Cheltenham Festival Day 4 Tips - Best Bets for Friday 13th March 2026
The final day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival features seven races, including the prestigious Gold Cup. With the ground softening due to forecasted rain, top selections include Gaelic Warrior for the Gold Cup, Panic Attack for the Mares' Chase, and each-way bets on Apolon De Charnie and Lord Byron in the Triumph Hurdle. Sixandahalf and Joyeuse are top picks for the County Hurdle. As the festival concludes, racing enthusiasts have keen insights and exciting contests to look forward to.
- Free tips for every race on day four of the Cheltenham Festival
- Gaelic Warrior is our selection in the 2026 Gold Cup
- Sixandahalf, Panic Attack and King's Bucks also feature in my Cheltenham day 4 tips
- 1:20pm Cheltenham - Triumph Hurdle Tips
- 2:00pm Cheltenham - County Hurdle Tips
- 2:40pm Cheltenham - Mares' Chase Tips
- 3:20pm Cheltenham - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Tips
- 4:00pm Cheltenham - Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips
- Live Stream
- 4:40pm Cheltenham - Hunter Chase Tips
- 5:20pm Cheltenham - Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Tips
- Best Bet Of The Day
- Cheltenham Day 4 FAQs
Cheltenham Day 4 Tips
Through the card tips for day four of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.
Another excellent Cheltenham Festival draws to a close with a thrilling card on Friday afternoon. The Cheltenham Gold Cup headlines proceedings, which kicks off with the Triumph Hurdle. The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle and the Mares' Chase will also take place on Friday, along with the Hunter Chase and two lucrative handicaps.
The ground has been verging on good for the first three days of the meeting. However, rain is due to arrive on Thursday afternoon and continue into Friday, so this year's Gold Cup will likely be run on soft ground.
Here are my best Cheltenham day 4 tips, covering all seven races on the final day of the Festival.
Cheltenham Day 4 Card - Friday 13th March 2026
| Time | Friday Races (Day 4) | Status | Distance |
| 13:20 | Triumph Hurdle | Grade One | 2m |
| 14:00 | County Hurdle | Grade Three Handicap | 2m |
| 14:40 | Mares' Chase | Grade Two | 2m 4f |
| 15:20 | Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle | Grade One | 3m |
| 16:00 | Cheltenham Gold Cup | Grade One | 3m 2f |
| 16:40 | St James's Place Hunter Chase | Class Two | 3m 2f |
| 17:20 | Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle | Class Two Handicap | 2m 4f |
Cheltenham Thursday Tips 2026 – Day 4 Festival Best Bets
1:20pm Cheltenham - Triumph Hurdle Tips
Five of the last six renewals of the Triumph Hurdlehave gone the way of Willie Mullins. The Champion Trainer doesn't always win with his number one contender though, as illustrated by last season's 100/1 winner Poniros. Simply put, any horse that Willie Mullins runs has to have a chance.
Patrick doesn't often pick up rides in the Triumph Hurdle, so I presume he's been riding APOLON DE CHARNIE (40/1) at home. Mullins' French recruit finished last of six in a flat race in August, but picked up well from the rear to place second on his hurdles debut a month later.
The winner of that 18-furlong contest at Auteuil was Friday's favourite, Proactif, and Apolon De Charnie was only beaten six lengths. I'm not saying for a minute that he'll be able to reverse that form, but Patrick Mullins' mount could still be worth chancing at 40/1.
I'm also going to take a punt on LORD BYRON (100/1), who I wasn't expecting to see declared for Friday's opener. Faye Bramley's four-year-old took on his elders in the Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso two weeks ago, and paid the price for sitting too close to the pace, fading back to fourth as Montemares powered to victory.
Before that, Lord Byron had placed fourth behind Maestro Conti here on Trials Day, where Ben Jones' mount picked up well from the rear to cross the line just four lengths adrift of Dan Skelton's star. Lord Byron had previously relished more testing ground when second at Exeter to Klycot, who ran a screamer in Tuesday's Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Jones takes the ride again, and I'd like to see Lord Byron ridden a little more prominently than he was on Trials Day. On all known form, he shouldn't be a 100/1 shot.
Triumph Hurdle Each-Way Bet - Apolon De Charnie
Triumph Hurdle Each-Way Bet - Lord Byron
2:00pm Cheltenham - County Hurdle Tips
Despite clearly preferring better ground, I'm still hopeful that SIXANDAHALF (14/1) will go close here.
Gavin Cromwell's mare went off as the clear favourite for last year's Mares' Novices' Hurdle. Keith Donoghue's mount didn't jump well, but picked up nicely after the last, only to get run down by the charging Air Of Entitlement.
Sixandahalf didn't jump well again when surprisingly beaten at Punchestown, and struggled a little on the flat. Cromwell's six-year-old got turned over as the 1/3 favourite on her return to hurdles at Sligo in October, but Colonel Mustard is a worthy adversary for anyone, and he went on to land the Grade Two Lismullen Hurdle next time out.
