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

Simon Demery Head of Residential Sales | Associate

simond@masonsandpartners.co.uk

Simon has worked as a general practice chartered surveyor for 32 years in and around Louth after commencing his property career in Avon and Somerset. He is vastly experienced in residential property transactions and was the manager/valuer for the very successful Halifax Property Services branch in Louth between 1987-2008. Simon heads up our residential sales team and has a loyal following from vendors and buyers alike due to his attention to detail, personal service, fabulous presentation of properties and professionalism and integrity. Married with two children, Simon enjoys photography, cycling and might occasionally be found cruising the local beaches in his kite buggy.

Sam Williams Sales Team | Associate

sam@masonsandpartners.co.uk rosie@masonsandpartners.co.uk violet@masonsandpartners.co.uk jessika@masonsandpartners.co.uk bethany@masonsandpartners.co.uk leila@masonsandpartners.co.uk

Sam joined Masons in May of 2018 to assist the sales team and is currently undertaking training to become a residential surveyor. Sam studied Business Administration and Geographical Information Systems at Aston University, and then took a Masters post graduate degree, all interspersed with farm work. Previously, having worked in a variety of agricultural service businesses in the area he then joined the family agricultural contracting business covering the North Lincolnshire area. Having always been interested in property, he has been keen to get into the industry since university and has a sound knowledge of building construction, aided by renovating his own property.

Since qualifying with a degree in Property Agency and Marketing, Rosie’s 14-year career in Estate Agency has given her an unusually wide breadth of experience. She spent the first half of her career in Central London selling Farms and Country Estates from the Head Office of an international firm, followed by running a Central London Property Sales office. Rosie has spent the second half of her career working for Masons. Highly motivated, she enjoys the thrill of negotiating the best possible deal for our clients. A country person at heart, she is happiest spending time outdoors with her little girl, two dogs, two horses and husband Ed.

Violet first joined Masons in August 2018 as an Apprentice and having excelled in her first year, achieving an NVQ in Customer Service, she now works as a Sales Negotiator within our residential department. Following several years’ experience Violet recently achieved Level 3 Award in The Sale of Residential Property to become a member of the National Association of Estate Agents. Violet plays a vital role within the sales team. Her typical day includes anything from negotiating sales, to arranging market appraisals, to accompanying viewings and making important customer/ client feedback calls. In her spare time she enjoys socialising with friends and family and attends a local gym after work to keep fit.

Jessika works within our residential sales department dealing with progression and viewings. Jess joined Masons in 2020 due to an enormous increase in demand and has established herself extremely well within the team. Jessika has received many 5-star reviews from clients and buyers alike, giving credit to the great service she offers! Jessika has recently passed Level 3 Award in The Sale of Residential Property, to become a member of the National Association of Estate Agents. She is now working towards Level 4 Certificate in Sale of Residential Property to become a fellow of the NAEA. Outside of work Jessika likes to spend time with her family and friends and also takes on property renovations with her partner.

Beth joined our Sales Team in 2021, as a ‘Customer Service Apprentice’ after an impressive set of A-level results. Bethany’s day-to-day duties include meeting and greeting clients and customers, responding to customer enquiries, coordinating viewings, assisting her sales colleagues, amongst many other imperative administrative tasks, to ensure the office runs smoothly. She has all but completed her NVQ diploma and will soon finish her apprenticeship in Customer Service. Beth has a keen eye for interior design and really appreciates the creative side of architecture and design. She likes to keep fit at a local gym after work and loves nothing more than spending time with family and friends.

This summer, we were delighted to welcome Leila Hall as she joins Beth on reception handling dayto-day administration. Her duties include meeting clients, dealing with customer enquiries, booking viewings, assisting the Sales team and helping the office run smoothly. Leila with an accomplished set of GCSE’s and am doing the same apprenticeship as Beth as well ‘Customer Service Apprentice’. Leila comes to us with some experience having worked in estate agency previously. She loves all aspects of home design and the variety of properties we offer. Outside of the office she loves going to the gym and spending time with family and friends.

