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RacingBetter News
Thursday 11th February 2021
   
Why the Cheltenham Festival Remains One of the Standout Events in the Racing Calendar

Although there are great horse race racing events across the globe, there are still a select few festivals that stand out from the rest. In the UK, the meeting at Cheltenham is always one of the first that most fans look out for.

Those four days in March are the highlight of the sporting year for some, and there will already be many who are examining the Cheltenham day 1 odds as they look to pick an early winner. For others, the importance of the festival may not be fully appreciated, so here we explain why Cheltenham has deservedly established its reputation as a major sporting event.

The History

Firstly, it’s a meeting that is steeped in history. It was initially run way back in 1860, and has continued to grow in popularity since then, partly down to the high calibre races it produces.

The Champion Hurdle is the standout race on the first day, whilst you also have the Queen Mother Champions Chase, Stayers Hurdle and, of course, the Gold Cup. These are the best Grade I races around, and have brought many iconic moments over the years.

From surprise winners to dominant performances from legends in the game, delivering at Cheltenham is the pinnacle for many. Winning a race really does carve your name into horse racing history.

It Attracts the Best

With that history, Cheltenham continues to attract the biggest and best names in the industry. Whether you are a jockey or a trainer, having a winner at Cheltenham will bring status and prestige, which is why many strive to compete in these races.

Therefore, anyone watching knows they are seeing the elite runners in horse racing come up against each other, with the total prize pool across the four days totalling over £4.5m. The life-changing money that winning at Cheltenham provides means the best will always be focusing on the festival.

The Fans

Another aspect that makes Cheltenham incredible, and rather unique in horse racing, is the number of fans who turn out to watch. It is believed that over 250,000 spectators pack in across the four days to watch the action from the grandstands, which adds another dimension to making this a special occasion. There’s always a particularly large following from Ireland who make the trip over as well, with the festival taking place during St. Patrick’s Day.

The ‘Cheltenham Roar’ is well-known in sporting circles, and the number of spectators present helps give each race a remarkable atmosphere, as punters try to land a few winners on the day.

Overall, Cheltenham is one of the standout sporting events in Britain, and it’s easy to see why. The history, the quality and the atmosphere ensure that anyone who has been lucky enough to go will remember it well. The latest instalment is just around the corner, and there promises to be more drama and excitement as the jockeys and trainers chase more glory.