When is Cheltenham 2025? Festival Dates and Schedule
March 11–14, 2025 (Tuesday–Friday)
Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire
4 days (28 races total)
Cheltenham Gold Cup (Final Day)
Cheltenham Festival 2025 Dates
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 took place from Tuesday, March 11 to Friday, March 14 at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England. The four-day event featured 28 races, with the timing traditionally coinciding with or falling close to St Patrick’s Day (March 17th), which particularly draws Irish visitors to the racecourse.
The Four Days of Racing
The Festival featured seven races each day, with the action beginning around 1:20 pm. Each day carried its own identity and culminated in a championship race.
| Day | Theme | Feature Race |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Champion Day | Champion Hurdle |
| Day 2 | Style Wednesday | Queen Mother Champion Chase |
| Day 3 | St Patrick’s Day | Stayers’ Hurdle |
| Day 4 | Gold Cup Day | Cheltenham Gold Cup |
What to Expect at the Festival
Cheltenham Racecourse hosts what is regarded as one of the premier jump racing events in the world calendar. The Festival draws large crowds each year, with particularly strong attendance from Ireland given the proximity to St Patrick’s Day. The atmosphere combines sporting intensity with a distinctive social tradition that sets it apart from other horse racing meetings. The racecourse offers various viewing areas and hospitality options that cater to different preferences and budgets.
How to Get Tickets for the Festival
Tickets for the Cheltenham Festival were typically purchased through the official racecourse website managed by The Jockey Club. The booking process generally opened several months in advance, and early planning was advisable.
- Visit the official Cheltenham Racecourse website or The Jockey Club ticketing portal
- Select the Cheltenham Festival event dates you wish to attend
- Choose your preferred ticket tier—general admission, grandstand, or hospitality packages
- Review availability as popular days like Gold Cup Day often sold out quickly
- Complete the purchase and receive your digital tickets
- Look for multi-day package offers that may provide better value
- Bookmark the site for updates on entry requirements and any schedule changes
Planning Your Visit to Cheltenham
Cheltenham Racecourse is accessible by train from major UK cities including London, with the station located a short distance from the course. Accommodation in Cheltenham and surrounding areas typically filled quickly during the Festival week, so booking well in advance was generally recommended.
- Travel: Train to Cheltenham Spa, then taxi or shuttle bus to the racecourse; parking was available but limited
- Accommodation: Book early as hotels in Cheltenham and nearby towns filled fast during Festival week
- Entry: Children under 18 were generally not permitted in most Festival enclosures
- What to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing; the course is outdoors and conditions can be changeable
- Broadcasting: For those unable to attend, races were typically broadcast live on ITV and Racing TV with streaming options
Key Races and Highlights
The Festival featured several championship races that represent the pinnacle of National Hunt racing. Each race has earned its place through tradition and the competitive fields it attracts.
| Race | Distance | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Hurdle | 2 miles, Grade 1 | Tuesday |
| Queen Mother Champion Chase | 2 miles, Grade 1 | Wednesday |
| Stayers’ Hurdle | 3 miles, Grade 1 | Thursday |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | 3¼ miles, Grade 1 | Friday |
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is traditionally run on the final day of the Festival and represents the highest honour in steeplechase racing. Along with the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Stayers’ Hurdle, this race forms the core of the championship contests that define the Festival.
| Sign/Situation | Risk Level | Recommended Action | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| No accommodation booked yet | High | Search immediately across Cheltenham and surrounding towns; consider longer distances with transport options | Book within days |
| Unsure about dress code requirements | Low | Check your ticket tier—most enclosures accept smart casual attire; hospitality areas may require formal dress | Before travel |
| Attending with children | Medium | Confirm current entry policy for under-18s directly with the racecourse before purchasing tickets | Before booking |
| Limited budget but want good viewing | Medium | Consider general admission on less busy days; best value is mid-week before Gold Cup Friday | When booking |
| Driving to the racecourse | Medium | Book parking in advance through official channels; public transport is often more reliable on busy days | Before event week |
How this information was compiled:
This article draws on publicly available information about the Cheltenham Festival from sources including The Jockey Club, Wikipedia, and news coverage. Race schedules and feature race details are based on the traditional Festival format and established event patterns.
Information that could not be fully verified:
Specific ticket pricing for the 2025 Festival and exact opening times were not available in the research materials reviewed. Entry requirements for children and detailed dress code specifications should be confirmed directly with the racecourse. Always verify current information with official sources before making travel or purchase decisions.
When does the Cheltenham Festival typically start each year?
The Cheltenham Festival traditionally begins in mid-March each year, running from Tuesday through Friday. The timing often coincides with or falls close to St Patrick’s Day (March 17th), particularly drawing Irish visitors to the racecourse.
How many races take place during the Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival typically features 28 races across its four days, with seven races scheduled each day. The races range from novice events to the championship contests that form the centrepiece of the meeting.
Can I watch the races if I cannot attend in person?
Yes, the Festival races are typically broadcast live on ITV1 and Racing TV in the UK, with the first five races each day usually shown free-to-air. Streaming options may also be available through platforms such as ITV X. Check local listings for confirmed broadcast details.
What happens if the weather is bad during the Festival?
Cheltenham Racecourse is equipped to host events in various weather conditions, and races generally proceed unless conditions become unsafe. Check the official website and your email for any announcements on the day if severe weather is forecast.
Is there an official app for the Cheltenham Festival?
The Jockey Club typically offers official racecourse apps that provide race schedules, live tracking, results, and announcements. These apps are generally available for download ahead of major meetings and can enhance the racegoer experience.
Are there other festivals held in Cheltenham?
Yes, Cheltenham hosts several distinct festivals throughout the year including events focused on jazz, science, literature, and music. These are separate from the horse racing Festival and are held at different venues or times within the town.
What is the difference between general admission and hospitality tickets?
General admission typically provides access to the course grounds and basic viewing areas. Grandstand tickets offer reserved seating with better sightlines. Hospitality packages generally include premium seating, dining options, and additional amenities—these typically require higher investment and may sell out faster.
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