fortune. But only 100 will ever wear the genuine article. The case-back displays seven blue and yellow sapphires— the racing colours of Golden Miller's singular owner, Dorothy Paget and another subtle nod to racing's luckiest number. In racing, they say fortune favours the bold. We think the same is true in life. Exclusively during the Cheltenham Festival, do come to visit our Brooklands Watches chalet to see this rare timepiece for yourself.
GAUCHO GAUCHO invites members to experience modern Argentine dining at The Orchard during the Cheltenham Festival. Known for its exceptional steaks and outstanding Malbec wines, GAUCHO offers a relaxed yet refined place to dine throughout the day. Ideal for long lunches, celebratory dinners or unhurried moments between races, the menu focuses on bold Argentine flavours and seasonal dishes, served with warm hospitality. Whether stopping by briefly or settling in for longer, GAUCHO provides a welcoming setting to enjoy exquisite food and wine at the heart of the Festival, just moments from the track.
Glenfarclas cocktail bar Glenfarclas Distillery was first established in 1836 and, having been taken over by the Grant family in 1865, is currently in their fifth generation of family ownership. Glenfarclas are dedicated to the art of taking time: they wait, learn and perfect, resulting in some of the finest Highland Single Malt Whisky. Glenfarclas provides The Orchard at The Cheltenham Festival with a cocktail bar, offering a variety of whisky cocktails available to Club Enclosure racegoers.
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AGE The Weatherbys Champion Bumper is restricted to horses aged four to six. Five-year-olds boast the best record with 22 wins. Six-year-olds have struck on eight occasions, while Rhythm Section (1993), Dato Star (1995) and Cue Card (2010) are the only four-year-olds to be successful. BETTING With often little form to go on, the Weatherbys Champion Bumper has been a poor race for favourite backers, with only six winning in 33 renewals (just over 18 per cent). Facile Vega (2022) is the shortest-priced winner at 15-8 while Monsignor was the longest-priced winner, scoring at 50-1 in 1999. OVERSEAS-TRAINED WINNERS Irish-trained horses have enjoyed a superb record in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, accounting for 26 of the 33 winners.
CHAMPION BUMPER T H E WEATHERBYS The 2026 running of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper will be run in honour of the late Sir Johnny Weatherby, who sadly passed away aged 66 on December 18th last year.
The Champion Bumper was especially close to Johnny’s heart, as he played an integral role
in Weatherbys sponsoring the race for the first time in
1997, a year memorably won by the brilliant Florida Pearl.
BACKGROUND The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory of Sir Johnny Weatherby) is the only Grade One National Hunt Flat Race run in Great Britain and is the only race at the Cheltenham Festival during which no obstacles are jumped. The contest was introduced at The Festival in 1992. Weatherbys, racing’s administrators, have backed the extended two-mile contest since 1997. FIELD SIZE A total of 25 horses ran in 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2003, while the smallest line-up was 14 runners in 2019 and 2021. The maximum field size currently is 22. MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINER Willie Mullins has saddled a record 14 winners - he also rode his first winner of the race, the 1996 scorer Wither Or Which. His 14 winners to date have been Wither or Which (1996), Florida Pearl (1997), Alexander Banquet (1998), Joe Cullen (2000), Missed That (2005), Cousin Vinny (2008), Champagne Fever (2012), Briar Hill (2013), Relegate (2018), Ferny Hollow (2020), Sir Gerhard (2021), Facile Vega (2022), Jasmin De Vaux (2024) and Bambino Fever (2025). MOST SUCCESSFUL JOCKEY Amateur Patrick Mullins is the most successful jockey with four winners - Cousin Vinny (2008), Champagne Fever (2012), Facile Vega (2022) and Jasmin De Vaux (2024).
Staged on Ladies Day at The Festival (Wednesday 11th March) the Grade One race will be contested as the Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory of Sir Johnny Weatherby). A figure of immense stature within our sport, Sir Johnny Weatherby was the long-serving and transformative Chairman of Weatherbys, racing’s administrators for over 250 years and sponsor of the Champion Bumper since 1997. Between 2011 and 2020 he acted as Her Majesty’s Representative at Ascot, and on a personal level was an enthusiastic breeder, owner and amateur rider. His brother Roger Weatherby said: “The Weatherby family are deeply touched that Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club have agreed to name this year’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper in honour of Johnny. “The Champion Bumper was especially close to Johnny’s heart, as he played an integral role in Weatherbys sponsoring the race for the first time in 1997, a year memorably won by the brilliant Florida Pearl. “Johnny also had a strong and enduring association with Cheltenham Racecourse more generally. He bred the dual Festival winner Presenting Percy, owned Top Wood who was twice placed in the Cheltenham Festival Hunters’ Chase, and, as an amateur rider, finished eighth in the race himself.
