Where to Watch Cheltenham Festival Day 1 2026: Ed Chamberlin, Richard Hoiles and Star ITV Team Live from 12:45 on ITV1

Jump racing enthusiasts across the UK and beyond can tune into ITV1, ITV HD, ITVX, STV (Scotland), STV HD, STV Player, Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Player for comprehensive coverage of the Cheltenham Festival's opening day on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, starting at 12:45 UK time. This premier National Hunt event kicks off with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, building excitement through to the highlight BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00, all broadcast live on these free-to-air British channels renowned for their Festival rights.[1][2]

Leading the broadcast is veteran presenter Ed Chamberlin, whose commanding presence has defined ITV Racing since 2012 after a stellar stint at Channel 4. Chamberlin's career spans over two decades in sports broadcasting, blending sharp analysis with engaging interviews that capture the Festival's electric atmosphere. Calling the action is main commentator Richard Hoiles, a master of race-calling with 25 years at ITV, known for his poetic precision during high-stakes jumps like the Champion Chase. Hoiles, who began at the BBC, has narrated countless Cheltenham triumphs, earning acclaim for his unflappable delivery amid the Prestbury Park roar.[1]

The punditry lineup is a who's who of jump racing royalty. Ruby Walsh, the most successful Festival jockey ever with 59 wins, retired in 2019 to join ITV, offering insider insights from his days partnering legends like Hurricane Fly. Beside him sits Sir AP McCoy, the only 20-time Champion Jockey whose 4,358 career wins include four Cheltenham Gold Cups; his no-nonsense punditry since 2015 retirement cuts through the hype. Mick Fitzgerald, a 13-time Festival winner including the 2002 Gold Cup on Best Mate, brings infectious enthusiasm from his playing days to his ITV role since 2009. Megan Nicholls, ex-jockey turned analyst, adds technical depth with her training background, impressing viewers with previews that often nail antepost fancies.[1]

On-the-ground reporting falls to a dynamic team: Matt Chapman, ITV's pit lane reporter whose paddock walks are must-see TV; Oli Bell, capturing trainer vibes; Luke Harvey, the ex-jockey turned witty interviewer; Rishi Persad, globe-trotting host with BBC roots; Alice Plunkett, equestrian expert and Cheltenham regular; and Brian Gleeson, rising Irish star providing cross-channel perspectives. This ensemble ensures every angle of the seven-race card is covered, from the 13:20 Supreme Novices' Hurdle (featuring Storm Heart as a nap for Willie Mullins) to the 17:20 handicap finale.[1][2]

Day 1's card promises fireworks on good to soft ground. The 14:00 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase sees Romeo Coolio as a 5/2 shot for Gordon Elliott, stepping up in trip after Grade 1 successes. At 16:00, the Queen Mother Champion Chase boasts a field including Lossiemouth at 2/1, The New Lion at 9/4 and Brighterdaysahead at 9/2, with last year's winner Marine Nationale setting a high bar. The 16:40 Grand Annual features Touch Me Not and veterans like Martator, while the Cross Country Chase at 15:20 adds unique chaos over 3m5f.[1][2][3][4][5]

ITV's coverage, secured through long-term UK rights deals, delivers not just races but the Festival's pageantry—from weigh-in to winner's enclosure celebrations. For global fans, the world feed enhances accessibility, but British viewers get the full ITV polish. Learn more about ITV Racing's Cheltenham coverage.

Whether you're backing Mullins' Storm Heart in the 14:40 or eyeing Elliott runners, this star-studded team makes Day 1 unmissable. Coverage builds from early previews, ensuring you're primed for the off. Cheltenham 2026 opens with a bang—don't miss it on ITV.

Article generated: 11 March 2026, 00:46 GMT