6 minute read
THE 2023 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL I
f you’re a keen follower of the UK’s equestrian scene, you’ll already be well aware of the excitement that’s just around the corner. March welcomes the Cheltenham Festival, one of the most noteworthy gatherings in the Great Hunt racing calendar. It’s known for having an unbeatable atmosphere, with the crowd’s Cheltenham Roar becoming a thing of legend. There’s an argument to be made for Cheltenham being the second biggest horse racing event we have—in terms of prize money, only the Grand National is more significant!
Last year’s Cheltenham Festival was ground breaking in many ways. First of all, the total attendance across all four days was the highest in the festival’s history, with 280,627 horse racing fans gathering to witness the action. What’s more, we also saw the monumental achievement of Rachael Blackmore, who became the first female jockey to win the prestigious Gold Cup. (This came after making history with her Grand National win in 2021.) We’re looking forward to this year’s festival, and hoping that we see similarly huge turnouts and great moments. Here’s a little more about the history of the Cheltenham Festival, and some guidance for this year’s festivities, so that both seasoned viewers and budding racing enthusiasts can get stuck in!
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A Brief History
The Cheltenham Festival was started in 1860, but it has not always been the event we know and love today. Originally, the event was called the Grand National Hunt Meeting, and the first iteration was run in Market Harborough. Since then, its location frequently changed, with most Meetings being held at Warwick Racecourse. However, thanks to significant investment in the infrastructure of the racecourses at Prestbury Park, the Meeting was moved permanently to Cheltenham starting in 1911. It is unclear when the name of the event was officially changed.
As we mentioned previously, the Gold Cup is the most prestigious prize to be won at Cheltenham. It was created in 1924 with the purpose of being a supporting race for the County Hurdle, but over time it became more highly regarded, eventually becoming the most highly anticipated race of the event. The Stayers’ Hurdle, however, is the oldest existing race to have championship status, having first been run in 1912.
In 2005, the Cheltenham Festival began to span four days, doubling the original duration. It now features a total of 28 races—7 on each day— with at least one championship race per day.
Get ready for one of the most exciting weeks in the racing season!
How To Watch
Guide
Let’s now take a look at the order of events for the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. In the interest of space we will only cover the championship races, but we highly recommend tuning in to watch the others too! Championship races are the pinnacle of prestige at Cheltenham, attracting the best competitors and highest prize pots. In official terms, they are ‘Grade 1’—the highest calibre of jumps race you can get. Each day’s main event will be highlighted.
Day 1: Champion Day
1:30pm Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race
2:10pm Arkle Challenge Trophy
3:30pm Champion Hurdle
4:10pm Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race
Day 2: Festival Wednesday (Ladies Day)
1:30pm Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle Race
2:10pm Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase 3:30pm Queen Mother Champion Chase 5:30pm Champion Bumper
If you’re not attending the Festival, don’t worry! You’ll be able to watch most of the important races on ITV, which continues to build its reputation as the home of racing in Britain. Not all races will be televised, however, so make sure you check for yourself to avoid disappointment.
Preview
Let’s look at some noteworthy names and favourites that will be competing at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
First up, Facile Vega is a very prominent horse that is booked to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, after already winning the Champion Bumper last year. Some say he is yet to reach his full potential, however, so there’s a chance it doesn’t play out as planned.
Next, the star of last year’s Festival is back. Constitution Hill will be running the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, and is set to continue his unbeaten streak with another statement victory.
Finally, we have the reigning champion defend his title in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday. Energumene will have some tougher competition this time around, but experts are still convinced he is the horse that will lead the pack.
2:50pm Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 3:30pm Cheltenham Gold Cup
Our Thoughts – A Stylish barn conversion, which was the original show home and occupies the best position and plot (circa .33 of an acre with over 2,200 sq ft of living space). As well as being sympathetic to the features, charm and character of the original building, the property boasts modern comforts with a twist of contemporary style. Converted by local experts “Bilton Design & Build”, the building (dating back to 1880), is part of a Victorian model set of barns, the property offers a generous garden and is heated via gas under floor heating to the ground floor and radiators to the first floor. Viewing is advised to appreciate the large living room, which is perfect for entertaining and the interesting period features that are peppered throughout.
