The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, one of the most celebrated events in horse racing, is set to run from March 11 to March 14, attracting crowds from across the nation. With the rolling hills of Gloucestershire as its backdrop, this year’s festival promises excitement and allure for horse enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and families alike as they gather at Prestbury Park.
Meanwhile, the event faces challenges, as Cheltenham chief executive Guy Lavender anticipates a decline in attendance from the previous year, which saw nearly 230,000 racegoers. He stated, "I think it’s important to mention up front... we are expecting fewer racegoers to be joining us," indicating the reality check for the festival amid changing circumstances. Lavender expects "more than 200,000" attendees over the four-day fixture, emphasizing his commitment to improving customer experience. "We will define success this week and beyond by whether we are delivering unforgettable days out for our customers," he remarked, pointing to the investments made to stimulate excitement and engagement.
To supplement Lavender’s efforts, local businesses are putting their heads together to make the festival experience enjoyable for attendees. Many retailers are expected to provide customer incentives during the festival. The Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) is facilitating free parking at Town Centre East and Sherborne Place car parks from 12 PM to 8 PM from March 11 to March 14. According to Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for finance and assets, "Cheltenham Festival brings a buzz to the town, but we know… experience quieter periods." This initiative aims to attract local residents to explore and support their community during the quieter hours of race week.
Several local establishments, such as John Lewis, are contributing to this initiative, hosting events like beauty masterclasses with YSL on March 11, featuring special guest makeup artists and personalized shopping experiences. Francesca....
Also of note this year is the introduction of new padded hurdles, replacing the traditional birch. Jon Pullin, Clerk of the course, believes this change will significantly reduce injuries among horses and jockeys, saying, "Those courses… saw a lot less nicks and scrapes…" The introduction of padded hurdles reflects advancements in racing safety, echoing the festival's commitment to not only providing entertainment but also ensuring the well-being of the participants.
Weather forecasts for the festival signal relatively dry and chilly conditions, with the Met Office indicating sunny spells for the beginning of the week before potential showers arrive midweek. These conditions can affect the racing outcomes, as some horses perform optimally on specific ground types. For racegoers monitoring the weather, tomorrow's festivities will begin under sunny intervals with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 3°C. By Wednesday, clouds should give way to light showers, with the day’s temperatures slightly cooler.
With over 65,000 attendees expected daily, the excitement surrounding the festival extends beyond the races. ITV1 will broadcast the first six races live and free of charge every day on television, commencing from 12:45 PM daily. Meanwhile, Racing TV will cover the entire event via subscription, providing enthusiasts with comprehensive insights and updates.
Scheduled key races include the prestigious Champion Hurdle on the opening day, which features the return of Constitution Hill. The unbeaten hurdler missed last year's festival due to illness but is back to defend his crown. Other highlights throughout the week include the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase, and the climax of the festival, the Gold Cup.
Despite challenges, the Cheltenham Festival remains committed to bringing horse racing lovers together, providing unforgettable memories and experiences. From enjoyable moments at local cafes and shops to the thrill of exhilarating races, attendees have ample opportunity to engage with the festivities to create lasting impressions during this iconic event.