Cheltenham Festival 2026: Race Schedule, Times And BBC Radio Coverage

14 March 2024


Cheltenham Festival 2024


Dates: 12-15 March Venue: Cheltenham Racecourse Races: 13:30 -17:30 GMT Main races: 15:30 GMT


Coverage: Commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, with function races on BBC Radio 5 Live. Racecards, live text, results & reports on the BBC Sport site and app.


Galopin Des Champs will seek a second straight Gold Cup as the race marks its 100th year at the Cheltenham and you can follow it live on the BBC.


BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra will bring you commentaries of all 28 races at the meeting from 12-15 March, with coverage of Gold Cup day also on Radio 5 Live including Friday's huge race at 15:30 GMT.


There will likewise be live text commentaries, racecards and results every day on the BBC Sport website and app, and extra coverage on BBC Sport's social media accounts.


Radio commentary will originate from John Hunt, with Gina Bryce providing coverage from Tuesday to Thursday and Mark Chapman on Friday.


Former jockeys Andrew Thornton and Charlie Poste will also become part of the team along with press reporter Rob Nothman.


Full race schedule and BBC coverage


All times GMT. Distances in miles, furlongs and lawns. Races in bold will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live.


Friday, 15 March - Gold Cup Day


13:30 - JCB Triumph Hurdle, 2m 1f


14:10 - BetMGM County Handicap Hurdle, 2m 1f


14:50 - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 3m


15:30 - Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase, 3m 2 1/2 f


16:10 - St James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase, 3m 2 1/2 f


16:50 - Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, 2m 4 1/2 f


17:30 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, 2m 4 1/2 f


BBC protection


13:00 -17:45 - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra


13:00 -16:00 - BBC Radio 5 Live


Catch-up


You can listen to all our radio sports shows on the BBC Sounds app and via the BBC Sport website.


Latest racecards and results


Horse Racing


BBC: Latest racing results


British Horseracing Authority