The Cheltenham Festival, the crown jewel of the jump racing calendar, is set to undergo an overhaul in 2025. Responding to extensive feedback and data analysis, the Jockey Club, the event’s organizers, have unveiled a set of changes aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the racing program, improving the overall experience for racegoers, and providing better value for money.

These alterations, which will be implemented in time for the 2025 edition of the festival, running from March 11th to 14th, represents some significant shifts in the meeting. From revamped race conditions to innovative initiatives for spectators, the Cheltenham Festival is aiming to maintain its position as the benchmark for premier jump racing experiences.

Reshaping the Race Program

Horses Before Race

At the heart of the Cheltenham Festival’s transformation lie the changes to the race program. The Jockey Club has identified several areas where adjustments can drive more competitive and compelling racing, ensuring the event remains the pinnacle of jump racing.

Turners Novices’ Chase to Become a Handicap

One of the most notable changes is the replacement of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase with a Grade 2 Limited Novice Handicap Chase over the same distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs. This decision reflects the Jockey Club’s desire to encourage greater participation and field sizes in the novice chase division, a concern that has plagued the event in recent years.

National Hunt Chase Open to Professionals

Another shift is the transformation of the National Hunt Chase, the festival’s oldest contest, into a Class 2 Novice Handicap Chase with a rating cap of 145. Notably, the long-standing amateur rider restriction has been lifted, allowing professional jockeys to compete in this historic race.

Cross Country Chase Reverts Back to a Handicap

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase has also undergone a change, reverting from a conditions race to a Limited Handicap. This move is expected to enhance the competitiveness of this unique  event, which has become a fan favourite at the festival.

Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Now a Level Playing Field

In the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, the penalty structure has been removed, resulting in a level weights contest. This adjustment aims to create a more equitable playing field for the mares competing in this race.

Pertemps Network Final Entry for Series Winners

The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle has also seen a change in its eligibility criteria. From 2025, any winner of a series qualifier will be guaranteed a run in the final, provided they meet the weight requirements at the declaration stage. This ensures that the connections of successful horses in the qualifier races are rewarded with a spot in March.

Increased Runs for Non-Novice Handicaps

Across the non-novice handicap races, the Jockey Club has introduced new requirements for horse eligibility. Horses must now have run at least four times in chases (up from three) and five times in hurdles (up from four) to be eligible for these contests. This change is expected to enhance the overall competitiveness of the handicap races.

Enhancing the Racegoer Experience

Blurred Restaurant

Alongside the modifications to the race program, the Jockey Club has also unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at improving the overall experience for Cheltenham Festival attendees, with a focus on value for money and enhanced comfort.

Frozen Ticket Prices and Discounts

In a move to address rising costs, the Jockey Club has announced that ticket prices for the 2025 will be frozen at 2024 levels. Additionally, racegoers who purchase a ticket for any day of the festival will be eligible for a 20% discount on tickets for other days, excluding the Gold Cup day.

Improved Car Parking and Transportation

The car park issues that plagued the 2023 Cheltenham Festival have not been overlooked. The Jockey Club has committed to laying significantly more hard-standing “trackway” in the grass car parks, covering an area the size of 17 football pitches. This measure is expected to alleviate the arrival and departure challenges experienced in inclement weather.

Furthermore, a new park-and-ride system will be introduced, providing easy access to the racecourse. The Jockey Club has also partnered with National Express to offer coach travel from over twenty pick-up locations, doubling the number of coaches serving the venue.

Expanded Food and Beverage Options

Racegoers can look forward to more course-facing areas to enjoy refreshments, with upgraded bar facilities offering greater choice and indoor seating. Additionally, the introduction of hot and cold meal deals will allow attendees to save money by combining food and drink purchases throughout the day.

Accommodation and Travel Packages

In a bid to provide more comprehensive value, the Jockey Club has entered into a partnership with leading sports tour operator Venatour Racing. This collaboration will offer racegoers the opportunity to purchase discounted packages that include tickets, hotels, and travel arrangements, simplifying the planning process.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

As the Cheltenham Festival undergoes these changes, the Jockey Club has emphasised the importance of preserving the event’s status while embracing necessary improvements.

The Jockey Club has made it clear that these changes are not set in stone. They have expressed a willingness to monitor the impact of the alterations and potentially revisit certain aspects in the future. Ian Renton, the Jockey Club’s Managing Director of Cheltenham Racecourse, stated:

“The Cheltenham Festival is the very pinnacle of our sport and the best-attended and most prestigious Jump Racing meeting anywhere in the world.”

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