One of the biggest highlights of the Jump season is coming up. What better way to enjoy your winnings, after a thrilling day of drama and excitement too, than with some celebratory champagne in your own lakeside hot tub? A perfect day out for a romantic getaway in the Cotswolds. It’s also a family friendly day out too if you’re with us with the kids.
The festival lasts from the 14th-17th March and is just round the corner at the famous Cheltenham Racecourse that dates back to 1818. If you haven’t been before the atmosphere is described as “making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up”. These few days epitomise the best of jump racing. With tonnes of atmosphere, anticipation and action you’ll be overwhelmed by the end of an exciting day in this famous sporting arena.
At this fantastic show ground you will find tense and excited trainers and owners. Winning at this famous event for these guys would be the pinnacle of their careers. Witness too the finest and boldest horses and jockeys before the race as they walk the parade ring and talk tactics with their team. Then see them over all 22 jumps from the roaring grandstand. Don’t forget to take a good set of binoculars if you want to see the race jump by jump (you can hire these though if you forget). If you decide to put money on a few races make sure you are somewhere near the finishing post to cheer on your horse and hopefully see your ticket come across the line out in front! (We have put a link to a good guide below on betting at the Festival)
This week is also about the great range of individuals who come to this festival. This traditional event can be enjoyed by anyone who simply wants to experience a thrilling day of good drama. There is no dress code at Cheltenham but with a March meet warm attire is advised. There is one major exception to this dress code however as seen below on Ladies Day. Don’t forget to dress to impress ladies and you may well be spotted for an award! On all days gates open at 10.30am, with the first race each day at 1.30pm and the last race each day at 5.15pm. Just in time to head back to your lakeside getaway to mull over the day in front of your cosy wood fire…
CHAMPION DAY – Tuesday 11th March
Don’t miss the famous roar as the tapes rise for the first race. The 12-month wait is over and racing’s favourite fixture is back! There are seven races today including the Stan James Champion Hurdle, one of the most important hurdle races of the season.
LADIES DAY – Wednesday 12th March
Wednesday at The Festival is Ladies Day. The Ladies Day fashion awards are a big part of the day. This is a great day to enjoy the Festival shopping village at this venue too, which apparently is bigger and better than ever before. Another seven races today including the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
ST PATRICK’S THURSDAY – Thursday 13th March
Today is all about the party – Irish style! There’s a real Irish flavour to this day as everyone celebrates St Patrick’s Day (albeit a few days early!). Competitive racing too with the Ladbrokes World Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase taking centre stage. There is also a charity flat race to end this day in aid of Cancer Research UK. Over the last three years this has raised in excess of £840,000 so get involved!
CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAY – Friday 14th March
This is what it’s all about! Seven more riveting races to enjoy. The climax of the entire Jump racing season is about this day and in particular on the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup race. You will struggle to match this atmosphere.
If you want to enjoy this years Gold Cup Festival there is a range of early booking discounts to be found on the official website below. The biggest discount are available online too up until 21st February. Full event details can also be found here as well as directions for getting there: Cheltenham Gold Cup
P.s: To make sure you don’t leave empty handed have a look at this great guide on putting a few pounds on the horses at the Festival itself: Gold Cup Betting Guide
If you are new to racing too there are some great tips on what to bring and what to look out for on the day at the following page: New to Racing Guide