Cheltenham Festival is not just about the races; it’s about the unique atmosphere it creates. It’s the crown jewel of horse racing, celebrated for its unmatched tradition, excitement, and fierce competition. Bringing together the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers, it captivates fans worldwide. This Cheltenham Festival 2025 prestigious event is renowned for its thrilling races and vibrant atmosphere, symbolizing equestrian excellence and community spirit. This year’s Cheltenham Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts and newcomers. With iconic races like the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the excitement is intense as the festival approaches. Gold Cup Day stands out as the pinnacle of the event, where fans eagerly await the deserving final moments racing enthusiasts cherish. The display of skill, speed, and determination from the world’s finest racehorses will be on the whole show. The Cheltenham Festival 2025 will likely be a thrilling horse racing celebration, bringing together the best of British and Irish talent. The Cheltenham Festival 2025, from March 11–14, is a premier National Hunt event featuring the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup—an unforgettable celebration for racing fans. Dive into the latest updates, thrilling matches, and standout performances across the sports world.
The Cheltenham Festival, a premier event in the world of horse racing, is not just about the present but also about its rich history. Tracing its origins back to 1860, when the National Hunt Chase first occurred at Market Harborough, it moved to various locations before finding its permanent home at Cheltenham Racecourse in Prestbury Park in 1911. The festival has evolved, with iconic races like the Cheltenham Gold Cup (introduced in 1924) and the Champion Hurdle (1927) becoming central to its identity. The Cheltenham Festival, a four-day extravaganza with 28 races, attracts top horses, jockeys, and trainers from the UK, Ireland, and beyond. Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day, the Cheltenham Festival is a National Hunt highlight with iconic races, a festive atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. This Cheltenham Festival 2025 event honors the spirit of horse racing, blending tradition with world-class competition. The Cheltenham Festival promises lasting memories and a spellbinding experience for all horse followers. Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing aficionado or a first-time visitor, the Cheltenham Festival offers an unforgettable experience brimming with tradition, excitement, and world-class competition.
This is not just a sporting event; it’s a community celebration. Introduced in 1924, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a premier steeplechase race. In 1927, the Champion Hurdle had its first run and is now a festival highlight. In 1983, Dawn Run made history as the only horse to win the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup. In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle, inspiring many. Galopin Des Champs claimed back-to-back Gold Cups, cementing legendary status. Mullins’ Champion Hurdle win, and Blackmore’s milestones further highlighted their dominance. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle triumph positioned it as a rising star. The Cheltenham Festival is cherished by the local community and racing fans, attracting over 250,000 spectators annually and boosting the local economy. Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day, it draws Irish fans and fosters a unique camaraderie. As a pinnacle of National Hunt racing, it’s a celebration of its heritage, competitive spirit, and moments of brilliance. Immerse yourself in the excitement and tradition of the Cheltenham Festival 2025, where every race brings exhilaration, and every cheer echoes the passion of horse racing. Get ready for an iconic celebration, creating lasting memories and thrilling experiences.
Why is the Cheltenham Festival 2025 unique?
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 will take place from March 11 to 14, 2025, at Cheltenham Racecourse in Prestbury Park, England. This festival has four days of events, including Champions Day, Style Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Thursday, and Gold Cup Day, to make it a special celebration for the horse racing aficionado.
How has the format of the Cheltenham Festival 2025 changed from previous years?
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 follows a confidently structured four-day format, celebrating the pinnacle of National Hunt horse racing. With 28 races, each day brings unique highlights and cherished traditions.
Day-by-Day Format
Champion Day 1: Kicks off with high-energy races. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Champion Hurdle are featured. Known for the famous Cheltenham Roar signalling the event’s start.
Ladies Day 2: Combines top-class racing with fashion and style. This event features the Queen Mother Champion Chase and National Hunt Chase. Fans add glamour with their best outfits.
St. Patrick’s Thursday Day 3: Celebrates Irish culture with strong Irish participation. This event features Stayers’ Hurdle and Ryanair Chase. It is a lively day of music and celebration.
Gold Cup Day (Day 4, The grand finale): Cheltenham Gold Cup and Triumph Hurdle. Largest crowds, top competitors, most prestigious day.
Key Elements
Types of Races: The Cheltenham Festival 2025 confidently features a variety of races, including hurdles, steeplechases, and bumpers (flat races for novice horses).
Grade 1 Races: The Cheltenham Festival 2025 spans four days of elite races and cultural festivities, making it a premier horse racing event.
