Cheltenham Festival 2026: What time do the Day Four races on Gold Cup Day – Friday, March 13 begin?

Seven races are scheduled for Day Four of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival also known as Gold Cup Day. The feature race of the day is the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. Over three miles and two furlongs long, this is the premier race of the event. It will begin at 4pm (GMT), and the winner will take home the Gold Cup.

1.20pm: The JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m abt 1f

2.00pm: The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 2m abt 1f

2.40pm: The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2) 2m abt 4 1/2f

3.20pm: The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Abt 3m

4.00pm: The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 3m abt 2 1/2f

4.40pm: The Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase 3m abt 2 1/2f

5.20pm: The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 2m abt 4 1/2f

All race timings are subjected to potential change.

CLICK HERE to view the scheduling of all four days at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.