DID YOU KNOW? The first winner of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper was Montelado, who achieved what is thought to be the unique feat of winning two consecutive Festival races. The Bumper, now run on Wednesday, was originally the last race of The Festival. Montelado went on to win the opening race of The Festival in 1993, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Leading Flat jockey Jamie Spencer took out a Jump licence in 2002 just to participate in this race and won by a neck on Pizarro, trained by Edward O’Grady, surviving a stewards’ enquiry for possible interference. The 2022 winner Facile Vega is the second foal out of Quevega, the only six-time Festival winner. Quevega won the Mares’ Hurdle every year between 2009 and 2014.
a fitting tribute to Johnny, and we are all very much looking forward to the occasion.” Guy Lavender, CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse , added: “All of us at Cheltenham Racecourse were deeply saddened to hear of Sir Johnny Weatherby’s passing at the end of last year. “He was hugely knowledgeable about all aspects of the sport, and it was truly a delight to work alongside him with Weatherbys’ sponsorship of the Champion Bumper over almost three decades. “We are therefore proud to run this year’s renewal of the Weatherbys Championship in memory of Sir Johnny, and our thanks go to the Weatherby family in helping to bring this about.”
“To have his name associated with the Champion Bumper is
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Festival Flashback
Cheltenham Festival Preview
Sea Pigeon The Centenary running of the Champion Hurdle is set to take place next year and one of the legendary figures ready to star in the show is the American- bred Sea Pigeon, who won the famous race in 1980 and 1981. There have been many multiple winners of the Champion Hurdle, however none were as old or experienced as Sea Pigeon, who achieved his two famous Cheltenham successes at the ripe old ages of ten and eleven. His first came under Jonjo O’Neil but when he defended his title a year later, John Francome was jocked up to take the ride, as Jonjo had a broken leg. Sea Pigeon was a dual-purpose star winning the Ebor Handicap under the huge weight of 10 stone. He also landed the Chester Cup on two occasions. He made his racecourse debut in 1972 and won thirty-seven of his eighty-five races. He was owned by Scottish businessman Pat Muldoon and trained initially by Gordon Richards and then by Peter Easterby. Best Read From Bicycle To Bentley by Stephen Little
BROUGHT TO YOU BY WILLIAM HILL
Get your spot for the Festival Preview event of the season, when a stellar panel of industry greats discuss the upcoming races. Hear what those in the know have to say as they go through the card discussing who they like, who they don’t – and why!
The Panel:
Sir AP McCoy – legendary jockey and 20 times Champion Jockey Barry Geraghty – big race hero and second most Festival winning jockey of all time Jane Mangan – former Festival jockey and now a Racing Broadcaster Leonna Mayor – former jockey and Racing Presenter An appearance from 2025 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer Gavin Cromwell . Date: Thursday 5th March 2026 Time: 6.30pm Bars open 6pm Where: The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse Tickets available via the website
From humble pedals to high-stakes payouts, "From Bicycle to Bentley" tracks the legendary rise of Stephen Little. A math prodigy who once interviewed at Cambridge simply because it was on the route to Newmarket, Little spent his youth cycling to every racecourse in the UK. His
journey from a 24-year-old rookie with his first licence in 1971 to the "King of the Rails" by 1986 is a masterclass in risk. At the peak of his career, Little was laying bets to lose £100,000, staggering sum by today's standards. By the time he exited the betting ring in 1998, he had traded his youth hostel stays for a Georgian home in Bath and a Bentley. Available on Amazon or Marlborough Books. TEL: 01934 613996.
FREE TO MEMBERS – get your tickets at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ cheltenham
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HARRY REDKNAPP: THE JUKEBOX MAN “DREAM”
People ask me about The Jukebox Man more than football! I've been to those theatres for Q&As and they all come up to me afterwards.
He explained: “I started off with my first syndicate when I was manager of Bournemouth. We bought what was called Slick Cherry because Bournemouth are The Cherries. I think there was seven of us in it. I think we gave £6,000 for it and we all chipped in with David Elsworth. They were great days. Elsie got a couple of wins out of it and that's when I really sort of got real. I've always been interested from eight years of age. My nan was a bookies’ runner in the East End of London. I grew up with it, you know, listening to the Grand National around the radio and going back to my mum winning the sweep at the cake factory she worked in with Foinavon. I've always loved it.” Trainer Pauling is delighted to have a Gold Cup contender for Redknapp, who he describes as “a national treasure”. He explained: “Having a horse of his calibre in the form, touch wood, that he seems to be in at the moment going into the Gold Cup, is an exceptionally exciting thing for me, for Soph, for the whole team here. But to be doing it with a man like Harry, who not only is a bit of a national treasure, but someone I’ve had a great relationship with for the last seven or eight years now. We are very fortunate that the attention is there because Harry is a competitor. He loves the sport. He's not fly by night – he's been in it for far too long. It's attention for the right reasons and hopefully that can be nothing but good for racing.”
