5. 20 cheltenham today brings the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle as the curtain-closer on Day 4 of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. The Class 2, two-and-a-half-mile handicap runs on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 5: 20 PM ET and carries a winner’s prize of £38, 580. It is regarded as one of the most competitive events on the National Hunt card and a noted stepping stone for future stars.
Early picture and market overview
The Martin Pipe has a recent pattern of upset: market leaders have routinely underperformed, opening the race up for longer-priced challengers — a reminder in this renewal after a notable favourite once finished well down the field. Dominant trainer statistics frame the race: 11 of the last 15 renewals were won by horses trained by Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Paul Nicholls and Joseph O’Brien, and nine of the past 12 winners were Irish-trained. That profile keeps attention on the big yards while leaving room for surprise results from less-fancied camps.
5. 20 Cheltenham Today: Key Contenders
Willie Mullins sends a strong pair in Kel Histoire and Roc Dino, with Kel Histoire dropping in to a handicap for the first time and viewed as needing a return to a trip beyond two miles. Roc Dino profiles as a stablemate contender who has shown form on testing ground. Dan Skelton’s six-year-old is noted as unexposed and capable of handling a stronger pace, while Pai De Nom arrives well treated after winning a Class 3 qualifier at Newbury in February.
Trainer Olly Murphy has highlighted Act of Authority at a big price and labelled the eight-year-old his “most well handicapped horse” of the week; that colt is only 1lb higher than when finishing close in last year’s renewal and returns for another attempt. Henry De Bromhead’s Air of Entitlement has also moved up the list after late withdrawals reshuffled the weights and is expected to handle the longer trip following a mares novice success in 2025. With Kel Histoire and Roc Dino prominent, the 5. 20 cheltenham today market remains unsettled and tactical.
Reactions and what’s next
Trainer Olly Murphy said the horse he named was his “most well handicapped horse” for the week, a direct endorsement of Act of Authority’s chance. Trainer Willie Mullins’ entries Kel Histoire and Roc Dino carry the weight of expectation from a yard with strong recent form in this race. Final declarations and any late withdrawals will be confirmed ahead of the off at 5: 20 PM ET on Friday, March 13, 2026, with connections set to finalise jockey bookings and race plans in the hours before the start.
Expect a tense build-up through the afternoon and swift market movement once the jockeys are declared; the 5. 20 cheltenham today finale has the potential for another wide-open outcome and will be a key talking point as the Festival concludes.
