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Each March, the Cheltenham Festival arrives with the subtlety of a cavalry charge in tweed. The horses are magnificent. The betting slips optimistic. And thousands of otherwise rational adults become expert armchair jockeys and trainers and fluent in ground conditions. For four days, Cleeve Hill echoes with deafening roars, urgent bookmakers and voices insisting their horse “just needed another fifty yards". To thrive rather than merely survive requires preparation. This is that guide. 1. Dress for the Weather That Actually Exists March in Gloucestershire is committed to unpredictability. Bring layers. Tweed is traditional. Waterproofing is advisable. The secret is to appear as though you have just stepped off a country estate, while quietly knowing you are prepared for horizontal rain. 2. Guinness Is a Social Beverage Official scientific consensus has not yet confirmed that Guinness tastes better at the Cheltenham Festival. Bar Willie Mullins, it may be the most beloved thing to cross the Irish Sea during festival week. It is the Festival’s unofficial diplomatic beverage; a pint that encourages conversation, softens racing disagreements, and allows strangers to share opinions without feeling any particular urgency to prove they are right. Hold it. Enjoy it, and let the afternoon take its course. 3. Remember That Everyone Becomes a Racing Expert Cheltenham has a curious social democracy. Bankers discuss breeding lines with farmers. City lawyers explain hurdle technique to people who have actually ridden horses. Smile politely. Nod. Return your attention to the racing. 4. Set a Budget Before You Start Betting Only bet what you can afford to lose and don't not chase losses. The 20/1 shot that “definitely had something about it” is not responsible for your savings account. Festival optimism is a beautiful thing. Financial regret is less so 5. Wear Proper Shoes (This One Matters More Than You Think) You may walk between the rails, the parade ring, the bar, and back again while wondering where the afternoon went. You might easily reach 20,000 steps. You do not want to achieve this in footwear that believes comfort is a myth. Festival racing is endurance sport. Dress accordingly. 6. The Horses And Jockeys Do Not Need Your Feedback Shouting advice to jockeys is unnecessary. The horses are elite athletes. They are already aware that there is a fence. Your emotional investment is appreciated but operationally irrelevant. 7. Make Sure You Eat Breakfast A Cheltenham afternoon begins long before the first race. A proper breakfast is essential. By all means, have a pint of Guinness with it if tradition demands. The Festival is an endurance sport and requires good stamina and a full belly. 8. Visit the Parade Ring (Highly Recommended) Spend time near the parade and pre-parade rings before the races begin. Stand quietly and watch the horses walk. You will notice how big and powerful they are, yet how calm and graceful they appear when moving slowly across the paddock. These are extraordinary athletes who will steal your heart. After the race, find you place to cheer in the winner, and applaud the runners up. The Festival is as much about appreciating extraordinary horses as it is about watching them compete. 9. Avoid the “Cheap Suit Festival Look” Nobody wants to appear as though they have just left a minor legal hearing. Tweed, countryside colours, or smart casual layers are preferred. You are attending racing heritage, not a job interview. 10. Study the Form… Or Follow Your Heart You can spend hours analysing racing statistics, or you can choose a horse because you like: The colour The number The name Or the vague feeling that it looks like a winner At the Cheltenham Festival, any horse can win. Expertise is optional, enjoyment is not. 11. Visit the Guinness Village No visit to the Cheltenham Festival is complete without the annual pilgrimage to The Guinness Village. People arrive as strangers and leave as temporary lifelong friends, and it's a place you should visit at least once. Singing is expected. Dancing is encouraged. Musical accuracy is entirely irrelevant, and should the band play Mr Brightside, dignity may be abandoned in favour of enthusiasm. 12. Do Not Call It “Holland and Cooper” You will see many people wearing beautiful tweed at the Cheltenham Festival. The brand is usually Holland Cooper, founded by Jade Holland Cooper. Not “Holland and Cooper”. These small details matter in countryside fashion. 12. Get a Steak Sandwich If hunger appears, proceed to the parade ring and locate Carbonis. Their steak sandwich is not merely food, it is strategic Festival infrastructure. The 5oz 30-day aged English ribeye in toasted sourdough with Dijon mayo and beetroot leaves exists to remind you that civilisation is possible even in March weather. You will not regret it. 10pm-you will send gratitude. 13. Enter the Shopping Village With Caution The shopping village is a carefully designed temptation zone. You will see things you did not know you needed and will suddenly believe you have always wanted them. It happens every year. The correct strategy is: Admire. Consider. Buy something nice. Support the small businesses inside. Walk away feeling culturally enriched and slightly lighter in wallet weight. Resistance is admirable but not required. 14. Above All, Appreciate the Horses The true heroes of the Cheltenham Festival are not the betting slips, they are the horses. The true success of the Cheltenham Festival is measured not in winnings alone, it is about witnessing athletic courage against gravity, the hill, and history. It is found in conversations on the journey home, the memory of a race where a horse travelled like poetry, and the feeling that you've just witnessed greatness in equine form. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that... your (not entirely) essential guide to surviving the Cheltenham Festival. The Cheltenham Festival is not about being the loudest person in the crowd, or the person who knows the most about form, breeding, or ground conditions. It is about standing in the March air watching extraordinary horses do extraordinary things. It is about horses jumping fences with grace and power, crowds rising in shared anticipation, and the countryside itself feeling momentarily alive with sport. Come for the racing, stay for the atmosphere and celebrate the horses. If your selections win, enjoy the moment. If they do not, remember that you have spent a day in the company of extraordinary athletes, good company, and one of Britain’s finest sporting events. The Festival is not simply watched, it's experienced. And that is why people return year after year. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival 
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The Cheltenham Festival remains the pinnacle of the National Hunt season; four days where the finest horses, jockeys and trainers from Britain and Ireland meet at Prestbury Park for jump racing at its very best. If you are planning to attend in 2026, or simply want to follow the action properly, here is everything you need to know. What is the Cheltenham Festival? The Festival is the championship meeting of National Hunt racing. Every division has its defining contest here, from the Champion Hurdle to the Gold Cup, and winning at Cheltenham defines careers - both equine and human. Across four days - Champion Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Thursday and Gold Cup Day - the meeting combines elite sport with an unmistakable atmosphere. When is the Cheltenham Festival 2026? The 2026 Festival runs from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Four days. 28 races. Countless stories. The Showcase Races Each Day Each day has a headline act. These are the two biggest races on each card: Tuesday: Champion Day Champion Hurdle Supreme Novices' Hurdle Wednesday: Ladies Day Queen Mother Champion Chase Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Thursday: St Patrick’s Thursday Stayers' Hurdle Ryanair Chase Friday: Gold Cup Day Cheltenham Gold Cup Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle What Time Does Racing Start Each Day? Gates open from 10:30am. The first race is usually run at 1:20pm, with the final race around 5:20pm. It is worth arriving early, particularly if you want to spend time exploring the course and around the parade ring before the opening race. What Time Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup? The Gold Cup, the defining race of the week, is run at 4:00pm on Friday 13th March 2026. It is the moment the entire meeting builds towards. Can I still buy tickets? Yes, but it pays not to leave it too late as Tuesday and Friday often sell out. You can purchase official tickets here - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival Which Enclosure should I choose? Cheltenham offers three main public enclosures: Club Enclosure The most premium general admission option. Access to the main grandstand, parade ring, winners’ enclosure and exclusive facilities. Tattersalls Enclosure Lively, sociable and well positioned near the finishing straight and Guinness Village. A popular choice. Best Mate Enclosure Opposite the main grandstand, offering excellent views of horses climbing the famous Cheltenham hill. How Much Do Tickets Cost? Ticket prices at Cheltenham Racecourse vary depending on day and enclosure. General admission in the Tattersalls and Best Mate enclosures is more accessible, while the Club Enclosure commands a premium. Gold Cup Day is the most expensive and in highest demand, often costing several times more than Tuesday or Wednesday. Hospitality packages, which include fine dining and reserved seating, are priced accordingly. Which horses and Jockeys should I follow? While final declarations will be confirmed closer to the meeting, several leading names are already prominent in ante-post discussion: Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File and Haiti Couleurs are three you could look out for in the Gold Cup, however our eyes will be on The Jukebox Man for local trainer Ben Pauling. Lossiemouth has a choice of two races, while we wait to see if Constitution Hill will run in the Champion Hurdle. Potential superstars during the week include Old Park Star, The New Lion and Arkle favourite Lulamba. Among jockeys, keep an eye on Paul Townend who rides for Willie Mullins who himself has dominated the Cheltenham Festival in recent years. Closer to home, Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson, The Skelton brothers and Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones will be the ones to watch. Cheltenham has a habit of elevating new stars, but proven Festival form always counts. What Are the Food and Drink Options on Site? The Festival caters to a wide range of tastes and there is something for everyone. Street-food vendors, coffee stands, and traditional pubs within the Guinness Village provide variety, while hospitality packages offer multiple-course meals and premium beverage selections. The 2026 Cheltenham Festival has made several improvements to ensure that dining and refreshment on course are both convenient and enjoyable. Meal Deals Introduced this season, the Festival Meal Deal gives racegoers the chance to enjoy a hot main, a side, and a drink for £15 — excellent value for a substantial and satisfying meal between races. It is available in the following locations: Best Mate Enclosure
Tattersalls Enclosure
Club Enclosure
All of the above provide extensive seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal comfortably while watching the action unfold. Three new bar areas introduced during the 2025 Festival remain key social hubs for 2026: Winning Post Bar Previously known as the Persian War, this bar is located in the Main Grandstand by the finishing post — ideal for toasting the day’s winners. Home Straight Bar Formerly the Winged Ox, situated in the heart of the Main Grandstand. A great spot for refreshments and atmosphere as races pass by. Sales Arena Bar Now featuring live music between races, adding energy and vibrancy to the Festival experience. Can I have a bet on course? The Festival is synonymous with betting. Bookmakers are positioned across all enclosures, from the parade ring to the grandstand. Many now offer cashless payment options alongside traditional cash betting. Mobile betting apps are widely used, and there is often expert advice available on course to guide newcomers. What Else Can I Enjoy at the Festival? Cheltenham is far more than the racing itself. The Parade Ring Arrive early and watch the horses before each race. The parade ring offers a close look at the contenders and a chance to assess condition, temperament and presence before they head to post. Live Music Across the course, particularly in the Guinness Village, live bands and Irish music create a lively post-racing atmosphere. Shopping The Shopping Village features countrywear, artisan goods, racing memorabilia and premium brands, ideal if you want to invest in something suitably Cotswold. Can I Get Hospitality? Yes, and it is highly recommended if you want a more refined experience. Hospitality packages range from course-side restaurants to private boxes and premium marquees. Expect fine dining, dedicated betting facilities and excellent viewing areas. Early booking is essential. What Should I Wear? There is no official dress code, but Cheltenham style is part of the experience. Think:
