Cheltenham racecourse will open its gates to more than a quarter of a million people across four days as the ‘Greatest Show on Turf’ returns.
The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest week in National Hunt horse racing, with more than £4.5million on offer in prize money across 28 races.
The Gold Cup hero of 2018 Native River is set to defend his crown, but will face stiff competition from a host of challengers, most notably King George VI Chase winner Clan Des Obeaux, and Irish-trained Presenting Percy.
Gordon Elliott, whose string include Grand National winner Tiger Roll, will be looking to retain his trainers title, while Davy Russell was last year’s top jockey.
Scroll down for Standard Sport's comprehensive preview of the festival...
Date, time and venue
The Cheltenham festival begins on Tuesday, 12 March and runs until Friday, 15 March.
The festival is staged at Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbruy Park and will include seven races per day - 28 in total, with one major event - or Championship race - per day.
Friday's Gold Cup is the blue ribbon race and will run at 3.30pm on the final day. For individual race times check out the full schedule below.
Tips
All odds quoted are Betfair. The Betfair Exchange had the best odds on every winner at the Cheltenham Festival last year. Small Details. Big Results at Cheltenham with Betfair. BSP v ISP. Exchange win market only. BSP is a win only calculation. 5% commission deducted. Further charges may apply. T&Cs Apply.
