Curious about the Cheltenham Festival 2025 schedule? This prestigious event in the equine world gallops into Gloucestershire with world-class horse racing that promises to quicken the pulse over four thrilling days.
The festival unfolds from Tuesday, March 11th to Friday, March 14th, with gates opening at 10:30 each morning. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or taking your first plunge into the racing experience, you’re in for a treat as each day kicks off with the first race at 13:20 and wraps up with the final race at 17:20.
Day 1: The Opening Gallop
Champion Day sets the stage, featuring the much-anticipated Unibet Champion Hurdle at 16:00. The Old Course hums with excitement as magnificent beasts thunder down the stretch. Here’s the complete schedule for the day:
- 13:20 – The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race (2m Hurdle)
- 14:00 – The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (2m Chase)
- 14:40 – The Ultima Handicap Chase (3m abt 1f Chase)
- 15:20 – The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race (2m abt 4f Hurdle)
- 16:00 – The Unibet Champion Hurdle (2m Hurdle)
- 16:40 – The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (2m Hurdle)
- 17:20 – The National Hunt Novices’ Chase (3m abt 6f Chase)
Day 2: Splendor on Style Wednesday
On the second day, the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase at 16:00 promises to captivate as jockeys guide their keen-eyed partners over twelve intimidating fences.
- 13:20 – The Turners Novices’ Hurdle Race (2m abt 5f Hurdle)
- 14:00 – The Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase (3m Chase)
- 14:40 – The Coral Cup Hurdle (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 (Abt 2m Chase)
- 16:40 – The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase (2m Chase)
- 17:20 – The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m Bumper)
Day 3: St. Patrick’s Thursday
The penultimate day, St. Patrick’s Thursday, is highlighted by the Ryanair Steeple Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, each bringing its unique test of strength and strategy.
- 13:20 – The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (2m 1f Hurdle)
- 14:00 – The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2m 4f Chase)
- 14:40 – The Pertemps Network Final (3m Hurdle)
- 15:20 – The Ryanair Steeple Chase (2m 4f Chase)
- 16:00 – The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3m Hurdle)
- 16:40 – The TrustATrader Plate (2m4f Chase)
- 17:20 – The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f Chase)
Day 4: Gold Glory
The final day brings no respite in excitement. The 16:00 Cheltenham Gold Cup Race leads, offering perhaps the grandest spectacle of the festival, rivaled only by the passion of its enthusiastic crowd.
- 13:20 – The JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m Hurdle)
- 14:00 – The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle Race (2m Hurdle)
- 14:40 – The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (2m 4f Chase)
- 15:20 – The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race (3m Hurdle)
- 16:00 – The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (3m 2f Chase)
- 16:40 – The St. James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase (3m 2f Chase)
- 17:20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f Hurdle)
Courses and Grade 1 Highlights
Throughout the festival, races span across the Old Course, the New Course, and the Cross Country Course, each adding its flavor to the challenge. All four days are peppered with Grade 1 races that are sure to enthrall, including standout races such as the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the celebrated Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Bring your binoculars and ready your wagers for a festival steeped in rich tradition and exhilarating sport.
