Watch Cheltenham Festival 2026 St Patrick's Thursday Live on ITV1 with Ed Chamberlin, Richard Hoiles and Legendary Pundits

The electrifying Cheltenham Festival 2026 reaches its thrilling third day on Thursday 12 March with St Patrick’s Thursday, and UK viewers can catch every heart-pounding moment live on ITV1, ITV HD, ITVX, STV (Scotland), STV HD, STV Player, Virgin Media One, and Virgin Media Play. Coverage kicks off at 13:00 UK time, bringing the emerald spirit of Ireland to the Prestbury Park turf with seven top-tier races, including the prestigious Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at 15:20 and the explosive Ryanair Chase at 16:00[1][2].

Leading the broadcast is the incomparable presenter Ed Chamberlin, a stalwart of ITV Racing whose career spans over two decades in sports broadcasting. Chamberlin first rose to prominence at Sky Sports where he hosted live football coverage before seamlessly transitioning to horse racing, becoming the face of their coverage from 2010 to 2022. His move to ITV has elevated the channel’s racing output, blending charisma with deep insight to guide viewers through the Festival’s drama[1].

Providing the soundtrack to the action is main commentator Richard Hoiles, renowned for his poetic yet precise race calls that capture the raw intensity of jump racing. Hoiles, with more than 25 years at the mic, has narrated countless Cheltenham triumphs, his voice synonymous with the Festival’s biggest moments. His expertise, honed across BBC Radio and Channel 4, ensures no beat is missed as horses thunder towards the finish[1].

The punditry line-up is a who’s who of jumping royalty, starting with Sir AP McCoy, the only jockey to be knighted for his services to the sport. McCoy retired in 2015 with a record 4,192 wins, including four Cheltenham Gold Cups, and now offers razor-sharp analysis drawn from his unparalleled career[1]. Joining him is Ruby Walsh, son of trainer Ted Walsh and a 12-time Festival winner himself. Walsh hung up his boots in 2019 after securing victories aboard icons like Kauto Star and Hurricane Fly, making his post-riding punditry a must-watch for tactical breakdowns[1].

Mick Fitzgerald brings infectious energy and insider knowledge; a three-time Festival victor, he transitioned from jockey to broadcaster with ITV, where his bold predictions and engaging style have won fans worldwide. Megan Nicholls, a former jockey turned trainer and pundit, adds a fresh perspective with her training yard experience and on-course reporting flair[1].

On the ground, an elite team of reporters ensures comprehensive coverage. Matt Chapman, the pit lane reporter extraordinaire, delivers updates from the paddock with his signature enthusiasm. Oli Bell and Alice Plunkett roam the enclosures, interviewing trainers and owners, while Luke Harvey, Rishi Persad, and Brian Gleeson provide specialist insights from across the course. Their combined efforts make ITV’s coverage the gold standard for British and global racing enthusiasts[1].

St Patrick’s Thursday promises unmissable action from 13:20 with the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m 1f, £105,000), followed by the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase at 14:00. The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) at 14:40 leads into the day’s marquee contests: the Stayers’ Hurdle over 3m and the Ryanair Chase (Grade 1, 2m 4f, £375,000). Later races include the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle and the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, rounding off a £1.2 million prize pot for the day[1][2].

ITV Racing’s commitment to free-to-air coverage has made Cheltenham accessible to millions, with streaming options on ITVX and STV Player perfect for those on the go. For Irish viewers, Virgin Media channels ensure the action crosses borders seamlessly. This blend of star power and superb production positions ITV as the premier destination, outshining even international feeds[1].

Fans unable to attend in person—gates open at 10:30[2]—can relive the magic through highlights and replays. Dive deeper into Sir AP McCoy’s legendary career via his official biography at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AP_McCoy. Whether you’re backing stayers or chasers, tune in at 13:00 for a day etched in racing folklore. Cheltenham 2026’s St Patrick’s Thursday, powered by ITV’s dream team, awaits.

Article generated: 12 March 2026, 13:00 GMT