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Horse racing is one of the most historic sports in the world, with some incredible events on the calendar each year. Part of horse racing history is the Cheltenham Festival, which takes place annually in March at the Cheltenham Racecourse. The festival is one of the most reputable jumping events in the sport, which features a total of 28 races. The Cheltenham Festival takes place over four days, with each day featuring a unique set of races. In the festival's history, there were only three days of racing, which lasted from the festival's founding until 2005.
During the four days at the Cheltenham Festival, there is a championship race on each day. Regardless of the day, fans pack the stands at the Cheltenham Festival, though the last day is the most anticipated. This article breaks down each day, assisting those interested in betting for horse racing today by highlighting some of the most notable races.
Kicking off the Cheltenham Festival each year is ‘Champion Day’, which has earned its title for the Champion Hurdle race, which is the main event of the day. The day is famous for its electric atmosphere and the incredible roar that follows the start of the first race, with all in attendance anticipating a week of racing.
The championship race of the day is the Champion Hurdle, which crowns the best two-mile hurdler in jump racing. The race is one of the best of the week, which brings together some of the best hurdlers of all time throughout the history of the sport, including Night Nurse, Persian War, and more.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival, which is a Grade 1 race for novice hurdlers. The race is often run by some incredibly promising horses, which, throughout history, have included the likes of Altior and Douvan, who went on to win numerous other Grade 1 races.
The second day is widely known as Ladies' Day, which brings a fashion angle to a full day of racing. Each year on Ladies’ Day, spectators gather in their most glamorous and stylish outfits, with numerous off-track competitions being held for the attire of spectators. Whilst the fashion side is strong on the second day of the festival, Ladies’ Day still hosts a range of incredible races, just like the other days.
Another notable horse race that takes place on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival is the Turner’s Novices’ Hurdle, formally known as the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. The race will be around 2 miles and 5 furlongs, which has been won by infamous horses such as Istabraq and others.
On the Thursday of the festival, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated, showcasing the strong connection between Irish racing culture and the Cheltenham Festival. This day is packed out by Irish supporters, who commonly dress up in their Green colours to support their home horses.
The Stayers Hurdle is the name of the championship race on the Thursday of the Cheltenham Festival, which runs for over 3 miles. Some of the greatest horses line up in the Stayers Hurdle each year, and it has been won by some incredible horses, including Thistlecrack.
Ryanair Chase is a popular horse race that takes place on the third day of the festival, a slightly shorter race than the previously mentioned one, spanning 2 miles and 3 furlongs. The most dominant horse in this race is Allaho, who won it back-to-back early on in the 2020’s.
The final day is arguably the most prestigious of the lot, which is labelled the Gold Cup Day after the championship race on the day. Although the championship race takes the spotlight, the crowds for all of the races are incredible, as everyone gathers for the climax of the racing week.
The undoubtedly biggest race on the Friday of the Cheltenham Festival is the Gold Cup, one of the world's largest horse races. It is an incredible finish to the racing week, featuring the toughest competition and making it the most anticipated race for many. Horse racing trainers and owners base their entire jumping seasons around the Gold Cup, which offers the largest prize pool of any in the festival. The Gold Cup has been run by some incredible horses in its history, including Arkle, who won the cup 3 consecutive times.
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