CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025
The Cheltenham Festival is an experience like no other, where every moment pulses with energy and excitement.
From the energy and thrill of Champion Day, to the stylish elegance of Style Wednesday, every day at Cheltenham is charged with an electric atmosphere. St Patrick's Thursday brings the joy and spirit of the Emerald Isle to life while Gold Cup Day bring the festival to a close with unforgettable drama and glory.
From the anticipation, the roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and the rush of emotion as the world’s finest horses and jockeys battle for supremacy — there truly is nothing that feels like Cheltenham.
From the energy and thrill of Champion Day, to the stylish elegance of Style Wednesday, every day at Cheltenham is charged with an electric atmosphere. St Patrick's Thursday brings the joy and spirit of the Emerald Isle to life while Gold Cup Day bring the festival to a close with unforgettable drama and glory.
From the anticipation, the roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and the rush of emotion as the world’s finest horses and jockeys battle for supremacy — there truly is nothing that feels like Cheltenham.
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THE BEST CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEWS
Official Cheltenham Preview Evening
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Cheltenham Festival Preview Dinner
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ON THE TRACK
There's no better place to start than the big race itself. To many, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the biggest prize of the all and the incredible Galopin Des Champs has won the last two years and bids to emulate Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate and win it three times. His performance at the 2025 Dublin Racing Festival was nothing short of spectacular and it's hard to see him getting beaten of all goes to plan.
After missing last year's festival, all eyes will be on Constitution Hill to see if he can regain his Champion Hurdle Crown from State Man. Bar the last obstacle, Constitution Hill put in a blistering performance on Festival Trials Day but will face a stiffer test in March, although the Irish Champion Hurdle didn't tell us too much about his Irish competition, with Lossiemouth falling and State Man cruising to an unopposed victory.
Wednesday will see Jonbon’s date with destiny in the BetMGM Gueen Mother Champion Chase. He hasn't put a foot wrong all season, but as we know, the Cheltenham Festival is a different challenge altogether.
After missing last year's festival, all eyes will be on Constitution Hill to see if he can regain his Champion Hurdle Crown from State Man. Bar the last obstacle, Constitution Hill put in a blistering performance on Festival Trials Day but will face a stiffer test in March, although the Irish Champion Hurdle didn't tell us too much about his Irish competition, with Lossiemouth falling and State Man cruising to an unopposed victory.
Wednesday will see Jonbon’s date with destiny in the BetMGM Gueen Mother Champion Chase. He hasn't put a foot wrong all season, but as we know, the Cheltenham Festival is a different challenge altogether.
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LOCAL HORSES TO FOLLOW AT THE FESTIVAL
Four out of the Top 10 trainers in the UK are from the Cotswolds. However, that means very little when it comes to the Cheltenham Festival and the Irish descend on the Home of Jump Racing.
Ben Pauling announced the sad news that The Jukebox Man would miss the rest of the season when a possible favourite for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
Perhaps his best chances throughout the week will be Diva Luna in the Mares' Novices Hurdle, Henry's Friend in the Ultima and Fiercely Proud if he runs in the Coral Cup or County Hurdle.
Potters Charm disappointed on Festival Trials, but the Twiston-Davies team are still very positive about his ability and he holds entries in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday and the Turners Novices' Hurdle on the Wednesday, with the latter being the most likely target.
After four seconds, Gowel Road finally got his head in front at Cheltenham in January and holds an entry for the Pertemps and Stayers' Hurdle on the Thursday. Master Chewy and Matata are both contenders in the Grand Annual Chase on the Wednesday, with the former coming out on top in their recent clash at Newbury.
The O'Neill team have had a very strong season and might just be the best chance of a local winner with the likes of Springwell Bay who won in emphatic style at Cheltenham on New Year's Day having multiple entries. Johnnywho, Bill Joyce, Crebilly, Hasthing and their recent purchase Peaky Boy may also feature, however, Aintree is more appealing for some of them. Monbeg Genius holds an entry in the Ultima and Kim Muir, but might head straight to the Grand National.
