Organisers of the Cheltenham Festival have announced changes aimed at improving competition and the experience of racegoers.
In a bid to increase interest and field sizes, conditions for five races will be altered from next year, with the Turners Novices’ Chase being downgraded from a Grade One contest to a handicap chase.
The National Hunt Chase for amateur jockeys will also become a handicap and opened up to professional riders from the 2025 running in March.
For racegoers, a new park-and-ride system, additional coaches and new hardstanding areas at the course for car parking will be introduced.
It follows complaints about traffic and vehicles being stuck in the mud after heavy rain at this year’s event.
Cheltenham will offer discounts on some tickets, increase food and drink options and offer new accommodation deals following criticism from punters and falling attendances.
“It is important to evolve and improve to ensure everyone who joins us throughout the week has the best possible experience,” said racecourse managing director Ian Renton.
“Throughout the course of this review process there have been three distinct strands which have been impossible to ignore – value for money, the need to provide the best experience possible and the competitiveness of the race programme.
“We understand that when people are paying to attend premium events they expect a premium experience and that has been at the front of our minds. We also know that at a time when we are all impacted by the rising cost of living, value is more important than ever.”
Earlier this year, British Horseracing Authority chief executive Julie Harrington warned the dominance of Irish trainers at the Festival is “damaging” for the sport.
Irish trainers won 18 of the 27 races at this year’s meeting – including 12 of the 14 top-level Grade One contests, of which eight were landed by Willie Mullins.
What changes are planned to races?
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The Grade One Turners Novices’ Chase will be replaced by a Grade Two novice handicap chase over the same distance.
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Professional jockeys will be allowed to ride in the National Hunt Chase, which had previously been only for amateurs. It becomes a novice handicap for horses with an official rating up to 145.
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The Cross Country Chase will revert to being a handicap race.
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Race conditions for the Ryanair Mares’ Novices Hurdle will be changed to remove the penalty structure, resulting in a level weights contest.
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Any winner of a series qualifier will be guaranteed a run in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle provided they meet the weights requirement at the declaration stage.
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Horses must have run four times in chases (from three) and five in hurdles (was four) to be eligible for non-novice handicap races.
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The Jockey Club will increase prize money over the four days by £115,000, taking the total on offer to £4.93m next year.
What is planned for racegoers?
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Ticket prices will be frozen for 2025. People buying a ticket for one day will be given a 20% discount for other days, excluding Gold Cup day.
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More hardstanding ‘trackway’ will be laid in the racecourse’s grass car parks, covering an area the size of 17 football pitches.
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A new park-and-ride system will be launched within easy access of Cheltenham.
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A partnership with National Express will offer coach travel direct to the track from more than 20 pick-up locations, doubling the number of coaches running to the venue.
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Joining up with sports tour operator Venatour Racing to offer discounted packages including tickets, hotels and travel.
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More course-facing areas serving refreshments, and bar facilities upgraded to give greater choice and indoor seating.
