The Cheltenham Festival Guide 

Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle event of the jump-racing calendar. Regarded as the most prestigious jump racing event of the year, it is scheduled to take place from March 14th to March 17th, 2023. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham racecourse has hosted racing since 1815 and now showcases some of the finest jump racing in Britain. Here you will find everything you need to make your day run seamlessly and becomes an unforgettable experience.

Where and when is The Cheltenham Festival? 

The Cheltenham festival takes place at the Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH. The festival is scheduled to take place from 14th to 17th March 2023, with the gates opening every day at 10:30 am. The first race commences at 1:30 pm, and the last race concludes at 5:30 pm. Each day consist of a ‘feature race’ at 3:30 pm.

Photo: The Jockey Club

About the races 

The Cheltenham Festival is the shining jewel in Jump racing’s crown. It is a four-day event played out on a stage framed by the breathtaking vista of the Cotswold Hills. Featuring 14 Grade One races across four days of racing as the best horses, trainers, and jockeys go head-to-head, playing to an audience of 265,000 racegoers.

• Day One – Champion Day : Day one of The Cheltenham Festival is historically known as Champion Day. It’s home to seven world-class races. Celebrate the return of jump racing’s biggest festival, where reigning and future Champions come together to make their mark on the wall of Jump Racing Greats. Feature Race Unibet Champion Hurdle.

• Day Two – Festival Wednesday : Day two of The Festival has another seven races to enjoy. Festival Wednesday offers a day filled with exciting action both on and off the track, featuring the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, a race that values both speed and jumping ability. Feature Race: The Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase (Grade 1).

• Day Three – St Patrick’s Thursday : St. Patrick’s Thursday is a unique celebration, with racing to match. The horses and jockeys put on a special show to try and win the coveted Prestbury Cup, Irish passion raises the rafters. With a quality seven racecard on offer and two feature races. Feature Race: The Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1) and The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle Race.

• Day Four – Gold Cup Day : Gold Cup Day, day four of The Cheltenham Festival concludes four incredible days of racing. The jewel in Jump Racing’s crown, the most prestigious trophy in horse racing and arguably, sport. The greatest chasers in Britain and Ireland line up at 3:05pm every year to be presented the original 1924 Gold Cup. Feature Race: The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1).

Photo: The Jockey Club

3 Michelin Star Hospitality Experience at The Cheltenham Festival 

A lunch to remember is a vital part of the racing experience. An exciting new addition for 2023 is Core on Course. Set in the heart of the action, embrace the Roar of the Cheltenham Festival whilst enjoying elegant fine dining with an emphasis on good, natural food surrounded by the rolling hills of Gloucestershire.

This hospitality package by Michelin star chef Clare Smyth, who is renowned for her Notting Hill restaurant – Core by Clare Smyth, will feature a stunning 6-course tasting menu with Dom Pérignon or Irish Cocktail reception, afternoon snacks & treats and premium beers and wines along with an in person appearance with Clare Smyth herself. View all restaurant packages here. 

Photo: The Jockey Club and Core by Clare Smyth

The Orchard

The Orchard offers an exclusive experience for club enclosure racegoers, including Hospitality guests, Owners and Trainers, and all Cheltenham Annual Members, the Orchard is located in the heart of the Tented Village. Hosting a range of luxury brands for racegoers including Bentley, Boodles, Nyetimber and Sunseeker Luxury Yachts, providing an exclusive experience for Club enclosure racegoers to soak up the four extraordinary days of Jump racing.

The all-new walk-in dining experience is housed in a beautiful orangery with rustic interiors. The menu features exquisite Asian-inspired dishes such as delectable curries, succulent skewers, an array of mouth-watering sweet treats, and more taste sensations. Coupled with Whispering Angel serving their world-renowned rose and Gloucester Brewery serving local premium beverages – it is a must-visit destination at The Festival, with no pre-booking required.

The Cheltenham Festival Dress Code: 

It is recommended to “dressed to feel your best”. Although there is no official dress code, a considerable number of guests prefer to dress formally for Cheltenham. The most important thing when choosing your outfit is, comfort, and confidence. So wear what feels right for you and will keep you feeling your best from start to finish, whatever the weather. 

Cheltenham festival takes place in open spaces with many uncovered areas and the car parks are located on grass, so it is advised to wear suitable footwear and carry a brolly, particularly if the weather is changeable.