What is the biggest racing festival in Britain? Some might say Royal Ascot – which comes with a lot of pomp and ceremony and some would say the Grand National – arguably the world’s most famous race. However, as both a sporting spectacle and a social event, we’d say that the Cheltenham Festival is now the most popular, it is the people’s festival; a bit more raucous than Royal Ascot, and tantalising punters in ways the Aintree Grand National no longer seems to do.
But when is it? Where is it? And what do you need to know about Cheltenham 2022? Let’s break it all down into a handy guide:
When and Where?
The 2022 Cheltenham Festival will run from 15th – 18th March. It is held at Prestbury Park Racecourse in Cheltenham. Tickets are still on sale, ranging from around £45 up to over £500 for VIP hospitality.
Worth Going?
Sure. Most people tend to choose one day (hotel prices can be exorbitant in the area during the Festival), travelling to the town of Cheltenham by train. The four days, each with unique highlights and reasons to go, are Champion Day (15th March), Ladies’ Day (16th March), St Patrick’s Day (17th March), and Gold Cup Day (18th March).
Key Highlights?
Each day has a feature race, usually run at 3.30 pm. They are the Champion Hurdle (Tuesday), Champion Chase (Wednesday), Stayers’ Hurdle (Thursday), and the Gold Cup (Friday). However, the beauty of Cheltenham is that every race matters.
What about the Gold Cup?
Clearly the highlight of the week, it’s the most prestigious chase of the year. One of the fascinating aspects of it is that anyone can win, even those horses with really long odds. If you look back at some of the longest odds winners in Gold Cup history, you’ll know you can’t rule anyone out. A Plus Tard is the current favourite for the 2022 event, but it’s all up for grabs.
What Else Is of Note?
Last year, the Festival could be summed up in two words – Rachael Blackmore. The Irish jockey has blazed a trail for women in horse racing, smashing the glass ceiling into smithereens. She was Top Jockey in 2021, and this year she will ride favourites like Honeysuckle and Bob Olinger. She always has a huge chance in the Gold Cup on A Plus Tard.
I’ve No Interest in Racing, Should I Go?
One of the best things about Cheltenham is that it’s not necessary to be a racing fan to enjoy the show. It’s a big event on the social calendar, and plenty of people come for the champagne (lots of it) and Guinness. There’s also great entertainment in the surrounding area, and plenty of great dining options – on and away from the racecourse – too.
What’s the News for Cheltenham 2022?
On the racecourse, the big question is whether the British trainers can regain some sense of respectability. Each year, there is a friendly – but fierce – rivalry between the British and Irish contingent, but the latter handed out a trouncing to the former last year – winning 23 of the 28 races. When looking at the formbook, it’s difficult to see how the British can strike back. But there are some big hopes, including Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
I Can’t Make It to Cheltenham, Where Can I Watch?
Can’t go? No problem. There is coverage on ITV every day of the Festival. The broadcast usually starts around 12.30, with the first race going off at 1.30.
