Soak in all the excitement and anticipation of one of the biggest events in the British racing calendar at Cheltenham Racecourse's Festival Trials Day, where the sport's top contenders enter thunderous battle on the track.
When is Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse?
Catch all the action on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday 24 January 2026.
What to expect at Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse?
In preparation for The Festival 2026, visitors can discover the horses tipped to be favourites, with eight races taking place throughout the meeting granting a clearer picture ahead of the main event in March.
The action begins at 12.40pm with the Timeform Novice's Handicap Steeple Chase, setting a competitive tone for the rest of the day's proceedings.
Attention then turns to high-class Festival pointers, including The JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at 1.15pm and the fiercely contested Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at 1.50pm.
The spotlight really shines brightest during the prestigious Betfair Cotswold Chase at 2.25pm, a major Gold Cup trial, before the afternoon's tension builds through more contests: the Unibet Hurdle at 3pm, the Betfair Cleeve Hurdle at 3.35pm and the concluding AIS Novices' Hurdle at 4.10pm.
Adding real significance to the occasion, the racecourse is hosting the RoR Awards, which celebrates British charity Retraining of Racehorses and its vital contribution to the welfare and second careers of former competitors, too.
Visitors can support by taking part in its silent auction, helping to ensure no horse faces an uncertain future after racing.
How to get tickets to Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse?
Tickets cost £11.70 per person for entry into the Best Mate Enclosure; £28.80 for the Club/Tatts Enclosure; and under-18s go free.
Plus, groups of over six people can save 10 per cent when booking.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/festival-trials-day/.
