Cheltenham Festival

Why Is Tuesday Called Champion Day at The Cheltenham Festival?

2 hours ago

| BY Ben Chopping

There are four days at Cheltenham, but none quite offer the instantly-recognisable prestige as the one called ‘Champion Day.’

Taking place on 10 March this year, it starts off the Cheltenham Festival with a bang, contesting one of Britain’s most prestigious races on the calendar.

So, why exactly is Tuesday called “Champion Day” at the Cheltenham Festival, and why does it matter?

Why is it Called Champion Day at Cheltenham?

The Champion Day Cheltenham meaning refers to the schedule of Cheltenham Day 1 races. The premier race of these is the Champion Hurdle, which is why Tuesday of the Cheltenham Festival is known as ‘Champion Day.’

A Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race, horses over the age of four and weighing 11st can compete. Once underway, the horses will run the left-handed Old Course of 2 miles and half-a-furlong.

In 2026, the Champion Hurdle will take place at 16:00, seeing nine runners vault eight hurdles in pursuit of the £262,077.52 prize for the winner.

Coming into the day, the Cheltenham 2026 odds were favouring a close race between Lossiemouth and The New Lion, followed closely by Brighterdaysahead.

What are the Cheltenham Day 1 Races?

The Champion Hurdle is why it is called Champion Day at Cheltenham, but there’s a packed race card of seven contests on the first day of the festival. The order and times of the Cheltenham Day 1 races are as follows:

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (13:20)
Arkle Chase (14:00)
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (14:40)
Handicap Chase (15:20)
Champion Hurdle (16:00)
Festival Plate Handicap (16:40)
National Hunt Chase (17:20)

With a full slate of horse racing to dive into, there are many chances to create your own customised slips with the horse racing bet builder.

Cheltenham Champion Hurdle History

Hailed for its ability to create true legends, the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle history books are littered with all-time great hurdlers. These are some of the most legendary and beloved horses to ever win the coveted title:

Persian War (1968, 1969, 1970)
Night Nurse (1976, 1977)
Sea Pigeon (1980, 1981)
See You Then (1985, 1986, 1987)
Istabraq (1998, 1999, 2000)
Hurricane Fly (2011, 2013)
Buveur d’Air (2017, 2018)
Honeysuckle (2021, 2022)

Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle history is littered with repeat winners, which is why many in the horse racing betting will be looking at the 2025 winner, Golden Ace, to repeat in 2026.