The Cheltenham Festival 2027 runs from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March 2027, staging 28 races across four days and culminating in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at 4:00pm on Friday 19 March.
#The four days are Champion Day, Style Wednesday (Ladies Day), St Patrick’s Thursday and Gold Cup Day. Below is the full schedule, race times and everything you need for jump racing’s biggest week.
Cheltenham Festival 2027: Key Facts
| Dates | Tuesday 16 – Friday 19 March 2027 |
| Venue | Cheltenham Racecourse (Prestbury Park), Gloucestershire |
| Races | 28 across four days |
| Gates open | 10:30 each day |
| First race | 13:20 each day |
| Last race | 17:20 each day |
| Feature races | 16:00 each day |
| Gold Cup | 16:00, Friday 19 March 2027 |
| TV | ITV Racing / Racing TV |
Times GMT and subject to change. 18+. GambleAware.org.
The Four Days of the Cheltenham Festival 2027
Each day of the Festival has its own identity and a championship feature race, run as the fifth race on the card at 4:00pm under the revised 2027 schedule.
Day 1 — Champion Day, Tuesday 16 March 2027 The Festival opens with the famous “Cheltenham Roar” as the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle gets under way at 13:20. The feature is the Unibet Champion Hurdle at 16:00 — the two-mile hurdling championship.
Day 2 — Style Wednesday (Ladies Day), Wednesday 17 March 2027 The second day is headlined by the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00, the two-mile championship for chasers, on the Festival’s traditional Ladies Day.
Day 3 — St Patrick’s Thursday, Thursday 18 March 2027 The Irish-flavoured third day features two Grade 1 highlights: the Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, the three-mile hurdling championship, at 16:00.
Day 4 — Gold Cup Day, Friday 19 March 2027 The Festival closes with its showpiece, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at 16:00 — the three-mile-two-furlong Blue Riband of jump racing — alongside the Triumph Hurdle and Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
What Time Is the First Race at Cheltenham 2027?
Gates open at 10:30 each day, with the first race at 13:20 and the last race at 17:20. The championship race on each day — the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle and Gold Cup — is run at 16:00 as the fifth race on the card, following the schedule revision that moved each feature to a later slot.
Where to Bet on the Cheltenham Festival 2027
Cheltenham is the biggest betting meeting of the jumps season, and the leading bookmakers run their strongest racing offers across the four days — from extra each-way places on the big handicaps to Best Odds Guaranteed and money-back specials. Below are our top new-customer free bet offers to get started with ahead of the Festival.
For taking an early price on any ante-post or festival selection, use a bookmaker offering Best Odds Guaranteed so you’re paid at the starting price if your horse drifts. And with plenty of ante-post bets struck weeks ahead, it’s worth understanding non-runner no bet and how it applies at Cheltenham.
How to Watch the Cheltenham Festival 2027
The Cheltenham Festival is broadcast live on free-to-air television by ITV Racing, which shows the feature races and much of each day’s card, with full coverage of all 28 races on Racing TV for subscribers. ITV’s coverage includes the Opening Show each morning before racing begins.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup 2027
The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is the Festival’s showpiece and the most prestigious prize in jump racing. Run over three miles and two and a half furlongs on the New Course, it takes place at 16:00 on Friday 19 March 2027. Gaelic Warrior won the 2026 renewal for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, a record-equalling fifth win in the race for both trainer and jockey.
When Do Cheltenham Festival 2027 Tickets Go on Sale?
Tickets and hospitality for the Cheltenham Festival are sold through The Jockey Club, with enclosures including the Club, Tattersalls and Best Mate. Early booking is advised as the Festival regularly attracts over 250,000 racegoers across the four days. Full ticket details are available on the official Cheltenham Racecourse website.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2027?
The Cheltenham Festival 2027 runs from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March 2027 at Cheltenham Racecourse.
What time is the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2027?
The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is run at 16:00 (4:00pm) on Friday 19 March 2027.
What are the four days of the Cheltenham Festival?
Champion Day (Tuesday), Style Wednesday or Ladies Day (Wednesday), St Patrick’s Thursday (Thursday) and Gold Cup Day (Friday).
What time is the first race at Cheltenham?
The first race is at 13:20 each day, with gates opening at 10:30 and the last race at 17:20.
How many races are there at the Cheltenham Festival?
There are 28 races across the four days, including the four championship races run at 16:00 each day.
Where is the Cheltenham Festival held?
At Cheltenham Racecourse, also known as Prestbury Park, in Gloucestershire.
More racing guides and tips: Cheltenham non-runner no bet explained · Best Odds Guaranteed explained · Best horse racing betting sites · ITV Racing tips
Dates and times were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change — always check the official Cheltenham Racecourse website. 18+. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org · GamCare.org.uk.