Cheltenham Festival 2020: All you need to know

It's one of the highlights of the racing calendar with at least 65,000 people per day expected to head to Cheltenham racecourse.

  • Where and when?

The four day event takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse from Tuesday 12th - Friday 15th March 2020.

Full address: Cheltenham Racecourse (Prestbury Park), Evesham Road, Cheltenham, GL20 4SH.

On a race day visitors are advised to follow the temporary yellow signs in the local area.

You can find details on trains, buses and road closures here.

Racegoers watch the action on Ladies Day last year. Credit: PA Images
  • Will coronavirus affect the event?

The festival is going ahead despite the outbreak of coronavirus. The official statement from the festival is:

Credit: PA Images
  • What are the most important races?

Tuesday 10 March - Champion Day. Races start at 13:30 and the start of the festival is marked by the infamous 'Cheltenham roar' made by the crowd. The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy is the key race on this day.

Wednesday 11 March - Ladies Day. This is the most colourful day of the races as tens of thousands of racegoers dress their best. The Queen Mother Championship Chase is the key race.

Thursday 12 March - St Patrick's Day. There are two major races - The Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle.There will also be a line up of traditional Irish folk music to celebrate.

Friday 13 March - Gold Cup Day. The racing season comes to a close with the climactic Gold Cup Day. Races include the JCB Triumph Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race.

  • How can I watch it?

You can watch all the main races live on ITV1.

ITV Racing will be broadcasting daily every day of the festival from 13:00-16:30.

The Opening Show will also be showing daily on ITV4 from 9:30-10:30.

  • What will the weather be like?

Wednesday looks like the driest day of the week, with further outbreaks of rain expected on Thursday. Friday should be mostly dry but there could be a few showers around.

You can check the full forecast for the week here.