No.131’s Guide to the Cheltenham Festival
7th March 2024
The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of the jump racing season, where history will be made, records broken and dreams will come true. Taking place from 12th-15th March at Cheltenham Racecourse, it’s a thrilling occasion, with a level of excitement that is hard to beat. Here, we give you all you need to know about this spectacular event.
The schedule
There are 28 races across the four days, with seven races a day, including four Championship races at 15.30 each day.
Day One
The first feature race is the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy. Running over a length of two miles and half a furlong, it’s an exhilarating contest for 2m hurdlers and has been won by some of the greats, including Sea Pigeon, Persian War, Night Nurse and Istabraq. Last year, Marine National came home in style for trainer Barry Connell but a suspensory strain has scuppered all hopes of running so the trophy is up for grabs.
Day Two
The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase is today’s key race. Named after the Queen Mother in recognition of her support to jump racing, it’s two miles of white-knuckle sporting action with 13 fences. Irish raider Energumene, who has won the past two years, is also out for the season due to an injury, which leaves the gate wide open for a new winner.
Day Three
Otherwise known as ‘St Patrick’s Thursday’, it’s all about Ireland today, with two exceptional races: The Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Stayer’s Hurdle. Both races are super tough and have produced inspiring winners. Last year, Envoi Allen triumphed, giving a second victory to trainer Henry de Bromhead in the Ryanair Chase while Sire Du Berlais toughed it out and won the Stayer’s Hurdle for the Cheltenham Festival’s most successful owner of all time JP McManus.
Day Four
Gold Cup Day and the day we’ve all been waiting for. The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is the biggest prize at the Cheltenham Festival and, this year, the excitement has been taken to another level, with the race celebrating its centenary. Get ready for jump racing’s most major names to battle it out – in 2023, black gelding Galopin Des Champs won Jump Racing’s blue ribband race for trainer Willie Mullins. The big question is can he do it again?
Dress code
There is no official dress code but dress to impress. However, beware, the weather can still be wintery so wrap up warm. Women tend to wear a dress and a hat particularly on Ladies Day (Wednesday), when the brighter the outfit the better. High heels are, of course, tempting but you’ll probably be standing for hours so bring a pair of flats too. Men usually wear a suit to the festival but, once again, don’t forget the elements and bring a coat or umbrella. St Patrick’s Thursday opens the door for fancy dress for those who wish to take the plunge.
Where to stay
No.131, our trio of Georgian townhouses on The Promenade, is in the heart of Cheltenham – and the perfect base for attending The Festival. There are 36 beautiful bedrooms, from our elegantly-styled Cosy rooms to Very Good rooms, which combine Georgian features with modern design, and our spacious Family rooms to Super Suite with its gorgeous roll-top bath. Couple that with No.131’s spectacular food, from a sumptuous breakfast to set you up for the day to seasonal fare on the Terrace to exquisite Japanese sushi at our fine-dining experience YOKU, ‘Our Very Own Winners’ Enclosure’ and the most coveted seat in town.
How to get to the festival
Cheltenham Racecourse is an easy five-minute drive from Cheltenham Town Centre. There are several car parks – but buy your parking in advance to make sure you get a spot. For those planning on enjoying a tipple or two or three, the Cheltenham Spa train station is only a short bus ride away from the racecourse and buses depart regularly, dropping passengers off at the main entrance.