March weather can be unpredictable. Sensible footwear is advised, particularly if you plan to do lots of walking between races. What Happens If It Rains? March in the Cotswolds can be unpredictable. Waterproofs, good footwear and layered clothing are advised. The racecourse is well-drained, and racing continues in wet weather. Hospitality marquees provide shelter, and bars and food outlets are designed to operate under any conditions. Cheltenham manages the elements well, allowing spectators to enjoy the Festival regardless of the sky. What Is the Guinness Village? The Guinness Village is a dedicated area within the Club Enclosure of the racecourse, known for live music, Irish hospitality and, naturally, plenty of Guinness. It is one of the liveliest areas on course and one of the easiest places to get a drink quickly! Can I Take My Drink Around the Course? Yes, and the experience is now considerably more relaxed than in previous seasons. Following successful trials during the 2024 and 2025 Festivals, Cheltenham Racecourse has lifted all remaining drinks restrictions within the Club Enclosure for the 2025/26 season. In practical terms, this means racegoers in the Club Enclosure can move more freely around the course with their drinks in hand, whether heading to watch horses in the parade ring or stepping out to the grandstand to watch the race. Does it get busy? Yes, the Cheltenham Festival is inevitably a busy occasion, but there are measures in place to make the experience more comfortable. For 2026, the overall capacity has been slightly reduced from 68,500 to 66,000 spectators per day. This change comes after careful consideration of racegoer feedback, with the aim of easing congestion and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for everyone. It remains a bustling event, but more spacious and comfortable than in previous years. Planning your arrival and knowing where to move on course will help you enjoy the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed. What Is the Prestbury Cup? The Prestbury Cup is the informal competition between British and Irish trainers across all 28 Festival races. National pride is very much at stake. Can I Meet Jockeys or Trainers? Direct interaction is limited. The parade ring is the closest opportunity to see trainers and jockeys before and after races. Hospitality packages may include brief access to trainers’ areas, but autographs and personal interaction are rare during the event itself. Observing quietly and respectfully is the accepted custom. Where Can I Watch the Cheltenham Festival? Obviously, being at Cheltenham Racecourse is, without question, the best way to experience it. If you cannot attend: ITV provides free-to-air coverage of selected races and Racing TV offers full coverage of every race. How Do I Get to the Cheltenham Festival? By Car Pre-book your car parking pass in advance, they sell out quickly. Park & Ride Official park and ride services operate throughout the Festival and are often the simplest option. By Train Cheltenham Spa station is well connected, with taxis and buses running to the racecourse. Plan ahead is our best advice. Where Should I Go After Racing? Many racegoers walk from the course into Cheltenham town centre. We recommend: The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power is a proper racing pub with an amazing atmosphere. Live music each night, and if there is a local winner, this will be the place to be! Dunkertons. Just outside Cheltenham with live music, a tap room and lots of street food options to refuel if needed And finally, what Makes the Cheltenham Festival Different From Other Racing Events? Cheltenham blends high-class National Hunt racing with a distinct atmosphere that is part sporting event, part social occasion. The combination of elite competition, packed enclosures, music, shopping, and social interaction makes it unique and nowhere else captures the same blend of prestige, challenge, and tradition. For all the information and tickets, please visit the Cheltenham Racecourse website HERE.  There are sporting occasions that reward the diligent follower, and there are those rarer gatherings that seem to belong to everyone. The Cheltenham Festival is both. Four days in March when a corner of the Cotswolds becomes the emotional capital of sport, where anticipation hangs in the air and the past, present and future of jump racing collide with a force that is impossible to ignore. It is a place where time seems to slow yet the heart races, where Cleeve Hill itself feels complicit in the drama, rolling and rising in sympathy with what unfolds below. For those who have been, it lingers long after the last race is run. For those who haven’t, now is your time. From the first morning murmur over breakfast in a local pub to the last on-course cheer as dusk settles, Cheltenham is not merely watched or attended; it is felt. The roar, that primal, unmistakable sound as the opening race begins, is less noise than release. It announces that Festival week has begun, that stories are about to be written, and that heroes, both human and equine, will emerge, whether expected or not. Champion Day begins it all, and it does so with purpose. There is no gentle overture at Cheltenham. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle come back-to-back like a declaration of intent, speed and bravery laid bare before a crowd that has waited a year for this very moment. When the tape goes up for the Supreme, the roar travels along the grandstand, a tide of sound that lifts every heart in its path and into racing folklore once more. It is a sound that quickens the pulse, even of those who pretend to be immune. At the heart of the day stands the Champion Hurdle, where reigning champions and aspiring greats meet on equal terms. It is a race that demands brilliance and bottle in equal measure. The question this year lingers tantalisingly: will Constitution Hill run and can he reclaim his crown and remind us of his extraordinary gifts? Cheltenham has little patience for reputation alone, but it is generous to those who answer its questions honestly. Yet Champion Day is about more than the opening day at the festival. It is about reconnection, friends reunited in the Club Enclosure, conversations carried between the Orchard and Best Mate, the shared understanding that for these four days, life is measured in furlongs, hurdles and fences. If Champion Day is raw energy, Ladies Day is refinement without restraint. It is a celebration of equine excellence framed by timeless grace and modern glamour. Fashion is not a sideshow but a ritual, an expression of pride and occasion. Silks shimmer on the course; tweed and tailoring gleam in the stands. It is Cheltenham at its most photogenic elegance, yet never superficial. The racing, as ever, refuses to be overshadowed. The Queen Mother Champion Chase is speed and daring compressed into two breathtaking miles, while the Cross Country Chase offers a nod to endurance and tradition. St Patrick’s Thursday shifts the axis of the Festival westward. Irish passion raises the rafters and the Prestbury Cup battle sharpens every cheer. The course becomes a sea of green, the Guinness flows freely in the Guinness Village, and music, live, joyful, unashamed, fills the spaces between races. It is a day of camaraderie and rivalry, of songs sung arm in arm and debates settled, at least temporarily, by what unfolds on the track. At its core are races of deep significance: the Ryanair Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle, contests that reward resilience and courage. Yet it was here, last year, that Cheltenham reminded us of its capacity for collective emotion. The victories of Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty, in the shadow of the loss of Michael O’Sullivan was a script only Cheltenham could write. Gold Cup Day arrives with a gravity all its own. The air is different, heavier, charged with expectation. This is the day that defines careers and crowns legends. The Cheltenham Gold Cup does not simply identify the best staying chaser of the moment; it places them in a lineage that stretches back over a century. Can Galopin Des Champs reclaim his title and reinforce his place among the greats? Or will a new name be etched onto the roll of honour? Perhaps even one trained Cotswolds soil, like The Jukebox Man who will carry local hopes under the careful guidance of Ben Pauling. Cheltenham has always had time for a good story, especially one rooted in its own landscape. And when the week is over, whether in triumph or defeat, there is release. Memories surface: Sprinter Sacre’s brave return in 2016, conquering doubt and injury to reclaim glory; Honeysuckle’s farewell in 2022, greeted by an ovation that felt like gratitude made audible, Rachael Blackmore raising an arm as if to acknowledge not just a win, but a journey shared. Which of this year’s heroes will be remembered in the same breath? Cheltenham has a way of turning moments into memories that refuse to fade. Beyond the racing, Cheltenham lives and breathes all week. Live music spills from bars and temporary stages, laughter echoes long after the last race, and the Guinness Village becomes the most popular meeting point where strangers become friends. It is here, pint in hand, that races are relived and winning bets, and losing ones, embellished and the place where the thrill of doing it all again tomorrow is already stirring. Cheltenham has way of pulling you back, year after year, to see which tale will emerge next. There is a magic here that cannot be planned, only experienced, and once you have lived it, you will find yourself counting the days until the roar begins again. Tickets - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival  There is a quiet electricity about Cheltenham Racecourse in late January, a sense that something both familiar and extraordinary is about to unfold. On Saturday, 24th January, Festival Trials Day arrives. The last dance at The Home of Jump Racing before those four days of extraordinary in March. With eight races on the card, each contest is more than just a warm-up; it is a statement, a hint of what may come, a rehearsal for potential glory before the Irish come and try to spoil it. Some look to reaffirm their dominance, while bold newcomers seek to announce themselves to the racing world. Every leap over obstacles and every gallop up the hill carries with it the weight of possibility of stories yet to be told on the grandest stage of National Hunt racing. This year’s occasion is made all the more poignant by the hosting of the 2026 Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards. The charity, devoted to the welfare of retired racehorses, reminds us that the story of a horse does not end at the finish line, and that racing’s triumphs are inseparable from its responsibility and care. When the last race has been run, don’t rush away. Head to the Centaur and enjoy an hour with Freeman, whose live performance of feel-good classics and crowd favourites provides the perfect coda to a day of Cheltenham magic, letting the fun linger just a little longer. For us, Festival Trials Day is one of the very best days of racing at Cheltenham. Though it serves as the final curtain call before the festival, it refuses to be merely a rehearsal. Gates Open: 10:30am Raceday Preview: 11:50am First Race: 12:05pm Last Race: 4:10pm Under 18s go free. For all infor and tickets, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/festival-trials-day   Image: Matt Higgs There is something deeply satisfying about a year well planned. From the hum of a summer music festival drifting across open fields, to the theatre of a well-contested sporting fixture, 2026 promises a calendar rich in moments worth savouring. This is a year for linen jackets and polished brogues, for early starts and late finishes, for weekends shaped by culture, competition and conviviality. In this guide, we bring together the finest events of the year, from music, sport, heritage and the occasional indulgence, each chosen not for spectacle alone, but for character, craft and the pleasure of good company. Consider this your invitation to step out, lean in, and make the most of what lies ahead.
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The view from the Mandarin Restaurant
On Sunday 9 November 2025, Kingsholm will ready itself for something far greater than rugby.
The 745 Game is a match that carries more weight than any result could measure. A fixture born from friendship, courage and hope will bring together legends of Rugby Union and Rugby League for a single cause that transcends sport. To call it a match would be to miss its heart. Two codes united under one purpose.
And at its core stand three numbers: 7, 4, and 5.
Three jerseys.
Three men.
Three lives touched by the same devastating diagnosis.
Rob Burrow, Ed Slater and Doddie Weir
It was a dream first shared by Burrow and Slater, who wanted to see their beloved sports come together in a hybrid contest that could raise awareness and funds for the fight against MND. Before Rob passed away in June 2024, aged just 41, the idea had already begun to take shape. His friend Ed, himself living with the disease, vowed that the dream would not fade and last November we saw the inaugural game take place at Headingley Rugby Stadium.
Yet this year’s game carries even deeper poignancy. Only recently, the rugby world learned that England legend Lewis Moody has also been diagnosed with MND. Another reminder, as if one were needed, of how cruel and indiscriminate the disease can be. But within that sorrow, the rugby community has responded with determination and unity, standing together to support those affected and to honour these men who have inspired so many.
The 745 Game will be unlike anything the rugby world has seen. A 13-a-side hybrid where the lines between Union and League blur beautifully; six forwards, seven backs, uncontested scrums, five-man lineouts, and a unique blend of tactics that call on the strengths of both codes. There will be five points for a try, two for a penalty, conversion and drop goal, and the rhythm of the match will change as teams cross halfway with unlimited tackles in their own half and just six once they attack.
Some of the players set to take part include some of the most recognisable names in rugby: Mike Tindall, Ben and Tom Youngs, Billy Twelvetrees, Chris Hill, Joe Marler, Michael Lawrence, Jim Hamilton, Keith Senior, Richard Hibbard, and Jermaine McGillvary.
