Who Are The Current Cheltenham Festival Favourites 2026 For ALL 28 Races?

With the new jumps season now in full swing there will be many Cheltenham Festival clues and trial races that will impact the markets between now and March 2026.

So, with that in mind, we look at ALL 28 races and showcase which horses are currently the 2026 Cheltenham Festival favourites in the ante-post betting. 

With most of the markets recently being shaken up by the results at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.

Did you know? There were NINE winning Cheltenham Festival favourites (or joint) at the 2024 and 2025 meeting – meaning a 32% strike-rate over the last two seasons.

How many Cheltenham bankers will win this season in 2026?

When Is The Cheltenham Festival 2026? 🗓️

This year’s Cheltenham Festival 2026 dates will see the four-day meeting run from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March.

With the first six races each day covered on the ITV Racing schedule.

While this season there is also a slightly new Cheltenham Festival 2026 running order – with some of the races having moved days.

Ante-Post Cheltenham Festival Favourites 2026 – Day One (Tuesday 10th March 26): Old Course

Cheltenham day one is normally a great opener for the Irish with nine winners over the last two years.

However, looking at the current state of play – the Irish only have ONE day one Cheltenham Festival favourite.

Which is recent DRF winner Backmersackme in the NH Chase for trainer Emmet Mullins.

Then it’s a wave of British-based runners – that include two Nicky Henderson hot-pots – Lulamba in the Arkle and Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

The Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero-trained Jagwar, who landed the Plate 12 months ago, is also the current favourite for the Ultima.

WATCH: Golden Ace Winning The 2025 Champion Hurdle 

Ante-Post Cheltenham Festival Favourites 2026 – Day Two (Wednesday 11th March 26): Old Course

On Wednesday, it could be a good day for the Irish though – with the Willie Mullins yards having three Cheltenham Festival favourites.

Final Demand, for Mullins, is still popular in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase despite losing at the Dublin Racing Festival.

But has drifted out from 5/4 to 7/2 for the big Novice race on day two.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained Stumptown is expected to be back to defend his Cross Country title, with the bookies making him favourite to win again.

While the Champion Chase is the big day two feature and it’s a tight betting heat.

Headed by recent Dublin Chase hero Majborough, with last year’s winner Marine Nationale next best.

WATCH: Marine Nationale Winning The 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase 

Ante-Post Cheltenham Festival Favourites 2026 – Day Three (Thursday 12th March 26): New Course

Onto day three (Thursday) and the Cheltenham Festival favourites see another sea of Irish runners propping up the betting.

Last year’s Champion Bumper winner Bambino Fever is well-fancied for the Mares Novices’ Hurdle – the opening day three race.

And after losing in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the DRF, many feel Lossiemouth will now head to the Mares’ Hurdle – a race she’s won for the last two seasons.

Fact To File is the jolly for the Ryanair Chase, as he looks to defend his crown in that race.

But be careful as he could be supplemented for the Gold Cup after his impressive win in the Irish Gold Cup in early February.

While the Stayers’ Hurdle favourite is currently Teahupoo, who has returned this season in fine form, with wins in the Hatton’s Grace and Christmas Hurdle.

He’ll be looking to become the first horse to win back the Stayers since Inglis Drever in 2007.

WATCH: Fact To File Winning The 2025 Ryanair Chase 

Ante-Post Cheltenham Festival Favourites 2026 – Day Four (Friday 13th March 26): New Course

In terms of the Triumph Hurdle – no trainer has won the race more times than Nicky Henderson (seven wins).

He could add to that tally in 2026 too – but at the moment it’s the Willie Mullins-trained Narciso Has who is topping the Triumph Hurdle betting odds market.

This JP McManus-owned 4yo has impressed with his last two wins at Leopardstown and will the big Friday Cheltenham banker for many.

Dinoblue is again well-fancied to win the Paddy Power Mares’ Chase again – she’s the 15/8 Cheltenham favourite.

But on Friday it’s all about the Cheltenham Gold Cup and this market is tight.

The two-time winner Galopin Des Champs is out to 8/1 after two defeats this season.

Galopin will be looking to become the first horse to regain the Gold Cup since Kauto Star in 2009.

Last year’s hero Inothewayurthinkin has been disappointing this term and is as big as 16/1.

With King George VI Chase fourth Jango Baie and winner The Jukebox Man prominent in the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting market

Recent Irish Gold Cup winner Fact To File could also end up in the Gold Cup, but will need to be supplemented for £25,000.

On the final day – Willie Mullins has four of the Cheltenham Festival favourites.

WATCH: Inothewayurthinkin Winning The 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup 

Note: All Cheltenham Festival favourites and odds listed are subject to change – Correct 3rd February 2026.