Published Monday at 9: 30 a. m. ET, the 2026 Cheltenham Festival schedule is set for Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 March, with seven races each day and feature coverage named by outlets. For readers searching “bet 365, ” below are the confirmed dates, race order touchpoints, and broadcast details translated into Eastern Time.
Cheltenham Festival schedule and coverage for March 10–13
The meeting runs from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 March. Radio 5 Sports Extra plans commentary on all 28 races across the four days, with feature races and Gold Cup day also on Radio 5 Live. Gina Bryce is slated to present from Tuesday to Thursday, with Mark Chapman on Friday. Former Gold Cup-winning jockeys Andrew Thornton and Paddy Brennan, plus Welsh Grand National winner Charlie Poste, provide analysis, and John Hunt leads the commentary team.
The first race each day is at 13: 20 GMT (9: 20 a. m. ET). The Cheltenham Gold Cup is scheduled as the fifth race on Friday at 16: 00 GMT (12: 00 p. m. ET), and the final race daily goes off at 17: 20 GMT (1: 20 p. m. ET).
Among the named races and local post times (with ET in parentheses):
- 13: 20 GMT (9: 20 a. m. ET) — The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2m 1/3f)
- 14: 00 GMT (10: 00 a. m. ET) — The Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (2m)
- 14: 40 GMT (10: 40 a. m. ET) — The McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (2m 1/2f)
- 15: 20 GMT (11: 20 a. m. ET) — The Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (3m 1f)
- 16: 00 GMT (12: 00 p. m. ET) — The Unibet Champion Hurdle (2m 1/2f)
- 17: 20 GMT (1: 20 p. m. ET) — The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (3m 6f)
- 14: 00 GMT (10: 00 a. m. ET) — The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (3m 1f)
- 14: 40 GMT (10: 40 a. m. ET) — The BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)
- 15: 20 GMT (11: 20 a. m. ET) — The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase (3m 5½f)
There are seven races per day, 28 in total, with daily live radio commentary across the meeting and select feature contests carried on the main radio channel.
The Jukebox Man targets Gold Cup as 2018 marker looms
The Jukebox Man, winner of the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, lines up for the Gold Cup with the chance to become the first horse from British soil to win the race since 2018. That bid anchors Friday’s card at 16: 00 GMT (12: 00 p. m. ET), sharpening attention on the feature’s timing and order.
Bet 365 and race‑week planning for fans
Previews and tips for all 28 races are circulating, including a 2026 guide highlighting four best bets from Harry Allwood. For readers arriving through short search prompts like “bet 365, ” the confirmed festival dates, daily start time of 13: 20 GMT (9: 20 a. m. ET), and the headline Gold Cup slot at 16: 00 GMT (12: 00 p. m. ET) are the anchor points to map against any tips lists.
That said, the essentials remain fixed: four days, seven races daily, and a consistent afternoon program by local time. With presenters, analysts, and race names set, the schedule gives fans a clear framework to follow each day’s build toward the marquee contests.
The next confirmed milestone is the opening race on Tuesday at 13: 20 GMT (9: 20 a. m. ET). If entries stand, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is set for Friday at 16: 00 GMT (12: 00 p. m. ET).