New Rules and Regulations
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 proudly introduces several format changes, enhancing the quality of racing and the overall experience for both participants and spectators.
Race Programme Adjustments
The Turners Novices’ Chase becomes a Grade 2 Limited Handicap. National Hunt Chase permits pros; Glenfarclas Chase is a limited handicap; Ryanair Mares’ Hurdle uses level weights; Pertemps ensures qualifiers by weight rules.
Eligibility Criteria
Horses need four chase or five hurdle runs for non-novice handicaps, reflecting the festival’s high standards.
How many competitors are anticipating the Cheltenham Festival 2025?
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 confidently showcases around 500 horses across its 28 races. Each race typically features a competitive field of 10–20 horses, depending on the type and prestige of the event. This festival attracts top-tier competitors from the UK, Ireland, and beyond, solidifying its status as a National Hunt racing calendar highlight.
| Race Type | Approximate Participants |
| Grade 1 Races | 12–15 per race |
| Handicap Races | 15–20 per race |
| Novices’ Races | 10–15 per race |
| Bumper (Flat) Races | 10–12 per race |
| Cross Country Races | 12–16 per race |
Note: These numbers may vary depending on the final entries and withdrawals closer to the event.
How can I watch the Cheltenham Festival 2025?
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 confidently offers a plethora of viewing options in the UK, ensuring that every fan, whether they prefer the traditional TV broadcast, the convenience of online streaming, or the vibrant atmosphere of a local viewing event, feels catered to and included. ITV will broadcast the first six races of each day live on ITV1 from 12:45 PM to 5:00 PM GMT, also available for streaming on ITVX. Racing TV provides comprehensive coverage of all 28 races, including the final two races of each day not covered by ITV, accessible on platforms like Sky and Virgin Media and through its website or app. And, of course, there’s the option to experience the thrill live at Cheltenham Racecourse in Prestbury Park, where the action truly comes to life! Each platform offers a unique way to enjoy this prestigious event, and the choice is yours.
All over the world, you will watch the Cheltenham Festival 2025 through online streaming platforms. Bookmakers like bet365 and QuinnBet will livestream all 28 races, including significant events like the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle. To access these streams, you must have a funded account or have placed a bet within the last 24 hours.
Additionally, platforms like ITV Racing and Racing TV will provide live-streaming options. Ensure you have a stable internet connection to enjoy the races seamlessly.
What is the schedule for the Cheltenham Festival 2025?
The gates confidently open at 10:30 on each of the festival’s four days, beginning an exhilarating journey into horse racing. The anticipation is tangible, and excitement builds as the first race approaches.
Preview Show, live in the Parade Ring every day before racing. Find the timings below.
The first race confidently starts at 13:20 and the last at 17:20.
It’s important to note that the timings for the Cheltenham Festival 2025 are subject to change, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to the festival.
DAY 1: CHAMPION DAY—TUESDAY, 11 MARCH 2025
Seven races are scheduled for Day One of the Cheltenham Festival.
| TIMES | RACE & CLASS | DISTANCE | TYPE |
| 13:20 | The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 14:00 | The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) | 2m | Chase |
| 14:40 | The Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | 3m abt 1f | Chase |
| 15:20 | The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1) | 2m abt 4f | Hurdle |
| 16:00 | The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 16:40 | The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 17:20 | The National Hunt Novices’ Chase (Novices’ Steeple Chase) (Novices’ Handicap) | 3m abt 6f | Chase |
DAY 2: STYLE WEDNESDAY – WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH 2025
On the second day, the highlight of the traditionally known lady’s day is off at 16:00.
| TIMES | RACE & CLASS | DISTANCE | TYPE
|
| 13:20 | The Turners Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1) | 2m abt 5f | Hurdle |
| 14:00 | The Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase | 3m | Chase |
| 14:40 | The Coral Cup Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap) | 2m abt 5f | Hurdle |
| 15:20 | The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase | 3m abt 5½f | Chase |
| 16:00 | The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase (Grade 1) | Abt 2m | Chase |
| 16:40 | The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Premier Handicap) | 2m | Chase |
| 17.20 | The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (A Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1) | 2m | Bumper |
DAY 3: ST PATRICK’S THURSDAY – THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2025
St. Patrick’s Day highlights the third day of Cheltenham 2025!
