The anticipation is building as the prestigious Cheltenham Festival draws near, igniting excitement among horse racing enthusiasts. Being held from March 12, 2025, this four-day event showcases the best talent of the jumping racing world, but it is also shadowed by significant safety concerns and ethical debates.
This year, the festival features several promising horses tipped for success. Among them is Broadway Boy, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, who is favored for the Ultima Handicap Chase. Broadway Boy boasts three wins at Prestbury Park last season and is expected to make a strong comeback after a disappointing performance on New Year’s Day. Twiston-Davies expressed confidence about his horse's chances: "Once the weights were revealed, this horse became one to look out for." This upcoming event could serve as the perfect opportunity for him to redeem himself in the 3m1f marathon.
Another contender is Jetara, set to compete in the Mares Hurdle. Jessica Harrington's seven-year-old mare has shown impressive qualities, especially after her triumph at the Grade Two Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle at Doncaster last January. Harrington claimed, "Jetara will be my biggest hope of winning at this year’s Cheltenham Festival," signaling strong expectations from her team.
Joseph O’Brien's Beyond Your Dreams also stands out, designated for the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle. Currently, she carries the advantageous weight of 10st 9lb due to her solid performances. Last seen finishing just half a length behind Total Look at Navan, her connections are optimistic about her chances to contend strongly this year.
Meanwhile, Now Is The Hour has gradually adapted to racing over fences, hoping to improve upon recent performances against formidable competition. His last race showcased considerable improvement, finishing only four lengths shy of Three Card Brag. Betting markets have reacted favorably to him, raising curiosity over his potential for success at Cheltenham.
With racing events set to attract thousands of spectators, the festival's darker side looms heavily. The League Against Cruel Sports has been vocal about the alarming number of equine fatalities associated with Cheltenham—a staggering 76 horses have died after racing at the festival since 2000, prompting calls for action. Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League, condemned the festival's safety record: "The profits of gambling companies and people’s entertainment are being put before the well-being of the horses who are being pushed beyond what they can safely achieve. We are calling on people to boycott the festival by staying away, refusing bets, and avoiding TV coverage and advertising..."
The concerns raised are not unfounded; every festival since 2000 has recorded at least one death. Recently, horses Highland Hunter and Ose Partir tragically died during the 2024 festival, with others, including Malinello and Ginto, perishing over previous years. The public sentiment is clearly divided between the thrill of gambling on horse racing and the urgency of prioritizing animal welfare.
One positive development this year is the introduction of new padded hurdles aimed at enhancing horse and jockey safety. Traditionally, jumps were covered with birch, which led to higher injury rates. Clerk of the course Jon Pullin noted, "Those courses using padded hurdles reported seeing fewer nicks and scrapes when compared to traditional birch." The hope is these innovations will reduce injuries during the event.
With changes expected for racing, another significant update includes Jonathan Dineen’s comments on Final Demand, who was declared for the Turners Novices' Hurdle instead of the Albert Bartlett. Dineen speculated, "I think he may be best suited for the Albert Bartlett, as he looks like a relentless galloper." These insights keep fans buzzing with speculation about which competitors will dominate this year.
The festival is not just about horses and races, but also its impact on local businesses and the gambling economy. Bookmakers face potential millions in payouts as excitement mounts around heavy favorites. Meanwhile, audiences remain captivated by the duality of sport; reveling in the competitiveness of the races, yet aware of the darker realities behind the scenes.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, the questions about animal welfare grip many across the nation. The safety of participants remains of utmost importance, prompting calls for reform, as exemplified by the League Against Cruel Sports’ insistence on establishing an independent body to oversee the racing industry. With this year’s festival nearly upon us, the community stands at the intersection of tradition and morality, eagerly waiting for the races to begin.
For now, as fans gear up for the first races in anticipation, it remains to be seen how the festival will balance its storied legacy with the pressing demand for accountability and change. The stakes are high for both horses and betting enthusiasts alike, marking another chapter for the infamous Cheltenham Festival, which aims to celebrate racing with newly improved measures yet still faces scrutiny over its past.