TOP ROAD, LITTLE CAWTHORPE

Guide price £950,000

Located in the heart of a scenic Wolds village close to Louth market town, this substantial barn conversion stands in mature grounds of approximately 2.25 acres (subject to survey), to include large gardens, paddock land, outbuildings, and a sand/rubber manege, together with a wonderful walled courtyard adjoining the picturesque village church. Six double bedrooms, three ensuite shower rooms, family bathroom, three reception rooms and farmhouse dining kitchen with Aga. Full planning permission for creation of a holiday let by conversion of, extension and alterations to the outbuilding

JACKLIN LANE, FULSTOW

Offers over £1,000,000

An incredibly special property constructed in 2017 to exacting standards with no expense spared by the current vendors. Boasting 3,750 Sq Ft of living space set over three floors. This immaculately presented executive residence is positioned in stunning grounds of around 1.3 Acres with extensive gardens incorporating a superb BBQ hut overlooking unobstructed farmland for miles beyond. Internally the centrepiece must be the 37 Ft Kitchen diner Family room with glazed gable end and bi fold doors to the garden. In total there are 6 double bedrooms and 4 bathrooms the master of which benefitting an excellent balcony and dressing room.

LITTLE CARLTON, LOUTH OIEO £700,000

An individually designed country residence positioned in a quiet rural village close to Louth Market town. This deceptively spacious 5 bedroom home of particularly handsome design has a lot to offer benefitting from an adjoining two bedroom annexe, games room, triple garage and extensive gardens. Set back in a large plot of approximately 0.75 acres (STS), the property in total boasts 2 kitchens, 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 4 reception rooms with mains gas and double glazed windows. Smart well maintained wrap around gardens with an excellent purpose built snooker room to the rear suitable for a variety of uses.

HUMBERSTON ROAD, TETNEY GUIDE PRICE £780,000

Cedar Park is an excellent opportunity to acquire an executive-sized five-bedroom detached residence on a large plot of approximately 0.5 Acre (STS) on the outskirts of Tetney. Located down a long drive with the benefit of also having two one-bedroom annexes currently run as a successful business. The excellently-proportioned property offers modern open plan living with extremely large rooms finished to a high standard and benefitting from a double garage.

LIVESEY ROAD, LUDBOROUGH Offers over £600,000

Offers over £600,000. An exceptional detached family house set apart from the village in superb, wellmaintained lawned gardens of around 0.75 acre (STS) with possible development potential (STP) and for sale with no overage conditions. 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, elegant hall and gallery landing, 2 excellent reception rooms, conservatory, dining kitchen and utility. Large driveway and forecourt, double garage and a brick and tiled garden outbuilding. See the PDF brochure for full details. EPC commissioned.

CHURCH LANE, SALTFLEETBY Offers over £350,000

Offers over £350,000. A charming, detached country cottage set in large mature gardens of around 0.45 acre (STS) with a grass field to the rear (around 2.35 acres STS) having an independent gated access all positioned along a small country lane. 3 good bedrooms and large first floor bathroom, hallways, two reception rooms, kitchen with Aga, shower room, large garden room and stores; driveway to good size detached garage. Generally in need of modernization but affording huge potential. For sale with NO CHAIN. See the PDF brochure for full details.

BEAUMONT PLACE, OFF MILL LANE

Prominently positioned on a small exclusive development of just six homes in a sought-after rural village location this well-designed detached 5-bedroom house features a 10.79m living/dining-kitchen, separate lounge, a large bespoke conservatory, family bathroom, two ensuite shower rooms, a good size garden on the south side of the house and a double width driveway to a detached double garage.

NEW HOUSE, TETFORD GUIDE PRICE

A superbly designed brand new detached house with detached garage, all constructed on a single garden building plot within the sought-after Wolds village of Tetford. A room layout on three floors provides up to 5 good bedrooms or versatile alternative uses, with master ensuite shower room, family bathroom, hall and gallery landing, cloaks/WC, through lounge and a feature living and dining, fitted kitchen with utility off. Gas central heating system (underfloor on the ground floor), uPVC double glazed windows, main level garden area, driveway and patio areas. For Sale with NO CHAIN.

