CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Following the discovery of mineral water springs during 1716, the town of Cheltenham rapidly developed as a Regency health and holiday resort. As the town grew, so did the need for social amenities and pastimes, and In 1815, the first unofficial race meeting is recorded as having taken place on Nottingham Hill, above Bishops Cleeve.
By 1818, the annual race meeting at Cheltenham had become so popular, it was added to the accredited British horseracing calendar, with the official archives showing the first official winner at an accredited Cheltenham race meeting was Miss Tidmarsh, a five year old bay mare.
With the growing popularity of the Cheltenham race meeting, the first three day meeting took place in 1819, and during that meeting a three mile race for a gold cup was held, being won by a horse called Spectre.
Following religiously inspired anti horse racing riots in 1829, the staging of horse racing in the Cheltenham area became intermittent.
However, when Mister Baring Bingham bought the Prestbury Park site in 1898 with the sole intention of turning the purchased area into a racecourse, the future of Cheltenham as a racing venue was secured.
Over the next few years, a grandstand and running rails were constructed around a purpose built race track, and the new Cheltenham Prestbury Park facilities hosted their first two day meeting in 1902.
In 1924, the first modern Cheltenham Gold Cup was won by Red Splash. The rest, as they say, is history!
The modern racecourse occupies a 500 acre site which nestles in a natural amphitheatre created by the surrounding Cotswold foothills, and the racecourse's protected position and excellent drainage usually ensure superb ground conditions for high quality national hunt racing.
Every March, around Saint Patricks day, Cheltenham stages its Festival Meeting, which many regard as the unofficial annual world championships for national hunt racing, and each year, titanic battles take place on Cheltenhams hallowed turf, and through the ringing endorsements of huge crowds, new champions are crowned, and new equine heroes are created.
However, Cheltenham is not just about the Festival Meeting. In October, the Showcase two day meeting usually kick starts the main national hunt season. While in November, the three day Open Meeting features several influential Grade races and major handicaps, which are then followed by the two day International Meeting in December.
The traditional new years day meeting attracts large crowds, as does Festival Trials Day in late January, and the hunter chase evening each May.
For anyone who has the slightest interest in horse racing, a visit to a Cheltenham race meeting is something that should be added to your 'to do' list.
Track facts:
Cheltenham is used exclusively for national hunt racing, and Prestbury Park boasts three different courses.
The two main courses are regulation national hunt circuits, and are simply named, the Old, and New courses. As Cheltenham is Britain's headquarters of national hunt racing, the two courses have very testing fences, severe undulations, some sharp bends, and galloping straights.
The Old steeplechase course is run left handed, and is eleven and a half furlongs in circumference. It has nine fences laid out in the following order: two plain fences, the water jump, first open ditch, a plain fence, the second ditch, and three more plain fences. For safety reasons, the down hill fence was moved in 2010, and there are now two fences in the home straight on the final circuit, whereas before, there had only been one fence on the straight proceeding the winning post.
The corresponding hurdles course is a mile and a half in circumference, and has six flights. On the final circuit, there is only one obstacle in the home straight.
The New steeplechase course is constantly on the turn, and is a very sharp and galloping track. The course is also run left handed, and is one and a half miles in circumference. In a complete circuit there are ten fences, laid out as follows: a plain fence, the water jump, first open ditch, another plain fence, the second ditch fence, two further plain fences, and then a pronounced downhill run to three plain fences. After the last jump, there is a relatively steep climb up the Cheltenham hill to the winning post, and many a race changes hands on this uphill run to the finish.
The New hurdles course is twelve and a half furlongs in circumference, and comprises six unevenly dispersed flights. From the winning post, there is a long run to four successive hurdles in the back straight. This is then followed by another flat section of two and a half furlongs to the fifth flight. Another long run then follows to the only hurdle in the home straight. After the last hurdle, there is a long run in, including the Cheltenham Hill, and winning horses have to combine pace with stamina.
The Old and New courses have an adjoining chute, which enables the staging of various race distances, including: two miles, two miles one furlong, two and a half miles, two miles five furlongs, three miles, and three miles one furlong. The length of the chute to the Old course intersection is six and three quarter furlongs, whereas the length to the New course intersection is only six furlongs. The chute contains five plain steeplechase fences, and three hurdles.
