The Cheltenham Festival is an annual four-day horse racing event hosted in March at the Cheltenham Horse Racing Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England. It’s one of the biggest events in the National Hunt racing calendar and features some of the best horses, jockeys, and trainers worldwide.
You can take advantage of this event to bet on your favorite horse. If you bet on Ladbrokes, the company has a special Ladbrokes Cheltenham offer to increase your winning at the greatest horse racing event of the year in UK.
Whether you are a seasoned ticket holder or a first-timer, here is a detailed guide to everything you need to know about the festival.
Racing Lineup
Below is a glimpse of every racing activity you should expect during this fun-filled four-day event.
- Champion Day
This pilot activity takes place on the festival’s opening day. It features ”the Champion Hurdle,” a race for horses aged four and above over two miles.
- Ladies Day
This occurs on the second day of the festival and is the biggest day for women to dress up in their finest outfits. The main race of the day is ‘’the Queen Mother Champion Chase,’’ for horses aged five and above over a distance of two miles.
- St Patrick’s Thursday
This particular activity takes place on the festival’s third day and is a popular day for Irish visitors. The primary race of the day is ”the Stayers’ Hurdle,’’ involving horses aged four and above over a distance of three miles.
- Gold Cup Day
This final racing activity takes place on the last day, and it is the most prestigious, dubbed, ‘’the Cheltenham Gold Cup.” It is for horses aged five and above over three miles and two furlongs.
Dress Code
The dress code varies depending on the area of the racecourse you will be spectating from. Here are the details.
- The Club Enclosure
This is the most prestigious area of the racecourse. The dress code here is mostly formal. Gentlemen must wear a suit or blazer with a collared shirt and tie. On the other hand, ladies are encouraged to wear a dress or skirt suit with a hat or fascinator. Jeans, sportswear, and trainers are not allowed.
- The Tattersalls Enclosure
The dress code here is slightly more relaxed. Gentlemen can wear a collared shirt with a jacket, while ladies are encouraged to dress up with a hat or fascinator. Jeans and trainers are not permitted.
- The Best Mate Enclosure
This is the most informal area of the racecourse. There is no formal dress code here. But racegoers are encouraged to dress smartly and to avoid wearing sportswear or ripped jeans.
Obtaining Tickets
So, how do you obtain the tickets for the festival? Begin with these details.
- Official website
You can always buy your tickets on the official website of Cheltenham Racecourse. The website provides options for different enclosures, stand types, and days of the festival.
- Telephone
You can also buy tickets by calling the ticket hotline of Cheltenham Racecourse, available on the official website.
- Hospitality packages
If you’re looking for a premium experience, you can book a hospitality package for the Cheltenham Festival. The hospitality packages include access to a private box, restaurant, or suite and can consist of food, drink, and other amenities.
- Resale
If you cannot attend the festival, you can sell your tickets through the official ticket exchange of Cheltenham Racecourse or other authorized resale platforms.
Special Packages for Families or Groups
Are there any special packages for families or groups attending the festival? Of course, there are, and here is a comprehensive highlight.
- Family Enclosure
The Cheltenham Racecourse has a dedicated Family Enclosure, open on all four days of the festival. It includes activities such as a petting zoo, bouncy castles, face painting, and more.
- Group Bookings
If you are coming to the festival as a group of friends or family, group booking options are available. Group tickets provide a discount for parties of 15 or more people and can be purchased in advance through the official website or ticket hotline.
- Hospitality Packages
These packages include access to a private box, restaurant, or suite and can consist of food, drink, and other amenities. Some hospitality providers specifically design packages for families, with child-friendly menus and entertainment options.
Discounts and Offers
Another fantastic thing about the Cheltenham festival is the amazing discounts and offers for fans. Some of them include.
- Early Bird Discounts
If you book your tickets in advance, you may be able to take advantage of early bird discounts. These discounts can save you money on ticket costs, and are usually available for a limited time.
- Group Discounts
As mentioned, group bookings of 15 or more people can qualify for discounted tickets. However, the size of your group and your preferred enclosure often influence this.
- Student Discounts
If you are a student, you may be eligible for a discount. Some enclosures offer student discounts, but you will need to check the details of each ticket option to see what applies to your case.
- Military Discounts
Active-duty military personnel and veterans may be eligible for a discount on their Cheltenham Festival tickets. But the discount amount may vary depending on the enclosure you are interested in.
- Package Deals
Some travel companies and tour operators offer package deals that include Cheltenham Festival tickets and accommodation. These packages can often provide a significant discount on the cost of attending the festival.
Final Words
The forthcoming Cheltenham Festival 2023 is just around the corner. And, of course, every spectator, seasoned or first-timers, will want the best experience. This expert guide will update you on the event’s tiniest yet crucial information to take your experience from good to extraordinary.
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