All proceeds from the 745 Game will be shared equally among three outstanding charities:
Together, these charities provide vital support and practical assistance while raising awareness of the challenges presented by MND.
Rob Burrow's hope for the future was to live in a world where Motor Neurone Disease no longer exists, and each pass, tackle, and cheer from the stands is a reminder that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, it is one that can be fought together.
This is rugby stripped to its essence: camaraderie, respect, fight and courage.
The 745 Game
Sunday 9 November 2025 • Kick-off 17:40
Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
Live on TNT Sports 1 & discovery+
BUY TICKETS HERE
The 745 Game is a match that carries more weight than any result could measure. A fixture born from friendship, courage and hope will bring together legends of Rugby Union and Rugby League for a single cause that transcends sport. To call it a match would be to miss its heart. Two codes united under one purpose.
And at its core stand three numbers: 7, 4, and 5.
Three jerseys.
Three men.
Three lives touched by the same devastating diagnosis.
Rob Burrow, Ed Slater and Doddie Weir
It was a dream first shared by Burrow and Slater, who wanted to see their beloved sports come together in a hybrid contest that could raise awareness and funds for the fight against MND. Before Rob passed away in June 2024, aged just 41, the idea had already begun to take shape. His friend Ed, himself living with the disease, vowed that the dream would not fade and last November we saw the inaugural game take place at Headingley Rugby Stadium.
Yet this year’s game carries even deeper poignancy. Only recently, the rugby world learned that England legend Lewis Moody has also been diagnosed with MND. Another reminder, as if one were needed, of how cruel and indiscriminate the disease can be. But within that sorrow, the rugby community has responded with determination and unity, standing together to support those affected and to honour these men who have inspired so many.
The 745 Game will be unlike anything the rugby world has seen. A 13-a-side hybrid where the lines between Union and League blur beautifully; six forwards, seven backs, uncontested scrums, five-man lineouts, and a unique blend of tactics that call on the strengths of both codes. There will be five points for a try, two for a penalty, conversion and drop goal, and the rhythm of the match will change as teams cross halfway with unlimited tackles in their own half and just six once they attack.
Some of the players set to take part include some of the most recognisable names in rugby: Mike Tindall, Ben and Tom Youngs, Billy Twelvetrees, Chris Hill, Joe Marler, Michael Lawrence, Jim Hamilton, Keith Senior, Richard Hibbard, and Jermaine McGillvary.
All proceeds from the 745 Game will be shared equally among three outstanding charities:
- The Rob Burrow Discretionary Trust: Founded by Burrow and his family, it provides practical and emotional support to those living with MND, from essential equipment to care and family experiences.
- The 4Ed Foundation: Created by Ed Slater, it provides grants to families living with MND, helping with home adaptations, medical equipment, holidays, and other forms of support.
- My Name’5 Doddie Foundation: Established by Doddie Weir, this foundation funds research, offers care grants, and ensures that no one affected by MND faces the disease alone.
Together, these charities provide vital support and practical assistance while raising awareness of the challenges presented by MND.
Rob Burrow's hope for the future was to live in a world where Motor Neurone Disease no longer exists, and each pass, tackle, and cheer from the stands is a reminder that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, it is one that can be fought together.
This is rugby stripped to its essence: camaraderie, respect, fight and courage.
The 745 Game
Sunday 9 November 2025 • Kick-off 17:40
Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
Live on TNT Sports 1 & discovery+
BUY TICKETS HERE
There’s a certain sort of man who seems carved from Pennant Sandstone itself; tough. reliable and, perhaps just a touch stubborn. Lewis Ludlow fits that mould perfectly.
Gloucester Rugby’s longest-serving captain of the professional era, for more than a decade, he has been the heartbeat of Kingsholm: a player built on grit, graft, and a deep pride in the cherry and white. From leading his club through highs and heartbreaks to becoming only the fifth man in history to captain England on his Test debut, Ludlow has always led with honesty, humility, and an unrelenting work rate.
These days, though, his competitive streak has found a new arena. When he’s not charging into rucks, Ludlow can be found tinkering with old Land Rovers, preferably those with more character than comfort, or leading on his young daughter around the pony ring, where it turns out his appetite for silverware remains entirely undiminished.
From Twickenham to tailgates, from The Shed to the stable yard, it’s clear that leadership, loyalty and a little friendly competition run deep in the Ludlow household.
Gloucester Rugby’s longest-serving captain of the professional era, for more than a decade, he has been the heartbeat of Kingsholm: a player built on grit, graft, and a deep pride in the cherry and white. From leading his club through highs and heartbreaks to becoming only the fifth man in history to captain England on his Test debut, Ludlow has always led with honesty, humility, and an unrelenting work rate.
These days, though, his competitive streak has found a new arena. When he’s not charging into rucks, Ludlow can be found tinkering with old Land Rovers, preferably those with more character than comfort, or leading on his young daughter around the pony ring, where it turns out his appetite for silverware remains entirely undiminished.
From Twickenham to tailgates, from The Shed to the stable yard, it’s clear that leadership, loyalty and a little friendly competition run deep in the Ludlow household.
"My toughest moment by far was having to tell the team that my good mate Ed Slater had been diagnosed with MND"
How has it felt running out at Kingsholm without the captain’s armband? Does it feel different?
Running out at Kingsholm is always the most incredible feeling ever, whether you are captain or not. It’s daunting because of the pressure, but you also know that if you give everything you’ve got, you’ve got a whole city backing you which is unlike anywhere else!
You’ve been with Gloucester for over a decade now, does Kingsholm still give you the same buzz as it did when you first ran out there?
It’s my 13th year this year, and it gets better every season. I’m very close to 250 games, but that feeling of warming up and running past The Shed is something that just keeps getting better!
Captaining Gloucester is a big responsibility, did you see yourself as a natural leader, or is it something you had to consciously grow into?
I’ve always captained teams. I like the responsibility of leading and the pressure that comes with it. I’m not afraid to take the flak if things go wrong either. However, being a full-time captain definitely took some growing into. When I went to England, it was different again, captaining a team where you’re trying to bring together the best of the best from 12 different teams.
What was the hardest lesson leadership taught you that people wouldn’t expect?
The hardest lesson was that a lot of the time it might not be your fault, but you're the one in the firing line and that is both really hard and a privilege at the same time. It also taught me that sometimes you have to have brutal conversations with good mates to get the best out of them!
What was your approach in bringing together different personalities in the squad and make them pull in the same direction?
At first, I tried treating everyone the same, but I quickly realised that doesn’t work. You have to get to know individuals and find our what makes them tick and what motivates them. I always tried to be as approachable and helpful as possible to make sure everyone was happy. A happy player is a good, committed player.
What’s one lesson about leadership you wish you’d known five years ago?
Five years ago, I wish I’d known it’s okay to lean on others around you. And, that sometimes, less is more!
How do you personally handle the weight of expectation, not just from fans, but from yourself?
The expectations I put on myself are always the biggest. I deal with that by making sure I do everything in my power to leave no detail or stone unturned, so that come game day I can lead by example.
What was your toughest and proudest moment as captain?
My toughest by far was having to tell the team that my good mate Ed Slater had been diagnosed with MND. On the field, it was when we lost nine games in a row. Everything felt like it was against us. Proudest was either lifting the Prem Cup trophy at Kingsholm, something I always wanted to do, or, getting to have my kids on the pitch with me when we were applauding the crowd. Both are very special.
Running out at Kingsholm is always the most incredible feeling ever, whether you are captain or not. It’s daunting because of the pressure, but you also know that if you give everything you’ve got, you’ve got a whole city backing you which is unlike anywhere else!
You’ve been with Gloucester for over a decade now, does Kingsholm still give you the same buzz as it did when you first ran out there?
It’s my 13th year this year, and it gets better every season. I’m very close to 250 games, but that feeling of warming up and running past The Shed is something that just keeps getting better!
Captaining Gloucester is a big responsibility, did you see yourself as a natural leader, or is it something you had to consciously grow into?
I’ve always captained teams. I like the responsibility of leading and the pressure that comes with it. I’m not afraid to take the flak if things go wrong either. However, being a full-time captain definitely took some growing into. When I went to England, it was different again, captaining a team where you’re trying to bring together the best of the best from 12 different teams.
What was the hardest lesson leadership taught you that people wouldn’t expect?
The hardest lesson was that a lot of the time it might not be your fault, but you're the one in the firing line and that is both really hard and a privilege at the same time. It also taught me that sometimes you have to have brutal conversations with good mates to get the best out of them!
What was your approach in bringing together different personalities in the squad and make them pull in the same direction?
At first, I tried treating everyone the same, but I quickly realised that doesn’t work. You have to get to know individuals and find our what makes them tick and what motivates them. I always tried to be as approachable and helpful as possible to make sure everyone was happy. A happy player is a good, committed player.
What’s one lesson about leadership you wish you’d known five years ago?
Five years ago, I wish I’d known it’s okay to lean on others around you. And, that sometimes, less is more!
How do you personally handle the weight of expectation, not just from fans, but from yourself?
The expectations I put on myself are always the biggest. I deal with that by making sure I do everything in my power to leave no detail or stone unturned, so that come game day I can lead by example.
What was your toughest and proudest moment as captain?
My toughest by far was having to tell the team that my good mate Ed Slater had been diagnosed with MND. On the field, it was when we lost nine games in a row. Everything felt like it was against us. Proudest was either lifting the Prem Cup trophy at Kingsholm, something I always wanted to do, or, getting to have my kids on the pitch with me when we were applauding the crowd. Both are very special.
"Don’t be a lunatic all the time. "Captain Head Loss” was my old nickname!"
When your teammates talk about you years from now, what do you hope they’ll say about how you led them?
I hope my teammates will say I led them with uncompromising energy, always from the front, and that I’d put my body on the line for any of them and for the team.
Who were the players or coaching staff you leaned on as a captain?
I learned to lean on a lot of people, but the key ones would have to be Ed Slater, Billy Twelvetrees, Chris Harris, Tomos Williams, Trevor Woodman, Dom Waldouck, and of course the boss - Skivs.
What advice have you given (or would you give) Tomos about the captaincy?
Do it your own way and just be yourself. That’s why you’re as good as you are!
If you could distil your approach to leadership into a single sentence, what would it be?
Don’t ask anything of others that you wouldn’t do yourself.
If your time as Gloucester captain was a playlist, what three songs would be on it and why?
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, purely for the fact that it was a crazy ride from start to finish. There was never a dull week!
All of the Lights by Kanye West. This was our walk-out song, and every time I hear it I get shivers down my spine.
Remember the Name by Fort Minor. I like the lyrics; they mean something, and hopefully people remember my time as captain!
If you could give your teenage self advice about leadership, what would it be?
Don’t be a lunatic all the time. “Captain Head Loss” was my old nickname! Sometimes sitting back and reflecting first gets a much better outcome.
How do you balance the intensity of professional rugby with family, friendships, and normal life?
