THE 2023 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL I

f you’re a keen follower of the UK’s equestrian scene, you’ll already be well aware of the excitement that’s just around the corner. March welcomes the Cheltenham Festival, one of the most noteworthy gatherings in the Great Hunt racing calendar. It’s known for having an unbeatable atmosphere, with the crowd’s Cheltenham Roar becoming a thing of legend. There’s an argument to be made for Cheltenham being the second biggest horse racing event we have—in terms of prize money, only the Grand National is more significant!

Last year’s Cheltenham Festival was ground breaking in many ways. First of all, the total attendance across all four days was the highest in the festival’s history, with 280,627 horse racing fans gathering to witness the action. What’s more, we also saw the monumental achievement of Rachael Blackmore, who became the first female jockey to win the prestigious Gold Cup. (This came after making history with her Grand National win in 2021.) We’re looking forward to this year’s festival, and hoping that we see similarly huge turnouts and great moments. Here’s a little more about the history of the Cheltenham Festival, and some guidance for this year’s festivities, so that both seasoned viewers and budding racing enthusiasts can get stuck in!

A Brief History

The Cheltenham Festival was started in 1860, but it has not always been the event we know and love today. Originally, the event was called the Grand National Hunt Meeting, and the first iteration was run in Market Harborough. Since then, its location frequently changed, with most Meetings being held at Warwick Racecourse. However, thanks to significant investment in the infrastructure of the racecourses at Prestbury Park, the Meeting was moved permanently to Cheltenham starting in 1911. It is unclear when the name of the event was officially changed.

As we mentioned previously, the Gold Cup is the most prestigious prize to be won at Cheltenham. It was created in 1924 with the purpose of being a supporting race for the County Hurdle, but over time it became more highly regarded, eventually becoming the most highly anticipated race of the event. The Stayers’ Hurdle, however, is the oldest existing race to have championship status, having first been run in 1912.

In 2005, the Cheltenham Festival began to span four days, doubling the original duration. It now features a total of 28 races—7 on each day— with at least one championship race per day.

Get ready for one of the most exciting weeks in the racing season!

How To Watch

Guide

Let’s now take a look at the order of events for the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. In the interest of space we will only cover the championship races, but we highly recommend tuning in to watch the others too! Championship races are the pinnacle of prestige at Cheltenham, attracting the best competitors and highest prize pots. In official terms, they are ‘Grade 1’—the highest calibre of jumps race you can get. Each day’s main event will be highlighted.

Day 1: Champion Day

1:30pm Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race

2:10pm Arkle Challenge Trophy

3:30pm Champion Hurdle

4:10pm Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race

Day 2: Festival Wednesday (Ladies Day)

1:30pm Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle Race

2:10pm Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase 3:30pm Queen Mother Champion Chase 5:30pm Champion Bumper

If you’re not attending the Festival, don’t worry! You’ll be able to watch most of the important races on ITV, which continues to build its reputation as the home of racing in Britain. Not all races will be televised, however, so make sure you check for yourself to avoid disappointment.

Preview

Let’s look at some noteworthy names and favourites that will be competing at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

First up, Facile Vega is a very prominent horse that is booked to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, after already winning the Champion Bumper last year. Some say he is yet to reach his full potential, however, so there’s a chance it doesn’t play out as planned.

Next, the star of last year’s Festival is back. Constitution Hill will be running the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, and is set to continue his unbeaten streak with another statement victory.

Finally, we have the reigning champion defend his title in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday. Energumene will have some tougher competition this time around, but experts are still convinced he is the horse that will lead the pack.

2:50pm Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 3:30pm Cheltenham Gold Cup

Ashfield Road, Norton

What’s not to like? Set back from the road in a plot of just under a quarter of an acre this prestigious detached home offers flexible accommodation in a non estate location. The ground floor accommodation leads from a welcoming hallway with a study and large sitting room served by a log burner. There is a well designed kitchen/breakfast room and good size dining room. In addition there is a utility room and cloakroom. A feature of the house is the attractive garden/summer sitting room which has a vaulted ceiling and enjoys views of the garden. A ground floor bedroom and en suite is ideal for visitors. On the first floor there are 3 double bedrooms with en suite and bathroom access from the galleried landing. Overall this substantial home which has a large garage is very impressive.

An individual and stylish home featuring vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams. The accommodation is highly flexible with four double bedrooms and mezzanine that allows for a variety of uses. The kitchen/dining room is a feature of this property with a modern characterful finish. The sitting room with high ceilings leads out to the private, enclosed garden. There is a shingled driveway allowing ample parking. With easy A14 access as well as a delightful village setting

Church Road, Elmswell

£460,000

Located in a very well served village this detached family home enjoys meadow views in a non estate location. Offering generous size accommodation the property is offered for sale chain free with 4 good size bedrooms and an en suite. There is a large kitchen/breakfast room which overlooks the private enclosed garden. Set back from the road there is plenty of parking and access to the garage which is a larger than average size. Call to view and see how this individual home could work for you.