With the sad news that Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls' stable star Chianti Classico suffered a career-ending injury, Trelawne and Moon Rocket will probably be the yards' best chances of a winner during the Festival.
For Fergal O'Brien, Sixmilebridge impressed at Cheltenham in January when beating Potters Charm and holds and entry in both the Supreme and Turners Novices' Hurdle, with the latter his probable target. We expect to see both Crambo (Stayers) and Dysart Enos (Mares' Hurdle), but it will be a tough ask for both of them facing stiff competition from across the Irish Sea.
With all this said, some of the above horses will skip Cheltenham and head straight to Aintree, and others will be dictated by the ground.
Ben Pauling announced the sad news that The Jukebox Man would miss the rest of the season when a possible favourite for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
Perhaps his best chances throughout the week will be Diva Luna in the Mares' Novices Hurdle, Henry's Friend in the Ultima and Fiercely Proud if he runs in the Coral Cup or County Hurdle.
Potters Charm disappointed on Festival Trials, but the Twiston-Davies team are still very positive about his ability and he holds entries in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday and the Turners Novices' Hurdle on the Wednesday, with the latter being the most likely target.
After four seconds, Gowel Road finally got his head in front at Cheltenham in January and holds an entry for the Pertemps and Stayers' Hurdle on the Thursday. Master Chewy and Matata are both contenders in the Grand Annual Chase on the Wednesday, with the former coming out on top in their recent clash at Newbury.
The O'Neill team have had a very strong season and might just be the best chance of a local winner with the likes of Springwell Bay who won in emphatic style at Cheltenham on New Year's Day having multiple entries. Johnnywho, Bill Joyce, Crebilly, Hasthing and their recent purchase Peaky Boy may also feature, however, Aintree is more appealing for some of them. Monbeg Genius holds an entry in the Ultima and Kim Muir, but might head straight to the Grand National.
With the sad news that Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls' stable star Chianti Classico suffered a career-ending injury, Trelawne and Moon Rocket will probably be the yards' best chances of a winner during the Festival.
For Fergal O'Brien, Sixmilebridge impressed at Cheltenham in January when beating Potters Charm and holds and entry in both the Supreme and Turners Novices' Hurdle, with the latter his probable target. We expect to see both Crambo (Stayers) and Dysart Enos (Mares' Hurdle), but it will be a tough ask for both of them facing stiff competition from across the Irish Sea.
With all this said, some of the above horses will skip Cheltenham and head straight to Aintree, and others will be dictated by the ground.
POST RACING
There is more entertainment than ever before with multiple stages around Cheltenham Racecourse, both during and post racing.
Step into the heart of the action at The Guinness Village, to feel the infectious energy of Irish favourites – from traditional ballads to foot-stomping anthems. As a fantastic day of racing draws to a close, a greatest hits post-racing set promises the perfect way to round off the day.
If singing along to feel good favourites sounds like your cup of tea, head to Quevega's Bar to soak up the good times.
For those looking to indulge in something a little more refined, The Champagne Bar offers the perfect backdrop of smooth jazz throughout the day and into the evening. Similarly, The Centaur offers laidback acoustic melodies, perfect for a more relaxed post-racing experience.
Step into the heart of the action at The Guinness Village, to feel the infectious energy of Irish favourites – from traditional ballads to foot-stomping anthems. As a fantastic day of racing draws to a close, a greatest hits post-racing set promises the perfect way to round off the day.
If singing along to feel good favourites sounds like your cup of tea, head to Quevega's Bar to soak up the good times.
For those looking to indulge in something a little more refined, The Champagne Bar offers the perfect backdrop of smooth jazz throughout the day and into the evening. Similarly, The Centaur offers laidback acoustic melodies, perfect for a more relaxed post-racing experience.
AWAY FROM THE COURSE
Just outside Cheltenham, Dunkertons Park is a brilliant place to carry on the party, with live music, DJs and an abundance of street-food to fuel you evening after racing.
Back in town for post race drinks, head to Sandford Park Alehouse, Gin & Juice and The Retreat, or perhaps head to Bath Road where there are a number of bars and pubs to explore.
