This article was produced by Pierre Deteuf
With Cheltenham Festival fast approaching, excitement is building in the UK and around the world as fans hope for another memorable event.
The Festival™ is a yearly event that attracts all kinds of spectators, from horse racing purists to casual fans. It is one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting events, combining elite racing on the track with high fashion and fine dining in the stands.
For those visiting for the first time, preparing for The Festival™ can be daunting as there are a lot of things to consider, from outfits to food and drink. Here are some top tips to help you maximise your experience at Cheltenham.
Brush up on your Knowledge
One of the things that makes the Cheltenham Festival so popular is its long tradition of fans backing runners in the hopes of winning big. Whether you’re a relatively new racing fan or a seasoned veteran, it’s important to go to The Festival™ with as much betting knowledge as possible.
One of the best ways to do this is via Racing TV’s website or mobile app, where fans can find race history, pedigree and any other relevant information about race entrants. It also offers live and replay coverage, as well as listing Cheltenham betting offers that fans can take advantage of once they’re equipped with a plethora of knowledge.
Even for those not interested in betting, getting clued up on the competitors will make the experience more interesting.
Book Group Tickets
Another of the joys of festival is being able to share the experience with friends and family. It’s very common for fans to attend The Festival™ in large groups, especially to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and stag or hen parties.
Cheltenham Festival’s organisers provide discounts to fans who book tickets in larger groups, making them cheaper for each person. Taking advantage of these offers allows fans to save money on the tickets, which leaves more for other expenses like food and drink.
Additionally, there’s a range of available options from VIP box packages with private dining to group seating in the grandstand, meaning there is something for all budgets. These offers are available for groups of 15 or more people, so if your group is smaller than that, it’s worth calling around to see if any more friends fancy a day at the races.
Book a Restaurant Beforehand
For those who’ve already bought standard tickets, food and drink are the next important expenses to be considered.
The racecourse is home to several critically acclaimed restaurants offering various cuisines and racetrack viewpoints. There are 13 restaurants in total, of which the Panoramic Restaurant, with its five-course á la carte menu and spectacular views, is one of the fan favourites.
If you’re attending The Festival™ and haven’t already booked a restaurant, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. While the number of restaurants means anyone at The Festival™ is unlikely to go hungry, getting a table on the day without a booking can prove challenging – especially for larger groups. This is a crucial part of enjoying the experience to the fullest, as hunger can quickly ruin any mood.
Plan your Outfits
Since its inception, Cheltenham Festival has been known as a glamorous and fashionable event. Horse racing in general is quite a classy sport, associated with royalty and important public figures, so spectators usually dress accordingly.
While there is no official dress code for Cheltenham, formal wear is preferred by the organisers and most attendees show up in their finest suits, hats and dresses. Fancy dress is also permitted, as long as it isn’t offensive.
The Festival™ falls in the springtime, which means the weather can be difficult to predict. With all this in mind, it’s important to plan your outfits in advance, particularly if you’re attending for more than one day.
