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

Moss Lane, Yarnfield

Asking Price £880,000

A fabulous family home surrounded by countryside in a convenient location a few moments drive from Stone. Victoria Cottage was built to a high specification and offers exceptionally spacious living space with room to accommodate the largest of families, featuring three reception rooms, conservatory and farmhouse kitchen, complemented by seven bedrooms and three bathrooms arranged over the first and second floors. The outside space is equally impressive occupying a circa 0.5 acre plot with beautifully landscaped gardens, large ornamental fish pool , oodles of parking and a four car garage / workshop. Great location convenient for Stone and every amenity the area has to offer and within easy reach of The Potteries, Stafford and M6 motorway.

Snape Hall Road, Whitmore

£1,150,000

A beautifully appointed executive detached family home set in a prime quiet location with a fabulous open rear view. Appointed to a high specification throughout with no expense spared. Offering accommodation comprising; reception hallway, guest cloakroom, four reception rooms, gorgeous dining kitchen, matching utility, boot room, five double bedrooms and five luxurious bathrooms. The property is approached via two electric gated entrances, driveways lead to an integral double garage to the front of the property and open timber framed garage and log store to the rear. A stunning house in a super location - Viewing Highly Recommended

Barnes Croft, Hilderstone

Asking Price of £685,000

Come on in, sit down, relax and enjoy the view! You will be making a wise choice if you select Wellswood as your new family home for this is an exceptionally spacious and beautifully kept property which offers all the space you could ever need both inside & out. The living accommodation offers an elegant sufficiency of three reception rooms including a fabulous conservatory which connects to both the living room and family room, kitchen with space for casual dining, morning room, a quiet study and utility room. Upstairs you will find four well proportioned double bedrooms, two en-suite and a sumptuous family bathroom.

Airdale Road, Stone

£595,000

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A charming mature detached family home set in a prime position on Airdale Road. Whitehaven is nestled within a generous size plot and offers flexible, spacious accommodation comprising: entrance porch, reception hallway, guest cloakroom, ‘L’ shape lounge diner, conservatory, breakfast kitchen and family room/additional bedroom. The first floor has a galleried landing with three double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property is approached via a long block paved driveway providing off road parking for several cars, it also benefits from mature gardens to both the front and rear, gas central heating and Upvc double glazing.

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Whitesytch Lane, Stone

Asking Price of £600,000

A country cottage in a popular village location a little over 4 miles from Stone town centre. Lea House is located in a quiet position in a single track lane on the edge of the village and is within strolling distance of village amenities. Offering good size accommodation with two reception rooms, traditional style kitchen and a sunny conservatory linking the living accommodation. Upstairs in the main house there are three double bedrooms, with en-suite shower room to the main bedroom and a generous guest bathroom. In addition to the main house there is a self-contained annexe (fourth bedroom) above the garage which has been successfully let through Air B’n’B for several years, and would equally be suitable for a dependent relative or as a home office.

Cressey Close, Stone

Asking Price of £530,000

Quite simply a brilliant family home! If your lifestyle demands a property which offers spacious and adaptable accommodation with room for a growing family then this could well be ‘the one’. The accommodation is arranged over three floors featuring versatile ground floor living space with large open plan dining kitchen, two reception rooms and a conservatory, first floor lounge, master bedroom suite and study, complemented on the second floor by four further bedrooms, en-suite shower room and a family bathroom. Good outside space with a sunny west facing rear garden, off road parking for two cars and a large 2 car garage.

Moreton Avenue, Clayton

Asking Price £365,000

A mature detached bungalow tucked away in the leafy suburban location on the outskirts of Clayton. The bungalow has been extensively updated and re-modelled and has recently been carpeted and decorated throughout, offering comfortable and adaptable accommodation which is appointed to a high standard throughout. The sitting room has large patio windows overlooking the rear garden and is complemented by a stylish upgraded kitchen with space for dining, three bedrooms, updated shower room, utility & cloakroom. The property benefits from upvc double glazing throughout and has a recently installed central heating boiler.

Oldfield Drive, Stone

Asking Price of £385,000

An attractive detached family home located in a very popular and sought after residential suburb approximately half a mile south of Stone, close to the canal and within strolling distance of St Michael’s primary school. This is a smart and well presented property which offers spacious accommodation featuring: sitting room, open plan dining kitchen with conservatory extension to the rear and separate utility, complimented by four well proportioned bedrooms, with en-suite to the master and a family bathroom.