A lot better now I’m not captain, haha! I try to switch off as much as I can. My kids help a lot with that. When I’m with them, I try my best not to do work stuff and to put them first. I think I’ve got a lot better at that. Friendship-wise, I’m lucky that a couple of my best mates are farmers who haven’t got a clue about rugby, so when we meet up, there’s no rugby chat whatsoever, which is nice sometimes!
We see you’re now a “Pony Dad”. Is family the best distraction and a good way of putting the sport into perspective?
I’m very much a horse dad which I love, although I’ve become hugely competitive with it! We’re hoping to get my daughter a HOYS-quality Dartmoor for lead rein next year, and I want to win everything! Family puts everything into perspective. Watching my daughter ride gives me as much pride as anything I’ve done on the pitch
You have a love for old Land Rovers. What drew you to this hobby, and how did it start?
My dad and grandad are both mechanics, and I’ve always loved Land Rovers. I was brought up in them! They’re easy to fix and can go anywhere. I’m obsessed, yeah.
Do you have a favourite Land Rover model or story from your restoration projects?
My favourite would be the Series 1. The simplicity of it and the fact it’s stood the test of time. I was lucky enough to own one that was the only 80” recovery model of its type, but I sadly had to sell it to fund our house build. One day I’ll get it back! I’m also a big fan of Discovery 1s and 2s. I’ve had loads!
What do the next five years look like in rugby? What do you hope to achieve?
If I’m still playing in five years, I’ll be very happy. I want to have had a testimonial at Gloucester, beat the all-time appearance record, and reach 300 caps. Then I could retire feeling like I’d achieved something. Along the way, a few more trophies at Kingsholm would be awesome too!
And finally! If you could leave a legacy beyond rugby, what would you want it to be?
If I could leave a legacy beyond rugby, it would be that I was a good bloke who helped anyone out and always cared about others before myself. If people had that perception of me, I’d be very happy.
Follow Lewis and Gloucester Rugby this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
I hope my teammates will say I led them with uncompromising energy, always from the front, and that I’d put my body on the line for any of them and for the team.
Who were the players or coaching staff you leaned on as a captain?
I learned to lean on a lot of people, but the key ones would have to be Ed Slater, Billy Twelvetrees, Chris Harris, Tomos Williams, Trevor Woodman, Dom Waldouck, and of course the boss - Skivs.
What advice have you given (or would you give) Tomos about the captaincy?
Do it your own way and just be yourself. That’s why you’re as good as you are!
If you could distil your approach to leadership into a single sentence, what would it be?
Don’t ask anything of others that you wouldn’t do yourself.
If your time as Gloucester captain was a playlist, what three songs would be on it and why?
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, purely for the fact that it was a crazy ride from start to finish. There was never a dull week!
All of the Lights by Kanye West. This was our walk-out song, and every time I hear it I get shivers down my spine.
Remember the Name by Fort Minor. I like the lyrics; they mean something, and hopefully people remember my time as captain!
If you could give your teenage self advice about leadership, what would it be?
Don’t be a lunatic all the time. “Captain Head Loss” was my old nickname! Sometimes sitting back and reflecting first gets a much better outcome.
How do you balance the intensity of professional rugby with family, friendships, and normal life?
A lot better now I’m not captain, haha! I try to switch off as much as I can. My kids help a lot with that. When I’m with them, I try my best not to do work stuff and to put them first. I think I’ve got a lot better at that. Friendship-wise, I’m lucky that a couple of my best mates are farmers who haven’t got a clue about rugby, so when we meet up, there’s no rugby chat whatsoever, which is nice sometimes!
We see you’re now a “Pony Dad”. Is family the best distraction and a good way of putting the sport into perspective?
I’m very much a horse dad which I love, although I’ve become hugely competitive with it! We’re hoping to get my daughter a HOYS-quality Dartmoor for lead rein next year, and I want to win everything! Family puts everything into perspective. Watching my daughter ride gives me as much pride as anything I’ve done on the pitch
You have a love for old Land Rovers. What drew you to this hobby, and how did it start?
My dad and grandad are both mechanics, and I’ve always loved Land Rovers. I was brought up in them! They’re easy to fix and can go anywhere. I’m obsessed, yeah.
Do you have a favourite Land Rover model or story from your restoration projects?
My favourite would be the Series 1. The simplicity of it and the fact it’s stood the test of time. I was lucky enough to own one that was the only 80” recovery model of its type, but I sadly had to sell it to fund our house build. One day I’ll get it back! I’m also a big fan of Discovery 1s and 2s. I’ve had loads!
What do the next five years look like in rugby? What do you hope to achieve?
If I’m still playing in five years, I’ll be very happy. I want to have had a testimonial at Gloucester, beat the all-time appearance record, and reach 300 caps. Then I could retire feeling like I’d achieved something. Along the way, a few more trophies at Kingsholm would be awesome too!
And finally! If you could leave a legacy beyond rugby, what would you want it to be?
If I could leave a legacy beyond rugby, it would be that I was a good bloke who helped anyone out and always cared about others before myself. If people had that perception of me, I’d be very happy.
Follow Lewis and Gloucester Rugby this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
There are few places in English rugby that stir the senses quite like Kingsholm. The walk through Gloucester’s streets, the sea of Cherry & White scarves, the unmistakable chorus of the Shed. It is a matchday steeped in ritual. Yet, as the game evolves, so too does the way supporters choose to experience it. For those looking for something a little more polished than the traditional pint on the terrace, The Blindside has arrived to redefine hospitality at Kingsholm.
Tucked away at the very top of the Malvern Tyres Stand, The Blindside is the newest members-only lounge at Gloucester Rugby. It is exclusive without being intimidating, smart without being stuffy, and above all, it feels like a place designed for people who love rugby but also enjoy the finer things in life.
Food plays a central role in setting the tone. Instead of stiff formal dining, The Blindside offers a relaxed spread of tapas-style dishes, created by the club’s in-house chefs using ingredients sourced locally within 40 miles of the stadium. It is food that reflects the Cotswolds’ larder; fresh, seasonal and brimming with flavour, but served in a way that suits the rhythm of matchday. Members can pick at plates before heading out to their seats and return after full-time to graze again while reliving the game’s highlights. It’s casual, sociable and celebratory, a dining style that mirrors the spirit of rugby itself.
Then there is the bar. At the heart of the lounge lies one of its most talked-about features: a self-pour station. The idea is simple but brilliant. Rather than queueing, members can pour their own pint of beer, cider or glass of wine, giving the experience a sense of fun and freedom. It’s hard not to enjoy the novelty of pulling your own pint as you debate the referee’s decisions or toast a last-minute try. For those who prefer something more traditional, the private bar is well stocked, with everything from local ales to Champagne. It is, in short, a bar that keeps pace with the occasion.
The Blindside itself is a space designed to be lived in. Contemporary interiors and comfortable seating create a relaxed, stylish environment that feels more like a Cotswolds private club than a stadium lounge. Pre-match, it is a calm retreat away from the bustle of the terraces; post-match, it transforms into a hub of energy and celebration. Hosted by legendary former Cherry & White James Forrester, the lounge carries with it an unmistakable link to the club’s proud heritage, ensuring members feel connected not just to the game unfolding on the pitch, but to the wider story of Gloucester Rugby.
What makes membership truly appealing is that it extends far beyond the lounge doors. Premium seating in the Malvern Tyres Stand offers superb views of the action, while additional benefits such as access to the Gloucester Rugby Business Club, priority entry into the England Rugby ticket ballot and the option to hire the lounge privately at discounted rates add real depth. It’s not simply a matchday treat but an ongoing connection to both the club and its community.
Perhaps the greatest triumph of The Blindside is the way it balances tradition with innovation. Rugby has always been about camaraderie, about standing shoulder to shoulder with friends and strangers alike, united by the game. That essence is very much alive here. Yet, by adding stylish interiors, inventive dining and playful touches like the self-pour bar, The Blindside offers something new: a hospitality experience that feels fresh, modern and entirely at home in the Cotswolds.
For those who live and breathe the Cherry & White, The Blindside is more than just a lounge. It’s a place to savour the build-up, to relax in comfort, and to celebrate victories in style. It is rugby reimagined for today and a reminder that the best moments on matchday happen not just on the pitch, but in the spaces where supporters come together to share them.
Take a look - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/hospitality/blindside-membership
Tucked away at the very top of the Malvern Tyres Stand, The Blindside is the newest members-only lounge at Gloucester Rugby. It is exclusive without being intimidating, smart without being stuffy, and above all, it feels like a place designed for people who love rugby but also enjoy the finer things in life.
Food plays a central role in setting the tone. Instead of stiff formal dining, The Blindside offers a relaxed spread of tapas-style dishes, created by the club’s in-house chefs using ingredients sourced locally within 40 miles of the stadium. It is food that reflects the Cotswolds’ larder; fresh, seasonal and brimming with flavour, but served in a way that suits the rhythm of matchday. Members can pick at plates before heading out to their seats and return after full-time to graze again while reliving the game’s highlights. It’s casual, sociable and celebratory, a dining style that mirrors the spirit of rugby itself.
Then there is the bar. At the heart of the lounge lies one of its most talked-about features: a self-pour station. The idea is simple but brilliant. Rather than queueing, members can pour their own pint of beer, cider or glass of wine, giving the experience a sense of fun and freedom. It’s hard not to enjoy the novelty of pulling your own pint as you debate the referee’s decisions or toast a last-minute try. For those who prefer something more traditional, the private bar is well stocked, with everything from local ales to Champagne. It is, in short, a bar that keeps pace with the occasion.
The Blindside itself is a space designed to be lived in. Contemporary interiors and comfortable seating create a relaxed, stylish environment that feels more like a Cotswolds private club than a stadium lounge. Pre-match, it is a calm retreat away from the bustle of the terraces; post-match, it transforms into a hub of energy and celebration. Hosted by legendary former Cherry & White James Forrester, the lounge carries with it an unmistakable link to the club’s proud heritage, ensuring members feel connected not just to the game unfolding on the pitch, but to the wider story of Gloucester Rugby.
What makes membership truly appealing is that it extends far beyond the lounge doors. Premium seating in the Malvern Tyres Stand offers superb views of the action, while additional benefits such as access to the Gloucester Rugby Business Club, priority entry into the England Rugby ticket ballot and the option to hire the lounge privately at discounted rates add real depth. It’s not simply a matchday treat but an ongoing connection to both the club and its community.
Perhaps the greatest triumph of The Blindside is the way it balances tradition with innovation. Rugby has always been about camaraderie, about standing shoulder to shoulder with friends and strangers alike, united by the game. That essence is very much alive here. Yet, by adding stylish interiors, inventive dining and playful touches like the self-pour bar, The Blindside offers something new: a hospitality experience that feels fresh, modern and entirely at home in the Cotswolds.
For those who live and breathe the Cherry & White, The Blindside is more than just a lounge. It’s a place to savour the build-up, to relax in comfort, and to celebrate victories in style. It is rugby reimagined for today and a reminder that the best moments on matchday happen not just on the pitch, but in the spaces where supporters come together to share them.
