The 2025 Cheltenham Festival gets underway next Tuesday and anticipation is already building ahead of the ‘Greatest Show on Turf’.
The meeting is the highlight of the National Hunt racing calendar with approximately 250,000 people expected to congregate at the Gloucestershire course for four days of sport and socialising.
So, what do we know about Cheltenham? Let’s break it down bit by bit!!
📰 Table Of Contents
- 1 When does the Cheltenham Festival get underway?
- 2 Why is the Cheltenham Festival so eagerly anticipated?
- 3 When are the big races?
- 4 Who are the standout horses at this year’s Cheltenham Festival?
- 5 Which trainers are expected to shine at the Cheltenham Festival?
- 6 Away from the racing, what can punters expect at the Cheltenham Festival?
- 7 What is consumed at the Cheltenham Festival?
- 8 Tickets for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival
- 9 How to watch the Cheltenham Festival on television and via a stream
When does the Cheltenham Festival get underway?
The meeting starts on Tuesday, March 11 and runs until Friday, March 14, the day of the Gold Cup.
This place is just SO good 🤩 pic.twitter.com/I0SEO071nA
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 1, 2025
Why is the Cheltenham Festival so eagerly anticipated?
It features several Grade I races, including the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle.
It attracts the best trainers and best horses from around the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
When are the big races?
Every day has at least one feature race that takes place at 4pm UK time.
Tuesday – Champion Hurdle
Wednesday – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Thursday – Steeple Chase (1520) and the Stayers’ Hurdle (1600)
Friday – Cheltenham Gold Cup
Who are the standout horses at this year’s Cheltenham Festival?
The list is headed by Willie Mullins-trained Galopin Des Champs, the winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the past two years and the favourite for this year’s race. The gelding can also boast three Irish Gold Cup wins and two Savills Chase triumphs.
Constitution Hill returns to Cheltenham this year after missing out 12 months ago after a bug swept through Nicky Henderson’s stables. He will run in the Champion Hurdle.
Jonbon is another Henderson horse who missed out last year. Heavily fancied to win the Champion Chase.
Which trainers are expected to shine at the Cheltenham Festival?
Willie Mullins has been the most successful trainer in 11 of the past 14 years and it’s highly likely he will claim the crown once again. The Irishman celebrated his 100th Cheltenham winner in 2024 and has 103 in total.
Keep an eye on Henderson, who will be desperate to make amends for his 2024 disappointment.
This is PACKED with insights 🧐
Join @CobdenHarry for a course walk ahead of the Cheltenham Festival 👇 pic.twitter.com/sT67clg9EH
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) February 28, 2025
Away from the racing, what can punters expect at the Cheltenham Festival?
It’s not just the horses that inspire people to flock to Cheltenham in their droves. Gambling is an obvious attraction and it is thought around £750million is placed each year with the bookmakers.
There is also the social side with countless bars, restaurants and hospitality areas dotted around the course.
There is even a shopping village where you can spend more of your hard-earned…
What is consumed at the Cheltenham Festival?
Given the meet coincides with St Patrick’s Day and thousands of Irish fans flock across to England, it is no surprise that Guinness is the drink of choice for many.
It has been worked out around 275,000 pints of the ‘Black Stuff’ are consumed every year. Guinness even has its own ‘village’ that features big screens and bands to help revellers if they wish to escape the racing.
Non-drinkers can also enjoy a nice cup of tea with approximately 8,000 gallons sold every year.
Tickets for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival
It’s not too late to secure your place with tickets on sale from various places, including here at the Jockey Club.
How to watch the Cheltenham Festival on television and via a stream
In the UK, you can watch all the races on ITV Racing and Racing TV. Racing TV is available through Sky and Virgin Media.
If you’re not near a TV set, you can stream the event via ITV Racing and Racing TV.
