The Cheltenham Festival National Hunt Meet
The spa town of Cheltenham is in Gloucestershire on the edge of the scenic Cotswolds. Each year it becomes home to thousands of race-goers attending the premiere meeting of the National Hunt calendar, The Cheltenham festival. The best horses and jockeys from the UK, Ireland and beyond compete each year at this prestigious event.
Since 1860 the National Hunt Chase has been held around the country and was the premiere event over hurdles. This highlight of the steeplechase calendar was held for the first time at the newly built Prestbury Park in 1902. From 1911 onwards, Prestbury Park has remained its home and it is run annually on the second day of the festival.
The highlight of the four day event is now the Gold Cup. Second only in prize money to the Grand National in the UK, this race is run on Fridays, the last day of the Festival. In recent years, the most prolific winners have been Irish jockeys. The prestigious prize was won three years in a row by Jim Culloty on Best Mate, with Ruby Walsh taking two wins on Kauto Star. However the record for most wins by a jockey is still held by Pat Taaffe who won four times in the sixties.
Since 2005 the meeting has been held over four days instead of three. Each day has a feature race; Tuesday being the Champion Hurdle, Wednesday features the Queen Mother Chase, Thursday sees the World Hurdle which was previously the Stayers Hurdle. To bring the race card up to a full six each day, additional races have been added including some for charity.
The quality of runners and riders attracts a lot of betting which each year runs into millions of Euros and Pounds. You can go to the track to bet or your visit local bookie but if neither is an option, there are plenty of way to bet online. It is so easy to make your selections and place your bet without ever leaving your desk.
It is well worth travelling to Cheltenham to experience this lovely course and its phenomenal atmosphere. As the first race starts, the crowd cheers so loudly it can even be heard on the TV coverage. Nearby there are many hotels and boarding houses for anyone wanting to stay the full four days.
Scheduled to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day in Mid-March the whole meet is akin to a huge party. The Irish trainers and jockeys love this meeting and they always celebrate in style. The Cheltenham festival is great fun wherever you come from though; you need not be Irish to enjoy it.
If you are looking to watch the Melbourne Cup live stream, then visit our website where we have all the resources you need including expert Melbourne Cup tips for all the races.