Asked if the feeling on Gold Cup day will be like the morning of a cup final, he went on: “It’ll be very similar. I’ll obviously be very nervous and probably more nervous watching a race than I am even at football on the touchline. You get nervous every jump. I hold my breath, you know. It's a nerve-wracking experience. I think when you're stood there, nothing you can do, you're in their hands and you just pray that they come back safe and sound, most importantly. You know what you can do. Ben (Pauling, trainer) has done all the work and the staff with the horse. You're just relying on the jockey and the horse doing the job.” Redknapp has owned horses with Pauling for more than seven years and achieved an ambition of owning a Festival winner when Shakem Up’arry won in 2024. He said: “I've been there a long time now, and we've had some good days with Ben. I had Shakem Up’arry winning at The Festival for me. It was a dream to have a Festival winner, and then we could have had two. Ben fancied both of them. He was confident about this boy, as much as he was probably more than Skakem Up’arry. And I thought The Jukebox Man couldn’t win. He was like a 20-1 shot, or whatever he was at. But Ben was so bullish, and when he went clear, you were cantering still two out. You thought, Oh, my God, this is unreal. Two out, two winners. We got chinned on the line.” Next month’s Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is a far cry from Redknapp’s first ownership experience, with friends while managing Bournemouth FC.
Ex-football manager Harry Redknapp is preparing for his biggest day as a racehorse owner. Having cheered his eight-year-old The Jukebox Man to victory in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, alongside wife Sandra and other members of his family, the 78-year-old is dreaming of landing the most prestigious prize in jumps racing on Friday 13th March at Cheltenham.
Redknapp said: “It's a dream to have a horse to run in the Gold Cup and go there with a chance. I've had an awful lot of horses, still got an awful lot, but this one has taken us to places that you only dream about as a racehorse owner. He's my dream, he's not for sale and he wouldn't be for sale at any price. I'm not saying we're going to win it but we've got a serious horse, it's an open race and I think we've got as good a chance as anything.” Redknapp admitted that despite being involved in professional football for 52 years, most people now want to talk to him about horseracing. A regular on Q&A circuits in
theatres and halls, he explained: “People ask me about The Jukebox Man more than football! I've been to those theatres for Q&As and they all come up to me afterwards.” Redknapp could end up coming face to face with former footballing rival Sir Alex Ferguson at the Cheltenham Festival, as he has many times before on a racecourse. And he went on: “Alex is great and he loves the game as well. He's a top man, a top football manager and a top bloke really. He loves his racing and I've had a few nice days with him and his pals – they are all great.”
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BREEDING THE FUTURE
Our wonderful Racing Club mare, Flight of Freedom (2018) (Getaway ex Dahara), has now settled in at The National Stud, where she will be covered by none other than Stradivarius this spring. A very exciting next chapter awaits. Flight of Freedom’s short racecourse career ended due to a suspensory ligament injury, but she won a hurdle race at Warwick and ran two solid seconds behind Dysart Enos (Cheltenham winner) and Favour and Fortune (Scottish Champion Hurdle winner). Stradivarius’ race record is better known! Winning over £3m in prize money, he won major long-distance races including three Ascot Gold Cups and four Goodwood Cups. To mark the occasion, our newly formed Cheltenham Bloodstock Club paid a visit to Flight of Freedom at the Stud in January and were treated to a brilliantly informative and thoroughly enjoyable day. We were lucky enough to see a parade of stallions including Bradsell, Diego Velazquez and, of course, the mighty Strad himself, as well as meeting some early foals and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the covering shed. We were talked through the methodology, tactics and countless small details that go into ensuring a successful covering. All meticulously planned, carefully managed… for what is ultimately a rather underwhelming two-minute event! The National Stud (nationalstud.co.uk) is well worth a visit whether it is to see the stallions, mares and all the wonderful foals or to admire the beautifully manicured grounds. You may even be lucky enough to see Lord Windermere (winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, 2014) careering around his paddock with his best friend The Tin Man.
The day was rounded off perfectly with a lovely lunch in the Jockey Club Rooms, followed by an in-depth tour of the building. The history, artwork and racing heritage on display are simply wonderful and added a real sense of occasion to the visit. Do visit The Jockey Club Rooms (jockeyclubrooms. co.uk) for lunch and a tour to drink in the history of racing and to admire their immaculate lawns!
If you would like to be part of this exciting journey, please do get in touch. It is a three-year commitment, with the aim of selling our yearling at the Autumn Sales in 2028. A fascinating process, a great group of people and, we hope, a very exciting outcome. Lucy.jackson@thejockeyclub.co.uk www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/the-racing/bloodstock-club
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