Close Brothers and the Cheltenham Festival
A look ahead to the world renowned jump racing festival, Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 March 2022.
More Cheltenham 2022 FAQs with Sir AP McCoy
Cheltenham Festival 2022
15 to 18 March
2022 Event Schedule
- Day 1 - Tuesday 15 March (Old Course)
- Day 2 - Wednesday 16 March (Old Course & Cross Country)
- Day 3 - Thursday 17 March (New Course)
- Day 4 - Friday 18 March (New Course)
Officially billed as Champion Day, the opening afternoon of the Cheltenham Festival is packed with top quality racing and starts with a bang as the best young hurdlers clash in the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle. The newly-named Sporting Life Arkle crowns the champion two-mile novice chaser and the headline race on day one is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, won by some legends of the sport over the years including magnificent mare Dawn Run, the hugely popular Brave Inca and three-time winners Hatton's Grace, Persian War, See You Then and Istabraq.
1.30pm The Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
2.10pm The Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
2.50pm The Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
3.30pm The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)
4.10pm The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1)
4.50pm The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Grade 3)
5.30pm The Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase) (Grade 2)

Sir AP McCoy's Favourite Festival Wins
From Gold Cup glory with Synchronised to *that" ride on Wichita Lineman, Close Brothers brand ambassador Sir AP McCoy gives you the inside steer on his 10 favourite Cheltenham Festival winners.