DECEMBER 2024 MORSE CODE
MORSE CODE
And with the beat of a hoof Christmas will be here….. WELCOME Merry Christmas and Lucky New Year
I n reference to our local fixture list, we are over half-way to the Cheltenham Festival. Seven great race days behind us. Two great race days in front of us. And before we know it, the four greatest race days of all, will be here for us to enjoy. I have a very strong fancy. I genuinely feel that we are all in for something very special in March. I wrote a quick review of the jump season recently, and there is no question that storylines evolving across all the feature races point towards a vintage Festival. True, concrete confirmation that Fact To File is a serious contender for the Boodles Gold Cup emerged for all to witness in the John Durkan at Punchestown at the end of November. I was at Leopardstown in February when, as a novice he broke the heart of Gaelic Warrior in a match race. People were quick to claim the “Warrior” didn’t turn up that afternoon, but I was less convinced that was the case. I remember thinking, even as the race unfolded before my eyes, Gaelic Warrior, who I thought was untouchable at the time, was just being taken apart by a superior horse. Then the Festival came around and Fact To File was an effortless winner of the Brown Advisory Novice Chase, franking all the superlatives said. Meanwhile Gaelic Warrior won the My Pension Expert Arkle by 8-lengths. My opinion – both are brilliant horses, but Fact To File is exceptional and will have the beating of our dual Boodles Gold Cup winner, Galopin Des Champs in March. “Galopin” will improve for the run, he will improve for being at Cheltenham but I don’t think we will see his name etched on the trophy three times, like Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate have done before. It could be time for another Champion. The only horse I can see causing an upset (or huge celebration, depending on how you look at it) is Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning. His run in the Betfair chase at Haydock was a tough, game effort behind the
conditions-specialist Royal Pagaille. What a great story line it will be for racing if we welcomed only the second grey to win the big race back to the winner’s circle. The first being, the one-and-only Desert Orchid. A headline maker for the sport. Whilst the Boodles Gold Cup is fascinating, the Unibet Champion Hurdle picture has racing fans positively buzzing. The big question (as seemingly always) is Constitution Hill and his absence from the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. It has to instil some doubt in the minds of his many admirers. Sir Gino, his stablemate, who maintained his unbeaten record when winning the big Champion trial up North, saw his price for our big race halved. I was convinced too… but only for a few days, as then I saw Lossiemouth. beat Teahupoo at Fairyhouse. Wow. With it now looking likely that, last year’s Close Brothers Mares Hurdle winner, will go the Champion Hurdle route, perhaps to avoid a clash with the Gordon Elliott trained “super mare” Brighterdaysahead who comprehensively beat State Man in the Morgiana Hurdle, Lossiemouth is rightly a clear favourite for the most important of all hurdle races. What a couple of races we are in for…. Andre Klein Assistant General Manager, Cheltenham Racecourse
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Best Read The Gift Shop is now accepting donations of racing themed books which will be sold with all proceeds going to the Gold Cup Centenary Fund. If you have some you wish to give away, please drop them off on any race day. The best read recommendation for this edition of Morse Code is a truly fascinating new book by racing historian, John Slusar. “The Evolution of the Cheltenham Festival” traces the heritage of every race ever run at the Festival from 1911 onwards from the Birdlip Selling Hurdle to the United Services Hunt Cup….and everything in between. Want to bluff your way to a spot on Mastermind….chosen subject Cheltenham Festival? This book is all you will ever need!
The Preview Show is back for the 24/25 season with our regular presenters Aly Vance, Martin Kelly and Hayley Moore. The team are raring to go for the season, so make sure you join the team at the winners’ enclosure 45 minutes before the first race at every meeting. They will be joined by racing greats and special guests, previewing the afternoon’s racing and providing exclusive information, insight, entertainment and hopefully some winners! THE PREVIEW SHOW
Best Watch A copy of John McCririck’s Racing Out Control DVD turned up in the racecourse office and the gags, jokes and racing content made for an enjoyable hour but it is not this edition’s Best Watch recommendation! We head back in time to 1944 and suggest watching National Velvet, the film based on the book of the same name by Enid Bagnold. Mickey Rooney, Donald Crisp, Angela Lansbury and a young Elizabeth Taylor star in a film often ranked amongst the most inspirational of all time. The story follows Velvet Brown, as she trains a horse she won in a raffle, The Pie, with a vision to running him in the Grand National. Anyone with a vaguely romantic passion for horse racing should have already seen this. If not this is a reminder to do so!
