Cheltenham Festival Day 4 Races

Cheltenham Festival Day 4 is also known as Gold Cup day, with the most prestigious Grade 1 chase in the sport run over the New Course. Also look out for the championship hurdles race for 4-year-olds, the Triumph Hurdle, as well as the punishing Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup. We offer the latest odds, cards, results, tips and betting specials for every race.

Friday, March 15th, 2024

TimeRaceGroup
13:30Triumph HurdleGrade 1
14:10County Handicap HurdleGrade 3
14:50The Albert Bartlett Novices’ HurdleGrade 1
15:30Cheltenham Gold CupGrade 1
16:10Foxhunter Challenge CupClass 2
16:50Mares’ ChaseGrade 2
17:30Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap HurdleClass 2

Overview of Day 4 Races

The final day of the Cheltenham Festival culminates in a spectacular fashion, featuring a mix of high-stakes championship races and fiercely contested handicaps. Here’s a closer look at the races scheduled for Day 4:

1:30PM: The JCB Triumph Hurdle Race

  • Distance: Two miles about one furlong (2m 179yds)
  • Conditions: Exclusive to 4-year-olds, this Grade 1 hurdle race opens the last day with a purse of £135,000. It’s a key event for the festival’s youngest competitors, showcasing the future stars of hurdling.

2:10PM: The County Handicap Hurdle Race

  • Distance: Two miles about one furlong (2m 179yds)
  • Conditions: A Premier Handicap for horses aged 5 years and older, featuring a prize pool of £100,000. This race is known for its competitive field and often provides a thrilling finish, highlighting the depth of hurdling talent.

2:50PM: The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race

  • Distance: About three miles (2m 7f 213yds)
  • Conditions: This Grade 1 race, also known as The SPA Novices’ Hurdle Race, carries a purse of £135,000 and is open to horses aged 5 years and older. It’s a test of stamina and resilience, crucial for novices aiming to prove their potential over longer distances.

3:30PM: The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase

  • Distance: Three miles about two and a half furlongs (3m 2f 70yds)
  • Conditions: The pinnacle of the Cheltenham Festival, this Grade 1 chase offers a staggering £625,000 in prize money and is open to horses aged 5 years and older. It’s the most prestigious race of the festival, attracting the best chasers from around the world to compete for the coveted title.

4:10PM: The St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase

  • Distance: Three miles about two and a half furlongs (3m 2f 70yds)
  • Conditions: With a prize of £50,000, this Class 2 race is open to amateur riders, offering a platform for the best hunter chasers to shine at the festival.

4:50PM: The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase

  • Distance: Two miles about four and a half furlongs (2m 4f 127yds)
  • Conditions: A Grade 2 chase registered as The Liberthine Mares’ Steeple Chase, featuring a purse of £120,000. This race is dedicated to mares aged 5 years and older, highlighting the talent and competitiveness of female chasers.

5:30PM: The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race

  • Distance: Two miles about four and a half furlongs (2m 4f 56yds)
  • Conditions: This Class 2 handicap race, with a prize fund of £75,000, is open to horses aged 4 years and older with a rating of 0-145. It provides a stage for up-and-coming jockeys to showcase their skills, often resulting in a fiercely competitive and unpredictable finish.

Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival not only brings the event to a close but also encapsulates the spirit of jump racing with its blend of youthful promise, handicapping puzzles, and championship glory. The anticipation builds throughout the day, peaking with the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, a race that has cemented its place in the annals of horse racing history.

Key Races to Watch on Day 4

The final day of the Cheltenham Festival is packed with action, emotion, and the pinnacle of jump racing. Among the day’s lineup, several races stand out for their history, prestige, and the level of competition they attract. Here are the key races to focus on:

The JCB Triumph Hurdle

The opening race of Day 4, the Triumph Hurdle, is a Grade 1 event that showcases the brightest 4-year-old hurdlers on the circuit. This race is a crucial platform for young talents to announce themselves on the big stage, often leading to future successes in the world of jump racing. It’s a must-watch for those keen to spot future stars.

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Known for its grueling distance of about three miles, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is a test of stamina and resilience. This Grade 1 race is a key event for novices looking to prove their endurance and capability over longer distances, often serving as a stepping stone to future greatness. The demanding nature of this race makes it a pivotal moment of the festival.

The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase

The centerpiece of the festival, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, is one of the most prestigious races in jump racing. Attracting the best chasers from across the globe, this Grade 1 race is a supreme test of stamina, speed, and jumping ability. The Gold Cup is not just a race; it’s a spectacle that encapsulates the spirit of the festival, making it the definitive race to watch for any racing enthusiast.

The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase

Highlighting the best in female chasing talent, the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase, a Grade 2 event, is a relatively new addition to the festival but has quickly become a highlight. It offers a platform for mares to compete at the highest level, adding depth to the day’s racing and showcasing the versatility and talent of female jumpers.

These key races on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival each offer something unique, from the promise of young talent in the Triumph Hurdle to the enduring legacy of the Gold Cup. Whether it’s witnessing the making of future stars, the triumph of enduring stamina, or the celebration of top-class chasers, Day 4 is a fitting climax to a festival that celebrates the best of jump racing.