Cheltenham Festival 2025: race-to-race guide to Day 2

The Cheltenham Festival, a cornerstone of the National Hunt racing calendar, is set to unfold from March 11 to 14, 2025. Each day offers a unique blend of top-tier races, with Day Two, now known as Style Wednesday, scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2025. This day is renowned for its blend of high fashion and elite racing, featuring a series of compelling contests that attract enthusiasts from around the globe.

Race Schedule for Day Two:

13:20 – The Turners Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

Distance: Approximately 2 miles and 5 furlongs

Overview: This opening race showcases emerging talent among novice chasers. Horses aged five years and older compete, often highlighting future stars in the chasing sphere.

14:00 – The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

Distance: 3 miles

Overview: A test for novice chasers, this race demands both stamina and jumping prowess. It’s a pivotal event for horses transitioning from hurdling to chasing, often earmarking future Gold Cup contenders.

14:40 – The Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle)

Distance: Approximately 2 miles and 5 furlongs

Overview: A fiercely competitive handicap hurdle, the Coral Cup features a large field, making it a thrilling spectacle. Its unpredictable nature often leads to surprise outcomes, adding to its allure.

15:20 – The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

Distance: Approximately 3 miles and 6 furlongs

Overview: This unique race navigates Cheltenham’s cross-country course, incorporating diverse obstacles. Now a limited handicap, it offers a distinct challenge compared to traditional chases, testing versatility and endurance.

15:20 – The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

Distance: Approximately 3 miles and 6 furlongs

Overview: This unique race navigates Cheltenham’s cross-country course, incorporating diverse obstacles. Now a limited handicap, it offers a distinct challenge compared to traditional chases, testing versatility and endurance.

16:00 – The Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

Distance: About 2 miles

Overview: As the day’s feature race, the Champion Chase crowns the season’s leading two-mile chaser. Speed, agility, and impeccable jumping are essential to triumph in this prestigious contest.

16:40 – The Grand Annual Handicap Chase

Distance: 2 miles

Overview: The festival’s oldest race, the Grand Annual, is a fast-paced handicap chase that often results in a thrilling finish. Its rich history adds to its significance within the festival.

17:20 – The Champion Bumper (Grade 1)

Distance: 2 miles

Overview: Concluding the day’s proceedings, the Champion Bumper is the premier flat race for National Hunt horses. It offers a glimpse into the potential stars of hurdling and chasing in subsequent seasons.

Additional Notes:

Gates Open: 10:30 AM daily
First Race: 1:20 PM
Last Race: 5:20 PM

Day Two of the Cheltenham Festival not only offers top-class racing but also embodies the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, blending sporting excellence with cultural festivities. Whether attending in person or viewing remotely, spectators are assured a day rich in equine talent and exhilarating competition.

These changes are part of a broader initiative to enhance the festival experience and accommodate expanded television coverage. The modifications come after an extensive review prompted by an 18% drop in attendance over recent years.

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