| TIMES | RACE & CLASS | DISTANCE | TYPE |
| 13:20 | The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m 1f | Hurdle |
| 14:00 | The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase | 2m 4f | Chase |
| 14:40 | The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Listed) (Premier Handicap) | 3m | Hurdle |
| 15:20 | The Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1) | 2m 4f | Chase |
| 16:00 | The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 3m | Hurdle |
| 16:40 | The TrustATrader Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Premier Handicap) | 2m 4f | Chase |
| 17:20 | The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase (0-145) | 3m 2f | Chase |
DAY 4: GOLD CUP DAY – FRIDAY 14 MARCH 2025
It will begin at 16:00, and the winner will take home the Gold Cup.
| TIMES | RACE & CLASS | DISTANCE | TYPE |
| 13:20 | The JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 14:00 | The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 14:40 | The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2) | 2m 4f | Chase |
| 15:20 | The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1) | 3m | Hurdle |
| 16:00 | The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1) | 3m 2f | Chase |
| 16:40 | The St. James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase | 3m 2f | Chase |
| 17:20 | Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-145) | 2m 4f | Hurdle |
What is the prize pool for the Cheltenham Festival 2025?
Here’s a selection of the races and their prize money at the Cheltenham Festival 2025. The total prize fund for the festival is a staggering £4,930,000, making it one of the most lucrative events in jump racing. This prize underscores the festival’s prestige, drawing elite global competitors and fierce racing action.
| Race | Grade | Total Prize Money | Winner’s Share |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | Grade 1 | £625,000 | £351,688 |
| Champion Hurdle | Grade 1 | £450,000 | £253,215 |
| Queen Mother Champion Chase | Grade 1 | £400,000 | £225,080 |
| Ryanair Chase | Grade 1 | £375,000 | £211,013 |
| Stayers’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | £325,000 | £182,878 |
| Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase | Grade 1 | £200,000 | £112,540 |
| Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase | Grade 1 | £200,000 | £112,540 |
| Supreme Novices’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | £150,000 | £84,405 |
| Ultima Handicap Chase | Premier | £150,000 | £84,405 |
| Turners Novices’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | £150,000 | £84,405 |
| Mares’ Hurdle | Grade 1 | £120,000 | £67,500 |
| Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle | Premier | £100,000 | £56,250 |
Top Competitors in Cheltenham Festival 2025
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 will likely deliver an electrifying experience, showcasing the best in horse racing and unmissable excitement!
Constitution Hill- Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, is the reigning Champion Hurdle winner and a dominant force in the hurdle division. Renowned for his extraordinary speed and form, he enters 2025 as the clear favorite to defend his title. With an impeccable track record and a formidable partnership with Nico de Boinville, his chances of victory are outstanding.
Galopin des Champs- Jockey: Paul Townend
Galopin des Champs, ridden by the exceptional Paul Townend and trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, is a powerhouse in novice chasing. He is a formidable contender for the Gold Cup with headline-making performances and a meteoric rise. His immense talent and potential position him strongly to claim top honors.
Al Boum Photo- Jockey: Paul Townend
Al Boum Photo, galloped by the accomplished Paul Townend and trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, is a formidable contender with a stellar track record, including two Gold Cup victories. With unmatched experience in major races, he stands as a dominant force and a firm favorite in the race for the 2025 Gold Cup.
Jonbon- Jockey: Aidan Coleman
Jonbon, trotted by the skilled Aidan Coleman, is an exceptional two-mile chaser with an impressive record of consistent performances and multiple Grade One victories. A dominant British two-mile racer, he’s a 2025 Champion Chase front runner with unmatched speed and agility. Despite past challenges, Jonbon’s talent and determination make him a strong contender at Cheltenham.
Brighter Days Ahead- Jockey: Davy Russell
Brighter days ahead, guided by the seasoned Davy Russell, is an emerging star with an outstanding track record, including triumphs over elite competitors like State Man. With exceptional stamina and determination, she’s a top contender for the Champion Hurdle. While facing fierce competition, including the unbeaten Constitution Hill, Brighter days ahead’ s remarkable talent and resilience position her as a strong candidate ready to rise to the occasion and shine on the grand stage.
Final Words
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 stands as the pinnacle of equestrian excellence, bringing together the finest horses, skilful jockeys, and visionary trainers from across the globe. It’s not merely a series of races—a grand celebration of heritage, unparalleled skill, and the extraordinary connection between humans and horses. With its electric energy, heart-pounding competition, and moments that will leave spectators breathless, this year’s festival promises to be unforgettable. The Cheltenham Festival 2025 celebrates skill, tradition, and passion, uniting seasoned champions and rising stars. Submerge yourself in the thrill and witness history in the making!
