MORSE CODE
MORSE CODE
WE HEAR YOU… WE ARE MAKING CHANGES
CONGESTION
To improve areas with high levels of congestion, this is what we are doing: • Racegoers will have more course-facing areas to enjoy a drink, easing queues and reducing the need to rush between races. Bar facilities are also being upgraded to give more choice and indoor seating.
VALUE AT THE FESTIVAL
In the climate we live in, a day out at a major sporting event is costly and we don’t want that to be a deterrent to our valued customers at Cheltenham we want everyone here to enjoy a great day and that is good value for money. Here is what is going to happen to achieve value for money for racegoers: • All ticket prices for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival will be frozen at 2024 levels. • Racegoers purchasing a ticket for any day of The Festival will be given a 20 per cent discount on any tickets purchased for other days of the event. * • Groups of six people can save 10 per cent on ticket prices when booking together. Previously this discount was offered to groups of 15 or more. • The Jockey Club and Cheltenham Racecourse have entered into an exciting new partnership with leading sports tour operator Venatour Racing, which will give racegoers the opportunity to purchase discounted packages including tickets, hotels, travel and more in a one-stop shop initiative known as ‘Room To Race’. • Hot and cold meal deals will be offered, giving racegoers the opportunity to save money when buying any hot and soft drinks with food throughout the day and at multiple outlets on course. We’re dedicated to making every aspect of your day at the Cheltenham Festival truly unforgettable for all the right reasons. We're not just planning for next year; we're planning for the next century of exceptional racing experiences, and we’re going to keep listening.
We’re dedicated to making every aspect of your day at the Cheltenham Festival truly unforgettable for all the right reasons.
After each Cheltenham Festival, the team review all aspects and this year was certainly no different. Whilst there are many things to look back on with celebration, for instance, the Great Willie Mullin’s 100th Festival winner, Dan Skelton recording his first Festival four-timer, Galopin Des Champs winning his second Boodles Gold Cup in succession and the Cheltenham Gold Cup Centenary, there were areas that needed improvement.
KEY CHANGES FOR 2025 THE BEST AGAINST THE BEST
increasing prize money over the four days by £115,000, taking the total on offer at the Cheltenham Festival to £4,930,000 in 2025. IMPROVED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CAR PARKING To improve car parking this is what we are doing: • More hard-standing ‘trackway’ will be laid in Cheltenham Racecourse’s grass car parks than ever before. Covering an area the size of 17 football pitches this will aid the arrival and departure of racegoers, especially in the kind of weather conditions experienced this year. • A new park and ride system will be launched within easy access of Cheltenham. In addition, The Jockey Club has partnered with National Express to offer coach travel direct to Cheltenham Racecourse from more than 20 pick-up locations, doubling the number of coaches running to the venue.
• The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase will be changed from a conditions race to a Limited Handicap. • The race conditions for the Ryanair Mares’ Novices Hurdle will be changed to remove the penalty structure, resulting in a level weights contest. • From 2023 any horse finishing in the first four of a qualifying race for the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle has been eligible for the race at The Festival. From 2025 the race conditions will be altered to provide a guaranteed run in the Pertemps Final for all winners of series qualifiers (provided they are within the weights at declaration stage). • Currently horses must have run at least three times (chases) or four times (hurdles) to be eligible to run in non-novice handicaps at The Festival. From 2025, this will be increased to four chase and five hurdle runs.
Racing is at the heart of The Festival and it is all about competition, the best facing the best. We’ve looked at the race programme data and gathered views from across trainers, owners and the industry to make six key changes to the race programme, all the while ensuring that the welfare of horse and jockey is front and centre.
RACE PROGRAMME CHANGES
• The 2m 4f Turners (Golden Miller) Novices’ Chase will be replaced by a Grade 2 Limited Novice Handicap Chase over the same distance. • The National Hunt Chase will become a Class 2 Novice Handicap Chase (0-145), with amateur rider restrictions for jockeys removed to allow professionals to take part.
To find out more follow the QR code *Discounts will not be applied to Gold Cup day tickets.
In addition to these changes The Jockey Club will be
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