The Cheltenham Festival 2025 is set to commence on Tuesday, March 11, attracting as many as 200,000 avid racegoers to Prestbury Park. This year, the festival begins with Champion Day and will culminate with the much-anticipated Gold Cup on Friday, March 14. The excitement surrounding this prestigious event has prompted preparations citywide, with temporary road signs already up to welcome hordes of visitors.
Nick Luck, the renowned presenter and William Hill ambassador, has shared his tips for Day One of the festival, ensuring punters have the best advice at their fingertips.
Starting strong, Luck favors WORKAHEAD to clinch victory in the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme at 1:20 PM. Lauding the gelding's impressive performance at Leopardstown over Christmas, he stated, "I loved the way he jumped, getting slicker as he went and exuberant at the last." This indicates he could withstand the pressure posed by competitors.
At 2:00 PM, MAJBOROUGH is predicted to dispatch his rivals in the Arkle. En route to his tipping, Luck acknowledged the jump he faced previously at Leopardstown. With success already, he remarked, "What he has already achieved for one so young and inexperienced is remarkable." His confidence seems well placed as he heads toward this Grade 1 challenge.
Luck is also putting stakes on MYRETOWN and TRELAWNE for the Ultima at 2:40 PM. He predicts both will yield improved performances, stating, "Trelawne was among the favourites for this last year, and I don’t really buy the idea he wants a slog." Clearly, Luck is optimistic about their potential to shine this year.
The Mares’ Hurdle at 3:20 PM could see JOYEUSE make her mark, especially with the likes of Lossiemouth nearby. "She won with such ridiculous ease... it’s hard not to think she’s a Graded mare and can take another step up," said Luck, encapsulating the anticipation surrounding this race.
The remarkable CONSTITUTION HILL is expected to secure his position at the forefront during the Champion Hurdle at 4:00 PM, as he takes on what seems to be one of the lighter fields compared to his previous encounters. Luck pointed out, "One of the best we’ve seen," as the likely searching pace could underline his dominance.
Focusing on the Fred Winter at 4:40 PM, Luck calls QUANTOCK HILLS a sporting wager. Previously shaping second-best at the prospective venue, he noted, "He didn’t look short of pace ... is seven pounds back from favourite Stencil, and gets Harry Cobden." With prior experience at Cheltenham, he might just have the edge he needs.
Finally, for those eyeing the NH Chase at 5:20 PM, Luck suggests WILL DO. Having had luck gliding along when favourite at Leopardstown, and now placed more comfortably about calmer waters, he figures to deliver exceptional performance under Jack Kennedy's guidance.
For the festival, ample logistics have been put together to ease entrants’ access. Stagecoach offers shuttle services between Cheltenham’s town centre and the racecourse for just £9 return. Cars will have to park at designated spots as parking passes have already sold out across the four days.
Ben Scott, the Station Manager at Cheltenham Spa, noted the service alterations to aid the influx of passengers with over 40 trains scheduled to stop at the station during the festival. He advised racegoers to check train times and purchase connecting bus tickets early on race days.
Weather predictions suggest light rain on Monday, transitioning to dry conditions on Tuesday with highs near 10C. Strategies for managing public behaviour are on display, planning to guard against previous years’ issues, including rampant public urination. Temporary toilets and additional marshals are set to aid racegoers throughout this dynamic week.
What makes this festival unique is its offerings, both on the racing front and beyond. Attendees can look forward to celebrity sightings, with names like Princess Anne, Jeremy Clarkson, and Zara Tindall having made appearances. The festival boasts 28 races across four days, including the lucrative Unibet Champion Hurdle with £450,000 for the winner, the Ryanair Chase with £375,000 up for grabs, and the coveted Gold Cup offering £625,000.
For all those unable to gather at the racecourse, ITV has confirmed it will showcase extra races across its platforms, ensuring viewers won't miss the action. With 24 out of 28 races set to air on free TV, excitement is sure to reach even those at home. ITV Racing editor Richard Willoughby indicated, "Terrestrial viewers will be delighted... we’ll be on air for more than four hours every day."
The Cheltenham Festival isn't just races; it's about community, tradition, and the thrill of the chase, drawing together enthusiasts, families, and celebrities alike. With all the exceptional hospitality, entertainment, and thrilling races, there’s truly nowhere else one would rather be this week than at Cheltenham.