Horses to follow from our Racecourse TV Presenters
ALY VANCE CELTIC DINO
HAYLEY MOORE DIVA LUNA It was a low-key start to the new season on a quiet Monday at Lingfield for the Ben Pauling trained Diva Luna and even though she was beaten at short odds, in the mares novice hurdle, I think there will be plenty more to come from her, now she’s had her first run back. I think this race is going to work out well, the winner Metkayina is a decent horse that had race fitness on her side. That’s Nice is probably the most impressive mare in the novice division so far this season but don’t give up on Diva Luna who often just needs her first run back.
MARTIN KELLY JANGO BAIE Nicky Henderson’s five-year-old was smart over hurdles and managed to snare a Grade One on just his second outing over timber. The point-to-point recruit was always going to further excel over fences and he proved the point when lowering the colours of the highly-regarded Springwell Bay and Caldwell Potter at Cheltenham’s Christmas meeting on chase debut. Further top-flight success awaits in the spring.
Trained by Sam Thomas, he’s has been very green on his two starts this season, but still managed to win. The penny is starting to drop so there are some big races in him. He's a top of the ground horse so there could be some big spring targets for him.
Best Listen Josh Stacey, our 18-28 Young Member ambassador recently won the Alan Lee Emerging Talent Award at Horse Racing Writers and Photographers Awards. This is a highly deserved accolade for the great work he is doing. If you’ve not listened to his podcast Let’s Talk Racing you are missing out. Easiest way to tune in is on YouTube. An hour with Josh and his partner on-line, Andrew Blair-White is a guaranteed to be a pleasurable one.
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ON CLOUD NINE:
“Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing— this is the pinnacle of travel luxury."
“Between myself and the team at Air Charter Service, my proposal to Mandy was one of the best-kept secrets."
"From the minute I booked the flight to our arrival at Cheltenham Racecourse, Joe handled every detail with precision - arranging photographers to capture the moment (with pictures sent to us almost immediately), adding thoughtful touches like champagne and biscuits, and even ensuring my shoes were shined to perfection. “Upon landing, we were whisked away in a Aston Martin straight to the heart of the racecourse. Immersed in the VIP treatment, we nearly missed the first race!"
FLYING TO THE FESTIVAL WITH AIR CHARTER SERVICE F lying with Air Charter Service to the Cheltenham Festival is not just a journey— it’s an unforgettable experience. From a seamless “Enduring 25 years of international travel, which has entailed flying with a wide range of premium airlines, has highlighted to me that the standard set by Air Charter Service stands out; it's unparalleled in the industry."
If you wished to upgrade your experience, what might you do differently next time?
How was your flight experience?
booking process and exceptional service at the terminal to a luxurious, stress-free flight, every detail of your travel is thoughtfully taken care of. Whether you are heading to the Prestbury Park showpiece with work colleagues, family and friends or marking a memorable moment, Air Charter Service guarantees a level of comfort and elegance that transforms your day into something truly extraordinary.
"Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing—this is the pinnacle of travel luxury."
"Air Charter Service boasts an impressive fleet of aircraft, and our in-flight journey was nothing short of superb. From the moment we boarded, we were in great hands with our pilot, Al Roberts. "Our return flight took an unexpected but delightful turn. Due to a late departure from the racecourse (thanks to collecting winnings from Galopin Des Champs’ victory in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup!), the pilot had exceeded his flying hours, so we invited him to stay the night and join in the engagement celebrations! With the champagne flowing, it's not every day you get to share such a special moment with someone who helped make it memorable!"
Talk us through the planning process and the significance of the flight?
Martyn goes onto add, "Who knows, hopefully, one day we'll be flying back from The Festival as a winning owner. I've got a mare in training with Alan King, aptly named First Class Mandy, in honour of my wife and this unforgettable day." Looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival 2025 , Air Charter Service offers exclusive travel packages, including helicopter transfers, private jet flights, and bespoke ground transportation, ensuring that your festival is as memorable as the high-class sporting action.
"This time last year, I was planning to propose to my now wife, Mandy, and I knew involving Air Charter Service in the day would make everything unique. I'm a prolific texter, so when the wonderful Joe Worthington at Air Charter Service texted me back within minutes of my initial enquiry, I was sold. "The booking process was seamless and hassle-free; everything was taken care of right down to the finest detail. A four-hour drive or an hours flight in a state-of- the-art Bell 206 Jet Ranger - no deliberation needed." From booking to arriving at the Cheltenham Festival with Air Charter Service, how did they make the experience special?
