Cheltenham Day 4 Tips 2026
- Horse Racing
- Greyhounds
Cheltenham Day 4 Tips: Friday 13th March 2026
The final day of the Cheltenham Festival is Gold Cup Day, bringing the curtain down on four days of elite National Hunt racing. The highlight is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most prestigious staying chase in the sport and the race every jumps trainer dreams of winning. Alongside the feature race, Friday’s card also includes several ultra-competitive contests such as the Triumph Hurdle and the County Hurdle, ensuring the festival finishes with a bang.
With seven races on the card, punters have plenty of opportunities to find value across both championship races and big-field handicaps. Below we’ve highlighted our best Cheltenham Day 4 tips for 2026, including selections in the major races and a suggested Lucky 15.
Cheltenham Day 4: Friday's Top Tipped Horses
We have aggregated data from across the industry's leading tipsters to identify the strongest consensus picks for Day 4 of the Festival. The standout selection is Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup, with strong support also for Proactif in the Triumph Hurdle and Murcia in the County Handicap.
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Race 1: 13:20 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race Details: 2m 179y | 18 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The opening race of Gold Cup Day is a championship contest for juvenile hurdlers. This Grade 1 has become a launchpad for future stars, with recent winners going on to achieve significant success at the highest level. Willie Mullins has an exceptional record in this race, having trained five of the last six winners, demonstrating his mastery of this particular test.
Key Trend: Twenty-four of the last thirty-two winners won their previous race, indicating that momentum and recent form are critical indicators of success. Additionally, nine of the last seventeen winners were unbeaten over hurdles, suggesting that experience and consistency matter significantly in this competitive field.
The Verdict: Proactif represents excellent value at the likely odds. The Mullins-trained runner has shown impressive form this season and possesses the tactical speed and jumping ability required to excel over this trip. While stablemate Macho Man will attract support, Proactif's recent performances suggest he has the measure of his rivals and should prove too strong in the closing stages.
BettingOdds Tip: Proactif (Win)
Race 1: 13:20 - Triumph Hurdle
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Race 2: 14:00 – William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
Race Details: 2m 179y | 24 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The County Handicap is one of the most competitive puzzles of the week. With twenty-four runners and a handicap format, success requires a horse that combines staying power with tactical speed. The Irish have dominated this race in recent years, winning thirteen of the last nineteen runnings, and Willie Mullins has trained eight of the last sixteen winners—an extraordinary strike rate.
Key Trend: Twenty of the last twenty-five winners were novices or second-season hurdlers, suggesting that less experienced runners can thrive in this contest. Furthermore, fifteen of the last twenty winners were rated in the 130s, indicating that horses in the mid-range of the handicap often represent the best value.
The Verdict: Murcia fits the profile perfectly. The Mullins-trained mare has shown consistent form and possesses the required combination of stamina and tactical nous. At the likely odds of around 6/1, she represents genuine value and should be considered for both win and each-way bets. Her recent performances suggest she is ready to step up to this level.
BettingOdds Tip: Murcia (Each-Way)
Race 2: 14:00 - County Hurdle
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Race 3: 14:40 – Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase
Race Details: 2m 4f 127yds | 8 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase is a relatively new addition to the Festival programme, having been run only five times. However, it has quickly established itself as a quality contest for the best mares in training. Willie Mullins has trained three of the five winners, and JP McManus has owned four of the last five victors—two powerful indicators of where the strength lies.
Key Trend: All five previous winners won their last race before the Festival, demonstrating that recent form is paramount. Additionally, all five winners were aged between seven and eight years old, suggesting that experience at the highest level is essential for success in this test.
The Verdict: Panic Attack emerges as the standout selection. The Dan Skelton-trained mare possesses the requisite experience and has shown impressive form in recent outings. At the likely odds of around 5/1, she represents excellent value and should be backed with confidence to add to her tally of victories.
BettingOdds Tip: Panic Attack (Win)
Race 3: 14:40 - Mares’ Chase
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Race 4: 15:20 – Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race Details: 2m 7f 213y | 14 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The Albert Bartlett is a championship race for novice hurdlers over an extended distance. This Grade 1 contest attracts the best young staying hurdlers in training and has a strong track record of identifying future stars. Horses that perform well here often go on to contest the Stayers' Hurdle and other prestigious staying hurdle contests.
Key Trend: Eighteen of the last twenty-one winners were aged six or seven years old, indicating that maturity and physical development are important factors. Furthermore, seventeen of the last twenty-one winners finished in the top three in their previous race, suggesting that recent form and consistency are reliable guides to success.
The Verdict: Thedeviluno represents outstanding value at the likely odds of around 4/1. The Paul Nolan-trained runner possesses the stamina required for this extended trip and has demonstrated the tactical speed necessary to compete at this level. With recent form suggesting he is ready to step up, Thedeviluno should be backed with confidence as a strong each-way proposition.
BettingOdds Tip: Thedeviluno (Each-Way)
Race 4: 15:20 - Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
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Race 5: 16:00 – Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) – Feature Race
Race Details: 3m 2f 110y | 12 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the showpiece event of the entire Festival and the ultimate test for staying chasers. Run over an exacting three miles and two furlongs, the race places huge demands on stamina, jumping accuracy, and mental toughness, with the famous Cheltenham hill often proving decisive in the closing stages. Winning the Gold Cup is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, and the roll of honour includes many of the sport’s all-time greats.
