Our Heritage The first recorded race meetings in Cheltenham were in the early 19th
The National Hunt Meeting commenced in 1911 as a two-day celebration of jump racing, with the four-mile National Hunt Chase as the feature. The meeting attracted a huge public attendance and extensive press coverage and due to its popularity, it was extended to three days in 1923. Iconic races followed: the Gold Cup debuted in 1924, followed by the Champion Hurdle in 1927.
A Two-Mile National Hunt Chase commenced in 1959, to be renamed the Queen Mother Champion Chase
When you look out across the world’s most impressive racecourse, spend a moment imagining the greatest legends of our sport: Arkle, Golden Miller, Desert Orchid, Best Mate, and Kauto Star battling their way to greatness and glory.
century. Cleeve Hill, which towers impressively above the modern racecourse, was one of the earliest local venues. Racing shifted to the vicinity of Prestbury in 1831 after a local Reverend incited his congregation to burn down the grandstand in protest against the sport. It settled on its present site in 1908.
in 1980 to celebrate the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday.
The Festival expanded further to four days in 2005. Today, racegoers can enjoy 28 races at the Festival, with championship races across the programme.
NOTHING FEELS LIKE CHELTENHAM
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