Cheltenham Festival Sees Attendance Rise for Successful Race Week

Cheltenham Festival Sees Rise in Attendance for Successful Race Week

The Cheltenham Festival, one of the most prestigious events in the national horse racing calendar, has once again proven to be a major draw for spectators. According to organisers, the four-day festival welcomed over 226,000 visitors this year, marking a rise in attendance compared to the previous year.

Details

The Cheltenham Festival, which took place from 10-13 March, featured a packed programme of exciting races and events. Racegoers were treated to world-class jump racing, with the highlight being the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the final day. The festival also included a range of other attractions, such as live music, food and drink offerings, and trade stands.

Jockey Rachael Blackmore made history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, adding to her remarkable achievements from last year’s festival. Other notable winners included Honeysuckle, who claimed her third consecutive victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

Councillor Rowena Hay, the Cabinet Member for Culture, Wellbeing and Business at Cheltenham Borough Council, praised the success of this year’s festival. “The Cheltenham Festival is always a hugely popular and exciting event, and it’s fantastic to see the attendance numbers rise once again,” she said. “It’s a testament to the hard work of the organisers and the appeal of the racing and wider entertainment on offer.”

What You Need to Know

The Cheltenham Festival took place from 10-13 March 2026. For more information, visit the official Cheltenham Racecourse website at cheltenham.co.uk or call the racecourse on 01242 513 014.

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