Cheltenham, a town rich in architectural heritage in Gloucestershire, England, is home to several renowned festivals celebrating literature, music, film, food, and horse racing. Among them, the Cheltenham Festival stands out as a premier event in National Hunt racing. Held at the Cheltenham Racecourse in Prestbury Park, this four-day spectacle features 28 fiercely contested races, where top-class British and Irish-trained horses compete for prestigious titles and substantial prize money. The festival, which takes place annually in March, is famous for its electrifying atmosphere, highlighted by the ‘Cheltenham Roar’ a deafening cheer from the crowd as the first race begins. The event attracts thousands of visitors, including owners, trainers, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts, all eager to witness moments of glory unfold on the hallowed turf.
The origins of horse racing in Cheltenham date back centuries. The first documented race took place in 1815 on Nottingham Hill as a flat race, but by 1818, the event had moved to Cleeve Hill, drawing larger crowds and growing in popularity. However, this success was met with resistance. In 1829, a local priest led a protest against gambling and horse racing, resulting in violent disruptions. Protesters threw missiles at jockeys and horses, set parts of the racecourse on fire, and temporarily halted the festival. Determined to keep the tradition alive, supporters and wealthy patrons helped revive the races, leading to the establishment of Prestbury Park as the festival’s permanent home in the 1830s. Over time, new races were introduced, including the National Hunt Chase in 1860, the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1924, the Champion Hurdle in 1927, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1959, all of which elevated the festival’s stature in the racing world.
The Jockey Club, established in 1750 as British horse racing’s governing body, played a crucial role in shaping the festival’s rules and organization. However, in 2006, its regulatory responsibilities were transferred to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), though the Jockey Club remains the owner and operator of 15 racecourses, including Cheltenham, Aintree, and Epsom Downs. Today, the festival continues to grow in stature, maintaining its reputation as one of the most prestigious jump racing events in the world.
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival is set to take place from March 11 to March 14, offering a thrilling lineup of races and celebrations. The fixture begins with Champion Day, where the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a Grade 1 two-mile contest, takes center stage. Other key races include the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Arkle Challenge Trophy, and the Ultima Handicap Chase, where rising stars showcase their potential. The second day, known as Style Wednesday or Ladies’ Day, blends elite racing with high fashion as racegoers dress in their finest attire. The highlight of the day is the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, a premier two-mile chase, along with the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, and the Coral Cup, adding to the excitement.
The festival reaches its midway point with St. Patrick’s Thursday, a day that attracts strong participation from Irish trainers and jockeys. The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, a three-mile test for long-distance hurdlers, is the feature race, while the Turners Novices’ Chase, the Ryanair Chase, and the Pertemps Network Final also promise fierce competition. The festival’s grand finale comes on Gold Cup Day, the most anticipated event of the week, where top-class chasers battle for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. This day also features the JCB Triumph Hurdle, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, and the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup, which gives amateur jockeys a chance to shine.
The Cheltenham Festival has produced legendary performances over the years, with many horses, jockeys, and trainers etching their names into history. Arkle dominated the Gold Cup with three consecutive victories, showcasing his remarkable jumping ability. Quevega reigned supreme in the Mares’ Hurdle, securing six consecutive wins and cementing her place among the greats. Ruby Walsh remains the most successful jockey in the festival’s history, with 59 wins to his name, while Rachael Blackmore made history as the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle in 2021. Among trainers, Willie Mullins has enjoyed unmatched success with over 90 festival victories, while Gordon Elliott has made a name for himself with triumphs in prestigious races, particularly in the cross-country discipline.
Known as the Olympics of Jump Racing, the Cheltenham Festival continues to be a stage where champions are made. With a vibrant betting scene adding to the thrill, spectators carefully analyze form and place wagers in hopes of backing a winner. For those unable to attend in person, the festival’s first six races each day will be broadcast live on ITV, ensuring that fans across the world can witness the action.
