Cheltenham Festival: how to watch it
So, you’ve heard about the Cheltenham Festival—the four-day horse racing spectacle that turns the quiet Gloucestershire countryside into a roaring hub of excitement. But how do you actually watch it? For those who want to enjoy the show from the comfort of their homes, dedicated TV channels or streaming platforms can be connected. In addition to these platforms, to stay up-to-date on racing, one can consult the many comparison sites available online, where one can find predictions, bets, bonuses data and stats, such as those available on Oddschecker. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a newbie curious about the hype, this guide has you covered. Let’s have a look at how this festival works and what to expect.
Wait… What Even Is the Cheltenham Festival?
Picture this: A sea of tweed-clad fans, thundering hooves, and the occasional Irish folk song breaking out in the stands. Held every March at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, this festival is the Super Bowl of jump racing. It’s where legends are made (remember Galopin des Champs’ 2023 Gold Cup win?), rivalries flare, and more than a few pints get spilled. If you’re into high stakes, quirky traditions, or just people-watching, this is your jam.
The Four-Day Breakdown: Themes, Races, and Vibes
Each day has its own flavor. Here’s what to expect:
Day 1: Champion Day (Tuesday, March 12)
The festival kicks off with the Unibet Champion Hurdle—a race that’s basically the appetizer before the main feast. Fans geek out over horses like Constitution Hill, who smoked the competition last year. Insider move? Get there early. The Parade Ring gets packed faster than a pub at last orders.
Day 2: Ladies Day (Wednesday)
Sure, the Queen Mother Champion Chase is the star here, but let’s be real—Wednesday’s all about fashion. Think Ascot, but with more mud and less royal protocol. Pro tip: If your hat isn’t borderline ridiculous, you’re doing it wrong.
Day 3: St. Patrick’s Thursday
Cue the shamrocks! Thursday’s a love letter to Irish racing culture. The Stayers’ Hurdle takes center stage, but the real vibe is in the stands. Expect green everything, spontaneous jigs, and enough Guinness to float a small boat.
Day 4: Gold Cup Day (Friday)
The grand finale. The Gold Cup is the race everyone’s buzzing about—last year’s photo finish had fans screaming into their scarves. Tickets? They vanish quicker than free Wi-Fi at a coffee shop. Plan. Ahead.
Tickets: How to Score ‘Em (Without Getting Scammed)
General admission starts around £45, but Gold Cup Day tickets can hit £90+. Snag them early on the official Cheltenham Racecourse site or through legit vendors like Ticketmaster. Avoid sketchy resellers—scams spike every March. Fancy splurging? Hospitality packages (£500+) include perks like heated seats and posh nibbles. Worth it? Depends how much you hate porta-potties.
Can’t Swing a Trip? Watch It Live from Your Couch
No shame in staying home. Here’s how to stream like a pro:
TV Channels & Streaming: Your Options
In the UK, ITV Racing covers Days 1-3 for free. Day 4? That’s on Racing TV (subscription required). Fire up ITVX, Sky Go, or Now TV to stream. Across the pond? FanDuel TV and Racing UK have you covered.
First-Timer Survival Tips
Layer up: March in England = rain, wind, and maybe hail. Tweed’s cute, but a waterproof jacket? Lifesaver.
Cash > Cards: Some bars and bookies still run on cash. Don’t be that person begging for a Venmo transfer.
Arrive very early: Traffic around Cheltenham? Let’s just say snails move faster. Trains from Cheltenham Spa Station are your best bet.
Binoculars: Unless you’ve got eagle eyes, you’ll miss the finer details.
Wrapping Up: Don’t Miss Out
Whether you’re sipping champagne in the stands or yelling at your TV, the Cheltenham Festival is pure magic. Grab tickets, bookmark Oddschecker, or just invite pals over for a watch party. And hey—if you spot me in the crowd on Gold Cup Day, drinks are on you.