There was a ripple of excitement in the Cotswolds this morning as Cheltenham Racecourse confirmed a raft of improvements designed to elevate the racegoer experience ahead of the 2025/26 season. For many, the announcement carried the same anticipation as a big race unveiling, with chief executive Guy Lavender declaring the “Home of Jump Racing” is ready to raise its standards once more.
Lavender, who oversaw his first Festival at the helm earlier this year, spoke with conviction about his long-term vision. “Cheltenham is the jewel in the crown of Jump racing, and we want racegoers to feel they are stepping into somewhere truly special from the moment that they arrive,” he said. His passion was clear, underscored by a determination to ensure The Festival remains one of Britain’s landmark sporting occasions.
A Season of Change at Cheltenham Racecourse
Among the most eye-catching adjustments is a reduction in daily capacity at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, down from 68,500 to 66,000. The move, based on extensive racegoer feedback, is aimed at easing congestion and making journeys to and from the racecourse smoother.
Fans will also welcome news that drinks restrictions in the Club Enclosure have been lifted, allowing customers to enjoy more freedom as they circulate. Coupled with a long-awaited reduction in bar prices — including a pint of Guinness back to £7.50, its 2022 level — Cheltenham hopes to strike the right balance between value and quality.
The popular Tented Village will debut a new covered food court, while the Main Grandstand’s Cottage Rake and Mill House bars will merge into a fresh venue called Prestbury View. Other dining areas are also being redesigned to highlight local produce and sustainability.
In terms of atmosphere, a major upgrade to the public address system promises clearer commentary across the track, while improved Racecourse TV coverage will offer fans sharper visuals and more data during race days.
The Return of Ladies Day
Perhaps the most nostalgic change is the revival of Ladies Day on the Wednesday of The Festival. Absent since 2019, the occasion will once again blend fashion and racing, complete with Style Awards worth over ÂŁ10,000 and support from partners including Debenhams, Holland Cooper, BetMGM, and Boodles. Rosie Tapner will host the morning festivities with music and racing insight, ensuring the day gets underway in celebratory style.
Value and Access
Ticketing has been another focal point. The popular “Super Early Bird” and tiered pricing windows remain in place, giving fans the chance to secure Festival tickets from as little as £35. Meanwhile, the “Room to Race” initiative — aimed at tackling spiralling hotel costs — will expand after a strong uptake last year, offering racegoers affordable accommodation packages in partnership with Venatour.
Looking Ahead
While these announcements focus on the racegoer experience, Lavender confirmed that the Festival race programme itself remains under review, with minor tweaks still possible. But the message was clear: Cheltenham is determined to keep evolving.
“These changes are about making people feel welcome and valued,” Lavender said. “From the first step onto the racecourse to the last, we want every racegoer to feel part of something extraordinary.”
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