Breaking down each day of the Cheltenham Festival

Standing as the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, attracting top-class horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the United Kingdom and Ireland is the Cheltenham Festival.  It is also one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing betting calendar, with four days of elite competition and high-stakes drama. 

From the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, each day offers thrilling action and significant prize money. That said, read on as we break down the running order for each of the four days, which have seen some significant changes in 2025—including earlier start (1:20) and finish times (5:20) and the feature being rescheduled for 4 pm instead of 3:30. 

Day One: Champion Day

The opening day of the Festival sets the tone for the week, featuring a mix of top-class novice races and the prestigious Champion Hurdle. 

The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is often a proving ground for future stars, while the Arkle Novices’ Chase sees the best young two-mile chasers battle for supremacy. 

The highlight of the day is the Champion Hurdle, a race that has crowned many legendary hurdlers. The day concludes with the stamina-testing National Hunt Chase.

• 1.20 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m, £150,000

• 2.00 – Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1), 2m, £200,000
• 2.40 – Ultima Handicap Chase, 3m1f, £150,000
• 3.20 – Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m4f, £120,000
• 4.00 – Champion Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m, £450,000
• 4.40 – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 2m, £80,000
• 5.20 – National Hunt Chase (Novices’ Handicap), 3m6f, £100,000

Day Two: Style Wednesday

Day two showcases top novice chasers, handicaps, and the showpiece race – the Queen Mother Champion Chase. 

The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase is a key stepping stone for future Gold Cup contenders, while the Queen Mother Champion Chase is the ultimate test for two-mile chasers. 

The day also features the unique Cross Country Chase, offering a different kind of spectacle for racing fans.

• 1.20 – Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m5f, £150,000
• 2.00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1), 3m, £200,000
• 2.40 – Cup Handicap Hurdle, 2m5f, £100,000
• 3.20 – Cross Country Limited Handicap Chase, 3m5f, £75,000
• 4.00 – Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1), 2m, £400,000
• 4.40 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase, 2m, £150,000
• 5.20 – Champion Bumper (Grade 1), 2m, £80,000

Day Three: St. Patrick’s Thursday

The penultimate day delivers top-class staying races, including the Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle. The Ryanair Chase is often targeted by horses that excel over intermediate distances, while the Stayers’ Hurdle is the premier long-distance hurdle race of the season. 

With competitive handicaps throughout the day, it remains one of the most unpredictable and exciting days of the Festival.

• 1.20 – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m1f, £105,000
• 2.00 – Novices’ Handicap Chase, 2m4f, £125,000
• 2.40 – Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle), 3m, £100,000
• 3.20 – Ryanair Chase (Grade 1), 2m4f, £375,000
• 4.00 – Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1), 3m, £325,000
• 4.40 – TrustATrader Plate (Handicap Chase), 2m4f, £150,000
• 5.20 – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase, 3m2f, £75,000

Day Four: Gold Cup Day

The final day is headlined by the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most prestigious race of the Festival. The Gold Cup is the ultimate test of a staying chaser’s ability, stamina, and jumping prowess. The day also features the Triumph Hurdle, a key contest for juvenile hurdlers, and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, which serves as a stepping stone for future stayers. 

The Festival concludes with the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, offering young riders a chance to shine on the big stage. 

• 1.20 – Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m, £150,000
• 2.00 – County Handicap Hurdle, 2m, £100,000
• 2.40 – Mares’ Chase (Grade 2), 2m4f, £120,000
• 3.20 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1), 3m, £150,000
• 4.00 – Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1), 3m2f, £625,000
• 4.40 – St James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase, 3m2f, £50,000
• 5.20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, 2m4f, £75,000