The UK’s First Big Meeting of 2025 Set For Big Changes

2024 has been a great year for horse racing with many great events taking place around the world. Some of the best of these took place in the UK, and with a full calendar expected for next year, the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is set to kick things off with a bang.

However, due to falling attendance and customer concerns in recent years, one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing meetings is set to undergo some changes.

2025 Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival dates back to 1860 when it was first established as the Grand National Hunt Meeting in Market Harborough. After several venue changes, it eventually settled in Cheltenham in 1911.

Traditionally held over three days, 2005 saw an additional day added to the event with each day hosting 6 races. There are now 28 races across the four days with a championship race every day.

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival will run from Tuesday, March 11 to Friday the 14th. The event offers a variety of options for visitors, from trackside tickets to exclusive hospitality packages.

Another great benefit that festival goers can enjoy is the free Wi-Fi that improves online access. While there are lots of course bookmakers, visitors will be able to access their favorite betting apps and Bitcoin betting sites to find the best odds.

Crypto betting sites are a great option that provides enhanced security, great bonuses, and competitive odds. Online betting expert Alexander Reed explains how these options are growing in popularity among horse race bettors because they facilitate quick deposits and withdrawals and typically have lower transaction fees.

Cheltenham Festival Changes

As with any event, organizers must listen to their patrons, and the UK Jockey Club has listened to feedback in an attempt to improve the race day experience for the thousands of customers passing through the turnstiles.

Race Condition Alterations

One of the most important changes that will affect fans across the globe is the alteration of some race conditions. This includes the Turner Novices’ Chase being changed from a Grade One to a Grade Two novice handicap event.

The Festival’s National Hunt Chase will change from being an amateur race to allowing professional jockeys and become a novice handicap for 145-rated horses and up.

The Ryanair Mares’ Novices Hurdle will become a level weights race with the removal of the penalty structure while the Cross Country Chase will become a handicap race.

Series qualifier winners who meet weight requirements will have a guaranteed Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle place. 

This year will see the requirement for entry into non-novice handicap races move up from having competed in three races to four, and from four hurdles races to five.

The total prize pot for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival will rise to £4.93m ($6.22m), an increase of £115,000 ($145,000).

Updated Parking Facilities

Those lucky enough to be attending will also find upgraded parking facilities, park and ride improvements, and the installation of hardstanding tracks in grass car parks following complaints of cars getting stuck in mud and areas becoming boggy underfoot.

Discounts and Deals

A price freeze on tickets is great news for visitors, while those who purchase tickets for one day will be offered 20% off tickets for other days. Other deals include discounted hotel and travel, while there will also be upgraded dining and drink facilities on course.

The Cheltenham Festival’s Big Four Races

With 28 great races spread over four days, visitors and viewers will have lots of great options to place a wager, and each day will culminate with a championship race.

The Champion Hurdle

The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 hurdle race run over 2m 87y. The race is open to four-year-old horses and older.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase

The Grade 1 Queen Mother The Champion Chase steeplechase allows horses that are five years and older. It is run on a left-handed track over 1m 7f 199y.

The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle

Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival sees the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. This race is run by horses of 4 years and older over 2m 7f 213 yards. 

Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the pinnacle of the four-day event and is run over 3m 2f 70y by horses five years and older and is widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious steeplechase.