The Cheltenham November Meeting 2026 runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November. The big race is the Paddy Power Gold Cup, a two and a half mile handicap chase on Saturday 14 November, listed by the Jockey Club for 2.20pm. It's the first big Cheltenham fixture of the jumps season, four months before the Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham November Meeting 2026 dates and feature races
The meeting runs over three days. The Jockey Club lists these as the feature races. Race times are confirmed closer to the day, so check the racecourse for the full card.
| Day | Date | Feature race |
|---|---|---|
| Countryside Day | Friday 13 November | Shloer Chase |
| Paddy Power Gold Cup day | Saturday 14 November | Paddy Power Gold Cup, 2m 4f handicap chase |
| Carnival Sunday | Sunday 15 November | Greatwood Handicap Hurdle |
The Paddy Power Gold Cup: Saturday 14 November
The Paddy Power Gold Cup is a two and a half mile handicap chase and the centrepiece of the meeting. The Jockey Club lists it for 2.20pm on Saturday 14 November. Saturday's card also includes trials for the Triumph Hurdle and the Arkle, two Festival races in March.
Big handicaps usually have large fields, so the standard each way terms pay more places than in a small conditions race. That makes each way betting worth a look on bigger priced runners.
For example, £5 each way at 12/1 with 1/4 odds costs £10. If the horse places but doesn't win, it returns £20.00, a £10.00 profit. If it wins, it returns £85.00.
Work out any each way bet on the Paddy Power Gold Cup.Each way calculator →Betting tips for the November Meeting: each way, BOG and Rule 4
- Look for extra place offers on the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Greatwood. Bookmakers often pay an extra place on the biggest handicaps.
- Take best odds guaranteed when you bet on the morning of the race, so you get the starting price if it's bigger.
- November ground can change quickly, which brings late non-runners and Rule 4 deductions.
- A Lucky 15 across Saturday's card covers four selections with singles, doubles, trebles and a fourfold.
Racing calculators:Each way calculatorRule 4 calculatorLucky 15 calculatorForecast and tricast calculator
From November to the Cheltenham Festival
Form from the November Meeting feeds straight into ante-post betting for the Cheltenham Festival in March. If you take an early price, remember that an ante-post bet is lost if the horse doesn't run, unless the bookmaker offers non-runner no bet.
Read our Cheltenham Festival 2027 betting guide for the Festival dates and ante-post tips.
Questions people ask
When is the Cheltenham November Meeting 2026?
Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse.
What time is the Paddy Power Gold Cup 2026?
The Jockey Club lists it for 2.20pm on Saturday 14 November 2026. Check the racecard on the day, as times can change.
How far is the Paddy Power Gold Cup?
Two and a half miles. It's a handicap chase.
How many places does the Paddy Power Gold Cup pay each way?
It depends on the number of runners and the bookmaker. Big handicap fields usually pay four places at 1/4 odds as standard, and many bookmakers offer extra places. Check the terms on your bet slip.