ITV has issued an apology for inappropriate language during live coverage of the Cheltenham Festival’s Gold Cup day. The incident occurred on March 13, 2026, when Ed Chamberlin, the lead presenter, addressed the situation on-air.
Incident at the Cheltenham Festival
While interviewing Oli Bell and Paul, the winner of ITV7 on Tuesday, Chamberlin noticed some colorful language and gestures from nearby racegoers. After the footage returned to the main desk, Chamberlin expressed his regret, highlighting that “you can’t keep away the idiots sometimes on live television.”
Gold Cup Highlights
The Cheltenham Festival continued with various races lined up throughout the day. The JCB Triumph Hurdle was set to begin at 1:20 PM, leading up to the competitive Gold Cup later in the afternoon. Key contenders in this prestigious race included:
- The Jukebox Man
- Gaelic Warrior
- Jango Baie
- Defending champion inothewayurthinkin
However, Spillane’s Tower was declared a non-runner due to the race conditions. Diva Luna also withdrew from the 2:40 PM Mares’ Chase.
Notable Participants and Results
Harry Redknapp, former manager of Tottenham Hotspur, is the owner of The Jukebox Man, making him a favored contender. Additionally, Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, had stakes in L’Eau du Sud and Regents Stroll, both of which contributed to successful outcomes for his racing syndicate. Ferguson watched Maestro Conti secure a second-place finish in the initial race.
In a remarkable turn of events, Apolon De Charnie, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by his son Patrick, won the first race at odds of 50/1, narrowly beating favorite Minella Study.
Patrick Mullins praised Apolon De Charnie as a remarkable horse, stating, “I got a dream run. I am very proud of my father.”
Outlook for the Festival
The incident during the broadcast did not overshadow the excitement of the races at Cheltenham Festival, with anticipation building for the Gold Cup. The day promised thrilling competition and star-studded participation, solidifying Cheltenham’s reputation as a premier horse racing event.
