Cheltenham Racecourse is an iconic horse racing venue located in the Gloucestershire countryside in the UK. It is best known for hosting The Festival, the highlight of the National Hunt (or steeplechase) racing season, which takes place each year in March. The world-famous Gold Cup is the main event of the festival, with other prestigious races such as the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle also taking place.
What is the Festival?
The Festival is a four-day celebration of horse racing, entertainment and fashion. It takes place each year in March and is the highlight of the National Hunt season. The event attracts more than 250,000 visitors over the four days, with many more watching on television around the world.
When is The Festival in 2021?
The Festival will take place at Cheltenham Racecourse from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th March 2021.
What are the Race Dates at The Festival?
The Festival is made up of four days of racing, with each day featuring seven races. The race dates for 2021 are as follows:
- Tuesday 16th March 2021
- Wednesday 17th March 2021
- Thursday 18th March 2021
- Friday 19th March 2021
What Races are Run at The Festival?
The Festival features some of the most prestigious races in the National Hunt calendar, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle. Other races include the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Arkle Challenge Trophy, the Ryanair Chase and the JLT Novices’ Chase.
What is the Schedule for The Festival?
The Festival begins each day at 1:30pm with the first race, with the last race of the day taking place at 5:30pm. The full schedule for the 2021 Festival is as follows:
- Tuesday 16th March
- 1:30pm Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
- 2:10pm Arkle Challenge Trophy
- 2:50pm Ultima Handicap Chase
- 3:30pm Unibet Champion Hurdle
- 4:10pm Mares’ Hurdle
- 4:50pm Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase
- 5:30pm National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup
- Wednesday 17th March
- 1:30pm Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
- 2:10pm RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase
- 2:50pm Coral Cup Hurdle
- 3:30pm Queen Mother Champion Chase
- 4:10pm Cross Country Chase
- 4:50pm Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
- 5:30pm Weatherbys Champion Bumper
- Thursday 18th March
- 1:30pm JLT Novices’ Chase
- 2:10pm Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
- 2:50pm Ryanair Chase
- 3:30pm Stayers’ Hurdle
- 4:10pm Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate
- 4:50pm Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
- 5:30pm Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
- Friday 19th March
- 1:30pm Triumph Hurdle
- 2:10pm County Handicap Hurdle
- 2:50pm Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
- 3:30pm Cheltenham Gold Cup
- 4:10pm Foxhunter Chase
- 4:50pm Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
- 5:30pm Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
What Else is On at The Festival?
The Festival is more than just a horse racing event – it is a four-day celebration of entertainment, fashion and style. As well as the racing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy.
Fashion
The Festival is renowned for its fashion, with many stylish guests competing to be the best dressed. The Best Dressed Lady competition takes place each day, with the winner receiving a prize and the chance to be crowned Best Dressed Lady of the Festival.
Entertainment
The Festival is also a great place for entertainment, with live music, DJs and street performers all adding to the atmosphere. The Racecourse also hosts an array of bars, restaurants and food stalls to ensure there is something for everyone.
Shopping
The Festival is a great opportunity to pick up some unique souvenirs and gifts, with a range of shopping stands offering everything from clothing and accessories to artwork and homewares.
What Safety Measures are in Place?
The health and safety of everyone attending The Festival is of paramount importance. As such, Cheltenham Racecourse has implemented a number of measures to ensure that everyone can enjoy the event safely.
Social Distancing
Social distancing measures are in place throughout the venue, with clear signage and floor markings indicating where visitors should stand. All visitors must remain at least 2 metres apart from other groups at all times, and masks must be worn at all times when not seated.
Enhanced Cleaning
Enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout the venue, with frequent and thorough cleaning of all areas. All visitors must use the hand sanitiser provided upon entry and regularly throughout the Racecourse.
Track and Trace
The Track and Trace system is in place for all visitors, and you will be asked to provide your contact details upon entry. This information will be stored securely and used in the event of a local outbreak.
Conclusion
The 2021 Cheltenham Festival will take place from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th March at Cheltenham Racecourse. The event is sure to be a spectacular celebration of horse racing, entertainment and fashion, with a range of safety measures in place to ensure everyone can enjoy the event safely.