(3.5 minutes read)
Gold Cup Day! We finally reach the exciting pinnacle of the Cheltenham Festival. This could be one of the most open and exciting Cheltenham Gold Cups in recent memory.
Galopin Des Champs is sadly not participating whilst last year’s winner Inowoturthinkin has a barrage of question marks to answer after a poor season’s display. The British have assembled one of the best set of entries for some time as Jango Baie, The Jukebox Man, Haiti Couleurs and Grey Dawning all have decent claims.
What a race this could be! There is plenty of other great betting and graded action. We check out the best Cheltenham Festival bets, best Cheltenham Gold Cup bets and preview the televised races.
Travel Details For Cheltenham Festival 2026
Parking
Car parking at the Racecourse itself has now sold out for all four days. Cars will be turned away unless a valid pre-booked ticket can be produced.
Park & Ride
Located directly off Junction 11 of the M5, the park & ride service provides a bus service from Arle Court to the Transport Hub at The Cheltenham Festival.
Buses will leave from Loading Bay at Arle Court, First bus inbound will run at 09:15 and the last at 14:30. Return buses outbound will run from 16:00 until 19:30.
Facilities are available at Arle Court, including toilets, baby changing facilities and hot drinks cart.
Return buses will leave from our day-to-day purple transport hub.
Trains
If you are coming in by train from Birmingham New Street, a queuing system will be in operation so as to stop dangerous congestion on the platforms due to the sheer volume of racegoers heading to The Festival. Allow plenty of time.
Shuttle buses at Cheltenham Spa will be available on the station forecourt.
ITV Televised Race Schedule
1.20pm The JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 1f
2.00pm The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 2m1f
2.40pm The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2) 2m 4 1/2f
3.20pm The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m
4.00pm The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 3m 2 1/2f
4.40pm The Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase 3m 2 1/2f
Televised Race Previews
1.20pm The JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 1f
Very open juvenile Grade One as customary. 
Minella Study trained by Adam Nicol bolted up over course and distance last December and will be the one to beat if that form is reproduced.
SELECTION: MINELLA STUDY 6/1 with William Hill offering ¼ odds for four places each way.
2.00pm The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 2m1f
The competitive 2-mile handicap hurdle is open and competitive as usual. We like the look of the well handicapped Hello Neighbour running for trainer Keith Donoghue.
SELECTION: HELLO NEIGHBOUR 14/1 with Bet365 paying 6 places for each way bets.
2.40pm The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2) 2m 4 1/2f
This should go smoothly to last year’s winner Dinoblue although Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Panic Attack, who bypassed the Cheltenham Gold Cup for this, could be a major threat.
SELECTION: DINOBLUE 15/8 with Bet Victor and Boylesports.
3.20pm The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m
Wide open affair with a slightly fragile Mullins/Townend favourite in Doctor Steinberg who should take all the beating if he is as progressive as his performances have demonstrated.
Mondoui’boy for trainer Ben Pauling despite having won at 2 miles is bred to stay further and looks a useful each way punt.
SELECTION: MONDOUI’BOY 16/1 with Bet365
4.00pm THE BOODLES CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (Grade 1) 3m 2 1/2f
Check out our big race preview here.
A fascinating renewal of the stayer’s classic. It boasts a far different complexion than last year with no Galopin Des Champs and inclusive of a reigning champion who is truly on the ropes with a view to the formbook.
Inothewayurthinkin needs to dramatically improve on this season’s performances to figure once more. The British challenge is considerable. The Jukebox Man comes here with that heroic King George win behind him and Jango Baie will be looking for revenge.
Gaelic Warrior is a marginal market leader.
However, the only horse in the field with confirmed marathon chase staying form is Haiti Couleurs. We think the Rebecca Curtis trained Irish and Welsh National winner has what it takes to add the Cheltenham Gold Cup to his already illustrious CV.
SELECTION: HAITI COULEURS 13/2 with Bet365 and William Hill
4.40pm The Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase 3m 2 1/2f
The traditional hunters stayer’s race. It is not an Oasis touring year, but Wonderwall is back to try and retain his title from last year. We like the look of Gracchus De Balme who won the Aintree hunters chase and has good form round this course and distance.
SELECTION: GRACCHUS DE BALME 25/1 with Bet365, William Hill and Boylesports.
MORE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026
- Lucky 15 Acca For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Best Long Shot Bets For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Cheltenham Festival 2026 Event Page!
- How To Watch Cheltenham Festival 2026 in Benidorm!
- Dark Horses For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Best Bankers For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Best Handicap Bets For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- The Champion Hurdle Tuesday March 10th
- The Champion Chase Wednesday 11th March
- Cheltenham Festival Free Bets 2026!
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (6pm 12th March 2026) and are subject to change
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