where can i watch the cheltenham festival
You can watch the Cheltenham Festival 2026 on free-to-air TV in the UK via ITV, on subscription racing channels, on official livestreams, or in person at Cheltenham Racecourse itself.
Quick Scoop
If you’re asking “where can I watch the Cheltenham Festival?”, you’ve got several solid options depending on where you are, whether you want full coverage, and if you’re happy to pay for a racing channel.
Main ways to watch (UK & Ireland)
1. Free-to-air TV (ITV)
- ITV1 shows daily live coverage of Cheltenham Festival in the UK, including the big feature races each afternoon.
- Coverage typically runs from around 12:45pm to 5pm, giving you the first six races each day, plus preview segments, interviews and analysis.
- ITV also airs a morning preview show (“The Opening Show”) on ITV4 on Festival days.
You can also stream ITV’s coverage free via ITVX (UK viewers with a compatible device and account).
2. Full coverage on Racing TV
- The only way to watch every single race live in the UK is via Racing TV, a dedicated subscription racing channel.
- Racing TV broadcasts all seven races each day, plus build‑up and post‑race analysis.
- It’s available via Sky, Virgin Media and online apps/players, but requires a paid subscription.
If you care about the last race each day (which is not always on ITV), Racing TV is the go‑to.
3. Official and bookmaker livestreams
- The Jockey Club notes that you can watch Cheltenham either on TV or via livestream on devices like tablets, laptops and smartphones.
- Many licensed bookmakers offer live streams of the races on their websites or apps if you have an account and place a qualifying bet or hold a minimum balance (exact conditions vary by brand and country; always check local rules).
- These streams are handy if you’re following the form and betting markets alongside the action.
4. Watching from outside the UK
- International viewers can often access coverage through local sports channels that have racing rights, or via Racing TV’s online services where available.
- Some guides recommend using a VPN to access UK streams (like ITVX or Racing TV) when abroad, but you must check and respect the terms of service and local laws before doing this.
If you’re in Ireland, local broadcasters and pay‑TV packages often carry ITV Racing and Racing TV feeds.
5. In person at Cheltenham Racecourse
- You can of course watch the Festival live at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, where the event runs across four days in March.
- Official Festival pages provide ticket options, enclosure choices and day‑by‑day schedules so you can pick the day that suits you (e.g., Champion Day, Gold Cup Day).
If you go in person, you’ll still see plenty of screens, on‑course commentary and big‑screen replays around the track.
Simple viewing choices table
| Option | Cost | Races shown | How to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITV1 / ITV4 / ITVX (UK) | Free-to-air (TV licence required in UK) | Most races; first six per day, big features like the Gold Cup | TV (ITV1/ITV4) or ITVX app/website |
| Racing TV | Paid subscription | All seven races each day, full coverage | Sky, Virgin Media, or Racing TV apps/online player |
| Bookmaker streams | Account + qualifying bet/balance | Usually all races they cover, but quality and commentary vary | Bookmaker websites or mobile apps |
| On-course at Cheltenham | Festival ticket + travel | Live trackside view of every race you attend | Buy tickets via official Cheltenham/Jockey Club sites |
Mini FAQ
- Can I watch Cheltenham Festival 2026 for free?
- Yes – in the UK, ITV1 and ITVX show extensive free coverage of the Festival, including the major races each day.
- How do I watch every single race?
- You need a Racing TV subscription, which broadcasts all seven races per day with extended coverage.
- What are the dates for Cheltenham Festival 2026?
- The 2026 Festival runs from 10–13 March 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.