Cheltenham Festival 2027: Dates, Big Races and Betting Guide
Four days in March that decide the jump racing championships. Here are the 2027 dates, the big race each day, recent Gold Cup winners, the history and how to bet on the Festival.
The Festival day by day
Each day has its own championship race, building up to the Gold Cup on Friday.
Champion Day
- Champion Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m)
- The opening-day roar as the first race goes off
Ladies Day
- Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1, 2m)
- The championship race for two-mile chasers
St Patrick’s Thursday
- Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1, about 3m)
- Ryanair Chase (Grade 1, 2m 4½f)
Gold Cup Day
- Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1, 3m 2½f)
- 2026 Gold Cup prize fund: £625,000
2026 Festival
- Just over £4.9m across 28 races
- About £2.7m of it to winners
2026 attendance
- 226,223 racegoers over four days
- Record: 251,684 in 2020
Recent Gold Cup winners
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend have dominated recent runnings.
| Year | Gold Cup | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Gaelic Warrior (11/4 jt fav) | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
| 2025 | Inothewayurthinkin (15/2) | Mark Walsh | Gavin Cromwell |
| 2024 | Galopin Des Champs (10/11 fav) | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
The Cheltenham Festival facts and history
Betting on the Cheltenham Festival
Offers to look for
For big festivals, many bookmakers run race-day extras such as Best Odds Guaranteed (if the starting price is bigger than the price you took, you are paid at the bigger price) and extra each-way places on the big handicaps. Terms change for every race, so always read the terms in the app before you bet.
See our promotions guide for how each type of offer works.
Going to the races?
You can bet on course with the bookmakers in the ring and on the pool, or on your phone. Read our course guide for Wi-Fi, cash machines and how to get there, and our guide to betting at the racecourse.
Which app should you use for the Cheltenham Festival?
Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store, Google Play and Trustpilot ratings.
the Cheltenham Festival FAQs
When is the 2027 Cheltenham Festival?
The 2027 Cheltenham Festival runs from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March 2027.
What day is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Gold Cup is run on the Friday, the last day of the Festival. In 2027 that is Friday 19 March.
Who won the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Gaelic Warrior, at 11/4 joint favourite, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins. He won by 8 lengths.
How many races are there at the Cheltenham Festival?
There were 28 races at the 2026 Festival, seven a day over four days.
How many people go to the Cheltenham Festival?
226,223 people went to the 2026 Festival. The record is 251,684, set in 2020.
Sources: Jockey Club: festivals · Festival schedule · Wikipedia: Cheltenham Festival · Wikipedia: Cheltenham Gold Cup. Facts checked October 2026; dates and race details can change, so check with the racecourse before you go.
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org