First held in 1860, Cheltenham Festival was for many years used as a preparation event for Aintree’s Grand National, but the fixture is now considered the pinnacle of jump racing and its own unique event. With a flurry of Grade I races (14 to be exact!) spectators can expect history-making performances from 14-17 March as they become part of the famous "Cheltenham roar" from the cheering crowds. As is usual, the meeting coincides with St. Patrick's Day – on the final day this year – which adds to the party atmosphere and is very popular with Irish racegoers.
The Festival™’s 4 days each have their own charm and champions. Day 1 features the Champion Hurdle. The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the star of the show on Day 2. Day 3 has the Ryanair Chase and the Stayers' Hurdle as its highlight races. The final day is Gold Cup Day which is the main feature race of The Festival™ and the one many spectators, jockeys, owners, and trainers look forward to.
The 2022 event was one for the ages and it was primarily Rachael Blackmore’s year. The talented jockey won the Champion Hurdle for the second year in a row yet again on Honeysuckle – and thankfully last year she could celebrate properly in front of the returning crowds – before becoming the first female jockey to win the Gold Cup later in The Festival™.
Can we expect Blackmore to reach the same heights this week? Can the dominant Constitution Hill be beaten in the Champion Hurdle? Will Willie Mullins be victorious in the Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champs? How will the recent snowfall impact the racing?
As well as the fantastic racing action, there’s always plenty of extra entertainment off the track with activities for kids, lots of food and drink options, and live music each day! If you want to grab a last-minute ticket to be part of one of the biggest sporting events in the UK, take a look at the Cheltenham Festival here!
