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Experience the thrill of considered one of the UK’s most prestigious horse racing occasions with this information to the Cheltenham Festival…
With prize cash second solely to the Grand National, the Cheltenham Festival is considered one of the UK’s greatest horse racing occasions. Many of the greatest British and Irish-trained horses compete in 28 races throughout 4 action-packed days, culminating in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
This is a fast information masking every little thing you want to learn about the occasion – together with a listing of what every day entails. Enjoy…
What is the Cheltenham Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival is a premier horse racing occasion that takes place yearly at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England. It’s considered one of the most prestigious leap racing festivals in the world, attracting high horses, jockeys, trainers, and racing fanatics from each the UK and Ireland.
The pageant spans 4 days in March, with every day that includes a sequence of extremely aggressive races, together with the famend Cheltenham Gold Cup. Known for its electrical environment and the well-known “Cheltenham Roar” that kicks off the occasion, the pageant gives an exhilarating expertise for all attendees.
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2025?
In 2025, the Cheltenham Festival will happen from Tuesday, March eleventh to Friday, March 14th.
Where is It?
The occasion takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse in Prestbury Park, Cheltenham – a picturesque city in Gloucestershire. The pageant is ready towards the backdrop of the Cotswold Hills, offering a picturesque setting for considered one of the most prestigious leap racing occasions in the world.
Ticket Prices
Ticket costs for the Cheltenham Festival fluctuate relying on the enclosure and the day you select to attend. Here are the 2025 ticket costs for various enclosures:
Club Enclosure: Starting from £100.80 (Gate Price: £122.00)
Tattersalls Enclosure: Starting from £71.10 (Gate Price: £85.00)
Best Mate Enclosure: Starting from £51.30 (Gate Price: £67.00)
Racecourse View: Starting from £95.00
Guinness Grandstand: Starting from £48.00
There are additionally discounted costs obtainable for multi-day tickets and group bookings.
Brief History of the Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival has a wealthy historical past that dates again to the early nineteenth century. Horse racing in Cheltenham started in 1815, however the pageant itself was first held in 1860 at Market Harborough, the place it was generally known as the Grand National Hunt Meeting. The occasion moved completely to Cheltenham in 1911, going down at the iconic Prestbury Park.
Over the years, the pageant has grown in recognition and stature, turning into a cornerstone of the British racing calendar. Today, it’s celebrated as considered one of the most important horse racing occasions worldwide, drawing hundreds of spectators and members who come to witness the best leap racing and enjoy the festive environment.
Festival Days
Day One: Champion Day
Day One is commonly thought of the better of the 4 pageant days, thanks to the most necessary hurdle race of the season, the Stan James Champion Hurdle, together with that distinctive first-day environment of pleasure and celebration.
A giant a part of the first day is the notorious “Cheltenham Roar”: the quantity of noise from the crowds when the starter raises the tape for the first race. Day one options seven races in whole, together with the Grade 1 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle, which was as soon as gained for six consecutive years by the now-retired Quevega.
Day Two: Ladies Day
The fanciest day at Cheltenham Festival is the common Ladies Day occasion on day two. There are seven races once more, together with the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, however for a lot of, the actual spotlight is the Ladies Day style and all these hats, feathers, and fasteners. Slip in your Sunday best, discover the greatest hat your head can help, and head to the monitor to get pleasure from the classiest race day attainable.
Day Three: St. Patrick’s Thursday
Seven races, together with the charity race The St Patrick Derby (which this 12 months is elevating cash for the Injured Jockeys Fund), make up the third day of the pageant, which comes full with loads of St Paddy’s Day festivities. With on common 10,000 Irish followers touring to Prestbury Park yearly for the pageant, it’s no shock that St Patrick’s Day has turn into an enormous a part of the occasion. Expect a number of Irish leisure and a implausible environment.
Day Four: Gold Cup Day
The fourth and last day of the pageant contains six unbelievable last races, and the all-important Cheltenham Gold Cup. There’s all the time a tremendous environment and loads of noise from the crowd throughout the all-important Gold Cup race, so don’t miss it!
The Biggest Races
The Cheltenham Festival options a number of key races which are extremely anticipated by racing fanatics. Here are a few of the most necessary races:
Champion Hurdle: Held on the first day, Champion Day, that is the most prestigious hurdle race of the pageant. It attracts the greatest hurdlers and is a spotlight of the opening day.
