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RacingBetter News
Tuesday 6th January 2026
   

Cheltenham Festival Taking Shape

With the jump racing season now roaring into life and the big spring targets starting to take shape, Cheltenham Festival 2026 — from Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th March — is already building into one of the most hotly anticipated renewals in recent memory. Four days of pulsating National Hunt action at Prestbury Park will bring together the best horses, trainers and jockeys from Britain and Ireland, all vying for glory in a meeting that has come to define the heart of the jumps season. 

As we move into January, ante-post markets have begun to take form, and although there’s no standout odds-on favourite across the meeting, several major races already boast intriguing early frontrunners. 

At the summit of the jumping world sits the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the blue-riband event on Gold Cup Day (Friday 13th March). The market currently features Inothewayurthinkin prominently as favourite for the glorious three-mile test, reflecting his victory in last year’s renewal and solid form through the season.  Galopin Des Champs, a dual Gold Cup winner in 2023 and 2024 and still one of Willie Mullins’ marquee performers, looms as the possible chief rival should his winter prep continue to tick upwards. 

On Champion Day (Tuesday 10th March), the feature Champion Hurdle earlier looked wide open, but Irish and British trainers alike are positioning proven and progressive hurdles horses at the head of that market. According to recent ante-post lists, Sir Gino — fresh from a Christmas Hurdle success and showing return to form — has jumped to the head of the early Champion Hurdle betting, with Lossiemouth and The New Lion also prominent in markets. 

The Queen Mother Champion Chase on Day Two traditionally brings out the best two-mile chasers, and early clues suggest a fascinating clash could be ahead. Marine Nationale, the defending champion, is among the early names attracting support, while Sir Gino (in some markets) and other proven speedsters occupy the top tier of the Champion Chase books. 

Moving into the middle distance division, the Ryanair Chase sees last year’s winner Fact To File figuring strongly in ante-post betting, backed by consistency in major prep races that underline his credentials for another tilt at Cheltenham’s 2m4f championship.  The Stayers’ Hurdle, always a test of stamina and class, also remains competitive early, with seasoned campaigners and rising stars targeting the gruelling three-mile hurdle feature.

Festival storylines and form pointers

What makes this year’s ante-post narrative especially compelling is the depth of talent across the board. There is a rare absence of heavy odds-on favourites at this stage of the season, meaning punters and racing fans alike are poring over trial races — from Christmas and New Year fixtures to January and February prep events — for form pointers and market shifts. 

As the season progresses, performances in key trials such as the King George VI Chase, Fighting Fifth Hurdle, Long Walk Hurdle, and other championship-style races will be scrutinised for clues about how these aspirants might cope with the unique demands of Prestbury Park. Of course, both Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson are back at the forefront with strong yards capable of producing multiple contenders on each day, and Irish trainers historically perform exceptionally well across the meeting.

Why Cheltenham matters

The Cheltenham Festival is more than just a horse racing meeting; it’s a social and sporting institution that brings together form, tradition and drama in one breathtaking package. With 28 races over four days — including 14 Grade 1 contests — there’s truly something for every lover of National Hunt sport. Whether it’s the blistering speed and precision of the Queen Mother Champion Chase or the gruelling stamina test of the Gold Cup, Cheltenham continues to crown legends and create unforgettable moments. 

Looking ahead

With three months still to go until the meeting, there’s plenty of time for markets to shuffle and new challengers to emerge. Historical trends show favourites can and do prevail — but with multiple big races still open and competitive at this stage, Cheltenham 2026 promises both high-class sport and compelling narratives as the winter snow clears and spring form begins to take hold.

Whether you’re following the early ante-post markets, the mid-season trial results, or simply soaking up the anticipation of Prestbury Park’s four days of festival racing, the build-up to Cheltenham is a story worth watching.