Cheltenham Racecourse is home to some fantastic jump-race action on a course of over 350 stunning acres sheltered by the dramatic Cotswold hills. There is a long tradition and history of racing at this course, which gives an unmistakeable 'Cheltenham' atmosphere to enhance the experience of a visit.
Cheltenham Racecourse provides spectators with great jump racing over the course of a year but particularly in March when The Festival takes place, culminating in the famous Gold Cup race. The Festival is four days of racing that sees over 230,000 visitors and at least £500 million spent on race bets for the twenty-five races. The races include The Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, a two-mile hurdle race; The Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, an exciting two-mile chasers race and The Ladbrokes World Hurdle, a long distance hurdles race requiring great stamina. The highlight of March’s festival and indeed of the entire jump-racing season is The Cheltenham Gold Cup race on the Friday of the festival. This is a testing three and a quarter mile race that has great kudos attached to winning.
Throughout the rest of the year the racecourse offers several other gripping races for spectator sport. These include The Open, The April Meeting, The Showcase and The Boylesports International. The races cater for a range of racing enthusiasts, from the experienced to the fun one-off visitor and many race-meets offer other non-racing events such as falconry displays and trade stands so there is often something for everyone.
Indeed, all year round the racecourse provides several non-racing attractions including The Cheltenham Circular Challenge, a charity marathon around the surrounding area and Cheltenham Literary Festival, as well as a whole range of musicians and other entertainment.
The hospitality at the racecourse is excellent, with a range of restaurants to visit or the option of entertaining guests with a champagne reception in a chalet or private box. It is also possible to hire the venue for business meetings, conferences or private parties.