Cheltenham Racecourse is preparing to bring down the curtain on its 2024/25 season with a vibrant and memorable finale on Friday, May 2nd, 2025. The event marks the only evening meeting of the year at this iconic racing venue and promises a unique blend of thrilling jump racing and live entertainment. With seven races on the card and the first set to go off at 4:35 PM, it’s set to be an unforgettable night for racing fans and casual attendees alike.
The gates open to the public from 3:00 PM, giving racegoers ample time to soak in the festive atmosphere. The action on the turf begins with the Bottlegreen Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase, a Class 5 race run over a distance of two miles and half a furlong. As anticipation builds, the second contest follows at 5:10 PM—the Venatour Sports Travel Intermediate Point-To-Point Hunters’ Chase. This Class 4 race stretches across three miles and two furlongs, offering a challenging test for the competitors.
Next on the schedule at 5:45 PM is the Junior Jumpers Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase, another Class 4 event covering three miles and one and a half furlongs. This race provides a platform for up-and-coming talents to shine on one of jump racing’s grandest stages. The centerpiece of the evening, however, arrives at 6:20 PM—the Jonathan Neesom Memorial Mixed Open Hunters’ Chase. Run over three miles and two and a half furlongs, this Class 4 steeplechase serves as the highlight of the night and is expected to attract a top-quality field.
As the evening progresses, the excitement remains high with the Cheltenham and South West Racing Club Mares’ Open Hunters’ Chase at 6:55 PM. This race, spanning three miles and one and a half furlongs, shines a spotlight on talented mares and their riders. At 7:30 PM, the stamina-testing Brooklands Watches Golden Miller Chronograph Open Hunters’ Chase will cover an extended trip of four miles and half a furlong. Known for its demanding distance, this Class 4 race will challenge even the most experienced combinations.
The season concludes with the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase, a Class 5 contest set over two miles and four and a half furlongs. Scheduled for 8:05 PM, this final race will officially close the curtain on another memorable season at Cheltenham.
While racing takes center stage, the entertainment lineup ensures the day becomes a broader celebration. From 4:45 PM, popular musician Richard James will perform live in the Tattersalls Sales Arena, setting the tone for an upbeat evening. After the final race, the local favorites, The Chip Shop Boys, will deliver a high-energy performance that shifts the crowd’s focus from the track to the dance floor, closing out the night on a festive note.
The evening is not only a showcase for racing excellence but also an opportunity for amateur riders and trainers to step into the spotlight. For many, it will be a rare and cherished chance to compete at the historic home of jump racing. With a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere, including free entry for children under eighteen and a range of enclosures to explore, the event caters to both seasoned racing fans and first-time visitors.
As Cheltenham bids farewell to the 2024/25 season, this twilight fixture serves as a perfect summary of what the venue represents—elite jump racing, vibrant community spirit, and unforgettable entertainment. Whether you’re there for the thrill of the chase or the live performances, it’s an event not to be missed.