We find out why flying is more than just a solution to hassle-free travel from Martyn David.
Why did you choose Air Charter Service for your day out at the Cheltenham Festival?
"I have enjoyed flying with them on a number of occasions, especially for trips to races, whether it be for work or pleasure. I am fortunate to own racehorses, so this experience always amplifies the significance of having a runner.
For more information visit: www.aircharter.co.uk/private-charter/room-with-a-view
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Mid-season chat with 18-28 Membership Ambassador Josh Stacey
A s if we’ve already had seven days of racing at Cheltenham this season—time really does fly when you're having fun. From a racing perspective, one of the standout stories so far has been the rise of Potters Charm for Willy and Nigel Twiston- Davies. Having raced at Cheltenham twice, he’s steadily built on each performance, showcasing relentless galloping and a devastating turn of foot, most recently putting Valgrand to the sword at the November Meeting. He’ll return in March with his sights set firmly on Grade One glory. Another horse making waves after just one run this season is Jango Baie from Nicky Henderson’s yard. It was a bold move to choose Cheltenham as the destination for his chasing debut, the ultimate test of any horse’s credentials. But it was a clear statement of how highly the Seven Barrows team rate this Grade One -winning novice hurdler. Though a bit keen early on, which was understandable given his lengthy layoff, he jumped impeccably and looks to have a bright future ahead, with plenty of options. If I had to pick my Cheltenham Horse of the Season So Far , it would undoubtedly be L’Eau Du Sud . He was foot perfect in the Grade 2 Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase at the November Meeting and has since gone on to win in Grade 1 company. He’s now firmly in the mix as a serious contender for the My Pension Expert Arkle, flying the flag for British- trained horses. Looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival, I’m particularly excited to follow The Wallpark’s
journey back to the Pertemps Network Final after his qualification at the October Meeting. He’s a progressive sort and will now wear the famous green and gold silks of J.P. McManus. There are also some exciting novice hurdlers from Willie Mullins yet to race this season, including Kopek Des Bordes , Riskabahia , and Final Demand —all of whom have big reputations and plenty of potential. It’s been a real pleasure to venture out into the heart of the racecourse since the Cross-Country track reopened to spectators. There’s something truly special about getting up close to these remarkable athletes as they negotiate the tricky course. Though the Arkle bar will always have a special place in my heart, I also love the atmosphere in the Guinness Village, and I’m hopeful I’ll be celebrating winners in there on New Year’s Day.
Looking forward to what the rest of the season brings!
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Local Primary School Students Explore the World of Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse
Are you looking to host a meeting, conference or event?
O n Monday, November 11th, Cheltenham Racecourse played host to a fantastic day of discovery for 300 local primary school students. The young visitors were invited to explore the exciting world of horse racing, learning from some of the sport's most knowledgeable professionals. The day kicked off with a walk of the legendary course, led by industry icons including jockey Daryl Jacob, former jockey Mick Fitzgerald and television presenter Ella McNeil. The students were enthralled as they discovered the difference between hurdles and steeplechase fences, with plenty of questions and curiosity keeping the group engaged. Despite a few tired legs as they tackled the infamous Cheltenham Hill, spirits were high. Each student was proudly awarded a special badge, humorously declaring they had "Survived the Cheltenham Hill"! After a well-earned break and snacks to refuel, the children gathered round the parade ring for a truly memorable moment. They were introduced to Saphir du Rheu, Cheltenham Racecourse’s beloved retired racehorse ambassador. Hearing about Saphy's thrilling career on the track and his happy retirement with Charlotte Alexander was an inspiring highlight for many. But Saphy didn’t steal the spotlight entirely—he was joined by some charming equine friends from the Cotswold RDA, making the experience even more special.
The day offered a perfect mix of education, inspiration, and fun, leaving the students with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the racing industry. Cheltenham Racecourse was thrilled to host this incredible event, celebrating the sport and the community in equal measure. We hope to see many of these bright young faces back at the racecourse soon—maybe even as the next generation of racing stars! The students were enthralled as they discovered the difference between hurdles and steeplechase fences, with plenty of questions and curiosity keeping the group engaged.
Did you know Cheltenham Racecourse can accommodate from 2 to 2,500 delegates.
suit every event. Whether it’s a breakfast package for 10, or a delicious banquet for 800.
