Cheltenham Races, Events & Fixtures 2027

Last Updated on September 2, 2026 by Maurya

Cheltenham Racecourse is at the heart of British National Hunt racing, and the Cheltenham races, events and fixtures 2027 calendar already contains several major dates that racing fans will want to mark early. From New Year’s Day racing and Festival Trials Day to four unforgettable days of the Cheltenham Festival, the April Meeting and the season-ending Race Night, the opening months of 2027 promise top-class jump racing at the famous Gloucestershire venue.

The biggest attraction is unquestionably the Cheltenham Festival 2027, which will take place from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2027. Across four days, 28 races are scheduled, including the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle, Ryanair Chase and, ultimately, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

However, Cheltenham’s calendar is about considerably more than four days in March. Racing begins in 2027 with a high-quality New Year’s Day fixture, continues with Festival Trials Day later that month and returns after the Festival for two more spring meetings.

Cheltenham Races & Fixtures 2027: Confirmed Dates

The currently confirmed Cheltenham racing calendar for 2027 is:

These dates are listed by Cheltenham Racecourse as part of its official 2026/27 season programme.

New Year’s Day Racing – Friday 1 January 2027

Cheltenham wastes little time getting its 2027 programme underway. New Year’s Day Racing takes place on Friday 1 January 2027, combining competitive jump racing with a family-friendly atmosphere.

The official racecourse information currently advertises seven races containing Graded and Listed-level contests. Cheltenham also describes the fixture as an opportunity to gather potential clues ahead of the Festival in March. Under-18s can attend free, although conditions apply to the family entertainment areas.

The final 2027 race programme and timings have not yet been confirmed. Cheltenham’s published page currently displays the previous season’s racecard as a guide, so bettors and racegoers should avoid assuming that every race name or start time will remain identical.

Historically, one of the most interesting contests associated with this meeting is the Relkeel Hurdle, a Grade 2 contest that can feature horses with ambitions for higher-level races later in the season.

For racing enthusiasts searching for early Cheltenham form, New Year’s Day can be especially useful. Horses are racing over the same demanding terrain they may encounter during the Festival, meaning jumping technique, stamina and the ability to handle Cheltenham’s undulations can all be assessed.

Festival Trials Day – Saturday 30 January 2027

The next major date is Festival Trials Day on Saturday 30 January 2027.

Its position in the calendar makes it particularly significant. This is the final scheduled opportunity for horses to race at Cheltenham before the Festival itself. Consequently, performances can have an immediate effect on Festival expectations and ante-post betting markets.

The meeting traditionally features races across several Festival-related divisions, giving trainers the opportunity to test novice hurdlers, chasers and established championship horses around Cheltenham before March.

Cheltenham’s official page currently lists the 2026 race schedule for reference while noting that exact 2027 races and timings will follow. One race appearing on that reference card is the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle, illustrating the type of high-class contest associated with Trials Day.

From an analytical perspective, Festival Trials Day should be treated as useful evidence rather than an automatic predictor of what will happen six weeks later. Ground conditions can change dramatically between late January and mid-March, while trainers may deliberately leave improvement in their horses ahead of their championship targets.

Nevertheless, anyone following Cheltenham Festival betting, form or racing news should keep 30 January firmly in their calendar.

Cheltenham Festival 2027 – 16 to 19 March

The centrepiece of the Cheltenham fixtures 2027 calendar arrives in March.

The Cheltenham Festival 2027 runs from Tuesday 16 March until Friday 19 March, with seven races scheduled on each day and 28 across the meeting. Gates are currently scheduled to open at 10:30am each day, with racing advertised from approximately 1:20pm to 5:20pm, although Cheltenham stresses that timings can change.

Here is what racing fans can expect from each Festival day.

Day 1 – Champion Day: Tuesday 16 March 2027

Cheltenham begins with one of the most eagerly awaited moments in jump racing: the opening-day roar.

Champion Day is scheduled for Tuesday 16 March 2027, with seven races headed by the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

The Champion Hurdle is scheduled for 4:00pm and is run over approximately two miles. It represents one of the ultimate tests of speed, hurdling efficiency and tactical positioning for elite hurdlers.

