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where can i watch cheltenham races

You can watch the Cheltenham races live in the UK on free‑to‑air TV, via racing subscription channels, and through certain betting apps and sites that offer live streams.

Quick Scoop

Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest weeks in jump racing, and in 2026 every race is available either on normal TV or via online streams. If you’re not going to Prestbury Park in person, you’ve got several solid options.

Main ways to watch

1. Free TV and free streaming (UK)

  • The first five or six races each day are shown live on ITV1 (sometimes ITV4), with coverage starting around 12:45pm and running to about 5:00pm.
  • You can stream the same coverage for free via ITVX , using the ITVX app on smart TVs, phones, tablets or via a browser once you’ve signed in.

If you just want the main races and you’re in the UK, ITV1 + ITVX will comfortably cover you for most of the festival’s action.

2. Racing TV – every single race

  • Racing TV has rights to show all 28 races from Cheltenham across the four days, including those that aren’t on ITV.
  • It’s a paid subscription channel available on Sky, Virgin and as a direct stream via its website and app (iOS, Android, Fire TV, etc.).
  • Coverage typically runs from around 12:30pm until after the final race each day.

3. Bookmaker live streams (online & apps)

Several major bookmakers offer live streaming of Cheltenham races if you have a funded account or have placed a small bet recently.

Common examples mentioned for 2026 include:

  • bet365
  • BetVictor
  • Coral
  • Tote
  • Unibet
  • Betway

Streams are usually available in the racing section of each bookmaker’s website or app , and they carry full coverage of every race so long as you meet their viewing conditions.

4. Official info & extra coverage

  • The Jockey Club’s Cheltenham site has a “how to watch” hub that explains TV and streaming options and tips for following from home.
  • Sports sites like The Independent and talkSPORT also run live blogs and radio commentary, useful if you can’t sit in front of a screen.

Quick HTML table of options

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Option</th>
      <th>What you get</th>
      <th>Cost</th>
      <th>Where it works</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>ITV1 / ITV4</td>
      <td>First 5–6 races each day live on TV[web:3][web:5][web:7]</td>
      <td>Free-to-air (UK TV licence needed)[web:3][web:5]</td>
      <td>UK TV</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>ITVX app</td>
      <td>Same races as ITV channels, live stream[web:1][web:3][web:5]</td>
      <td>Free account[web:1][web:3]</td>
      <td>UK, via smart TV, phone, tablet, browser</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Racing TV</td>
      <td>All 28 races each day, full coverage[web:1][web:3][web:5]</td>
      <td>Paid subscription[web:1][web:3][web:5]</td>
      <td>UK & some other regions, TV and apps</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Bookmaker streams</td>
      <td>Every race live via betting apps/sites[web:1][web:3]</td>
      <td>Funded account or recent bet required[web:1][web:3]</td>
      <td>Where the bookmaker is licensed</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Little viewing tip

If you want every Cheltenham race and are happy to pay, Racing TV or a bookmaker stream is the most complete route. If you just want the big televised contests like the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup and you’re in the UK, sticking with ITV1/ITVX will do the job nicely.

TL;DR:
Watch most Cheltenham races free on ITV1/ITVX in the UK, and all 28 races via Racing TV or eligible bookmaker live streams; check local availability and any subscription or account requirements before raceday.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.