The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the horse racing calendar, attracting racing fans from around the globe to witness a spectacle of top-tier National Hunt action.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, England, Cheltenham 2024 promises four days of thrilling competition, a vibrant atmosphere, and unparalleled sporting drama.
This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to know to fully enjoy the festival’s offerings.
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A Brief History of the Cheltenham Festival
Dating back to 1860 with the National Hunt Chase, the Cheltenham Festival became a staple at Prestbury Park in 1911, blossoming into a celebrated annual occasion every March.
Known for premier National Hunt racing, especially the Gold Cup, which was first run as a steeplechase in 1924, Cheltenham merges elite competition with rich tradition and a lively social scene.
This blend has cemented its status as a key fixture in the UK’s sporting landscape, attracting worldwide racing experts and part-time punters alike.
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2024?
Cheltenham Festival 2024 will begin on Tuesday 12th March and will conclude on Friday 15th March.
Daily races are set to start at 1:30pm and the final race of each day is planned for 5:30pm. The day’s feature race is slated for a 3:30pm start time.
Key Races to Watch
Champion Day: Kicks off the festival with the highlight being the Champion Hurdle, a race known for its fast pace and high skill.
Ladies’ Day: Not just about the racing, but also fashion, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase as the centrepiece, showcasing the speed and agility of two-mile chasers.
St Patrick’s Thursday: Celebrates Irish heritage with the Stayers’ Hurdle, a true test of endurance and stamina.
Gold Cup Day: The climax of the festival, featuring the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup, a race that demands both speed and resilience over an extended distance and challenging fences.
Top Jockeys at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival
Paul Townend, after triumphs in 2023, 2022, and 2020, is a strong favourite for this year’s top jockey at Cheltenham, backed by his role as Willie Mullins’ lead jockey.
He’ll ride top contenders like Galopin Des Champs and State Man. Meanwhile, Jack Kennedy, back from injury, has a promising lineup including Gerri Colombe in the Gold Cup.
Mark Walsh, known for his strategic win on Sire Du Berlais last year, will ride for JP McManus, including the reigning Stayers’ Hurdle champion.
Nico De Boinville, 2019’s leading jockey, pairs with Nicky Henderson’s stars like Constitution Hill. Rachael Blackmore, the first female top jockey in 2021, remains a significant contender, riding Henry de Bromhead’s leading horses.
Top Trainers at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival
Willie Mullins will be eyeing his fifth consecutive Cheltenham Festival top trainers’ award and his chances are bolstered by a strong lineup including Galopin Des Champs and El Fabiolo.
Mullins is known for his strategic horse placement and occasional surprise winners. Gordon Elliott, who clinched the title in 2017 and 2018, presents a formidable challenge with contenders like Delta Work and Teahupoo.
British hopes largely rest on Nicky Henderson, last victorious in 2012, with Constitution Hill leading his charge for a second Champion Hurdle.
Paul Nicholls, with a history of success including legends like Kauto Star, brings a competitive team featuring Bravemansgame and Stay Away Fay, keeping him in contention.
Tickets for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Racecourse offers various sections with ticket prices differing by area and day. The Best Mate enclosure is the most affordable, followed by Tattersalls, and the Club Enclosure is the priciest.
Best Mate enclosure ranges from £50 to £70 for Gold Cup Day.
Tattersalls tickets cost from £74 from Tuesday to Thursday and £89 on Gold Cup Day.
The Club Enclosure tickets range from £107 to £126.
Hospitality tickets are the most expensive that normally include boxes and catering.
Getting There and Around
By Rail: Cheltenham Spa railway station is well connected, with frequent services from major cities. Free shuttle buses run from the station to the racecourse during the festival.
By Car: The racecourse is accessible via the M5 motorway, with ample parking available. However, expect heavy traffic and plan your journey with time to spare.
Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are plentiful, offering convenient options for getting to and from the racecourse.
Full Cheltenham 2024 schedule
Champion Day – Tuesday 12th March
13:30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
14:10 – Arkle Challenge Trophy
14:50 – Handicap Steeple Chase
15:30 – Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
16:10 – Mares’ Hurdle
16:50 – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
17:30 – National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
Ladies Day – Wednesday 13th March
13:30 – Novices’ Hurdle
14:10 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
14:50 – Coral Cup Hurdle
15:30 – Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase
16:10 – Cross Country Steeple Chase
16:50 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
17:30 – Champion Bumper
St. Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday 14th March
13:30 – Turners Novices’
14:10 – Pertemps Network Final
14:50 – Ryanair Steeple Chase
15:30 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
16:10 – Magners Plate
16:50 – Jack de Bromhead Mares Novices’ Hurdle
17:30 – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Gold Cup Day – Friday 15th March
13:30 – Triumph Hurdle
14:10 – County Handicap Hurdle
14:50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
15:30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
16:10 – Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase
16:50 – Mares’ Steeple Chase
17:30 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey’s Handicap Hurdle
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