The third course is a Cross Country figure of eight. It has been constructed inside the national hunt tracks, and comprises all manor of fences, hedges, dips and banks. In essence, it reconstructs the terrain which would have been encountered in the original steeple to steeple chases. However, due to its compact nature, this course is constantly on the turn, and tends to benefit course specialists. To enhance the enjoyment of the grandstand crowds, this circuit joins the Old course for its final three furlongs.
To win a major prize on either of the main national hunt tracks at Cheltenham, a horse has to have three main qualities:
First, because of the undulations and turning nature of the courses, a potential winner has to be well balanced and sure of foot.
Second, most of the top races at Cheltenham are run at a full gallop. A potential winner must be able to cruise at speed, while maintaining some reserves for the final stages of the race. This combination of stamina and pace is most desirable on the New Course.
Third, the galloping nature of the track, combined with large fields of runners, and tough fences, make it essential for a potential winner to have the athleticism and agility to jump cleanly while racing at speed.
It is worth noting, many winning novices at Cheltenham go on to further successes on the course in later years.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Club Ticket.
At the Festival Meeting, this ticket provides access to the Club Enclosure. This includes the stepped area of the Grandstand overlooking the final furlong and winning post. There is also access to the members lawn, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
By booking in advance, groups of Club ticket holders can dine in comfort, while obtaining unsurpassed views of the racecourse from the Panoramic Restaurant. They can also take advantage of the fine facilities of the Foxhunters Restaurant, or just enjoy the convivial atmosphere in the well stocked bar and buffet areas of the Club Enclosure.
Tattersalls Ticket.
For most Cheltenham race meetings, the Club and Tattersalls tickets are combined, with access being available to unreserved seating in the third level of the Grandstand.
However, during the Cheltenham Festival, these ticket holders obtain views of the finishing straight from a separate stepped area of the Grandstand. They maintain usual access to the parade ring, the winners enclosure, and the Centaur seating and giant screen facilities at the rear of the Grandstand.
Catering facilities include the Gold Cup Restaurant, plus several other bar and snack areas.
At the festival, Tattersalls is expanded by the Guinness Pavilion. This temporary structure is situated near the last jump on the home straight, and provides extra seated, and stepped viewing of the run in, along with plentiful bar and snack facilities.
Best Mate Ticket.
This enclosure faces the main Grandstand. It has its own stand facilities, which provide good views of the racing action. There is also a Harry Ramsdens fish and chip restaurant, plus other bar and snack facilities.
Disabled facilities:
There are specialist facilities in all enclosures, plus a viewing platform overlooking the parade ring. For full details, it is recommended you contact the racecourse authority. Contact details follow below.
Fixtures:
Cheltenham only stages National Hunt Racing.
2012:
Tuesday 13 March - First Day of Festival
Wednesday 14 March - Festival Day 2
Thursday 15 March - Festival Day 3
Friday 16 March - Festival Day 4
Wednesday 18 April
Thursday 19 April
Wednesday 02 May - Hunter Chase Evening
Friday 19 October - Showcase Day 1
Saturday 20 October - Showcase Day 2
Friday 16 November - Open Meeting Day 1
Saturday 17 November - Open Meeting Day 2
Sunday 18 November - Open Meeting Day 3
Friday 14 December - International Meeting Day 1
Saturday 15 December - International Meeting Day 2
2013:
Tuesday 01 January - New Year's Day Meeting
Saturday 26 January - Festival Trials Meeting
Transport Links:
By Road:
The racecourse is situated two miles north of Cheltenham town centre.
From the North, leave the M5 at either junctions 10, or 11. From the South, you can only leave the M5 at junction 11. Join the A40, and follow the many signs for the racecourse.
From London and Oxford, follow the A40, and then the signs to the racecourse.
Car parking is free, except for the Festival Meeting.
As part of an energy conservation programme, the racecourse management would like to encourage Car Sharing.
By Rail:
There are direct services from many major towns and cities including, London, Plymouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
The railway station is situated about two miles from the racecourse. For the Festival, and Open Meetings, there is a shuttle bus service which starts two hours before the first race, and returns after the last race. For other race meetings, taxis are available at the station, or a bus service operates from the city centre, which is about half a mile from the railway station.
For those who want a special treat, Racing Tours offer a steam train service from Toddington station, directly to Cheltenham racecourse station.
By Bus:
National Express coaches offer many services into Cheltenham bus station.
The Stagecoach company run their, D bus service to the racecourse. This bus runs every ten minutes during the day, and approximately hourly in the evenings and on Sundays.
