Weather Forecast for Cheltenham Festival
“Just a little bit of selective watering today, it tightened up a little bit more yesterday than we anticipated – little bit of good ground out there first thing – so just a little bit of selective watering to keep the Good-to-Soft where it is and try and improve that good ground,” said Jon Pullin, reflecting on the current conditions at Cheltenham Racecourse.
The Cheltenham Festival, one of the sport’s biggest weeks of the year, will run from March 10 to March 13, 2026. As the event approaches, the going is rated as Good to Soft, but rain during the festival week may lead to softer conditions.
On Gold Cup Day, March 13, the forecast predicts highs of 9°C and an overnight low of 5°C, with some rain expected during the afternoon alongside sunny spells. The Gold Cup, a prestigious National Hunt race, will be run over a distance of 3 miles, 2 furlongs, and 70 yards, with a total prize money of £625,000, of which the winner will receive £363,999.
Pullin also noted, “The hurdles are in their normal position throughout the season but not their normal Festival position,” indicating adjustments made for the event.
The forecast suggests a generally wet week with light rain expected from Monday to Friday, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius throughout the week. This variability in weather conditions could affect both the track and the horses’ performance.
As the festival draws closer, many participants, including trainers and owners, are keenly aware of how the weather may influence their chances. Harry Redknapp expressed, “It’s a dream to have a horse run in the Gold Cup and go there with a chance,” highlighting the significance of the event.
The final race of the day is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. GMT, and with the current weather conditions, attendees and participants alike are preparing for a potentially challenging day.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of the weather on the track conditions as the festival unfolds, but all eyes will be on Cheltenham as the excitement builds.