Cheltenham Festival 2026
The ultimate guide for British expats in Spain. How to bet on the biggest National Hunt festival from Spain using DGOJ-licensed bookmakers.
Note: Gold Cup Day (Friday 13 March) is SOLD OUT at the racecourse. But you can still bet on all races from Spain using licensed bookmakers.
The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing and a must-watch event for British expats living in Spain. Four days of world-class jump racing, featuring legendary contests like the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
If you're living in Spain and missing the thrill of British horse racing, don't worry. You can legally bet on every Cheltenham race using Spanish-licensed bookmakers. This guide covers everything: the schedule, the big races, this year's contenders, and which DGOJ operators offer horse racing.
New to betting in Spain? Read our beginner's guide first.
Cheltenham Festival 2026 Schedule
The festival runs from Tuesday 10 March to Friday 13 March. Each day features 7 races, with the first race at 1:20pm UK time (2:20pm in Spain) and the feature race at 4:00pm UK time (5:00pm Spain).
1Tuesday 10 March — Champion Day
The festival kicks off with the famous "Cheltenham Roar" as the tape rises for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. The feature race is the Champion Hurdle at 5:00pm (Spain).
Key Races (Spain time):
- • 2:20pm — Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- • 3:00pm — Arkle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)
- • 5:00pm — Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
2Wednesday 11 March — Ladies Day
A celebration of style and racing. Four Grade 1 contests make this one of the strongest cards of the week. The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the highlight.
Key Races (Spain time):
- • 2:20pm — Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- • 3:00pm — Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
- • 5:00pm — Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)
- • 6:20pm — Champion Bumper (Grade 1)
3Thursday 12 March — St Patrick's Thursday
A celebration of Irish racing culture. The Stayers' Hurdle and Ryanair Chase headline the action. Note the times have swapped for 2026.
Key Races (Spain time):
- • 4:20pm — Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) ⚠️ New time
- • 5:00pm — Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) ⚠️ Now at 5pm
- • 5:40pm — Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) — Moved from Tuesday
4Friday 13 March — Gold Cup DaySOLD OUT
The biggest day in jump racing. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious prize in National Hunt racing, contested over 3 miles 2½ furlongs.
Key Races (Spain time):
- • 2:20pm — Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
- • 3:40pm — Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- • 5:00pm — Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1)
- • 5:40pm — Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle
Where to Watch in Spain
ITV Racing broadcasts all four days live. Bet365.es also offers live streaming of UK horse racing. Check your local British pub — many show Cheltenham!
Bet365 Live Streaming: To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Any fixture/event with the Play or Video icon is scheduled to be shown via Live Streaming. Geo-restrictions and live streaming rules apply. T&Cs apply.
Key Contenders 2026
Here's a look at the leading fancies for the big races. Note that odds change frequently and these reflect the market at time of writing. Always check current prices before betting.
Champion Hurdle (Tuesday)
Grade 1 • 2 milesUnbeaten in five career starts. Won the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham Trials Day. Trained by Dan Skelton.
Also in contention: Brighterdaysahead, Constitution Hill (returning from injury), Golden Ace (defending champion).
Queen Mother Champion Chase (Wednesday)
Grade 1 • 2 milesWon the Dublin Chase by 19 lengths. Former Triumph Hurdle winner stepping up in trip. Trained by Willie Mullins.
⚠️ Note: Marine Nationale (2025 winner) ruled out with neck injury.
Stayers' Hurdle (Thursday)
Grade 1 • 3 milesWon this race in 2024, second in 2025. Victories in Hatton's Grace and Christmas Hurdle this season. Trained by Gordon Elliott.
Also in contention: Bob Olinger (defending champion, age 11), Honesty Policy, Ma Shantou (British hope after Cleeve Hurdle win).
Cheltenham Gold Cup (Friday)
Grade 1 • 3m 2½fWon the 2025 Ryanair Chase impressively. Irish Gold Cup winner this season. Owned by JP McManus, trained by Willie Mullins.
Also in contention: Galopin Des Champs (2x Gold Cup winner, seeking third), Spillane's Tower (Cotswold Chase winner), I Am Maximus (2024 Grand National winner).