The 527 bus service also stops at the racecourse roundabout, and leaves a short walk to the course entrance.
By Air:
The nearest international airports are Birmingham, 40 miles, and Bristol, 50 miles. Bristol airport have a direct bus service from the airport to Bristol Temple Meads railway station, with direct train services then operating to Cheltenham Spa.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address: Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH.
Telephone Number: 01242 51 30 14.
Fax Number: 01242 22 42 27.
E-Mail: (Tickets) cheltenhamboxoffice@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Accommodation:
Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel.
UK Tel No: 01684 296 200
From Eire Tel No: 00 44 1684 296 200
Located just a few minutes from junction 1 of the M50, and close to junction 8 of the M5, a short ride from Ashchurch railway station on the Birmingham to Bristol main line - the Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel is located within 140 acres of secluded parkland site on the edge of the Cotswolds, and being in close proximity to both racecourses, the hotel is the perfect base for race-goers attending meetings at either Cheltenham or Worcester.
For those seeking a comfortable and relaxing mini-break, the hotel provides 24 hour service from welcoming and professional staff. Sites of historic, cultural, and retail interest are also close at hand, while for the sports minded, apart from obtaining easy access to Cheltenham and Worcester Racecourses, Puckrup Hall has its own 18 hole championship golf course, and a LivingWell Health Club, which provides hotel guests with access to an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam-room, and a 19 station gymnasium.
Hilton Puckrup Hall can offer a range of accommodation with the majority of rooms in our modern building but with 16 rooms in The Regency Manor house. All rooms are en suite, and offer spacious and comfortable surroundings. Each room offers; 32 inch remote controlled plasma television, Wi-Fi internet access, and the many other room amenities guests expect in a Hilton hotel. For that extra bit of comfort and luxury, the hotel also offers; deluxe and deluxe plus rooms – Full details available on our website, (see link below).
With its attentive service, and pleasant views of the golf course, Balharries Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy both breakfast and dinner. The restaurant specialises in a range of modern and international dishes and all meals can be enjoyed with a fine wine from our extensive range of world wines. If guests choose to dine in their room, the hotel also offers a 24 hour room service menu.
For a range of light bites and sandwiches, the comfy sofas and subdued lighting of the Terrace Bar is warm and welcoming in the winter months, while in the summer months, a glass of wine can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the golf course.
Some other extras of note at Puckrup Hall include:
The hotel is able to offer a range of beauty treatments through its Spa facility
Transport to and from race meetings can be organised by pre-arrangement with hotel staff.
To obtain full details on all the facilities offered by Hilton Puckrup Hall, or to ensure your quality accommodation ahead of your next trip, please click on the link below:
The Holiday Inn Gloucester Cheltenham.
Tel No: 0871 942 9034
Situated in pleasant leafy grounds, and with easy access to the M5, the historic City of Gloucester, Cheltenham racecourse, and the picturesque Cotswolds, the Holiday Inn Gloucester Cheltenham is in the perfect location for race-goers seeking the ideal base during their visit to Cheltenham Races.
The hotel offers 125 air conditioned and comfortable rooms, all with en suite facilities, remote controlled and LCD television’s, high speed internet access, and as you would expect in a quality hotel, a full range of room amenities which come as standard. For those seeking extra comfort during their stay, the hotel also offers 19 Executive rooms, whilst guests with accessible needs can be sure of a comfortable stay in one of our custom designed rooms. All guests can enjoy 24 hour room service, and same day dry cleaning is available on request.
The main Restaurant serves the famous Holiday Inn breakfast essential for a great start to your day whilst the evening menu selection is produced using only the finest ingredients and kept exciting by changing on an eight weekly cycle, thus ensuring you have access to a choice of quality old favourites or a range of modern dishes, all of which can be enjoyed with a fine wine from our wide ranging selection. Alternatively, visitors can relax more casually in our Bar and Lounge, which offers an all day hot and cold snack facility.
For those wishing to keep fit, or enjoy a pamper during their stay, the hotel has its Spirit Health and Fitness Centre, which includes; an air conditioned fully equipped gymnasium, Swimming pool, steam room, spa, and sauna, and guests booking in advance can even enjoy the luxury and comfort of a range of beauty treatments including St Tropez tanning.
From time to time we offer special weekend packages for race-goers attending the weekend race meetings at Cheltenham, and if you wish to obtain further details, or place your booking with the Holiday Inn Gloucester Cheltenham, please use the link below:
Click here
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