Cheltenham Festival Day 4 Picks, Schedule & Preview

Horse Racing

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The 2026 Cheltenham Festival draws to a close on March 13, with the Blue Riband event on the National Hunt calendar headlining the action, as the Gold Cup will be run. Find our picks for Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival here.

How to Watch

• When: Friday, March 13, 2026, from 8:20 AM ET
• Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, England
• How to Watch: FanDuel TV/Racing TV

Cheltenham Festival Day 4 Guide

The full running order for the Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival be found below:

• 8:20 AM ET- G1 Triumph Hurdle
• 9:00 AM ET- County Handicap Hurdle
• 9:40 AM ET- G2 Mares’ Chase
• 10:20 AM ET- G1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
• 11:00 AM ET- G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup
• 11:40 AM ET- Hunters’ Chase
• 12:20 PM ET- Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

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Cheltenham Festival Day 4: Triumph Hurdle Pick & Preview

The final day of the Cheltenham Festival kicks off with the G1 Triumph Hurdle, run over two miles and a furlong on the New Course. Narciso Has was the favorite for this race, but his absence leaves a clear path for Proactif.

However, this looks like one of the weakest renewals of the race in recent memory, and cases can be made for runners such as Minella Study, Selma De Vary, and Maestro Conti at bigger prices.

At bigger odds, Minella Academy could be interesting for Willie Mullins. The four-year-old was a winner on hurdles debut at Cork for John Nallen, who has previously broken high-quality runners such as Minella Indo and Minella Times. Was brought for big money after that win, and he could have each-way claims on stable debut for Mullins.

Free Pick:

• Minella Academy

Cheltenham Festival Day 4: Cheltenham Gold Cup Pick & Preview

The big race of the week comes in the form of the G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and it could be argued that this year’s renewal is one of the most competitive in recent memory. Two-time winner Galopin Des Champs was denied a third win in the race by Inothewayurthinkin last year, but with two runs under his belt this term, he could be a leading chance to rewrite the history books.

Haiti Couleurs is a fascinating contender for Rebecca Curtis, and the nine-year-old is one of the few involved that doesn’t have stamina concerns after winning the Welsh Grand National last time out. While he may lack the class to win the race, he will at least be a place contender.

The key form line could have come in the G1 King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, as The Jukebox Man outstayed Gaelic Warrior, with Jango Baie back in fourth. The Ben Pauling horse has Cheltenham experience after finishing second in an Albert Bartlett, and his progressive profile could make him the standout selection this year.

Free Pick:

• The Jukebox Man

Cheltenham Day 4 Picks