Cheltenham Festival 2024: Complete Race Schedule, BBC Coverage & Top Contenders
Discover the comprehensive guide to Cheltenham Festival 2024, featuring full race schedules, BBC coverage details, and insights into top contenders including Galopin Des Champs and Constitution Hill.

The Pinnacle of Jump Racing: Cheltenham Festival 2024
The Cheltenham Festival 2024 returns with its usual electric atmosphere, marking the highlight of the National Hunt racing season. This year's festival runs from Tuesday, 11 March to Friday, 14 March, featuring 28 high-stakes races across four exhilarating days.
Key Highlights & Schedule
-
Day 1: Champion Day (Tuesday, 11 March)
- 16:00 GMT: Unibet Champion Hurdle - Watch 2023 winner Constitution Hill defend his title against challengers Brighterdaysahead and State Man.
-
Day 2: Style Wednesday (Wednesday, 12 March)
- 16:00 GMT: BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase - A showcase of speed and precision over 2 miles.
-
Day 3: St Patrick's Thursday (Thursday, 13 March)
- 16:00 GMT: Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle - The ultimate test of stamina over 3 miles.
-
Day 4: Cheltenham Gold Cup Day (Friday, 14 March)
- 16:00 GMT: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase - Galopin Des Champs aims for a historic third consecutive victory in the festival's most prestigious race.
BBC Coverage Details
Experience every moment with the BBC's comprehensive coverage:
- Radio: All 28 races live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, with special focus races and Gold Cup day on BBC Radio 5 Live.
- Digital: Follow live text commentaries, racecards, and results on the BBC Sport website and app.
- Social Media: Stay updated with additional content on BBC Sport's social media platforms.
Star Presenters & Analysts
The BBC's team includes:
- Gina Bryce (Tuesday-Thursday) and Mark Chapman (Friday) leading the coverage.
- Former jockeys Andrew Thornton and Charlie Poste providing expert analysis.
Key Contenders to Watch
- Galopin Des Champs - Seeking a third Gold Cup victory.
- Constitution Hill - Defending his Champion Hurdle crown.
- State Man - Fresh from his 2024 victory.
Don't miss this equestrian spectacle where racing legends are made!
What to Read Next
The Cheltenham Festival has renamed its National Hunt Chase to The Princess Royal National Hunt Chase, honoring Princess Anne's equestrian legacy.
Get the complete guide to Cheltenham Festival 2025, including event schedule, travel tips, and everything you need to know about this prestigious horse racing event.
Jockey Jack Kennedy returns to horse racing at Leopardstown after recovering from his sixth leg injury, adding a thrilling chapter to his career.
The Cheltenham Festival honors late jockey Michael O'Sullivan by renaming its opening race, celebrating his legacy and impact on horse racing.
Welsh jockey James Bowen faces a seven-day ban, sidelining him from the highly anticipated Cheltenham Festival due to a whip rule infraction.
Irish trainer John Hanlon is ready to return to racing after suspension, with plans to enter Hewick in this year's Grand National instead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Constitution Hill showcases a flawless performance at Kempton, solidifying his status as the favorite for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival's Champion Hurdle.
Katate Dori secures a commanding win at the Ladbrokes Trophy, while Forever Young narrowly defeats Romantic Warrior in a dramatic Saudi Cup showdown.
Three-time Cheltenham Festival champion Delta Work, also a Grand National runner-up, has passed away at age 12 due to colic.
Irish jockey Michael O'Sullivan tragically passed away after a fall during a race at Thurles, leaving the horse racing community in mourning.
Pic D'Orhy achieves back-to-back victories in the Ascot Chase, showcasing a stellar performance that outclassed top contenders and solidified his place as a racing legend.
The horse racing community mourns the loss of former BHA chairman Joe Saumarez Smith, who passed away at 53 after a courageous battle with cancer.
An in-depth look at the 2025 Grand National Championship, featuring detailed information on entries, weights, and top contenders.
Sam Ewing secures another victory at Leopardstown with Romeo Coolio in the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle, showcasing his skill and the horse's strength in challenging conditions.
Amy Murphy, a celebrated racehorse trainer, is moving her operations from Newmarket, the historic heart of British horseracing, to Chantilly, France, seeking better financial prospects.