P R EV I EW
P R EV I EW
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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