Planning your visit to the Cheltenham Festival needs a clear schedule. Many racing fans find it challenging to follow 28 races across four active days. The Cheltenham Festival Schedule runs from 11-14 March 2025 at Prestbury Park.
The Festival is the biggest event in jump racing. Each day presents seven races with excellent horses and jockeys from across the UK and Ireland. This schedule outlines every race time, main highlights, and major competitions like the Gold Cup.
You can see the exact times to watch Champion Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Day, and Gold Cup Day races. Would you like to know the 2025 Festival schedule?
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Cheltenham Festival runs from 11-14 March at Prestbury Park, featuring 28 races over four days.
- Each festival day starts at 10:30 and includes seven races, with the first race at 13:20 and last race at 17:20.
- Major races include the Champion Hurdle (Tuesday), Queen Mother Champion Chase (Wednesday), Stayers’ Hurdle (Thursday), and Gold Cup (Friday).
- The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup offers the highest prize money of £625,000, with total festival prizes exceeding £4.5 million.
- Top horses like Galopin Des Champs, Constitution Hill, and El Fabiolo will compete in Grade 1 events across all four days.
What Are The Dates And Key Highlights Of The Cheltenham Festival 2025?
The Cheltenham Festival runs from Tuesday, 11 March to Friday, 14 March 2025 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Each day starts at 10:30, with the first race at 13:20 and final race at 17:20.
The festival packs 28 races across four action-filled days.
Top horses like Galopin Des Champs, Constitution Hill, and El Fabiolo will compete in Grade 1 events. A special Preview Night takes place on Thursday, 6 March 2025, with William Hill as the main sponsor.
The festival brings together the UK’s best National Hunt racing talent to battle for major titles in hurdle races, chases and handicaps.
What Is The Day By Day Race Schedule?
The four-day racing schedule at Cheltenham Festival 2025 packs each day with big races and special themes. You’ll find major races like the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle, and Gold Cup spread across the week to give each day its own star moment.
Tuesday 11th March: Champion Day
Champion Day begins at 13:20 with seven exciting races at Cheltenham Racecourse. Your day starts with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle, followed by My Pension Expert Arkle Chase at 14:00.
The main event, Unibet Champion Hurdle, takes place at 16:00 – a Grade 1 race covering 2 miles of challenging jumps.
You’ll see live previews in the Parade Ring before each race begins. Race times run from 13:20 to 17:20, with races at 14:40, 15:20, 16:40 and 17:20 completing your day’s schedule.
Each race showcases unique displays of skill and speed at this premier jump racing event.
Wednesday 12th March: Ladies Day
Ladies Day brings glamour and top racing to Cheltenham Festival. The Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase takes centre stage at 16:00, offering Grade 1 action over 2 miles. Seven races fill the day’s card, starting at 13:20 with the Turners Novices Hurdle.
The racing schedule runs from 13:20 to 17:20, with key races at fixed times. The Brown Advisory Novices Steeple Chase starts at 14:00, followed by races at 14:40, 15:20, 16:40, and the final race at 17:20.
Ladies dress up in their finest outfits while enjoying Grade 1 racing at its best.
Thursday 13th March: St Patrick’s Day
St Patrick’s Day at Cheltenham brings Irish racing magic to the Cotswolds. The Ryanair Steeple Chase starts at 15:20, with prize money drawing top horses and jockeys to this Grade 1 race.
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle follows at 16:00, marking a key championship race of the festival.
Seven races pack the day’s schedule at Gloucestershire’s famous track. The first race kicks off at 13:20 with the Ryanair Mares Novices Hurdle, followed by the Jack Richards Novices Limited Handicap Chase at 14:00.
The final race ends at 17:20, giving you a full day of jump racing action. Each race offers unique betting options through major bookmakers like Paddy Power.
Friday 14th March: Cheltenham Gold Cup Day
The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup takes centre stage on Friday 14th March. This Grade 1 race runs over 3m 2f at 16:00, offering the biggest prize of the festival. Seven races fill the day’s schedule, starting at 13:20 with the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
The racing action kicks off with the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle at 14:00. Races run every 40 minutes through the day until 17:20. The Gold Cup stands as the main event at 16:00, drawing top horses and jockeys to battle for racing glory at Cheltenham Racecourse.
What Are The Major Races To Watch?
Five major Grade 1 races stand out at Cheltenham Festival 2025. Day one features the Unibet Champion Hurdle at 16:00, run over 2 miles. BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase takes centre stage on day two at 16:00, also covering 2 miles.
Day three brings two big races – Ryanair Steeple Chase at 15:20 over 2m 4f, plus Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at 16:00 spanning 3 miles. Gold Cup Day peaks with Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at 16:00, racing across 3m 2f.
Each race offers top-class jump racing action with Britain’s finest horses competing for prestigious titles.
What Time Do Races Start Each Day?
The Cheltenham Festival follows precise race timings across all four days, allowing spectators to watch every exciting moment.
Race Number | ||
---|---|---|
Gates Open | 10:30 | Early access for spectators |
Race 1 | 13:20 | Opening race of the day |
Race 2 | 14:00 | Second race |
Race 3 | 14:40 | Mid-afternoon race |
Race 4 | 15:20 | Feature race of the day |
Race 5 | 16:00 | Late afternoon race |
Race 6 | 16:40 | Penultimate race |
Race 7 | 17:20 | Final race |
How Much Prize Money Is Awarded For Key Races?
Prize money at Cheltenham Festival 2025 exceeds £4.5 million across all races, making it one of Britain’s most lucrative racing events.
Race Name | Day | Prize Money |
---|---|---|
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) | Gold Cup Day | £625,000 |
Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) | Champion Day | £400,000 |
BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) | Ladies Day | £400,000 |
Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) | St Patrick’s Day | £350,000 |
Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | St Patrick’s Day | £325,000 |
Conclusion
The Cheltenham Festival brings you 28 races across 4 action-packed days. Your racing adventure starts at 10:30 AM each day with top horses and skilled jockeys. Smart planning helps you catch major races like the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.
National Express coaches take you straight to the gates from many UK spots. Bring warm clothes and rain gear to stay cozy while watching the races. Book your tickets now to see racing stars like Galopin Des Champs and Constitution Hill compete.
The festival offers £1 million in prizes, making it the UK’s most exciting racing event.
FAQs
1. When does the Cheltenham Festival take place?
The Cheltenham Festival takes place between Tuesday and Friday in March. It’s the UK’s biggest four days of jump racing at Cheltenham Racecourse.
2. What are the main races at the Festival?
The championship races include famous events like the Stayers Hurdle and Champion Day Tuesday. The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle is also a key race that draws big crowds.
3. How can I get to Cheltenham Racecourse?
You can reach the racecourse by National Express coaches from locations across the UK. Pre-booked coach travel takes you directly to the racecourse for easy access.
4. What’s the dress code for the Festival?
While there’s no strict dress code in Tattersalls or other enclosures, it’s a good idea to dress for the weather. Fancy dress is allowed, but keep it tasteful.
5. How do I place a bet at Cheltenham?
You can place bets at the racecourse sportsbook or use Apple Pay for quick payments. Remember to bet responsibly and never spend more than £100 without careful thought.
6. What makes Cheltenham Festival special?
The famous Cheltenham Roar kicks off each raceday. Racing legends like Kauto Star, Dawn Run, and Best Mate have made sporting history here, making it a top annual event in British racing/

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