Conor Stone-Walsh was in the saddle when Sixandahalf finished fourth behind Wodhooh at Leopardstown over Christmas. Cromwell's mare jumped better on that occasion, she simply didn't stay the trip as well as Wodhooh, Feet Of A Dancer and Dream On Baby. Returning to the minimum distance seems like a sensible plan, and Sixandahalf travelled beautifully on the New Course last year. If she jumps well, she's got more than half a chance.
WILFUL'S (14/1) form reads well, and the O'Neill's front-runner could play a part in proceedings on Friday.
Jonjo O'Neill Jnr's mount finished third in a red-hot renewal of the Welsh Champion Hurdle on his reappearance back in October, before going on to beat Hot Fuss in a Premier Handicap at Ascot on Long Walk Hurdle day. Hot Fuss managed to reverse that form at Windsor's Winter Million Meeting, where he was getting 17 pounds from the top-weight.
Wilful finished ahead of Alexei and Mondo Man when landing that Premier Handicap from the front, and they've boosted that form considerably since. The ground should still ben quick enough for Jonjo Jnr's mount to be at his best, and we know how well front-runners have done over the first three days at Cheltenham.
County Hurdle Each-Way Tip - Sixandahalf
County Hurdle Each-Way Tip - Wilful
2:40pm Cheltenham - Mares' Chase Tips
PANIC ATTACK (9/2) achieved a quite incredible feat earlier in the season. Not only did Dan Skelton's mare win the Paddy Power Gold Cup here at Cheltenham, but she followed up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury two weeks later, winning both handicaps by a combined distance of ten lengths.
Skelton's mare returned to Newbury in January for a glorified racecourse gallop. Harry Skelton gave the 1/4 favourite a positive ride from the front, and Panic Attack never saw another rival as she claimed a commanding 14-length victory.
Panic Attack will have to raise her game again on Friday. She's in with a top-class mare in Dinoblue and a proven Grade One winner in Spindleberry. Only By Night, Diva Luna and July Flower will be no pushovers either. I just think Panic Attack is in the form of her life, and another victory on Friday would tee her up for a tilt at the Grand National.
Mares' Chase Best Bet - Panic Attack
3:20pm Cheltenham - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Tips
My beloved Minella Indo was a maiden when he won the Albert Bartlett. Henry De Bromhead will be represented this year by another maiden in KING'S BUCKS (25/1), whose form looks solid and he gained valuable experience around the course at Cheltenham's November Meeting.
Darragh O'Keeffe was in the saddle when King's Bucks stays on up the hill to finish third behind No Drama This End in the Hyde Novices' Hurdle. Paul Nicholls' star was never going to get beaten in that Grade Two, but I loved the way King's Bucks stayed on up the hill, finishing on the tail of Heads Up and five lengths clear of Moneygarrow.
De Bromhead's novice was beaten at odds-on at Limerick over Christmas, but You Proof sat prominently in the market for the Turners after that narrow win, before he was ruled out for the rest of the season. Three miles should be ideal for King's Bucks, and soft ground seems to be essential for his chances.
I always like to back one of Gordon Elliott's novices in the Albert Bartlett - especially if the ground is soft. JALON D'OUDAIRIES (18/1) ran a screamer when third in the 2024 Champion Bumper, and was beaten by Sortudo on his hurdles debut at Cork in November, having spent a season off the track.
Danny Gilligan's mount should have won at Leopardstown over Christmas, but was outmuscles late on by the far more experienced Frankie John, as the top two pulled a long way clear of the field. Jalon d'Oudairies claimed a much-needed victory at Naas last time out, where he faced nothing in terms of competition, but looked good when claiming a 27-length win on soft ground.
Similar conditions on Friday would certainly suit this former Champion Bumper placer, and I expect he'll improve plenty for this step up to three miles.
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Each-Way Bet - King's Bucks
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Each-Way Bet - Jalon D'Oudairies
4:00pm Cheltenham - Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips
This year's Cheltenham Gold Cup is incredibly tricky to work out. At the ante-post stage, I pinned my colours to GAELIC WARRIOR (7/2), and I'm not going to desert Willie Mullins' star now that he's been backed into favouritism.
Keen and wayward in his youth, I always tried to take Gaelic Warrior on when I could. Mullins' star has found a new level of consistency since skipping last year's Cheltenham Festival, recording victories in the Aintree Bowl and the Oaksey Chase at Sandown.
Paul Townend's mount ran valiantly in defeat in the King George, and kept on well to finish second in the Irish Gold Cup, despite the race not being run to suit. Gaelic Warrior is a former winner of the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, and there have been no signs of his old propensity to jump out to his right in any of his starts this season.
Gaelic Warrior was available at 6/1 when my ante-post guide went live, as many people anticipated that Patrick Mullins would be riding. However, the injury and subsequent retirement of Galopin Des Champs has resulted in Paul Townend jumping into the saddle, and there's no doubt that Gaelic Warrior has the class to win a Gold Cup.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Best Bet - Gaelic Warrior
Live Stream
Visit our Gold Cup Live Stream page if you want to watch any race on day four of the Cheltenham Festival via a mobile or tablet.