Other scheduled opening-day races include:

• Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
• Arkle Challenge Trophy
• Fred Winter juvenile handicap hurdle
• Ultima Handicap Chase
• Unibet Champion Hurdle
• Festival handicap chase
• National Hunt Chase

The Supreme traditionally acts as the curtain-raiser, immediately placing some of the sport’s most exciting young hurdlers under championship-level pressure.

For serious form students, Champion Day often sets the tone for the entire Festival. Trainer form, jockey confidence and the performance of British and Irish-trained runners can provide valuable context for the remaining three days.

Day 2 – Wednesday 17 March 2027

The second Festival day falls on Wednesday 17 March 2027.

Its headline event is the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, currently scheduled for 4:00pm. The Grade 1 race is staged over approximately two miles and is one of the season’s definitive contests for elite speed chasers.

The official 2027 Festival schedule also includes the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, the Cross Country Chase, Grand Annual and Champion Bumper among Wednesday’s races.

This combination provides considerably more variety than one championship event alone. Racegoers can watch staying novice chasers, specialist cross-country performers, high-speed two-mile chasers and potential future stars in the Champion Bumper.

The Jockey Club’s Festival marketing currently refers to Wednesday as Style Wednesday, while some published race-schedule material continues to display “Ladies Day”. Visitors should therefore use the official event page rather than older terminology when checking 2027 tickets and hospitality.

Day 3 – St Patrick’s Thursday: 18 March 2027

Thursday provides two major championship races.

St Patrick’s Thursday takes place on 18 March 2027, with the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle scheduled for 3:20pm and the Ryanair Chase at 4:00pm.

The contrast between these races is one reason Thursday is so fascinating.

The Stayers’ Hurdle is approximately three miles, placing a major emphasis on stamina. The Ryanair Chase, meanwhile, is staged over an intermediate distance of roughly two miles and four-and-a-half furlongs, requiring a blend of cruising speed, accurate jumping and staying power.

The card also features races for mares, novices and handicappers.

Away from the track, St Patrick’s Thursday traditionally carries a strong Irish influence. Cheltenham itself highlights the Irish atmosphere surrounding the day, making it one of the Festival’s most distinctive occasions.

Day 4 – Gold Cup Day: Friday 19 March 2027

Everything ultimately builds towards Friday 19 March 2027: Cheltenham Gold Cup Day.

The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is currently scheduled for 4:00pm and is contested over approximately three miles and two furlongs. It remains the defining championship chase of the Cheltenham Festival and one of the most prestigious prizes in National Hunt racing.

Gold Cup winners need far more than raw speed. The race demands stamina, economical jumping, tactical positioning and the ability to conserve enough energy for Cheltenham’s punishing finish.

Before the Gold Cup, Friday’s scheduled card begins with the Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle and also includes the County Handicap Hurdle.

Even for occasional racing viewers, Gold Cup Friday is the date most closely associated with Cheltenham. For dedicated racing fans, it is the culmination of months—or sometimes years—of preparation by trainers, owners, jockeys and horses.

Why the Cheltenham Festival Matters

Cheltenham Racecourse describes the Festival as the pinnacle of the jump-racing calendar, and its structure helps explain why.

It brings together champions from numerous National Hunt divisions rather than relying on a single marquee contest. Champion hurdlers, two-mile chasers, stayers, novice hurdlers, novice chasers, mares and handicap specialists can all pursue major prizes during the same four-day meeting.

The Festival’s importance also extends beyond individual results. Performances influence breeding reputations, ownership decisions and the perceived strength of leading British and Irish trainers.

For spectators, meanwhile, the attraction combines elite sport with the distinctive amphitheatre created by the racecourse’s grandstands and surrounding Cotswold landscape.

The April Meeting – 14 & 15 April 2027

Cheltenham racing does not finish when the Gold Cup winner crosses the line.

The April Meeting returns on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 April 2027, bringing two further days of jump racing to Prestbury Park.

