If you’re looking for a new experience to share with friends, or if you’re a seasoned race going, the Cheltenham Festival is a treat not to be missed.
With 4 days of great racing from 15th – 18th March 2016 it’s one of the highlights of the jump racing season. The prize money runs to an eye watering £3.8m for owners and jockeys to battle over.
Set in the beautiful Cotswolds, Cheltenham racecourse lies in a scenic amphitheatre below the Cotswold Hills and makes a fabulous backdrop to some great racing.
It has a wide range of facilities and tickets are still available for most of the enclosures. Dining in one of the course side restaurants makes it a very special day, but needs to be booked in advance.
There’s shopping too, if you’re in the mood, the Shopping Village has a large variety of trade stands to suit most tastes.
History
The Hall of Fame is definitely worth a visit, with winners’ silks and trophies from years gone by, fascinating information about the history of Cheltenham and a hologram of the great horse Desert Orchid.
Champion Day
The first day of the meeting and features the Stan James Champion Hurdle, won impressively last year by Faugheen, from the on form stable of Willie Mullins (8 winners during the festival!). Whether that run of form continues is questionable given Faugheeen’s last outing in November in the Morgiana Hurdle.
Ladies Day
A great excuse for the ladies to dress up and have a good time with your friends. There’s even a best dressed ladies competition!
St Patrick’s Day
Celebrate the day with plenty of Guiness on tap and live music flowing. Maybe watch some Irish winners too.
Gold Cup Day
Scene of Arkle’s historic 3 consecutive wins in the 60’s, this race is the highlight of the fixture list. Last year winner, Coneygree on only his fourth outing over fences, was the first novice horse in 40 years to win. Could he be following in the footsteps of the great Arkle?
Make a break of it
Why not make an occasion of it, get all your friends together and stay locally for the 4 days. Cotswold Manor is only 30 minutes away from the course. It’s a wonderful, elegant country house to enjoy after a day at the races.
