Cheltenham Festival: When, Where, and How To Watch the Horse Racing Spectacle

Cheltenham Festival is known to hold reckoning significance in the horse racing calendar. The National Hunt racing traces back its roots to the late 1800s, underscoring the momentous presence it has grown to hold in the industry. In the process, numerous shifts have been intrinsic to the festival in holding up the relevance, competition, and excitement. One such expansion today stands to mark a milestone for Cheltenham.

In 1924, a few years after the racing came to be recognized as the ‘Cheltenham Festival,’ the Gold Cup was introduced to the celebrations. Growing ever since the notable Cup, on March 15th, will mark 100 years of its essence as enthusiasts chime in to celebrate the sport. As the dates for the spectacle are nearing, here’s a quick look at the details.

Cheltenham Festival arrives for a milestone

The 4-day Cheltenham Festival will etch a beginning on the 12th of March to last through the 15th at the Cheltenham racecourse. With prize money of £4.8 million lasting through the entirety of the event, the festival is second only to Grand National and third in terms of attendance. In catering to the brimming audience, the grounds will celebrate varying themes across the week. Champion Day on Tuesday, Ladies’ Day (officially called Style Wednesday) on the second day, St Patrick’s Day on Thursday, and Gold Cup Day on Friday for a clipping end.

The days will hold 28 races as the gates open for the celebrations at 10:30. However, it won’t be until 1:30 p.m. that the races will announce a beginning. Further along, the attendees are expected in no particular dress code, but weather-appropriate is advisable nonetheless.

An early forecast suggests the opening day will probably stay clear of rains with temperatures falling to 10 degrees. While the next day may witness a slight increase in the numbers, it also poses a threat of rain. The days following, however, will witness warmer tones with a hint of cloudy skies. While the audience on stands worries about the numbers, here’s how enthusiasts from afar can catch the Cheltenham Festival’s exuberance.

Ways to catch up on the spectacle

Residents of the UK can claim access to the races through either ITV 1 coverage on TV or through online streaming via ITVX. The timings for the same are scheduled from 1 pm GMT to 4:30. A preview show further can also be viewed by the audience from 8: 30am GMT to 10 am on ITV. Further along, for those abroad, VPN might prove of help upon compliance with the regulations.

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ITV Racing and Racing TV will alongside be live-streaming the Cheltenham Festival, which can be availed through smartphones. The championship race will be run at 3.30 pm while the Final day will take the crown for the Gold Cup. The ITV has exciting plans on hold for the event.

Ed Chamberlin, ITV presenter, said, “The 100th year of the Boodles’ Gold Cup makes this year’s Cheltenham extra special. We’ll look back at all the great winners and are set for a brilliant renewal.” To make matters even more interesting, Ed will have 20-time champion jump jockey, Sir Anthony McCoy, and the Festival’s winning-most rider, Ruby Walsh every day. They will offer their revered analysis of the races.

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