No event is too big or too small, with 2,600m2 acres of indoor space and 12 flexible meeting room areas that can be adapted to your needs.
With competitive costs to help keep your event to your budget, and choice of delicious catering options, there are many reasons why meetings and conferences at Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire, is a winner.
Got a big celebration coming up?
Our skilled chefs enjoy personalising menu options to
A Big Thank You
We’d like to extend our gratitude to everyone who made this incredible day possible, from the professionals who shared their expertise to the students who brought so much energy and curiosity. Here's to inspiring the next generation of racing enthusiasts!
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THE RACING ROOM
MEMBERS
INFORMATION
The Racing Room is a brand-new lounge facility, located in The Village on all four days of the Cheltenham Festival that promises to cater for the requirements of the genuine horse racing enthusiast. It is destined to become one of the most desirable locations on-course for those who love nothing more than the excitement of the Cheltenham Festival …but occasionally crave, a little bit of "Racing Room". A New Cheltenham Festival Facility for the Horse Racing Fan
• Welcome Guinness, Beer, Wine or Soft Drink on arrival • Voucher for lunch in outstanding Feed Room, recent F&B finalist at the RCA Showcase Awards • Racecard • Tea and Coffee WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO: A personalised welcome where you will take receipt of your drink, food voucher, pin badge and race card • You'll be hosted for the day by a team that understand the wants and needs of racing enthusiasts, determined to enjoy the Cheltenham Festival to the max. • A comfortable, warm and suitably occupied space, giving you the opportunity to settle back, relax and study the form • Guest speakers in the morning from the world of horse racing, providing fascinating insights about their experiences in the industry • News updates from the track throughout the afternoon • Large Screens to watch the racing • Tipping Competition, Losing Bet Draws & Australian- style Punters Club • Cash Bar • Tote Betting • The good company of racing enthusiasts in a space that is themed to celebrate the wide world of horse racing. • The Racing Room is limited to just 120 people each day of The Festival, so don't delay in making your reservation. Priced from £120pp before discount code.
INSURANCE BAR – ACCESS CHANGE We hope that our members are enjoying the enhancements we have made in the Insurance Bar as we have strived to bring to life the story of dual Champion Hurdle winner, Insurance and his owner Dorothy Paget. We know that this facility is a favourite of many of our regular attendees, and we totally understand why, given the unsurpassable view it provides of the course. We however recently made an operational decision to change some of the restrictions around room access on certain race days in our attempt to ensure all the grandstand seats accessible through the bar are fully utilised. Going forward, for November Saturday and the four days of the Cheltenham Festival, the Insurance Bar will become a Seat Holders facility rather than an exclusive Annual Members bar. This will enable the racecourse to ensure all seats are occupied. Our Members will however be provided with a priority opportunity until January 2nd to secure a seat for their use, following which seats that remain unsold will be made available to Club ticket holders.
Members and to authorised Seat Holders from our hospitality areas.
On all other days Insurance will remain an exclusive Annual Members and Members Guests area.
SEAT PRICING FOR THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL TUESDAY
£90
WEDNESDAY
£90
We are pleased to offer our Members an Introductory price providing you with a £10 discount.
THURSDAY
£90
FRIDAY
£105
CHAMPION DAY
RR2410OFFTU
ALL FOUR DAYS
£340
STYLE WEDNESDAY
RR2410OFFWE
SEAT FOR THE SEASON CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR OFFER FOR MEMBERS! We have some seats for the season still available at a discounted price of £380. Why not treat yourself to a reserved seat for the rest of the season including all four days of the Cheltenham Festival?! You will receive a metal badge confirming your seat number for the rest of the season and that seat will be yours to use. If you wish to bring a guest with you to enjoy racing from any of the above seating options, please get in touch. We have limited availability. The above costs apply in addition to an admission ticket to the racecourse.
