Cheltenham Festival:
Race Goers Guide

The Cheltenham Festival is the most prestigious event in the National Hunt calendar, drawing thousands of spectators and the finest equine athletes in the sport. Each day offers something unique, from the excitement of Champion Day to the glamour of Style Wednesday, the celebrations of St Patrick’s Thursday, and the pinnacle of it all—Gold Cup Day.

The festival kicks off with Champion Day, setting the stage for four extraordinary days of racing. Witness the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a Grade 1 event that crowns the king of hurdlers.

Full Race List:

• 13:20 The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race
• 14:00 The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase 
• 14:40 The Ultima Handicap Chase
• 15:20 The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race
• 16:00 The Unibet Champion Hurdle 
• 16:40 The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race 
• 17:20 The National Hunt Novices’ Chase 

Previously known as Ladies’ Day, Style Wednesday is where high fashion meets high stakes. The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase is the highlight, showcasing elite jumpers over 12 fences.

Full Race List:

• 13:20 The Turners Novices’ Hurdle Race
• 14:00 The Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase
• 14:40 The Coral Cup Hurdle 
• 15:20 The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase
• 16:00 The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase
• 16:40 The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
• 17.20 The Weatherbys Champion Bumper

A celebration of Irish racing dominance, St Patrick’s Thursday is where the Guinness flows and the racing excitement reaches new heights. The Ryanair Steeple Chase and Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle are the key races of the day.

Full Race List:

• 13:20 The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 
• 14:00 The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
• 14:40 The Pertemps Network Final 
• 15:20 The Ryanair Steeple Chase
• 16:00 The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
• 16:40 The TrustATrader Plate
• 17:20 The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup

The grand finale, Gold Cup Day, is the ultimate test of stamina and speed. The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most coveted prize in jump racing, will determine who will be crowned the champion of Cheltenham 2025.

Full Race List:

• 13:20 The JCB Triumph Hurdle 
• 14:00 The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle Race
• 14:40 The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase
• 15:20 The Albert Bartlett  Novices’ Hurdle Race 
• 16:00 The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase
• 16:40 The St. James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase
• 17:20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 

*Please note the timings are subject to change

Address: Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH

Cheltenham Festival via Train 

• The nearest train station is Cheltenham Spa. There is a dedicated shuttle bus service for the Cheltenham Festival from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station.
• Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is an alternative form of transport for the Cheltenham Festival. Leaving from Toddington arriving at Cheltenham Racecourse after a 35-minute journey through the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds, Malverns and Vale of Evesham.

Cheltenham Festival Pick up and drop off 

• If you’re attending The Cheltenham Festival, please follow the signs that will route you to pick up & drop off, which will allow you to be dropped off in West Car Park. It is then a five-minute walk to the entrances.

Cheltenham Festival Car Parking

• All racegoers intending to park on-site during Cheltenham Festival will require a car parking pass. The parking scheme is colour coded so that your parking zone will match your label and preferred route.

Gates open at 10:30 on each of the four days of the Festival.
Preview Show, live in the Parade Ring at 12:25.

Racegoers are encouraged to leave their luggage and any other large items at home or in their hotel and not to bring such items into the racecourse. All bags will be searched upon entry which may delay your entry into the racecourse. Please allow time for your bag to be searched.

Bag of an appropriate size for a day out will be allowed into the enclosures. Large bags such as suitcases, holdalls, and rucksacks will not be granted entry and racegoers will be invited to use the Left Luggage facilities which are located external to the enclosures before the bag search locations.

Attending the Cheltenham Festival is an experience like no other, but Cheltenham Races Hospitality takes it to another level. Choose from three luxurious enclosures to suit your style:

Club Enclosure
There’s no better way to enjoy the day at Cheltenham than from the Club Enclosure, our most premier enclosure. It’s an experience to remember with access to all public areas and spectacular views from the main grandstand, lawn or Winning Post. In addition to paddock viewing access, you can enjoy the Hall of Fame, all the public areas of the Princess Royal Stand.

Tattersalls Enclosure
The perfect middle ground between the Club and Best Mate Enclosure. Be close up to the Winner’s Enclosure, stand by the Winning Post and get stunning views from the Tattersalls grandstand viewing steps.

Best Mate Enclosure
Best Mate is the most affordable way to enjoy what racing at Cheltenham has to offer and is tremendous value for money, you’ll experience excellent views of the racing and top-class betting facilities, bars and a variety of food choices.

A day at the Cheltenham Festival is more than just world-class racing—it’s an immersive experience packed with entertainment, atmosphere, and unforgettable moments.

• Live Music & Entertainment: Enjoy a vibrant mix of live bands, from jazz to rock, performing across the course throughout the day.
• Premium Experiences at The Orchard™: Club Enclosure ticket holders can indulge in an exclusive experience featuring top-tier entertainment, a resident DJ spinning Balearic beats from the Sunseeker boat, and the brand-new Orchard Food and Drink Hall.
• Shopping Village: Browse a fantastic selection of fashion, accessories, jewellery, home furnishings, and unique gifts in the bustling Shopping Village.
• The Legendary Guinness Village: Where the craic is mighty! This is the ultimate social hub, brimming with energy, great drinks, and an unbeatable atmosphere.
• Big Screens & Exclusive Insights: Stay connected to all the action with live interviews, behind-the-scenes features, and in-depth racing coverage displayed on big screens around the racecourse.
• Bars with a Story: Many of Cheltenham’s bars are named after legendary racehorses—soak up the buzz at the Arkle Bar or savor a glass of champagne at the glamorous Moët & Chandon Roma Bar.
• Après Racing Entertainment: Don’t rush off! Join us in The Centaur for a live band performance after the final race of each day.
• Travel & Departure: Expect busy car parks post-racing—plan ahead and be aware of road closures to ensure a smooth journey home.

With so much to see and do, the Cheltenham Festival is an event like no other!

With a range of restaurant packages, private boxes, and exclusive suites you can elevate your day at Cheltenham. Secure your place at the Festival and enjoy an unforgettable experience by enquiring with Gala Events now. Get in touch now.

If braving the cold isn’t quite your thing, check out our upcoming Gold Cup Lunches;

London Gold Cup Lunch

Birmingham Gold Cup Lunch