FESTIVAL TRIALS DAY STARTS IN...
Saturday 24 January 2026
THE STAGE IS SET
Excitement, anticipation and expectation is building. It is the final opportunity to see the sports protagonists go out to battle on Cheltenham Racecourse’s hallowed turf before the Cheltenham Festival. What horses will catch the eye before those four days of extraordinary in March, will we see returning champions defending their crown? Whilst anything can happen in March, Festival Trials day maybe able to give us a clearer picture.
With a now eight-race card, where every race is a trial for a race at the Cheltenham Festival, it doesn’t get much more exciting, unless it is the Festival itself.
We're delighted to be hosting the 2026 RoR Awards at Festival Trials Day. Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British racing’s official charity, dedicated to the welfare of retired racehorses, we'd like to extend our gratitude to all they do. To help them ensure that no former racehorse
faces an uncertain future after racing, take part in their Silent Auction
Timings and races are subject to change.
Start Times |
Race |
Distance |
Type |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:05 | The Timeform Novices' Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 2) | 2m about 4 1/2f | Steeple Chase | |
12:40 |
The JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 2) (Registered as the Finesse) |
2m abt 1f |
Hurdle | |
1:15 |
The Betfair Exchange Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap) | 2m abt 41/2f | Steeple Chase |  |
1:50 |
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (Class 2) | 3m abt 51/2f | Steeple Chase |
|
2:25 |
The Betfair Cotswold Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 2) |
3m abt 1½f |
Steeple Chase |
 |
3:00 |
The Unibet Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade |
2m abt 1f | Hurdle |  |
3:35 |
The Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 2) (GBB Race) | Abt 3m |
Hurdle |
 |
4:10 |
The AIS Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) (Registered as the Classic Novices’ Hurdle) (Grade 2) (GBB Race) | 2m abt 4½f |
Hurdle |
Entertainment at Festival Trials Day
A firm favourite amongst young racegoers and adults alike - the Race. Ride. Cheltenham virtual reality equicisers give you the chance to ride around the home of jump racing. Pick out your favourite silks, compete against your friends, and ride your way to Cheltenham glory!
Located under Crescent walkway, outside Quevega's Food Court
Freeman - Live in the Centaur
Post racing entertainment!
Don't rush off after racing... head to the Centaur to enjoy an hour of live music from Freeman - with feel good classics and crowd favourites, it's the perfect way to round off a great day at Cheltenham.
Festival Trials Day
Take a look back at our previous Festival Trials Day fixture.
The Tattersalls Cheltenham Sales
The Cheltenham January Sale will offer a select group of winning and placed point to pointers and horses in training after racing on Festival Trials Day in the sale ring at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Calling all 18-24 Racepass Holders & 18-28 Cheltenham Members
Cheltenham Racecourse is proud to present a Horse Racing Masterclass hosted by Racing TV’s Josh Stacey, providing attendees with a unique chance to enjoy an audience with the sport’s superstars.
Find out more
Private Boxes
Create your perfect Private Box experience, with views over the course and extended views. Non-Festival packages starting from ten people.
Find Out MorePlan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Do you want to make the most out of your day at Cheltenham Racecourse? Read our all you need to know for your day at the races.
Cheltenham Racecourse App
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Directions and Parking
All you need to know about car parking, coach drop-offs, local bus services and taxi drop-offs to Cheltenham Racecourse.
Raceday Style
At Cheltenham Racecourse we believe racing should be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. And one thing is certainly true, the more relaxed and comfortable we feel, the more likely we are to have a great time. So that’s why we’ve created one very simple piece of guidance, to come “dressed to feel your best”.
Racing FAQs
Are you visiting Cheltenham Racecourse and have some questions? Read our most commonly asked questions.
Did you know?
Half price tickets for 18-24 year olds
Sign up to RacePass and save up to 50% off your admission ticket when aged 18-24.
Collect Rewards4racing points
Make fantastic savings on your raceday experiences with Rewards4Racing. Collect points on your online shopping & betting and start saving today.
Under 18s go FREE
Under 18s race for free at the majority of Jockey Club racedays.
Our dedication to Sustainability
Our mission is to act for the long-term good of British horseracing but we also have a responsibility to our customers and beyond and are determined to have a positive impact on the world around us. In 2012 we launched the Going Green programme to engage our colleagues and get their help with improving the environmental impact of our business.