Take a look - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/hospitality/blindside-membership
There are few spectacles in sport that can match Cheltenham in March. The Cheltenham Roar, the finest jump horses on earth, and enough tweed to upholster the Cotswolds twice over. Yet even the Home of Jump Racing knows that greatness isn’t achieved by standing still.
For 2025/26, Cheltenham Racecourse is sharpening its act once more, with a series of enhancements designed to ensure The Festival remains as memorable as it is magnificent.
“This is about evolution, not revolution,” says Chief Executive Guy Lavender, who has wasted no time in stamping his vision on Prestbury Park. “Our goal is simple: world-class racing at a world-class venue.”
Breathing Room, Not Bustling Crowds
This year’s Festival will welcome fewer racegoers each day – a deliberate reduction from 68,500 to 66,000. It may not sound dramatic, but anyone who has ever tried to elbow their way through a soggy bottleneck in Tattersalls will appreciate the difference. Space, after all, is a luxury.
Pints and Prosecco
In news guaranteed to bring a cheer almost as loud as the roar itself, the price of Guinness is going down. Yes, back to £7.50 a pint – a rare case of racing history repeating itself in the punter’s favour. Spirits follow suit with reductions of their own, and Prosecco joins the line-up for the first time for those looking to toast their winners in sparkling style.
Removal of Drinks Restrictions
After a successful trial run last season, Cheltenham has done the decent thing and lifted the final drinks restrictions in the Club Enclosure for 2025/26. In short, you may now wander the course pint in hand without fear of being corralled. The change not only makes for a more civilised flow of racegoers (and shorter queues at the bar), but also restores a sense of freedom that pairs rather well with a Guinness. The only corners of the course where a glass remains unwelcome are those reserved for Officials.
New Homes for Old Favourites
Hospitality also gets a lift. The Tented Village will boast a new covered food court, while the Cottage Rake and Mill House bars are reborn as the stylish Prestbury View. The Green Grazer food hall will champion local produce – a nod to both sustainability and the Cotswolds’ rich culinary heritage.
Sharper Sound, Smarter Screens
Gone are the days of muffled commentary or squinting at the big screen. A state-of-the-art PA system promises crystal-clear race calls, while upgraded Racecourse TV will deliver more data, more insight, and more drama straight to your eyes and ears.
Ladies Day Returns
Wednesday of The Festival sees the return of Ladies Day for the first time since 2019. Think £10,000 in Style Awards prizes, fashion partnerships with Debenhams and Holland Cooper, and the sort of glamour that turns Cheltenham’s enclosures into catwalks with a soundtrack of hooves.
Value, From Ticket to Pillow
Cheltenham is also taking the sting out of logistics. Tickets once again start from £35 if booked early enough, with extended discount windows to keep costs sensible. The “Room to Race” initiative expands, working with more hotels to tackle the notorious Festival price hike.
Cheltenham is already the sport’s crown jewel. But Lavender’s direction makes clear that it intends to sparkle a little brighter each year. More space, sharper facilities, a cheaper pint, and the return of Ladies Day.
After all, The Festival isn’t just about four days of racing. It’s about four days of being part of something utterly, unmistakably special.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival
For 2025/26, Cheltenham Racecourse is sharpening its act once more, with a series of enhancements designed to ensure The Festival remains as memorable as it is magnificent.
“This is about evolution, not revolution,” says Chief Executive Guy Lavender, who has wasted no time in stamping his vision on Prestbury Park. “Our goal is simple: world-class racing at a world-class venue.”
Breathing Room, Not Bustling Crowds
This year’s Festival will welcome fewer racegoers each day – a deliberate reduction from 68,500 to 66,000. It may not sound dramatic, but anyone who has ever tried to elbow their way through a soggy bottleneck in Tattersalls will appreciate the difference. Space, after all, is a luxury.
Pints and Prosecco
In news guaranteed to bring a cheer almost as loud as the roar itself, the price of Guinness is going down. Yes, back to £7.50 a pint – a rare case of racing history repeating itself in the punter’s favour. Spirits follow suit with reductions of their own, and Prosecco joins the line-up for the first time for those looking to toast their winners in sparkling style.
Removal of Drinks Restrictions
After a successful trial run last season, Cheltenham has done the decent thing and lifted the final drinks restrictions in the Club Enclosure for 2025/26. In short, you may now wander the course pint in hand without fear of being corralled. The change not only makes for a more civilised flow of racegoers (and shorter queues at the bar), but also restores a sense of freedom that pairs rather well with a Guinness. The only corners of the course where a glass remains unwelcome are those reserved for Officials.
New Homes for Old Favourites
Hospitality also gets a lift. The Tented Village will boast a new covered food court, while the Cottage Rake and Mill House bars are reborn as the stylish Prestbury View. The Green Grazer food hall will champion local produce – a nod to both sustainability and the Cotswolds’ rich culinary heritage.
Sharper Sound, Smarter Screens
Gone are the days of muffled commentary or squinting at the big screen. A state-of-the-art PA system promises crystal-clear race calls, while upgraded Racecourse TV will deliver more data, more insight, and more drama straight to your eyes and ears.
Ladies Day Returns
Wednesday of The Festival sees the return of Ladies Day for the first time since 2019. Think £10,000 in Style Awards prizes, fashion partnerships with Debenhams and Holland Cooper, and the sort of glamour that turns Cheltenham’s enclosures into catwalks with a soundtrack of hooves.
Value, From Ticket to Pillow
Cheltenham is also taking the sting out of logistics. Tickets once again start from £35 if booked early enough, with extended discount windows to keep costs sensible. The “Room to Race” initiative expands, working with more hotels to tackle the notorious Festival price hike.
Cheltenham is already the sport’s crown jewel. But Lavender’s direction makes clear that it intends to sparkle a little brighter each year. More space, sharper facilities, a cheaper pint, and the return of Ladies Day.
After all, The Festival isn’t just about four days of racing. It’s about four days of being part of something utterly, unmistakably special.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival
There is something about the turning of the leaves in the Cotswolds that makes a racing person’s pulse quicken. The mornings grow sharper, the gallops glisten with dew, and from every stable yard drifts that intoxicating mixture of steam, sweat and hope.
The Cotswolds has always been more than a backdrop: it is the very heartbeat of jump racing. Wander the lanes around Naunton or Guiting Power and you may well be passing future champions in the making, ears pricked against the autumn breeze. The names of past heroes are written into the very soil and on the walls at The Hollow Bottom, but the real joy is that each fresh season arrives bearing its own mysteries, its own cast of characters waiting to burst from unknowns to festival hopefuls. And how lucky we are that the Cotswolds, with its trainers of genius and horses of great promise, remains the stage upon which this marvellous old drama continues to unfold.
The wonderful Paul Ferguson has once again given us his 10 horses from local Cotswold yards to follow for the 2025/26 season.
Now in its 19th year of publication, Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow is an essential guide for any racing enthusiast and available to purchase now. It includes leading prospects for the season ahead, a focus on Irish contenders, views from leading jockeys and lots more. And most importantly, multiple winners are identified.
The Cotswolds has always been more than a backdrop: it is the very heartbeat of jump racing. Wander the lanes around Naunton or Guiting Power and you may well be passing future champions in the making, ears pricked against the autumn breeze. The names of past heroes are written into the very soil and on the walls at The Hollow Bottom, but the real joy is that each fresh season arrives bearing its own mysteries, its own cast of characters waiting to burst from unknowns to festival hopefuls. And how lucky we are that the Cotswolds, with its trainers of genius and horses of great promise, remains the stage upon which this marvellous old drama continues to unfold.
The wonderful Paul Ferguson has once again given us his 10 horses from local Cotswold yards to follow for the 2025/26 season.
Now in its 19th year of publication, Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow is an essential guide for any racing enthusiast and available to purchase now. It includes leading prospects for the season ahead, a focus on Irish contenders, views from leading jockeys and lots more. And most importantly, multiple winners are identified.
BILL JOYCE
Jonjo & AJ O'Neill
This year’s list is a little O’Neill-heavy, with five of the 10 selections trained by Jonjo & A J. I make no apologies, however, as I expect the training duo to enjoy a fruitful campaign and this Grade 2-winning novice hurdler can be expected to improve for the switch to fences this winter. A winner at Carlisle and in Sandown’s Winter Novices’ Hurdle, he started last season with a flourish and should develop into a Graded-class performer over fences. Whilst he is likely to start off over an intermediate trip, I would expect him to be back up to 3m or thereabouts before too long. He remains exciting and whilst testing ground might not be essential to him, he copes with it when others can’t.
HERON IN THE PARK
Tom George
Down on numbers in recent seasons, it is pleasing to see Tom George with another exciting prospect on his hands, in the shape of this imposing Walk In The Park mare. An impressive 9½-length maiden Point winner, she cost her current connections £280,000 at Cheltenham last December and duly started to repay that hefty sum when winning a Newbury bumper in fine style. A three-parts sister to former Welsh Champion Hurdle and Betfair Hurdle winner Glory And Fortune, the five-year-old looks capable of making her presence felt at a decent level in the mares’ novice hurdle division.
KAKA’S COUSIN
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
The first of three Point-to-Point recruits to have joined the Jackdaws Castle team, this five-year-old was actually in training with the O’Neills during the second half of last season but didn’t make it to the track due to drying ground in the spring. Runner-up to Clay Pigeons at Boulta last December on his second start (fell on debut), the winner went on to win a Point-to-Point bumper at Cork and this full-brother to Blue Baloo (winner of a bumper and over hurdles for Sandy Thomson) will carry the silks of Dan Walker (owner of Bill Joyce). Given that he is now five, I would expect him to go straight over hurdles.
LARGY GO
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
A four-year-old who made a winning debut in a maiden at Loughbrickland in March, he is by one of the sires of the moment in Poet’s Word and was bought for £305,000 at Aintree, on the back of a 2-length success. He moved well through that race and the front two pulled a long way clear in a quick time. He is now in the ownership of JP McManus.
MEETMEBYTHESEA
Ben Pauling
Won three times over hurdles last season for Ben Pauling and JP McManus, before finishing a close-up third in the EBF Final at Sandown, having looked the most likely winner when taking over on the run to the final flight. Up 5lb to a mark of 133 for that reversal, the five-year-old can be expected to make a big impact in the novice chase division. Pauling won Grade 1 novice chases with both The Jukebox Man and Handstands last season and whilst it would be asking a lot for the Watar gelding to reach those lofty heights, he can be expected to continue his upward trajectory after just four starts under Rules.
MISTER MEGGIT
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
A dual bumper winner the season before last, he made the perfect start to his hurdling career at Aintree last November, winning in a canter over 2m4f. Forced to miss the majority of the season, he returned to action at the Grand National meeting and despite a 146-day lay-off and his undoubted inexperience, he ran a huge race in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, looking all over the winner as he cruised to the front two out. A mistake at the last didn’t help but he tired quickly on the run-in, suggesting that the interrupted preparation might have caught up with him. With that in mind, I was a little surprised to see him take his chance at Perth just 19 days later and having never travelled, I would be happy to put a line through that performance. Now rated 136, he will be of interest in either staying handicap hurdles to begin with, or if he is sent straight over fences, as he remains a high-class prospect, capable of winning at a Graded level at some stage.