Compared with Festival week, the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed, making the April Meeting particularly suitable for people who want to experience Cheltenham without the scale and intensity of March.

Wednesday 14 April

Day one is scheduled to begin with gates opening at noon and a first race around 1:30pm. Cheltenham currently advises that its detailed race listings are based on the previous year’s programme and remain subject to confirmation for 2027.

The reference programme includes novice hurdles, handicap hurdles and several chases over different distances, creating a varied card for racing enthusiasts.

Thursday 15 April

Thursday’s defining characteristic is its all-mares racecard.

The reference schedule includes hurdles, handicap chases and a National Hunt Flat race exclusively for female horses. Gates are currently listed as opening at noon, with racing running through the afternoon.

The meeting provides an opportunity to watch talented mares away from the Festival spotlight while supporting an increasingly important segment of the British National Hunt programme.

Under-18s are currently advertised as receiving free admission when accompanied by a responsible adult, subject to Cheltenham’s entry conditions.

Cheltenham Race Night – Friday 30 April 2027

The 2026/27 Cheltenham season concludes on Friday 30 April 2027 with Race Night.

It is Cheltenham’s only evening racing fixture of the season and has a distinctive sporting identity: the programme consists of seven hunter chases, giving amateur riders and trainers the opportunity to compete at the Home of Jump Racing.

Indicative timings based on the previous season show gates opening at approximately 3:00pm and racing continuing into the evening, although the official 2027 racecard has yet to be published.

Race Night is therefore quite different from Gold Cup Day or Festival Trials Day. Instead of championship horses and huge Festival crowds, spectators get a more informal conclusion to the campaign, with hunter chasing and amateur competition taking centre stage.

For fans who have never attended Cheltenham before, it can also provide a lower-key introduction to the racecourse.

Cheltenham Racecourse Tickets for 2027

Ticket prices depend on the fixture, enclosure and how early visitors book.

Cheltenham’s current season listings advertise advance admission from around £13.50 for selected meetings, while Festival admission starts at a higher level. Prices can change as events approach, so visitors should always check the official racecourse rather than relying on historical prices.

Several enclosure options are normally available.

Club Enclosure offers access to premium public areas and strong viewing positions, including areas around the main grandstand and winning post.

Tattersalls Enclosure provides a lively central location and is often a popular middle-ground option for racegoers who want atmosphere without choosing the most premium enclosure.

Hospitality packages are also available across many fixtures, including restaurant experiences and private entertaining options. Cheltenham’s Panoramic Restaurant, for example, is positioned high in the grandstand overlooking the racecourse and winning post.

Booking early is particularly sensible for Festival week because Cheltenham advises that some enclosures can sell out.

Getting to Cheltenham Racecourse in 2027

Cheltenham Racecourse is located on Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH.

During the Festival, normal local traffic patterns can change considerably because thousands of spectators travel to the venue.

Drivers attending the 2027 Festival should be especially organised. The Jockey Club states that anyone planning to park on-site during Festival week requires a parking pass and that passes must be purchased before the day—there are no on-the-day parking sales for Festival parking. A Park & Ride service from Arle Court is also promoted as an alternative.

Visitors using satellite navigation should also be aware that the racecourse recommends following temporary raceday traffic signage when approaching Cheltenham rather than relying exclusively on the normal permanent road signs.

Public transport, coaches and local bus connections can therefore be preferable during the busiest Festival days.

What to Wear to Cheltenham in 2027

There is no formal dress code for the Cheltenham Festival, according to the racecourse. Smart clothing is commonly worn, but the practical recommendation is to dress appropriately for the weather.

That last point matters.

March weather in Gloucestershire can be unpredictable, and racegoers may spend several hours outdoors. Comfortable waterproof footwear and layers can prove more useful than choosing clothing solely for appearance.

Different hospitality areas or private facilities may have their own expectations, so visitors with premium bookings should check their individual ticket conditions.

How to Follow Cheltenham Form Ahead of the 2027 Festival

Anyone assessing the Cheltenham Festival from a racing or betting perspective should avoid concentrating solely on a horse’s most recent result.