Each year the race attracts the very best staying chasers from Britain and Ireland, with leading trainers preparing their stars months in advance for this championship contest. With another high-quality field expected, the 2026 renewal looks set to deliver a thrilling battle between some of the most talented horses in training.
Key Trend: All 23 of the last 23 winners were aged nine or younger, suggesting that horses in their prime years tend to dominate this demanding contest. Proven stamina and strong Grade 1 chase form are also key indicators when assessing potential winners.
The Verdict: Jango Baie appeals as a compelling alternative to the established favourite and could be the one to land this year’s Gold Cup. He has continued to improve with experience over fences and has already demonstrated the stamina and class required for a race of this nature. His jumping has been solid throughout the season, and his ability to travel strongly before finishing his races well makes him an intriguing contender for this extended trip. Jango Baie looks capable of stepping forward again and could represent the value play in this year’s renewal.
BettingOdds Tip: Jango Baie (Win)
Race 5: 16:00 - Cheltenham Gold Cup - FEATURE RACE
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Race 6: 16:40 – Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
Race Details: 2m 4f | 16 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The Festival Challenge Cup provides an opportunity for amateur riders to showcase their skills on one of racing's biggest stages. This hunter chase attracts quality horses and competitive amateurs, creating an exciting and unpredictable contest.
Key Trend: Younger, less exposed runners often perform well in this race, suggesting that freshness and enthusiasm can overcome experience in this particular contest.
The Verdict: It's On the Line, trained by Emmet Mullins, represents excellent value. The runner has shown consistent form and possesses the required combination of ability and jumping prowess. At the likely odds of around 6/1, the selection offers genuine value for both win and each-way bets.
BettingOdds Tip: It's On the Line (Each-Way)
Race 6: 16:40 - Hunters Chase
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Race 7: 17:20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 3m | 26 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle is a tactical puzzle over three miles. With twenty-six runners competing in a handicap format, success requires a horse that combines exceptional stamina with the tactical speed to navigate a crowded field.
Key Trend: Horses that avoid jumping errors late in the race have a significant advantage, as fatigue can lead to mistakes among less experienced competitors.
The Verdict: A Pai De Nom, trained by Dan Skelton, represents outstanding value at the likely odds of around 8/1. The runner possesses the required stamina and has demonstrated consistent form throughout the season. With recent performances suggesting readiness for this step up, A Pai De Nom should be backed with confidence as a strong each-way proposition.
BettingOdds Tip: A Pai De Nom (Each-Way)
Race 7: 17:20 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
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Thursday's Cheltenham Accumulator
For those looking for a bigger return on Gold Cup Day
| Leg | Time | Horse | Race |
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| 1 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
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Key Statistics & Trends Summary
The data from previous runnings of these races provides valuable insights for punters. Willie Mullins' dominance on Day 4 is particularly striking—the Irish trainer has won multiple races across the card in recent years, and his runners should be treated with considerable respect. Irish-trained runners, in general, have a strong record on the final day of the Festival, winning a significant proportion of races across all divisions.
Horses that won their previous race before the Festival have a notably higher strike rate than those making their first appearance after a break. This suggests that recent form and momentum are reliable indicators of success. Additionally, runners that finished in the top three in their previous outing have a strong record in Festival races, indicating that consistency is a valuable predictor of performance.
The going on Day 4 is typically Good to Soft, which suits horses with proven form on similar ground. Punters should pay particular attention to recent performances on comparable surfaces when assessing runners' chances.
Final Verdict
Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival promises to be a thrilling conclusion to four days of world-class racing. The Cheltenham Gold Cup remains the highlight, with Galopin Des Champs the clear standout selection. However, there are genuine opportunities across the entire card for astute punters willing to do their homework.
Our recommended accumulator for the day combines Proactif in the Triumph Hurdle, Murcia in the County Handicap, and Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup—three selections that offer a combination of value and confidence. This treble represents a balanced approach to the day's racing and should appeal to punters seeking a combination of realistic odds and strong form indicators.
Remember to bet responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. The Cheltenham Festival is a celebration of National Hunt racing at its finest, and the aim should be to enjoy the spectacle while making informed, measured betting decisions.
Day 4 Betting Offers
Ensure you are getting the best value on Gold Cup Day by taking advantage of the latest bookmaker welcome offers. Whether you are backing Minella Study in the Triumph Hurdle or looking for extra places in the Albert Bartlett, our free bets hub has you covered.
Check out our dedicated Cheltenham Festival Free Bets page for the full list of sign-up offers, or view specific brand promotions.
What are the feature races on Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival?
Day 3 features three massive Grade 1 contests: the JCB Triumph Hurdle at 13:20, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at 15:20 and The showpiece race of the entire festival Cheltenham Gold Cup at 16:00
What time does Cheltenham Day 4 start?
The action kicks off at 13:20 with the JCB Triumph Hurdle the championship race for four-year-old juvenile hurdlers.
Who is the NAP of the day for Friday at Cheltenham?
Our strongest bet (NAP) for Day 3 is Jango Baie in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at 16:00
Where can I find the best Cheltenham Day 4 odds?
You can compare the latest odds for all 7 races on Day 4 right here on BettingOdds.com, ensuring you always get the best price for your selections.
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