If clubbing is you thing, then there is a lot of choice, We could go through them, but you will probably just end up in Popworld anyway!
Back in town for post race drinks, head to Sandford Park Alehouse, Gin & Juice and The Retreat, or perhaps head to Bath Road where there are a number of bars and pubs to explore.
If clubbing is you thing, then there is a lot of choice, We could go through them, but you will probably just end up in Popworld anyway!
IMPROVED EXPERIENCE AT CHELTENHAM
After the challenges posed by the elements at last year's festival, Cheltenham have made a significant investment in improving their car parking facilities to ensure smoother access and convenience for all guests, regardless of the conditions.
They have also made changes to their existing policy to make it easier for you to enjoy drinks on the go and in a wider variety of places, so you never miss a moment of the action, as well as upgrading their bar facilities.
To enhance the experience for racegoers have invested in several of their bars, offering more seating and options.
In the Main Grandstand, you will find the Winged Ox Bar and the Betting Hall facility being prioritised. These two areas will become a Sports Bar style space.
To help racegoers find food and beverages at all price points while on site, a ‘Meal Deal’ concept has been introduced. There will be a selection of hot and cold food options accompanied with a drink available across their retail outlets and a cold meal deal at their coffee shops.
The Multi-Day ticket offers are great ways to save on the first three days of the Cheltenham Festival.
And finally to one of our favourites, the walk over to the centre of the cross-country course is back this season. Its an amazing experience to get up close to the action and see legendary horses like Tiger Roll, Balthazar King and Delta Work. Please note that bad weather or ground concerns may prevent you from crossing the course, this will be communicated on the day.
You can see all of their upgrades HERE or click on the Insta reel below.
They have also made changes to their existing policy to make it easier for you to enjoy drinks on the go and in a wider variety of places, so you never miss a moment of the action, as well as upgrading their bar facilities.
To enhance the experience for racegoers have invested in several of their bars, offering more seating and options.
In the Main Grandstand, you will find the Winged Ox Bar and the Betting Hall facility being prioritised. These two areas will become a Sports Bar style space.
To help racegoers find food and beverages at all price points while on site, a ‘Meal Deal’ concept has been introduced. There will be a selection of hot and cold food options accompanied with a drink available across their retail outlets and a cold meal deal at their coffee shops.
The Multi-Day ticket offers are great ways to save on the first three days of the Cheltenham Festival.
And finally to one of our favourites, the walk over to the centre of the cross-country course is back this season. Its an amazing experience to get up close to the action and see legendary horses like Tiger Roll, Balthazar King and Delta Work. Please note that bad weather or ground concerns may prevent you from crossing the course, this will be communicated on the day.
You can see all of their upgrades HERE or click on the Insta reel below.
TRAVEL
NEW PARK & RIDE FROM ARLE COURT
Located directly off Junction 11 of the M5, the park & ride service provides a bus service from Arle
Court to the Transport Hub at The Cheltenham Festival.
The service runs every 15 minutes from 09:15 to 14:30 to the racecourse, return journeys to Arle
Court start from 16:00, until 19:30.
Tickets are £15 per car/day and permit passengers to a return journey to and from the racecourse.
Journey time is approximately 20 minutes, this may increase in the instance of heavy traffic.
Outbound buses will leave from BAY 1 at Arle Court.
Return buses will leave from our day-to-day P&R area at the racecourse.
Facilities at Arle Court include:
CCTV and security
Baby changing
Toilets
Refreshments
Indoor and outdoor waiting areas
Real time departure information
SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
There is a dedicated shuttle bus service for The Cheltenham Festival provided by Stagecoach. The shuttle bus service will operate between:
· Cheltenham Spa Railway Station
· Cheltenham Town Centre and
. The Racecourse (South Car Park)
NATIONAL EXPRESS
National Express coach travel is available from over 20 pick-up locations.
The executive coaches include loos, ample leg room and comfortable seats.
With tickets from just £33 it’s a very cost-effective way of getting to the festival. National Express customers will be dropped off just a couple of minutes from the festival gates making it one of the quickest ways to get to and from the Festival and beat the queues!
Check out all the travel options HERE.
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE MAP
