Friends and family gathered at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday 13 November to remember Dame Jilly Cooper, the author known for her steamy romance novels, including Rivals. She loved the racecourse and horse racing, and lived in nearby Bisley. Dame Jilly died on 5 October 2025, aged 88, after a fall.
A bench, a bar and a race
- A memorial bench has been unveiled on the Crescent Walkway, overlooking the parade ring. Its brass plaque calls her a passionate racegoer and legendary storyteller.
- The Retreat bar has been renamed The Rutshire Arms, a nod to Rivals.
- The cross-country replacement race on the card is now the Jilly Cooper Veterans’ Handicap Chase, a 2m 4f race for horses aged 10 and over on the Old Course. The name applies this year only. The race replaces the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, which was cancelled in October because of firm ground.
Tributes from the racecourse and friends
Guy Lavender, chief executive of Cheltenham Racecourse, said the meeting was a chance to celebrate a dear friend of the racecourse who was loved by many who share her passion for the countryside. Her agent, Felicity Blunt, said the racecourse was like her church, where she loved the people, the jockeys, the trainers and the fans. Actor Victoria Smurfit, who plays Maude in the TV adaptation of Rivals, also attended.
Visiting The November Meeting
The three-day meeting runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November, and the racecourse expects almost 70,000 racegoers. Countryside Day on Friday includes a traditional hunt parade and a dog display before the first race. Super Saturday on 14 November features the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Carnival Sunday on 15 November has the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle and family entertainment.
