Cheltenham Racing

The spa town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire has long been a favourite visitor destination for many around the country. With many natural, historic and cultural attractions there is much to do to fill leisure time spent in town and surrounding area but one facility stands above all others for thrills and fun and that is Cheltenham Racing.

Situated on the outskirts of the town, in a stunning natural amphitheatre below the escarpment of the Cotswold Hills, there can be few more beautiful backdrops to horseracing, and as the home of the National Hunt, Cheltenham racing offers world class steeplechase events to match the quality of the environment. Cheltenham Racecourse can be access easily, by road via the M5 and by frequent bus services from Cheltenham Spa train station.

Cheltenham Racecourse is actually two racecourses in one; the Old Course and New Course which both run concurrent on largely the same track. Differences with the New Course compared to the Old include a longer run-in, with early jumps and only two hurdles contained within the last 7 furlongs.

The New Course also has a challenging downhill fence. A further track for cross country steeplechase events is also incorporated within the main course.

Cheltenham derives its title as the home of National Hunt racing in the UK primarily for the main event in the national hunt calendar, which is the Cheltenham Festival, held over 4 days each year in March. The highlight of the Festival is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most prestigious, and most valuable, chase in the UK. The Gold Cup is run over 3 miles and 2 ½ furlongs, featuring 22 jumps and, staged on the New Course, makes for a thrilling run-in to the finishing line, a feature at Cheltenham which gives rise to the famous ‘Cheltenham roar’ of the watching crowds.

The Cheltenham Festival is largely characterised by the competition between British and Irish trained horses and, usually coinciding with St. Patricks Day, draws great crowds from Ireland as well as within the UK, for a well attended, highly regarded and hugely celebrated event in the National Hunt season. The sense of celebration and thrilling atmosphere to be had at Cheltenham is not lost on the many leisure visitors to the area who wish to combine some of the best Cheltenham racing into their holiday or short break itinerary.

The facilities at Cheltenham racing track are extensive, with a selection of enclosures to choose from. There are three different enclosure options on offer: Best Mate Enclosure, Tattersalls and the Club, and the Centaur.

During the Festival and the Open events Tattersalls and the Club operate as distinct enclosures while for all other races tickets for Tattersalls allows access to the Club enclosure too and includes admission to the viewing steps, Paddock and Member’s Lawn and to the centre of the course, weather permitting, across the final fence.

Facilities within Tattersalls and Club Enclosure are extensive and impressive. In addition to the panoramic Grandstand views, there are a host of bars, betting opportunities and first class dining environments. During the Festival these facilities are extended via the Guinness Village, in which entertainment and celebrations go hand in hand for a truly memorable raceday experience. The hottest tickets during the festival are for the Club and a Club Day badge entitles the wearer to access all enclosures in addition to the exclusivity, privileges, and luxuries provided by the Club itself.

For the casual racegoer and those wishing a more informal approach to Cheltenham racing, there is the Sun’s Best Mate Enclosure which offers excellent value for money and all the facilities required to make the most of the day.

Great track views, drinks and food outlets and ample betting facilities combine with live music and entertainment during the most popular fixtures to present a great day out for all.

The Centaur is a whole different type of enclosure in which over 1000 seats are available to watch live racing on the big screen and enjoy a wealth of hospitality and betting options. After the final race during each Festival day and the April evening meeting, live bands keep the celebrations going.

The Centaur is also a superb venue for live concerts and conferences outside race days and also provides a home to the Steeplechasing Hall of Fame, a celebration of the National Hunt since 1819.

Fully inclusive packages at Cheltenham racing represent the best way for many to enjoy a day at Cheltenham races and an extensive array of package options is available to suit every taste, size of group and budget. The Best Mate Package is ideal for those new to racing and incorporates entrance to the Best Mate Enclosure, a £6.00 voucher for food and refreshments, and £4.00 tote betting voucher, all for £16 per person.

Alternatively, for those who wish to access the Tattersall enclosure there is the Baracouda Package, which costs £35.00 per person and includes £10 vouchers for betting, food and refreshments, a racecard, and a Baracouda gift.

A classic raceday experience at Cheltenham racing incorporates some high quality racing with fine dining to match and within Cheltenham there are many outstanding restaurants in which to book a table for the day and enjoy raceday in style. A selection of packages is available for the restaurants which will generally comprise all hospitality including a four course luncheon as well as all the necessary aspects to enjoy each race. Additional hospitality options include private boxes and chalets, ideal for entertaining business clients and staff, or enjoying to the fullest extent with friends and family.

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