THE FINAL FURLONG
Not only one of the most important dates in the racing calendar, but also a key part of the spring social season, Cheltenham Festival has been a celebrated event for over a century. Emma Johnson places her bets at one of the oldest race-meets in Britain…
Behind the scenes at one of the oldest race-meets in Britain; The Cheltenham Festival
LOCALS AND EXPERTS will tell you that nothing beats the ‘Cheltenham roar'. As the horses in the first race of the Festival take their places at the starting line, the sound rising from the crowd is sheer power and excitement, rippling in waves across the grandstand. As the horses' hooves thunder across the turf, turning their keen noses to the final straight, the crowds surge forwards to the finish line, hands in the air,
waving and cheering for their favourite, their faces a mixture of joy and frustration. Big winners turn to cheer with friends and the winning jockey raises his fist in a gesture of victory, while his horse trots gently back down the course, tail swishing with pride and excitement. Cheltenham has begun.
It is a thrilling moment, at a venue renowned for its atmosphere, and one voted ‘The Greatest Racecourse in the World' by the Racing Post in
2019. Nestled in the natural amphitheatre created by Cleeve Hill, which flanks the course and faces the rising terraces that overlook the expansive racecourse and the green Cotswold hills beyond, Cheltenham Racecourse is known as the home of jump racing - and the Festival the jewel in its sporting crown. Its three-tiered grandstand and terraces provide unparalleled views across the racecourse, and the countryside beyond, and the sense of excitement in town when ‘the Festival' arrives is palpable.
One of the oldest race-meets in the Britain, with prize money second only to Grand National, the Festival has been running at Cheltenham in late March since 1911. A bucket-list event for many, the meet itself features several Grade I races including the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Held on the final day of the four-day Festival, The Gold Cup is always a sell-out event, with a 70,000 strong-crowd there to witness one of the biggest races in the sporting calendar.
This iconic event attracts over 250,000 people over four days, catered for with nearly 6000 staff and nearly 30 races run. For 2020, many of the races look to be some of the most exciting of the past decade. Favourite Altior will race for the £400,000 winnings in the Queen Mother Chase on Ladies Day (day two), while memorable 2019 winner Frodon will compete on day three and the last three Gold Cup winners are among 31 entries for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup 2020 on day four.
PICK YOUR SPOT
There's perhaps no better way to enjoy The Festival than from the Club Enclosure, which has spectacular views from the tiered main grandstand, as well as the expansive members' lawn where you can watch the racing up close and even get a spot by the winning post. A club ticket also means access to the Parade Ring and the newly launched Orchard, a luxurious themed area hosting a range of luxury British brands including Glenfarclas whisky, Bentley, Boodles and Nyetimber keeping the celebrations going with their finest English sparkling wine. The Orchard also boasts glamorous ‘pods' which can accommodate between 12 and 20 guests, and offers relaxed dining and a private balcony.
In addition, the Festival usually coincides with St Patrick's Day, making it particularly popular with Irish visitors, as well as the many Irish jockeys and trainers that dominate the sport. There is a dedicated Guinness Village onsite, which has become an area famed for fun, and home to the Irish fan base. New for 2020, the course has also created an area called The Park, featuring a Ferris Wheel, for wonderful views of the whole course, as well as live music all day and DJ sets after the racing from top names such as Laura Whitmore and Nick Grimshaw.
“New for 2020, an area called The Park, featuring a Ferris Wheel, for wonderful views
of the whole course, as well as live music all day and DJ sets after the racing from top names such as Nick
Grimshaw. ”
OUT AND ABOUT
If you're staying overnight during the Festival you can't beat No. 131 for accommodation – a grand Georgian lodge in the centre of Cheltenham, it has 11 beautiful rooms with vast beds and roll-top baths. Downstairs the restaurant and bar serve creative British food and excellent cocktails, while on Thursday and Friday nights there are DJs in the bar until 3am. Slightly out of town, the 16th Century The Frogmill Hotel is nestled in the Cotswold countryside close to the racecourse and features beautifully styled rooms, with Feather and Black beds, statement wallpaper, and premium fabrics. Packages are available with the racecourse, which include helicopter and Bentley transfers, and luxury dining options while at the races. Dining in Cheltenham is also fantastic - The Ivy providing a bit of big city glamour, while Le Champion Sauvage and Purslane both make for a decadent end to your day.