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WHEN IS THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2027?
The 2027 Cheltenham Festival runs from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2027 at Cheltenham Racecourse, with seven races on each of the four days: 28 in all. On the Jockey Club's event schedule, gates open at 10.30am, the first race is at 1.20pm and the last is at 5.20pm.
This guide gives you the dates, the name of each day, and the race-by-race order with start times, so you can plan your viewing or your trip. Times and race details can change before the meeting, so use it alongside the official schedule linked below. If you choose to bet, the examples and advice here are educational only and not tips.
The four days at a glance
Each day has a name and a feature race at 4.00pm. The Gold Cup closes the meeting on Friday.
Day | Date | Name | 4.00pm feature race |
Day 1 | Tuesday 16 March 2027 | Champion Day | Champion Hurdle |
Day 2 | Wednesday 17 March 2027 | Ladies Day | Queen Mother Champion Chase |
Day 3 | Thursday 18 March 2027 | St Patrick's Thursday | Ryanair Chase |
Day 4 | Friday 19 March 2027 | Gold Cup Day | Cheltenham Gold Cup |
Thursday's Stayers' Hurdle is the 3.20pm, just before the Ryanair Chase. Sponsor names are attached to most races and change from year to year, so this guide uses the familiar race names.
Cheltenham Festival 2027 race schedule, day by day
All times are UK time, as listed on the Jockey Club's event schedule. Grades and handicap status are as listed there; distances are left out on purpose because they should be checked on the official page.
Tuesday 16 March: Champion Day
Wednesday 17 March: Ladies Day
Thursday 18 March: St Patrick's Thursday
Friday 19 March: Gold Cup Day
How to use the schedule to plan your Festival
Pick your day. Each day has its own feature race at 4.00pm, so decide which one matters most to you.
Note the timings. The first race is at 1.20pm and the last is at 5.20pm, with a race roughly every 40 minutes in between.
Check the race type. Grade 1 races are the top level of jump racing. In Premier Handicaps and other handicaps, horses carry different weights set by the handicapper.
Look at broadcasters and ticket pages. Confirm where each day will be shown and which enclosures are open on the official Jockey Club pages.
Re-check in Festival week. Declarations, ground reports and any timing changes are published close to each race day.
If you bet, set a budget first, treat any price as a snapshot and remember that no schedule or guide can tell you who will win.
Why times and races can change
The schedule above is the published programme, not a guarantee. The Jockey Club page itself says timings are subject to change. Race sponsors also change, so the official race titles may differ from the familiar names used here. Distances, prize money and entries are confirmed closer to the meeting, and weather or ground inspections can affect the card in Festival week. Check the official schedule before you travel, book or place a bet.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using last year's times. Race order and start times are set for each meeting; always use the 2027 schedule.
Relying on sponsor names. Race titles change with sponsors, so search by the familiar name as well.
Mixing up the days. The Champion Hurdle is on Tuesday, the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday, the Stayers' Hurdle on Thursday and the Gold Cup on Friday.
Treating a schedule as a tip. A race being on the card says nothing about which horse will win.
Not re-checking. Look again in race week for timing updates and non-runners.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2027?
It runs from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2027.
How many races are there?
The programme lists seven races on each of the four days, 28 in total.
What time is the first race?
The Jockey Club schedule lists the first race at 1.20pm each day and the last at 5.20pm, with gates opening at 10.30am. Times are subject to change.
What time is the Gold Cup in 2027?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is listed for 4.00pm on Friday 19 March, the fifth of that day's seven races.
Which day is the Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle is listed for 4.00pm on Tuesday 16 March, Champion Day.
What are the four days called?
Champion Day (Tuesday), Ladies Day (Wednesday), St Patrick's Thursday and Gold Cup Day (Friday).
When is the Queen Mother Champion Chase?
It is listed for 4.00pm on Wednesday 17 March, Ladies Day.
Where can I find the official schedule?
The Jockey Club's Cheltenham Festival event schedule is the place to confirm races, times and any changes.
Final thoughts
The 2027 Cheltenham Festival runs from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March, with seven races a day and a 4.00pm feature race on each: the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Ryanair Chase and the Gold Cup. Save this schedule, check the official page again in Festival week, and plan around the races you most want to see.
Explore Racing Daily's free racing tips, previews and educational features at racing-daily.com. If you choose to bet, only do so if you are 18 or over, set affordable limits and never chase losses. Support is available at GambleAware.
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