The Cheltenham Festival is undoubtedly one of the greatest events in the racing calendar and is one that every horse-racing fan must attend. Rich history, glamour, and prestige radiate at the festival which is set within 250 acres of the rolling Cotswold hills, making it the perfect English setting for such an event with great heritage.
Heritage of the Racecourse
Originating in 1860 in the form of the National Hunt Chase, the racecourse became the permanent location for The Cheltenham Festival in 1911 after a series of large-scale renovations, establishing itself as a world-class horse racing venue. The Festival has been running for over 100 years and is now held over four days every year in March, each day having its own headline event including Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle and the main event, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Cheltenham Racecourse is now the home of Jump racing and hosts the highlight event of the Jump season, The Cheltenham Festival. It’s a place where the most talented owners, trainers and jockeys dream of having winners. Renowned for its action and electric atmosphere that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, the event is often referred to as the jewel in jump racing’s crown. More than 250,000 fans pass through the gates over the four days each year to watch the racers compete for the honourable title and experience a day of fun, entertainment and great food and drinks
The 28 races that make up The Festival see around 500 horses compete for the prize money. A total of £4,590,000 was up for grabs over the four days in 2020, and prize money amounting to £625,000 was on offer for the Gold Cup, making Cheltenham one of the most prestigious in the calendar as it attracts some of the world’s greatest horses and jockeys.
The pre-race atmosphere sets the scene for the drama and anticipation of the race, where you can watch the horses warm up before they’re saddled and think about who you want to put your bets on as they’re guided around the parade ring. Once you’ve placed your bets, head to the stands to get a fantastic view of the winner as they cross the line. You’ll be lucky enough to experience the infamous “Cheltenham roar” which can be heard at the start of every race, generated by the noise of thousands of spectators in the stands cheering on their hopeful winners. After the race, despite your win or lose, make sure to return to the winner’s enclosure to see the jockeys being interviewed.
To make your experience at Cheltenham even more special, we offer a range of hospitality experiences to elevate your day, not only providing you with top-class racing, but top-class dining.
Facts About The Cheltenham Festival:
Facts About The Cheltenham Festival:- Over 8000 gallons of tea & coffee is served
- 9 tons of potatoes are consumed during the festival
- 45,000 afternoon teas are served
- The maximum capacity is 70,000 people
- Average of 45,000 bread rolls consumed
- 18,000 bottles of champagne
- 220,000 pints of Guinness
- An average of 350 chefs on site
- The national Hunt Chase is The Festival’s longest race, at 21,120 feet
- 100 helicopter movements per day
- 22 fences jumped during the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Hospitality Packages for The Festival 2022
Chez Roux
Located in the longest three-story temporary structure every built in Europe, Chez Roux provides a fine dining experience offering guests the very best in cuisine. Watch some of the best Jump racing in the world while enjoying an exquisite four course menu from the world-renowned chef, Michel Roux Jnr. Enjoy the private balcony with iconic and exceptional views of Cleeve Hill and the racecourse, accompanied by delicious food and drinks throughout the day.
Prices starting from £685 pp + VAT
Final Fence
An elegant, modern restaurant situated at the heart of The Village, right next to the buzzing Guinness Village. With views overlooking the final fence, as the name suggests, so you can see the horses jump before they race up the hill to the Winning Post. This premium fine dining space offers a four-course grand buffet and afternoon tea, all accompanied by the complimentary bar available throughout the day. The private balcony provides elevated views of the course, so you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Prices starting from £565 PP + VAT
The Horse and Groom Restaurant Experience
This unique restaurant provides a pub experience, offering a relaxed and charming space with horseracing at its heart. Named in honour of the racecourse’s sporting roots, punters’ have a view overlooking the final two fences on the private balcony. Sampling a flight of beer, choosing your drinks at the bar and making a trip to the themed food offering carts are some of the highlights of this elevated and unique pub experience. Breakfast bites upon arrival, a three course a la carte pub lunch and the best of British savoury afternoon tea make this experience even more special, in addition to the all-important complimentary bar.
Prices starting from £570 PP + VAT
Treat your guests, clients or family to one of our luxury hospitality packages and experience the very best of Cheltenham.
We are now on sale for Cheltenham 2022 – explore our hospitality packages now and guarantee your place today.