MAYFIELD CRESCENT, LOUTH

Guide price £350,000

Constructed during the early 1990’s, this spacious, individual detached bungalow occupies a quiet location in the coastal village of Saltfleet, and has a detached garage, an attractive mature garden and former farmyard to the east, with a separate gated access, a number of outbuildings in need of renovation or replacement/ removal, and total grounds of approximately 0.46 acre (STS). The property is for sale with NO CHAIN

ALEXANDER PARK, LAVENDER WAY

£344,950

A well designed 4 bed family home located on the exciting new “Alexander Park” located off the sought after Legbourne Road in Louth. A Brand new detached high specification, spacious 4 bedroom home with a modern bathroom, kitchen diner, utility, Large Lounge, Sun room and driveway to integral garage built by the region’s premier house builder Cyden Homes due to be completed Spring 2023. A Contemporary finish and excellent room layouts complete this family home. 4 well-proportioned bedrooms with en-suite shower room to the master. Good sized south west facing gardens. 10 year new home warranty, double-glazed windows, efficient central heating system and completed using branded quality appliances, sanitaryware and wall and floor tiling. Estimated to be available in Spring 2023. See specification and floorplans showing approximate room sizes. Images of the same house type- plots will vary in terms of materials/colour.

WEST LANE, HALTHAM

£340,000 jessica@masonsandpartners.co.uk rowena@masonsandpartners.co.uk movewithmasons.co.uk

Ideally positioned along a country no through lane within the pleasant village of Haltham stands this well presented modern three double bedroom bungalow.

Internally the property has an en-suite to the main bedroom, family bathroom, kitchen diner, utility, spacious lounge and conservatory. Externally the property has most appealing front and rear gardens including side courtyard with dog run, off street parking and integral garage. The property benefits fresh decoration and some renewed floorings.

Wendy joined Masons in 2010 having had several successful years in an estate agency in Cleethorpes. She has in depth local lettings knowledge and experience dealing with all types of properties, from smaller bedsits to estates and landlord portfolios. Her contacts, properties and tenant databases mean she can quickly match tenants to their right home leading to a fast turnover of properties. She is friendly and approachable which is a major asset to her role as Lettings Manager as she is the first point of contact for all landlords wanting an appraisal of their property. A valued member of the lettings team, she was made an associate of the company in 2014.

Jessica joined Masons in the summer of 2017 as our first apprentice! After making the difficult decision between university and working, Jess decided to stay in her home county of Lincolnshire and establish a career with Masons. After excelling in her first year and gaining an NVQ, the Partners were delighted to invite her to stay as a full time member of the team. After splitting her time between lettings and marketing for several years, Jess decided to opt fully for Lettings and Property Management in 2022 providing an exceptional service to our landlords and tenants. Jess loves life in the countryside and was asked to be Honorary Secretary of Hainton and District Gymkhana, a historical annual event in Lincolnshire’s equestrian calendar, raising funds for local charities.

Tania joined Masons in February 2022 having had various administration roles throughout her career. Tania assists the letting team with the administration for the team and tenant/landlord communication and support. Outside work Tania has been married for 25 years and has 2 grown up daughters. Tania moved to the Lincolnshire Wolds in 2019 and spends her free time looking after the family’s horses, dogs, cats and restoring their house.

Rowena joined Masons in 1999, having previously worked for DDM Agriculture as a Secretary/Administrator for four years. Rowena’s main role in the office is dealing with Masons client accounts and client/office accounts for our sister company Sanderson Green; with her main focus on rent collection for residential and agricultural tenancies, client/ supplier payments and bank reconciliations. Outside of work she loves hill walking, hiking around the Lincolnshire Wolds with her husband and has a passion for watercolour painting.

Find Out More About Lettings

Properties in our area of Lincolnshire are in great demand right now. If you’re a property owner, we offer a free professional assessment of the current rental value for prospective landlords. We match tenants to your property with our own comprehensive in-house referencing service.

If you have a property to let, please get in touch with our team of experienced and knowledgeable staff, overseen by qualified Chartered Surveyors for first class service.

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