SIXMILEBRIDGE
Fergal O’Brien
Disappointed in the Baring Bingham at the Cheltenham Festival, he had earlier looked hugely promising when winning at Leicester and Huntingdon, before completing the hat-trick – at the expense of Potters Charm (another bright prospect from the area) – in the Classic Novices’ Hurdle on trials day. The six-year-old son of Affinisea finished runner-up in an Irish Point before joining Ben Pauling (moved to Fergal O’Brien last summer) and won a Sandown bumper impressively on his Rules debut back in February of last year. Set to go novice chasing, he looks to be another exciting recruit to the division and although he should stay 3m, I would expect him to start off over an intermediate trip.
UN SENS A LA VIE
Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
A winner at the second attempt between the flags in Ireland, he created a really good impression when winning a Market Rasen bumper on decent ground, scampering right away from Espresso Milan, who wasn’t disgraced at the Punchestown Festival on his next start. The Twiston-Davies team resisted the temptation of running the five-year-old in Grade 2 company at Aintree and the son of Muhtathir can be expected to develop into a very nice novice hurdler this season. Given that the stable tends to hit the ground running, he could be one to note in the early part of the season.
MOSSY FEN COOLIO
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
Another winning Irish Pointer, the son of Kayf Tara beat just two finishers at Tallow in February but did so in devastating fashion and recorded a very quick time in the process (fully 36 seconds quicker than Hitintheheadlines who won the four-year-old maiden on the same card and is now in the care of Dan Skelton). Already five, he is another who could embark on a hurdling campaign straight away and forms what appears to be a very strong team of exciting young horses at Jackdaws Castle.
VANDERPOEL
Ben Pauling
Another for the novice chase division, he is rated just 128 at present so is likely to reappear in a novices’ handicap. Pulled-up when last seen – in the Grade 2 Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso – he had earlier looked exciting in beating George’s Lad (won next time and now also rated 128) and Rubber Ball (won his next two and again, now rated 128) at Huntingdon, before defying a penalty in a weaker race at Ludlow. Still quite green last season, he will hopefully mature with experience and remains a horse of considerable potential.
Order Jumpers To Follow 2025-2026 here:
https://weatherbysshop.co.uk/collections/paul-fergusons-jumpers-to-follow
https://weatherbysshop.co.uk/collections/paul-fergusons-jumpers-to-follow
The nights draw in over Prestbury Park with a sense of anticipation that would warm the bones of the coldest soul. As the shadows lengthen across Cleeve Hill and the first breath of autumn mist curls over the paddocks, it can only mean one thing: the jumpers are back, and Cheltenham once more takes its place as the beating heart of the National Hunt game.
No other place stirs the spirit in quite the same way. Flat racing may have its silks and splendour, but the raw honesty of Cheltenham, the thunder of the hooves, muddy goggles, steam rising off a chaser’s flanks and the roar of a crowd is something that gets into the blood. The course is a theatre, and the drama played out upon its famous turf is nothing short of life itself: triumph, despair, courage, and above all, the sheer nobility of the horses.
This season promises all the ingredients that makes Cheltenham the Mecca of our winter game. Old warriors return, new pretenders lie in wait, and the whispers from the gallops are enough to stir that delicious mixture of hope and doubt that keeps us coming back year after year.
The Showcase is the unfurling of the first page in Cheltenham’s great winter tale, the raising of the curtain on a season that will carry us from the mellow fruits of autumn through to the bursting daffodils of spring. On Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October 2025, the Home of Jump Racing will once more echo to the rolling percussion of galloping feet, the skipped heartbeats at the last obstacle and that unmistakable hum which only Cheltenham can conjure.
For many, this is less a return to a racecourse than a pilgrimage home. A mingling of fresh expectation and the fond familiarity of old friends reunited make The Showcase a tonic for the soul. Seven fiercely contested races on each day ensure the atmosphere is set ablaze from the first fall of the starter’s flag. This is the first sip of the vintage to come, and it tastes all the sweeter for having been missed all summer.
Friday is the true start of Cheltenham’s grand campaign, a day when form and anticipation walk arm in arm. It is a chance to reacquaint oneself with the greats of the sport, both equine and human, spot the seedlings of future stars, and enjoy that first tantalising glimpse of the narratives that will carry us through the season ahead. The form book may remain light, but the air itself feels heavy with promise.
Another seven races await us on Saturday, each offering not only fierce competition but early clues as to who might flourish throughout the winter months. These are the first brushstrokes on the season’s canvas, painted in mud, muscle, and courage
When the last race is run, The Centaur awaits, where the band Mojo will bring proceedings to a rousing close with songs that lift the heart and loosen the voice, ensuring the day ends in full chorus.
Younger race-goers can enjoy a fun activation zone, where they'll have the chance to ride around the home of jump racing with the ultimate VR experience and have their photograph taken with the Gold Cup, and as is now a Cheltenham tradition outside of the Festival, under-18s race free.
The Showcase is no mere meeting. It is the ignition spark, the rekindling of the old flame and the long-awaited fanfare that announces: the jumpers are back, and all roads now lead to March. It is about more than just winners and losers, it's the thrill of the horses, the roar of the crowd and the clink of glasses among old friends. The curtain lifts, the play begins anew, and the great drama of another Cheltenham season is ready to be written.
BUY TICKETS FOR THE SHOWCASE
No other place stirs the spirit in quite the same way. Flat racing may have its silks and splendour, but the raw honesty of Cheltenham, the thunder of the hooves, muddy goggles, steam rising off a chaser’s flanks and the roar of a crowd is something that gets into the blood. The course is a theatre, and the drama played out upon its famous turf is nothing short of life itself: triumph, despair, courage, and above all, the sheer nobility of the horses.
This season promises all the ingredients that makes Cheltenham the Mecca of our winter game. Old warriors return, new pretenders lie in wait, and the whispers from the gallops are enough to stir that delicious mixture of hope and doubt that keeps us coming back year after year.
The Showcase is the unfurling of the first page in Cheltenham’s great winter tale, the raising of the curtain on a season that will carry us from the mellow fruits of autumn through to the bursting daffodils of spring. On Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October 2025, the Home of Jump Racing will once more echo to the rolling percussion of galloping feet, the skipped heartbeats at the last obstacle and that unmistakable hum which only Cheltenham can conjure.
For many, this is less a return to a racecourse than a pilgrimage home. A mingling of fresh expectation and the fond familiarity of old friends reunited make The Showcase a tonic for the soul. Seven fiercely contested races on each day ensure the atmosphere is set ablaze from the first fall of the starter’s flag. This is the first sip of the vintage to come, and it tastes all the sweeter for having been missed all summer.
Friday is the true start of Cheltenham’s grand campaign, a day when form and anticipation walk arm in arm. It is a chance to reacquaint oneself with the greats of the sport, both equine and human, spot the seedlings of future stars, and enjoy that first tantalising glimpse of the narratives that will carry us through the season ahead. The form book may remain light, but the air itself feels heavy with promise.
Another seven races await us on Saturday, each offering not only fierce competition but early clues as to who might flourish throughout the winter months. These are the first brushstrokes on the season’s canvas, painted in mud, muscle, and courage
When the last race is run, The Centaur awaits, where the band Mojo will bring proceedings to a rousing close with songs that lift the heart and loosen the voice, ensuring the day ends in full chorus.
Younger race-goers can enjoy a fun activation zone, where they'll have the chance to ride around the home of jump racing with the ultimate VR experience and have their photograph taken with the Gold Cup, and as is now a Cheltenham tradition outside of the Festival, under-18s race free.
The Showcase is no mere meeting. It is the ignition spark, the rekindling of the old flame and the long-awaited fanfare that announces: the jumpers are back, and all roads now lead to March. It is about more than just winners and losers, it's the thrill of the horses, the roar of the crowd and the clink of glasses among old friends. The curtain lifts, the play begins anew, and the great drama of another Cheltenham season is ready to be written.
BUY TICKETS FOR THE SHOWCASE
As the Cotswolds dons its autumnal cloak, Cheltenham Racecourse readies itself for a season of thrills, spills and unforgettable drama.
The crisp air carries the patter of hooves and the roars of well-heeled spectators, with every meeting offering the perfect balance of excitement and emotion, where silks flash across the turf and every finish tells a story.
THE SHOWCASE
24-25 OCTOBER 2025
THE NOVEMBER MEETING
14-16 NOVEMBER 2025
THE CHRISTMAS MEETING
12-13 DECEMBER 2025
NEW YEAR'S DAY
1 JANUARY 2026
FESTIVAL TRIAL'S DAY
24 JANUARY 2026
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
10-13 MARCH 2026
THE APRIL MEETING
15-16 APRIL 2026
RACE NIGHT
1 MAY 2026
The crisp air carries the patter of hooves and the roars of well-heeled spectators, with every meeting offering the perfect balance of excitement and emotion, where silks flash across the turf and every finish tells a story.
THE SHOWCASE
24-25 OCTOBER 2025
THE NOVEMBER MEETING
14-16 NOVEMBER 2025
THE CHRISTMAS MEETING
12-13 DECEMBER 2025
NEW YEAR'S DAY
1 JANUARY 2026
FESTIVAL TRIAL'S DAY
24 JANUARY 2026
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
10-13 MARCH 2026
THE APRIL MEETING
15-16 APRIL 2026
RACE NIGHT
1 MAY 2026
You can find information and tickets for each race meeting HERE.
Reigning Gallagher Premiership Player of the Season, Tomos Williams, has been appointed Club Captain for Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Director of Rugby George Skivington has confirmed.
Since arriving from Cardiff Rugby last summer, the Welsh international has been nothing short of transformative in Cherry & White. His superb debut season not only earned him the club’s Player of the Season accolade, but also a place in the British & Irish Lions squad for their summer tour to Australia.
Commanding the game from half-back, Williams was central to Gloucester’s attacking renaissance, orchestrating play with authority while producing flashes of individual brilliance. Off the pitch, his professionalism and leadership qualities have equally impressed the Kingsholm coaching staff.
Supporting him in the role will be Vice Captains Arthur Clark and Seb Atkinson, both of whom made their senior debuts for England this summer.
Reflecting on the honour, Williams said:
"I'm incredibly proud to be named captain of such a historic rugby club. When I first arrived at Gloucester, I quickly learned how much this club means to the city and how passionate the fans are. It's been an honour and a privilege to represent them, both home and away, and to have their support behind us. We’ve got an exciting, ambitious group here, and I’m looking forward to leading them on the pitch.”
Director of Rugby, George Skivington, also paid tribute to outgoing captain Lewis Ludlow, who led the side for more than five seasons:
"Firstly, I would like to thank Lewis Ludlow for the great work he’s done as Club Captain over the past five and a half seasons. He's fully embodied what this Club is all about: passion, desire, grit, and continues to do so every time he steps on the field. He'll continue to be an important player for us, but we felt it was the right time to select a new Captain."
"Ever since Tomos came in, we viewed him as someone with lots of leadership potential, and over the past season, he's really impressed us with the way he communicates with the lads and the standards that he sets. His performances on the field and the impact he has on those around him speak for themselves. Arthur and Seb are two really impressive young men and are both already strong leaders in their own right."