Jermyn Avenue, Bury St Edmunds

£550,000

This fabulous detached family home is located in a sought after location and presented in immaculate condition both inside and out. Offering a great range of accommodation with many improvements made by the current owner - this is a home which is bound to impress. There are 4 good size bedrooms with 2 en suites and a family bathroom. On the ground floor there is a generous size sitting room with views of the delightful garden. A well designed kitchen/breakfast room with utility room and separate dining room.

Hazelwood Close, Thurston

£450,000

In a private close of just seven properties this attractive detached home is offered for sale being chain free. Built about 20 years ago in a non estate location this individual property has 4 bedrooms, en suite, dressing room and family bathroom. The light and airey accommodation is flowing with a generous size sitting room and dining room. Views of the garden are enjoyed from the well designed kitchen. There is a study and a cloakroom which completes the ground floor accommodation. The property further benefits from a private enclosed sunny garden, garage and ample parking. Viewing is essential to appreciate this lovely home in a sought after location.

Hepworth Avenue, Bury St. Edmunds

Walk into town! At the end of a cul-de-sac is this detached family home in a very desirable location just a stones throw from the town centre. This is a chain free, secluded property with 4 bedrooms, en suite, and family bathroom. The light and airy accommodation is flowing with a generous sized sitting room and dining room. Views of the garden are enjoyed from the well designed kitchen and conservatory. Utility, cloakroom and single integral garage completes the ground floor accommodation. The property further benefits from a private enclosed sunny garden, and off street parking. Viewing is essential to appreciate this lovely home in a sought after location.

Victoria Close, Thurston

£385,000

A great chance to buy a detached bungalow located in a quiet location with an impressive vaulted sitting room which overlooks the private garden. The spacious accommodation offers 3 bedrooms, en suite cloakroom and family bathroom. There is a well designed kitchen and dining room presented in good order. An enclosed secluded garden even includes a hot tub! Set back from the road with ample driveway and parking leading to the garage. Make time to view to appreciate all that this home has to offer.

Church Street, Wetherden

£375,000

Just a year old, this truly exceptional and unique property is finished to an impeccable standard and situated the heart of Wetherden. Designed to reflect traditional Victorian architecture with flowing single storey accommodation throughout. With two good sized double bedrooms, a modern bathroom and a useful large store room containing the eco-friendly state of the art Air Source Heat Pump. The sitting room is bright and airy with oak flooring and French doors leading to the sandstone terrace nestled in the private low maintenance garden. There is a contemporary and stylish well equipped kitchen with space for dining overlooking the garden. All rooms benefit from oak doors and underfloor heating with individual room thermostats. There is a well kept driveway to the front with ample parking.

Offering generous size accommodation this 3 bedroom detached home sits in a nice position overlooking a ‘green’ with a private garden. The well proportioned sitting room has a log burner and there is a fitted kitchen which overlooks the garden. In addition, there is a study which leads to the conservatory. A modern bathroom and en-suite serve the good size bedrooms in this family home. Located in a quiet location with a garage and ample parking this is bound to be a popular choice in this desirable village. Call to make your viewing.

Located in a quiet cul de sac location this very spacious detached bungalow enjoys a private garden with garage and ample parking. There are 2 double bedrooms and a large sitting room which leads to the stylish conservatory. From the welcoming hallway there is a dining area and a fitted kitchen. A large utility room leads to the garden which surrounds the bungalow. A great opportunity to secure a non estate property in this ever popular village.

Song Thush Close, Stowmarket

If you are looking for something a bit special and in immaculate condition then this could be your next home! Step inside and appreciate the room sizes and position of this individual home located on the popular Cedars Park development. Offering a generous size kitchen/breakfast room which in turn leads to the impressive conservatory which could also be used as a dining room or playroom. There is a comfortable sitting room and cloakroom on the ground floor. With 3 good size bedrooms served by an en suite and family bathroom - all beautifully presented. Outside the private garden is enclosed with parking to the side of the house and garage. Don’t delay in booking a viewing to see this special home.

Built less than a year ago, this home is an ideal opportunity to purchase a 3 double bedroom home in a great location. The property is semi detached to the rear and provides a feeling of being a detached home. There is a good sized sitting room with bay windows and countryside views. The modern kitchen/dining room is well designed overlooking the enclosed rear garden with spacious cloakroom completing the ground floor accommodation. To the first floor there are 3 double bedrooms all served by a family bathroom. The main bedroom is a great size with built in wardrobes and stylish en-suite. Well-presented throughout with off street parking for two cars. There is so much on offer, don’t miss your chance! Call us now!