The Cheltenham Festival, held from March 12 to March 15, 2024, at the prestigious Cheltenham Racecourse, stands as a pinnacle event in the British racing calendar, drawing thousands of spectators each year. Managed by The Jockey Club, this event is not only a sporting spectacle but also a significant contributor to the local economy and the British sports landscape, being the third largest in terms of attendance in the nation. The Festival significantly impacts Cheltenham, tripling the town’s population during the event and injecting an estimated £274 million into the local economy. With over £4.8 million in prize money spread across four days, it’s a lucrative event for participants as well.
The festival runs across four days, starting on Tuesday, March 12, and concluding on Friday, March 15. Throughout these days, attendees can enjoy a total of 28 races, with the gates opening at 10:30 AM and the races commencing at 1:30 PM. The final race each day wraps up at 5:30 PM, offering a full day of entertainment. Notably, tickets for the coveted Gold Cup Day on Friday have already sold out, though availability remains for the festival’s other days. The Jockey Club does not enforce a strict dress code but recommends dressing in accordance with the weather.
Speaking of weather, the forecast for the festival predicts variable conditions. The opening day, Champion’s Day, is expected to see an easing of weekend rain and winds, with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius. The following day might start brighter but has an increased chance of rain by the afternoon, reaching a high of 11 degrees. St Patrick’s Thursday, the third day, is predicted to be cloudy but mainly dry, with afternoon temperatures possibly hitting 12 degrees. Gold Cup Day is expected to follow a similar pattern, perhaps with slightly warmer conditions.
For those planning to drive to the event, it’s essential to note that National Highways has issued a travel advisory. The M5 in Gloucestershire, particularly between junctions 9 and 11, the A40 west of junction 11, and the A46 east of junction 9, are expected to experience delays, especially between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM each day of the Festival. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and allocate extra travel time to navigate these potential disruptions.
Key Points to Remember:
- The Cheltenham Festival is a premier event in the UK sports calendar.
- The festival boosts the local economy by an estimated £274 million and offers substantial prize money.
- It spans four days from March 12 to March 15, with 28 races in total.
- While tickets for the Gold Cup Day are sold out, there are still opportunities to attend other days.
- Variable weather conditions expected, dress appropriately.
- Anticipate travel delays due to increased traffic, especially near the racecourse.
- Tipping is all over the place this year, here are a few early hints.
And finally, here is your 2024 Cheltenham Schedule.
Tuesday, 12th March (Champion Day)
13:30 – Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
14:10 – Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase
14:50 – Ultima Handicap Chase
15:30 – Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
16:10 – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
16:50 – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
17:30 – National Hunt Chase (Novices’ Chase, amateur jockeys)
Wednesday, 13th March (Style Wednesday)
13:30 – Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle
14:10 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
14:50 – Coral Cup Hurdle (Handicap Hurdle Race)
15:30 – Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase
16:10 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
16:50 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase
17:30 – Weatherby’s Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race)
Thursday, 14th March (St Patrick’s Thursday)
13:30 – Turners Novices’ Chase
14:10 – Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle)
14:50 – Ryanair Chase
15:30 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
16:10 – Magners Plate (Handicap Chase)
16:50 – Mares Novices’ Hurdle
17:30 – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase
Friday, 15th March (Gold Cup Day)
13:30 – JCB Triumph Hurdle
14:10 – McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle
14:50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
15:30 – Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase
16:10 – St James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase
16:50 – Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase
17:30 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
In summary, The Cheltenham Festival 2024 promises excitement, economic benefit, and an exceptional display of sporting talent, solidifying its status as a gem in Britain’s sporting crown.