Follow Gloucester this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
Since arriving from Cardiff Rugby last summer, the Welsh international has been nothing short of transformative in Cherry & White. His superb debut season not only earned him the club’s Player of the Season accolade, but also a place in the British & Irish Lions squad for their summer tour to Australia.
Commanding the game from half-back, Williams was central to Gloucester’s attacking renaissance, orchestrating play with authority while producing flashes of individual brilliance. Off the pitch, his professionalism and leadership qualities have equally impressed the Kingsholm coaching staff.
Supporting him in the role will be Vice Captains Arthur Clark and Seb Atkinson, both of whom made their senior debuts for England this summer.
Reflecting on the honour, Williams said:
"I'm incredibly proud to be named captain of such a historic rugby club. When I first arrived at Gloucester, I quickly learned how much this club means to the city and how passionate the fans are. It's been an honour and a privilege to represent them, both home and away, and to have their support behind us. We’ve got an exciting, ambitious group here, and I’m looking forward to leading them on the pitch.”
Director of Rugby, George Skivington, also paid tribute to outgoing captain Lewis Ludlow, who led the side for more than five seasons:
"Firstly, I would like to thank Lewis Ludlow for the great work he’s done as Club Captain over the past five and a half seasons. He's fully embodied what this Club is all about: passion, desire, grit, and continues to do so every time he steps on the field. He'll continue to be an important player for us, but we felt it was the right time to select a new Captain."
"Ever since Tomos came in, we viewed him as someone with lots of leadership potential, and over the past season, he's really impressed us with the way he communicates with the lads and the standards that he sets. His performances on the field and the impact he has on those around him speak for themselves. Arthur and Seb are two really impressive young men and are both already strong leaders in their own right."
Follow Gloucester this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
Image courtesy of Gloucester Rugby
Gloucester Rugby’s 2025/26 season is set to be a thrilling campaign packed with intense matchups across the Gallagher Premiership, Premiership Rugby Cup, and Investec Champions Cup. The action kicks off early with two home fixtures in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears in mid-September, offering fans a taste of competitive action at Kingsholm. As the season progresses, Gloucester faces a balanced mix of home and away ties against traditional rivals and formidable opposition, including Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints, and Harlequins.
European action also makes a highly anticipated return in December, with Gloucester drawn against Castres, Munster, Edinburgh, and RC Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup, a challenging but exciting pool. Key Premiership clashes include a marquee matchup against Leicester Tigers at Villa Park on March 28th and crucial late-season games against Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons. With several fixtures still to have their times confirmed, the season promises both unpredictability and excitement, and Gloucester fans will be eager to see how the squad rises to the occasion across all competitions.
For all tickets, hospitality and any further information, visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
European action also makes a highly anticipated return in December, with Gloucester drawn against Castres, Munster, Edinburgh, and RC Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup, a challenging but exciting pool. Key Premiership clashes include a marquee matchup against Leicester Tigers at Villa Park on March 28th and crucial late-season games against Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons. With several fixtures still to have their times confirmed, the season promises both unpredictability and excitement, and Gloucester fans will be eager to see how the squad rises to the occasion across all competitions.
For all tickets, hospitality and any further information, visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
Taking place from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November, The November Meeting at Cheltenham is one of the best weekends in the racing calendar.
This year, and with a bit of a rebrand from The Jockey Club naming the meeting "Racing's Ultimate Weekender", the unmissable three-day festival offers a thrilling mix of top-class racing, unscripted drama and an electric atmosphere.
A relaxed but competitive opener to the meeting, Countryside Day sets the tone with a blend of smart handicaps, a testing Grade 2novice hurdle, the unique spectacle of cross-country racing and the Grade 2 Shloer Chase.
After racing, head to The Guinness Village to round off a fantastic day in style.
The meeting’s crown jewel and now named Super Saturday, this is the day where Festival dreams begin. The Paddy Power Gold Cup (Grade 3) takes centre stage. A fiercely competitive 2m4½f handicap chase that often produces future Grade 1 winners. Last year’s running saw a strong field and a thrilling finish and we expect the same again this time around.
Post-racing, the racecourse comes alive with three entertainment zones. Enjoy greatest hits in The Guinness Village, crowd favourites in Tattersalls Sales Arena or a relaxed sing-along in The Centaur.
The final day also has a new name, Carnival Sunday. With six exhilarating races, Shetland pony racing and a mascot race - there's something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect day to inspire the next generation of racing fans, with plenty of action both trackside and off the track. It's a celebration of all things Cheltenham and the perfect way to round off a brilliant weekend of racing.
The Greatwood Hurdle (Grade 3) is a top-tier handicap over 2m, and regularly a stepping stone to the Champion Hurdle.
Tickets start from as low as just £13 for the Best Mate and £29.50 for Club tickets. You can find the November Meeting pricing table below. As always outside of The Cheltenham Festival, under 18’s race free and must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18).
You can find all the information and tickets HERE.
This year, and with a bit of a rebrand from The Jockey Club naming the meeting "Racing's Ultimate Weekender", the unmissable three-day festival offers a thrilling mix of top-class racing, unscripted drama and an electric atmosphere.
A relaxed but competitive opener to the meeting, Countryside Day sets the tone with a blend of smart handicaps, a testing Grade 2novice hurdle, the unique spectacle of cross-country racing and the Grade 2 Shloer Chase.
After racing, head to The Guinness Village to round off a fantastic day in style.
The meeting’s crown jewel and now named Super Saturday, this is the day where Festival dreams begin. The Paddy Power Gold Cup (Grade 3) takes centre stage. A fiercely competitive 2m4½f handicap chase that often produces future Grade 1 winners. Last year’s running saw a strong field and a thrilling finish and we expect the same again this time around.
Post-racing, the racecourse comes alive with three entertainment zones. Enjoy greatest hits in The Guinness Village, crowd favourites in Tattersalls Sales Arena or a relaxed sing-along in The Centaur.
The final day also has a new name, Carnival Sunday. With six exhilarating races, Shetland pony racing and a mascot race - there's something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect day to inspire the next generation of racing fans, with plenty of action both trackside and off the track. It's a celebration of all things Cheltenham and the perfect way to round off a brilliant weekend of racing.
The Greatwood Hurdle (Grade 3) is a top-tier handicap over 2m, and regularly a stepping stone to the Champion Hurdle.
Tickets start from as low as just £13 for the Best Mate and £29.50 for Club tickets. You can find the November Meeting pricing table below. As always outside of The Cheltenham Festival, under 18’s race free and must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18).
You can find all the information and tickets HERE.
One of the Cotswolds’ most iconic racing pubs, The Hollow Bottom, is set to reopen its doors on Friday 25th July 2025, under the experienced stewardship of chefs Nathan Eades and Liam Goff.
Situated just 25 minutes from Cheltenham Racecourse in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Hollow Bottom has long been a favourite among racing fans, locals, and visitors alike.
Nestled within a few miles of the legendary stables of Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies and Jonjo and AJ O’Neill Racing, the pub’s strong horse racing heritage will continue to be celebrated at its core.
Eades and Goff, who already run two acclaimed pubs - the Michelin recommend Halfway at Kineton and Horse and Groom in Bourton on the Hill that was awarded a coveted Bib Gourmand in 2025 - bring with them a passion for honest food, warm hospitality, and breathing new life into beloved village pubs.
“We’re incredibly proud to be taking on such an important local institution,” said Nathan Eades. “The Hollow Bottom is more than just a pub, it’s a huge part of Guiting Power and the local farming and racing community, and we’re honoured to carry that legacy forward and give the village their much-loved pub back. It’s sadly lost its way in recent years and we very much want to take it back to its glory days of yesteryear.”
Guests can expect daily-changing menus with some local favourites, drinks that pay homage to the pub’s heritage, cracking wines and a vibrant warm welcome.
The kitchen will be headed up by Josh Murphy, who has worked in Michelin starred establishments, including Lucknam Park near Bath and Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham. He will be supported by Nathan and Liam’s long standing chef Felipe Escoda, formerly of The Cross at Kenilworth, The Ritz and, more locally, The Wild Rabbit.
he pair, alongside Operations Director Silviu Dinu, have appointed Claudio Liquori as Restaurant Manager where they all worked together at The Wild Rabbit.
Miles Partridge, who has worked in pubs locally in the last few years, will be assisting and ensuring the bar runs like clockwork.
Eades added “We are just very excited to get going and welcome everyone back to ‘The Hollow’ to enjoy its unique atmosphere, outstanding hospitality, and rich heritage.”
“Our main aim is to put the heart and soul back into this fantastic pub, with daily happy hours, racing and other on the TV, a buzzing garden and high-quality food on the plates”
The pub will open its doors on Friday 25th July 2025. For reservations, please contact the restaurant at [email protected]
www.thehollowbottom.com
Situated just 25 minutes from Cheltenham Racecourse in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Hollow Bottom has long been a favourite among racing fans, locals, and visitors alike.
Nestled within a few miles of the legendary stables of Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies and Jonjo and AJ O’Neill Racing, the pub’s strong horse racing heritage will continue to be celebrated at its core.
Eades and Goff, who already run two acclaimed pubs - the Michelin recommend Halfway at Kineton and Horse and Groom in Bourton on the Hill that was awarded a coveted Bib Gourmand in 2025 - bring with them a passion for honest food, warm hospitality, and breathing new life into beloved village pubs.
“We’re incredibly proud to be taking on such an important local institution,” said Nathan Eades. “The Hollow Bottom is more than just a pub, it’s a huge part of Guiting Power and the local farming and racing community, and we’re honoured to carry that legacy forward and give the village their much-loved pub back. It’s sadly lost its way in recent years and we very much want to take it back to its glory days of yesteryear.”
Guests can expect daily-changing menus with some local favourites, drinks that pay homage to the pub’s heritage, cracking wines and a vibrant warm welcome.
The kitchen will be headed up by Josh Murphy, who has worked in Michelin starred establishments, including Lucknam Park near Bath and Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham. He will be supported by Nathan and Liam’s long standing chef Felipe Escoda, formerly of The Cross at Kenilworth, The Ritz and, more locally, The Wild Rabbit.
he pair, alongside Operations Director Silviu Dinu, have appointed Claudio Liquori as Restaurant Manager where they all worked together at The Wild Rabbit.
Miles Partridge, who has worked in pubs locally in the last few years, will be assisting and ensuring the bar runs like clockwork.
Eades added “We are just very excited to get going and welcome everyone back to ‘The Hollow’ to enjoy its unique atmosphere, outstanding hospitality, and rich heritage.”
“Our main aim is to put the heart and soul back into this fantastic pub, with daily happy hours, racing and other on the TV, a buzzing garden and high-quality food on the plates”
The pub will open its doors on Friday 25th July 2025. For reservations, please contact the restaurant at [email protected]
www.thehollowbottom.com
Gloucester Rugby’s 2025/26 Gallagher PREM home fixture against Leicester Tigers will be held at Aston Villa’s stadium, Villa Park, on Saturday 28 March 2026. Kick-off 1pm.
The Slater Cup, named after former Gloucester and Leicester lock Ed Slater who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in July 2022, is contested between the two teams every season across each home and away Gallagher PREM fixture.