Queen Mother Champion Chase: This race takes place on the second day, Ladies Day. It is the premier two-mile steeplechase and showcases the quickest chasers.
Ryanair Chase: Also generally known as the Festival Trophy, this race is held on the third day, St Patrick’s Thursday. It is a key race for middle-distance chasers.
Stayers’ Hurdle: Another main race on the third day, that is the high long-distance hurdle race of the pageant.
Cheltenham Gold Cup: The most prestigious race of the complete pageant, held on the fourth day, Gold Cup Day. It is the final take a look at for steeplechasers and is taken into account the pinnacle of leap racing.
Tips for Attending the Cheltenham Festival
Plan Ahead: Book your tickets and lodging early, as the pageant is extraordinarily common and might promote out rapidly. Consider staying in close by cities if Cheltenham is absolutely booked.
Dress Code: While there isn’t a strict gown code, it’s really useful to gown neatly, particularly on Ladies Day. Comfortable sneakers are a should, as you’ll be in your ft quite a bit. More on this in the subsequent part.
Getting There: Cheltenham is well-connected by practice and highway. If you’re driving, be certain to verify parking choices prematurely. Shuttle buses can be found from Cheltenham Spa station to the racecourse.
Arrive Early: Arriving early permits you to soak in the environment, discover the racecourse, and safe a great place to watch the races.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: There are loads of foods and drinks choices at the racecourse, from tremendous eating to informal eateries. Keep hydrated and revel in the number of meals obtainable.
Bet Responsibly: If you’re planning to place bets, set a finances and stick to it. Enjoy the pleasure of betting, however all the time gamble responsibly.
Explore the Area: Cheltenham and the surrounding Cotswolds supply stunning landscapes and charming villages. Consider extending your keep to discover the native points of interest.
Join the Celebrations: Embrace the festive environment by becoming a member of in with the conventional Cheltenham Roar and different celebrations all through the pageant.
Dress Code
While there isn’t a strict gown code for the Cheltenham Festival, it’s really useful to gown neatly. Here are some tips to contemplate:
Smart Casual: A normal rule of thumb is to go for good informal apparel. This means tailor-made jackets, good trousers, clothes, and skirts.
Ladies Day: On Ladies Day, many attendees select to gown up of their best outfits, usually with elaborate hats or fascinators. It’s an awesome alternative to showcase your greatest style.
Weather Appropriate: Since the pageant takes place in March, it’s sensible to gown in layers and be ready for varied climate situations. Waterproof jackets, hats, and comfy sneakers are important. Read extra in my Spring Packing Guide for England.
Hospitality Areas: Some hospitality areas, resembling the Club Enclosure, might have a extra formal gown code. Men is likely to be required to put on a swimsuit or jacket and tie, and women are inspired to put on clothes or good separates.
Comfortable Footwear: Given the quantity of strolling and standing, snug sneakers are extremely really useful. High heels won’t be the most suitable option for navigating the racecourse.
Ultimately, whereas there aren’t any strict gown codes, dressing neatly and comfortably will assist you to get pleasure from the pageant to the fullest. If you may have any extra questions or want additional particulars, be at liberty to ask!
FAQs About the Cheltenham Festival
Q: What ought to I deliver to the pageant? A: Essentials embrace snug sneakers, a weather-appropriate outfit, a hat for Ladies Day, money or a card for betting and meals, and a transportable telephone charger.
Q: Is there an age restrict for attending the pageant? A: The pageant is open to all ages, however kids underneath 18 have to be accompanied by an grownup. Certain areas, resembling betting rings, are restricted to these 18 and over.
Q: Are there accessibility choices? A: Yes, Cheltenham Racecourse gives amenities for disabled guests, together with accessible viewing areas, bathrooms, and parking. Contact the racecourse prematurely for help.
Final Thoughts and Read More
The Cheltenham Festival is a celebration of the greatest in leap racing, with thrilling races, vibrant atmospheres, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned racegoer or a first-time customer, the pageant gives one thing for everybody.
Read extra about the native space in the following posts:
How to Spend a Weekend in Cheltenham and Gloucester
Cotswolds Driving Itinerary
Ready to expertise the Cheltenham Festival? Share your favourite moments in the feedback beneath!