Cheltenham presents distinctive challenges. Useful factors to consider include previous course form, performance over undulating tracks, jumping accuracy, likely ground conditions, race distance and whether the expected pace will suit a particular runner.

Festival Trials Day deserves attention because it provides direct evidence at Cheltenham itself. However, a defeat in January does not automatically rule a horse out in March. Trainers frequently work backwards from Festival targets, meaning a January runner may not yet be at peak fitness.

The same principle applies to ante-post betting. Attractive early odds can be accompanied by additional uncertainty: horses can switch target races, miss the Festival or encounter interruptions during preparation.

Responsible race analysis should therefore separate genuine evidence from hype and never treat betting markets or past performance as guarantees of future results.

Are More Cheltenham Fixtures Expected Later in 2027?

Yes, Cheltenham would ordinarily stage meetings again during the autumn portion of the next National Hunt season, but the complete later-2027 programme should not be presented as confirmed until the official fixture list is released.

This distinction is particularly important for SEO articles. Simply copying October, November or December dates from 2026 and changing the year to 2027 risks publishing inaccurate information.

As of 27 August 2026, the BHA said it expected Britain’s complete 2027 fixture list to contain approximately 1,440 fixtures, 18 fewer than in 2026, with the final list due for publication shortly.

Once confirmed, Cheltenham’s later-year programme is expected to become visible through the official racecourse and BHA fixture services. Until then, the dates in this guide represent the events already published by Cheltenham for the January-to-April portion of 2027.

FAQs

When is the Cheltenham Festival 2027?

The Cheltenham Festival takes place from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2027.

When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2027?

Gold Cup Day is Friday 19 March 2027, with the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup currently scheduled for 4:00pm. Race times remain subject to change.

How many races are at the Cheltenham Festival?

The official 2027 schedule contains 28 races across four days, with seven races per day.

When is Cheltenham Festival Trials Day 2027?

Festival Trials Day takes place on Saturday 30 January 2027.

Is there racing at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day 2027?

Yes. Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day fixture is scheduled for Friday 1 January 2027.

When is the Cheltenham April Meeting 2027?

The April Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 April 2027.

What is the final Cheltenham meeting of the 2026/27 season?

Race Night on Friday 30 April 2027 closes Cheltenham’s 2026/27 racing season and is scheduled to feature seven hunter chases.

Can children attend Cheltenham races?

Under-18s receive free admission at a number of Cheltenham fixtures, including New Year’s Day, the April Meeting and Race Night, subject to the racecourse’s conditions and adult-accompaniment rules.

Final Thoughts

The Cheltenham races, events and fixtures 2027 calendar offers far more than one famous Friday afternoon in March.

New Year’s Day opens the year with valuable Festival clues before Festival Trials Day on 30 January provides the final Cheltenham test ahead of racing’s biggest National Hunt meeting. Attention then turns to the Cheltenham Festival from 16–19 March 2027, where four days and 28 races culminate in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The action continues with the April Meeting on 14–15 April, followed by the atmospheric Race Night on 30 April, which brings the 2026/27 Cheltenham season to a close.

For racegoers, planning ahead is worthwhile. Festival tickets and parking can become limited, accommodation demand rises sharply around March, and exact race times can change as fixtures approach.

For racing followers, meanwhile, Cheltenham’s season tells a compelling story. January identifies potential contenders, Trials Day increases anticipation, March determines champions, and April provides a final opportunity to enjoy racing at one of National Hunt’s most famous venues before the season ends.

One point remains especially important for anyone planning the entire calendar year: later autumn and winter 2027 Cheltenham dates were not yet officially confirmed at the time of writing. The BHA was preparing to publish the full 2027 British racing fixture list, so those dates should be added only when official confirmation becomes available.

Until then, the confirmed January-to-April programme already gives racing fans plenty to anticipate—and all roads ultimately lead to four extraordinary days at Cheltenham in March.

Responsible gambling note: If you choose to bet on horse racing, treat betting as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Set limits in advance and never chase losses.