4:40pm Cheltenham - Hunter Chase Tips
As usual, I haven't got a strong opinion in the Hunter Chase. One who seems to be overpriced is CARNFUNNOCK (40/1), who was held up out the back in this race 12 months ago and stayed well up the hill to finish sixth.
It was a similar story when Carnfunnock finished sixth behind Its On The Line in the Hunter Chase at Down Royal on Boxing Day, where Stephen Connor's mount was only beaten six lengths in the end. Carnfunnock has beaten Lifetime Ambition and Conflated either side of that effort, and I could see him hitting the frame again.
Hunter Chase Each-Way Bet - Carnfunnock
5:20pm Cheltenham - Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Tips
Henry De Bromhead saddled the Martin Pipe runner-up in 2024, and the third and fourth past the post 12 months ago. His big gun this year will be AIR OF ENTITLEMENT (8/1), who was my selection when she won the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at last year's Cheltenham Festival.
Rachael Blackmore's mount got outpaced coming down the hill that day, but picked up gamely once she met the rising ground and snatched a narrow victory over Sixandahalf. Air Of Entitlement was then sent off at 9/2 to win the Grade One at Fairyhouse just over a month later, but barely feared at Aurora Vega stormed to victory.
Darragh O'Keeffe's mount ran well on her seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse in November, finishing second in Rated Hurdle where she was giving a stone to the race-fit winner. Air Of Entitlement was then backed into joint-favouritism for the Listed Neville Hotels Premier Handicap at Leopardstown's Christmas Festival, where she weakened out of contention quickly and beat only three rivals home.
De Bromhead's horses all ran poorly over Christmas, and we know how good he is at getting his horses ready for the Cheltenham Festival. Air Of Entitlement is a Grade Two winner at this track, and she'll be running off a workable mark of 139. She has to have a good chance.
I do still think ANDASHAN (20/1) will run well for Chris Gordon, especially if the rain arrives. However, Freddie Gordon has been booked to ride East India Express - who would prefer nicer ground - leaving the talented Dylan Johnston aboard Andashan.
Johnston's mount showed promise during a light novice campaign last term, and shaped like he wanted a trip when third on his reappearance at Newbury. Chris Gordon stepped his charge up to two-and-a-half miles for the first time at Haydock in November, where Andashan ran well, only to bump into a proper handicap blot in the form of Kabral Du Mathan.
Andashan went one better at Newbury in December, where he carried 11-11 to victory in a valuable 20-furlong handicap. Andashan's fresh mark of 133 will see him shoulder 11-4 in the Cheltenham Festival's final race, and he remains capable of another forward step.
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Best Bet - Air Of Entitlement
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Each-Way Bet - Andashan
Best Bet Of The Day
See our NAP Of The Day page to find out which runner we've picked as our best bet from our Friday's Cheltenham tips.
Cheltenham Day 4 FAQs
What time does racing start on Cheltenham Day 4?
Racing begins on day four with the Triumph Hurdle at 1:20pm. The Martin Pipe is the final race on Gold Cup day, and will be run at 5:20pm.
What races are run on Cheltenham Festival Day 4?
Seven races take place on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, including the Triumph Hurdle, the County Hurdle, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The meeting traditionally ends with the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
What is the biggest race on Cheltenham Day 4?
The feature race on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival is the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Run over three miles and two and a half furlongs, it is widely regarded as the most prestigious steeplechase in National Hunt racing.
What time is the Cheltenham Gold Cup run?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is usually run at 4:00pm (UK time) on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival. It is the highlight of the meeting and one of the most anticipated races in the jump racing calendar.
Which favourites will run on Cheltenham day 4?
Dinoblue is a short price to retain her crown in the Mares' Chase. Proactif has risen to the head of the market in the Triumph Hurdle. Paul Townend rides Karbau in the County Hurdle, and that should ensure that he goes off as the favourite.
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2026?
The Cheltenham Festival 2026 takes place from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Verdict
Cheltenham Day 4 2026 Top Tips:
Gaelic Warrior
2026 Gold Cup
@7/2 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS
Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad
Panic Attack
2:40pm Cheltenham
@9/2 - 5 Units
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS
18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Sixandahalf E/W
2:00pm Cheltenham
@14/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £40
in free bets
18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply.
King's Bucks E/W
3:20pm Cheltenham
@25/1 - 5 Units
£25 Free Bet Refund
with promo code NEWBONUS
Join betTOM with promo code NEWBONUS and get access to their £25 Free Bet Refunds offer. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
28 March 2026
- LEC 2026 Spring -
- Esports
01 April 2026
04 April 2026
Load More
Cheltenham 2026 Day 4 Tips
Today's Acca Tips
-
Soccer tips
-
Tennis tips