ST PATRICK’S THURSDAY
RR2410OFFTH
GOLD CUP DAY
RR2410OFFFR
To secure you spot, please call the racecourse 01242 513014 or visit Cheltenham.co.uk and add the promocode above when prompted at checkout. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN RACING ROOM: • Access to The Racing Room marquee in the The Village • Guaranteed seat for the day • Cheltenham Festival Pin Badge • A photo opportunity with Gold Cup Trophy
On Festival Trials Day the room will be accessible to
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MEMBERS
RECIPROCALS JANUARY Saturday 4 January 2025 Saturday 4 January 2025 Saturday 11 January 2025 Saturday 18 January Saturday 18 January Monday 20 January Tuesday 21 January Friday 24 January FEBRUARY Saturday 1 February Sunday 2 February Monday 3 February Thursday 6 February Thursday 13 February Saturday 15 February Friday 21 February Saturday 22 February Sunday 23 February MARCH Saturday 1 March Wednesday 5 March
INFORMATION
Sandown Wincanton
Warwick
Ascot
Taunton Warwick Leicester Sandown
PARKING INFORMATION PURPLE/SOUTH PARKING
the car park to allow some of our racegoers to utilise the space, they will allow them to park there but there is no guarantee, and it is totally at their discretion . We suggest that if you wish to attempt to park there, you should do so as early as you can in the day, but please be conscious there is no guarantee access will be permitted, although, our team have been instructed to accommodate, when it is feasible and practical to do so. PRICING FOR PARKING Parking for the Cheltenham Festival is not included with your membership. This must be purchased in advance.
Please note, it is no longer classified as an annual members car park with suitably surfaced space allocated elsewhere at the racecourse. Please see the red zone 3 on the map. It is worth noting that the area, with the exception of November Saturday and the Cheltenham Festival, is still open as a public park and ride to enable the community users to park as they usually would therefore minimizing the impact our events have on their working days.
For various operational reasons, the South Car Park (now known as the Purple Car Park) is strictly closed to all non-accredited racegoers on November Saturday and the four days of the Cheltenham Festival, when it is absolutely essential as a service area for public transport, buses and horseboxes. On all race days, a very limited amount of space has been allocated to Best Mate bookmakers, Best Mate customers with special access requirements, those working in the stabling area, and pre-booked buses.
Wetherby
Musselburgh
Carlisle
Huntingdon Newcastle Haydock Park
Exeter
Kempton Park
Hereford
If our car parking staff believe that there is capacity in
Doncaster Catterick Chelmsford
Saturday 8 March
Saturday 22 March 2025 Saturday 22 March 2025
Newbury
Cheltenham Festival parking - £50 – NEARLY SOLD OUT
Bangor
APRIL Friday 11 April
YELLOW ZONE HALL OF FAME PARKING CHRISTMAS/ NEW YEAR OFFER FOR MEMBERS! We have limited availability in the Hall of Fame car park so why not treat yourself to an allocated parking space for the rest of the season in one of the most sought- after areas on the course! Located in the Yellow Zone on the parking map. We have a couple of pricing options dependant on the location of the space to the entrance.
Fontwell Brighton
Saturday 12 April – Evening
Sunday 20 April 2025
Bath
Easter Monday 21st April 2025
Fakenham
Friday 25 April 2025
Perth
Tuesday 29th April 2025 - Day 1 Festival
Punchestown
MAY Friday 9 May 2025
Nottingham
Thursday 15th May 2025 Friday 16th May 2025 Sunday 18th May 2025 Wednesday 21st May 2025 Thursday 22nd May 2025 Saturday 24th May 2025 Tuesday 27th May 2025 Saturday 31st May 2025 – Eve
York
Newbury
ROWS A-C (CLOSER TO ENTRANCE)
£370
Ripon
Warwick
ROWS D-J
£330
Great Yarmouth
Goodwood
GUESTS Remaining guest badge days of the season:
Redcar
Stratford
JUNE Thursday 5th June 2025 Sunday 15th June 2025 Friday 20th June 2025 Saturday 21st June 2025
Ffos Las Salisbury
WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2025 THURSDAY 17 APRIL 2025 FRIDAY 2 MAY 2025
Market Rasen
Hickstead
Saturday 28th June 2025 Curragh Sunday 29th June 2025 – Hamp v Worc CC Hampshire Cricket Monday 30th June 2025 Royal Windsor JULY Sunday 6th July 2025 Cowdray Polo Club Wednesday 16th July 2025 Killarney Tuesday 22nd to Friday 25th July 2025 Warwickshire CCC Sunday 27th July 2025 Uttoxeter
LIMITED AVAILABILITY ON ALL THE ABOVE DAYS
The guest badge provides your guest with access to ALL members areas. Your guest will need to purchase admission to the racecourse separately. Please call the team if you would like to pre-book, we cannot guarantee these will be available on the day.
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CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH Telephone: 01242 513 014 Ticket hotline: 0344 579 3003 Email: cheltenham@thejockeyclub.co.uk THEJOCKEYCLUB.CO.UK/CHELTENHAM
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