This season, Gloucester’s leg of The Slater Cup will take place at Villa Park, Birmingham, with a capacity of over 40,000. The Cherry & Whites will join Saracens and Bristol as Clubs who will host a fixture away from their home stadium, as part of the ‘Big Game’ weekend, during Round 12 in March 2026.
The decision to take the game to the legendary stadium is threefold, as Gloucester Rugby CEO Alex Brown explains:
“Like other Clubs, we want to create new, unmissable experiences for fans, and taking a game to another venue - and a world-class one in Villa Park - is a great opportunity to do so. The facilities available will enable us to create a truly memorable day out for our loyal fan base and for those new to the sport, ultimately expanding our reach and commercial potential.
“We also announced last year that, following the creation of the Men’s Progressional Game Partnerships (MPGP), our Academy had been allocated a significantly expanded geographical area, including Birmingham. While that expansion is focused on identifying and nurturing more young talent into the game, we also want to bring the professional game, the Gallagher PREM, to a new audience as part of that new footprint. Villa Park was an obvious choice to make that happen.
“Finally, and arguably most importantly, the potential to sell more tickets, to bring new fans into our sport and in doing so, raise awareness of the 4ED Foundation, and the devastating impact of MND, is priority. We know fans of both Clubs, as well as the wider rugby community, are deeply connected to Ed and will show their full support come Saturday 28 March 2026.”
2025/26 Club Members will be able to claim their ticket for The Slater Cup at Villa Park, included in their membership, as well as purchase additional tickets, from 14 August, before the general sale on 28 August. Club Members will be contacted with instructions ahead of 14 August.
For tickets and info for The Slater Cup at Villa Park, please click here.
The Slater Cup, named after former Gloucester and Leicester lock Ed Slater who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in July 2022, is contested between the two teams every season across each home and away Gallagher PREM fixture.
This season, Gloucester’s leg of The Slater Cup will take place at Villa Park, Birmingham, with a capacity of over 40,000. The Cherry & Whites will join Saracens and Bristol as Clubs who will host a fixture away from their home stadium, as part of the ‘Big Game’ weekend, during Round 12 in March 2026.
The decision to take the game to the legendary stadium is threefold, as Gloucester Rugby CEO Alex Brown explains:
“Like other Clubs, we want to create new, unmissable experiences for fans, and taking a game to another venue - and a world-class one in Villa Park - is a great opportunity to do so. The facilities available will enable us to create a truly memorable day out for our loyal fan base and for those new to the sport, ultimately expanding our reach and commercial potential.
“We also announced last year that, following the creation of the Men’s Progressional Game Partnerships (MPGP), our Academy had been allocated a significantly expanded geographical area, including Birmingham. While that expansion is focused on identifying and nurturing more young talent into the game, we also want to bring the professional game, the Gallagher PREM, to a new audience as part of that new footprint. Villa Park was an obvious choice to make that happen.
“Finally, and arguably most importantly, the potential to sell more tickets, to bring new fans into our sport and in doing so, raise awareness of the 4ED Foundation, and the devastating impact of MND, is priority. We know fans of both Clubs, as well as the wider rugby community, are deeply connected to Ed and will show their full support come Saturday 28 March 2026.”
2025/26 Club Members will be able to claim their ticket for The Slater Cup at Villa Park, included in their membership, as well as purchase additional tickets, from 14 August, before the general sale on 28 August. Club Members will be contacted with instructions ahead of 14 August.
For tickets and info for The Slater Cup at Villa Park, please click here.
The Blindside is a prestigious, members-only hospitality offering, designed for those who are looking to elevate their matchday.
Situated at the top of the Malvern Tyres Stand, The Blindside offers exclusive access to a stylish new lounge for every Gloucester Rugby home game for the upcoming season.
Members will enjoy access to a private bar and a carefully curated menu of homemade tapas served both pre-match and post-match. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared by our team of in-house chefs using ingredients sourced within 40 miles of Kingsholm, showcasing the exceptional quality and flavour of Cotswolds produce.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
This new lounge redefines matchday hospitality, offering elevated pre-match entertainment, exceptional comfort, and contemporary style.
Hosted by a legendary Cherry & White former player, the lounge delivers an unrivalled atmosphere and connection to the Club’s proud heritage. Membership also includes priority access to the England Rugby ticket ballot.
Register interest here: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/hospitality/blindside-membership
Situated at the top of the Malvern Tyres Stand, The Blindside offers exclusive access to a stylish new lounge for every Gloucester Rugby home game for the upcoming season.
Members will enjoy access to a private bar and a carefully curated menu of homemade tapas served both pre-match and post-match. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared by our team of in-house chefs using ingredients sourced within 40 miles of Kingsholm, showcasing the exceptional quality and flavour of Cotswolds produce.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
- Access to all Gallagher Prem, Cup and European home matches
- Premium seating in the Malvern Tyres Stand
- Bespoke pre and post-match tapas sourced within a 40-mile radius of Kingsholm
- Private and all-inclusive bar
- Tailored welcome gift
- Access to the Gloucester Rugby Business Club
- Access to the England Rugby ticket ballot
- Personal use of the Blindside lounge at a discounted rate
- Dedicated Account Manager
This new lounge redefines matchday hospitality, offering elevated pre-match entertainment, exceptional comfort, and contemporary style.
Hosted by a legendary Cherry & White former player, the lounge delivers an unrivalled atmosphere and connection to the Club’s proud heritage. Membership also includes priority access to the England Rugby ticket ballot.
Register interest here: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/hospitality/blindside-membership
The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia promises to be a blockbuster series, reigniting one of rugby’s most storied rivalries. With the Lions returning to Australian soil for the first time since their thrilling 2-1 series win in 2013, anticipation is at fever pitch. The Wallabies, under new leadership and hungry to restore pride, will be determined to seize the opportunity on home turf.
After heartbreak in South Africa in 2021, the Lions will be looking to get back to winning ways under new Head Coach Andy Farrell.
Australia, meanwhile, has seen a resurgence in Super Rugby form and will lean on dynamic backs and a hardened forward pack to challenge the tourists.
This series is more than just a tour, it’s a clash of hemispheres, cultures, and rugby ideologies. With national pride and legacy on the line, the 2025 Lions tour is set to deliver drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments.
Here are the big ones:
First Test: Saturday, July 19 – Brisbane - 11am (GMT)
Second Test: Saturday, July 26 – Melbourne - 11am (GMT)
Third Test: Saturday, August 2 – Sydney - 11AM (GMT)
Naturally, many rugby clubs will be showing the games, but here are some more places where you can watch the games locally.
After heartbreak in South Africa in 2021, the Lions will be looking to get back to winning ways under new Head Coach Andy Farrell.
Australia, meanwhile, has seen a resurgence in Super Rugby form and will lean on dynamic backs and a hardened forward pack to challenge the tourists.
This series is more than just a tour, it’s a clash of hemispheres, cultures, and rugby ideologies. With national pride and legacy on the line, the 2025 Lions tour is set to deliver drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments.
Here are the big ones:
First Test: Saturday, July 19 – Brisbane - 11am (GMT)
Second Test: Saturday, July 26 – Melbourne - 11am (GMT)
Third Test: Saturday, August 2 – Sydney - 11AM (GMT)
Naturally, many rugby clubs will be showing the games, but here are some more places where you can watch the games locally.
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
Head to The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse for an unforgettable live stream event of The British & Irish Lions first test match against the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. The superb duo of Luke & Ash will be playing through the day with a variety of musical delights. There will be a bar and food onsite so you can enjoy a hearty breakfast before the test match and finally, we'll be joined by a mystery Lions Legend on the day for an interactive Q&A session!
This is a Lions Rugby Club event. It's to become a member and entry to this event is free, although spaces are limited.
You can find all the information here - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
This is a Lions Rugby Club event. It's to become a member and entry to this event is free, although spaces are limited.
You can find all the information here - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
DUNKERTONS
If you have been to Dunkertons before, you will know how good it is. They will be showing all the games so round up your mates, grab a pint of Guinness (or a morning coffee) and enjoy a awesome Woozy Pig breakfast in a brilliant atmosphere.
It's completely free, and you can secure tickets here - www.dunkertonscider.co.uk/products/british-irish-lions-tour-2025
It's completely free, and you can secure tickets here - www.dunkertonscider.co.uk/products/british-irish-lions-tour-2025
DEYA BREWERY
It's never too early for a pint of Deya Rolling Man, is it? If the answer is yes to that then there will be coffee from their neighbours at Ritual and breakfast/brunch from the guys at Pit Kitchen.
All the Lions' games will be show in their taproom.
www.deyabrewing.com/pages/events
All the Lions' games will be show in their taproom.
www.deyabrewing.com/pages/events
KINGSHOLM STADIUM
If you are a 25/26 Club Member or 1873 Member at Gloucester Rugby, check your inbox for an invite to the exclusive British & Irish Lions Watch Party at Kingsholm on July 19th. Big screen, big atmosphere - don’t miss it!
www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
TAILORS
Located in the heart of Cheltenham, Tailors has 17 screens dotted around the pub making it a great place to enjoy the best sport on TV.
Breakfast will be served from 10:30am - 11:30am and includes breakfast baps, a full English and a a veggie full English.
tailorscheltenham.co.uk
Breakfast will be served from 10:30am - 11:30am and includes breakfast baps, a full English and a a veggie full English.
tailorscheltenham.co.uk
THE BROWN JUG
Situated on Bath Road in Cheltenham, The Brown Jug has made a name for itself for showing all major sporting events in the pub.
Breakfast will be served from 10am.
thebrownjugcheltenham.co.uk
Breakfast will be served from 10am.
thebrownjugcheltenham.co.uk
After a dramatic year in National Hunt racing, the curtain comes down at Prestbury Park with their one and only evening meeting of the season on Friday 2 May.
Amateur riders and trainers will be taking centre stage, all with the dream of winning at Cheltenham.
The evening will bursting with energy, excitement, and great entertainment. Cheltenham favourite Richard James returns to the Tattersalls Sales Arena from 16:45 for the final time this season, delivering a feel-good soundtrack guaranteed to set the tone for a great night. Don’t miss local legends The Chip Shop Boys in a spectacular post racing finale, where they'll bringing the season to a close with an extended live performance.
Gates open at 3:30pm with the first race going off at 4:35pm.
Groups of 6 plus get 10% off at checkout.
Under 18’s race free and must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 21).
All tickets and further info can be found here - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/race-night
Amateur riders and trainers will be taking centre stage, all with the dream of winning at Cheltenham.
The evening will bursting with energy, excitement, and great entertainment. Cheltenham favourite Richard James returns to the Tattersalls Sales Arena from 16:45 for the final time this season, delivering a feel-good soundtrack guaranteed to set the tone for a great night. Don’t miss local legends The Chip Shop Boys in a spectacular post racing finale, where they'll bringing the season to a close with an extended live performance.
Gates open at 3:30pm with the first race going off at 4:35pm.
Groups of 6 plus get 10% off at checkout.
Under 18’s race free and must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 21).
All tickets and further info can be found here - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/race-night
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