Important Reminder
These are current market leaders and odds change constantly. Always verify current prices with your bookmaker before betting. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How to Bet on Cheltenham from Spain
Living in Spain doesn't mean missing out on Cheltenham betting. Several DGOJ-licensed operators offer comprehensive horse racing coverage, including all 28 Festival races.
Bet365.es
Best for CheltenhamThe most comprehensive horse racing coverage in Spain. All 28 Cheltenham races with competitive odds, live streaming, early prices, and extensive ante-post markets.
- Live streaming of UK/Irish racing
- Early prices and Best Odds Guaranteed
- Each-way and forecast betting
To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geo-restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.
Read full review →William Hill.es
Racing SpecialistsFounded in 1934, William Hill has deep expertise in horse racing. Competitive Cheltenham odds and strong each-way terms on the big races.
Read full review →Betway.es
Good Mobile AppSolid Cheltenham coverage with the "Insurebet" feature — get your stake back if your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd (reduced odds apply).
Read full review →Before You Bet
Remember, you need a Spanish NIE/TIE to register with DGOJ-licensed bookmakers. If you haven't registered yet, see our guides:
Horse Racing Bet Types Explained
If you're new to horse racing betting, here's a quick guide to the most common bet types you'll encounter at Cheltenham:
Win
The simplest bet. Your horse must finish first. If it comes 2nd or worse, you lose your stake.
Each-Way (E/W)
Two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet. If your horse wins, both pay out. If it places (usually 1st-4th at Cheltenham), the place part pays at a fraction of the odds (typically 1/4 or 1/5). Note: an each-way bet costs double your stake.
Place Only
Your horse just needs to finish in the places (usually top 3 or 4). Lower odds than a win bet, but higher chance of success.
Forecast / Tricast
Predict the first two (forecast) or first three (tricast) in exact order. Difficult but potentially high rewards.
Ante-Post
Betting before final declarations. Better odds available, but if your horse doesn't run, you lose your stake (unless Non-Runner No Bet applies).
Accumulator
Combine multiple selections into one bet. All must win for the bet to pay out. Higher potential returns, but higher risk.
Cheltenham Betting Tips
Check the Ground Conditions
Some horses prefer soft ground, others need it firm. Cheltenham in March can be anything from heavy to good. Check forecasts and how your selection has performed on similar ground.
Respect the Irish Raiders
Irish trainers, especially Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, dominate Cheltenham. Don't underestimate horses crossing the Irish Sea — they often have stronger form than UK horses.
Consider Each-Way in Big Fields
In handicaps with 20+ runners, backing a horse each-way at 10/1 or bigger can offer great value. Even if it doesn't win, a place returns decent money.
Favourites Win ~32% of the Time
At Cheltenham 2025, only 9 of 28 favourites won. Big upsets happen. Don't blindly back the favourite — often there's better value elsewhere.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Four days, 28 races — it's easy to get carried away. Decide your total budget before the festival starts and don't chase losses.
Gamble Responsibly
Cheltenham Festival is exciting, but it's important to stay in control. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Set limits before you start and never chase losses.
- Set a budget for the entire festival and stick to it
- Use deposit limits offered by your bookmaker
- Take breaks — don't bet on every race
- Never bet money you can't afford to lose
If you feel gambling is affecting your life, seek help. In Spain, you can contact FEJAR (016) or use self-exclusion tools available at all DGOJ-licensed operators.
Learn more about responsible gambling →Remember: Winnings Are Taxable
If you're tax resident in Spain, gambling winnings (including from Cheltenham) must be declared in your annual IRPF return. Keep records of all your bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bet on Cheltenham Festival from Spain?+
Which Spanish bookmakers cover Cheltenham?+
What time do Cheltenham races start in Spain?+
What is an each-way bet?+
What is ante-post betting?+
Can I watch Cheltenham races live from Spain?+
Enjoy Cheltenham Festival 2026!
The greatest show in jump racing is just days away. Whether you're backing The New Lion in the Champion Hurdle or dreaming of a Gold Cup winner, enjoy the festival responsibly.
Written by Fran Expósito Alentorn
Sports betting specialist helping British expats navigate legal betting in Spain. A Cheltenham Festival fan since the days of Best Mate.
Last updated: March 2026