Home Farm Barns, Stretton Under Fosse
Price £750,000
Set in the popular village of Harborough Magna, this spacious detached property boasts a double garage, large driveway, and garden to front, rear and sides. The kitchen/breakfast room has been tastefully re-fitted with modern units, quartz work-surfaces and integral appliances. There is a spacious lounge with bow window and large inglenook fireplace with wood-burning stove, a generous dining room/reception room and sun room opening onto the patio area. Upstairs four well-proportioned bedrooms will not disappoint; the master has a balcony with views over the countryside and en-suite. There’s also a main bathroom and separate WC. The property utilises solar energy to make it not only energy efficient but economical to run.
Cadman Homes Estate & Letting Agents
6 Albert Street, Rugby CV21 2RS
01788 560 905
Set in the heart of the village, this property enjoys a private garden and plot to three sides. With four well proportioned bedrooms, a lounge, dining room and large study/ground floor bedroom, this versatile property also offers a stylish bathroom to the ground floor and shower-room upstairs. There is a larger than average garage, driveway for 2-3 cars and much more.
In conjunction with “Revel Homes” we are proud to present this selection of stylish, village homes with countryside views to the rear. A member of the “Federation of Master Builders”, “Revel Homes” specialise in rural and semi-rural build projects with a focus on sympathetic exterior design, high specification fittings and well-proportioned accommodation. There are four detached properties available, all with mains gas central heating, four double bedrooms, two en-suites and high specification kitchen/diners that have views over the garden. The properties also boast generous lounges, as well as a utility room and WC to the ground floor. Upstairs there are three double bedrooms (one with en-suite) and a bathroom to the first floor and a stunning master bedroom on the second floor also boasting an en-suite.
An unusual opportunity to purchase a freehold (title to be split) investment/development opportunity, which is currently part of a hotel. With eight bedrooms (four doubles, four singles), all with either en-suite bathrooms or shower-rooms, the property is currently heated via a communal gas boiler and will have it’s own electricity metre. The single rooms are circa £55 per night and the doubles £65, however the room could benefit from refurbishment and with concentrated marketing could achieve more. The property could also been converted into an HMO, or apartments. There is the potential to negotiate with the owner about parking spaces on a purchased or permit basis. Positioned close to the town centre and railway station/bus station, this could be a lucrative investment for a seasoned investor. No chain.
Cadman Homes Estate & Letting Agents
6 Albert Street, Rugby CV21 2RS
01788 560 905
Asking Price £325,000
Extended to provide a ground floor bedroom/extra reception room and a shower room, this property offers three first floor bedrooms and bathroom, as well as a kitchen/diner and lounge to the ground floor. There is a conservatory, driveway for 2-3 cars and the property could be sold with no chain.
For sale with no chain this grand period property is in need of modernisation but boasts versatile accommodation, in a pretty South Leicestershire village. The property could be sub divided, having direct access from the roads to the front and rear with the Lutterworth Rd entrance having a pretty garden, with views over the church and churchyard. With a dual aspect lounge and dual aspect kitchen/diner, three first floor bedrooms, two second floor bedrooms, and outbuilding and cellar.
A well presented and improved modern property within a popular village. Boasting a modern kitchen with appliances, a generously proportioned lounge/diner and conservatory with under floor heating. With two bedrooms (the master with extensive built in wardrobes), a modern bathroom and storage cupboard upstairs, this property would make a great first time buy, or suit those looking to downsize but stay in a village location. The rear garden leads to a parking bay to the rear. There are also visitors’ bays for additional parking. Sold with no chain this property has modern PVCu double glazing and central heating to radiators via an electric boiler. Energy Rating - D
