Cheltenham Racecourse Guide

Cheltenham Racecourse is one of the most iconic racecourses in the world and is known for hosting the Cheltenham Festival every year.

Every year in March, National Hunt fans flock to the racecourse to watch four days of world-class racing, and there is a total of 16 race days a year at Cheltenham.

We have put together the ultimate guide for everything you need to know about the famous racecourse.

Cheltenham Racecourse Location

Where is Cheltenham?

Cheltenham Racecourse is situated at Prestbury Park, near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, England.

How to get to Cheltenham Racecourse

By Train

The nearest train station is located at Cheltenham Spa, which provides a frequent shuttle bus service to the racecourse during the Cheltenham Festival.

The train station is a 45-minute walk away from the racecourse, so those attending the track are advised to use public transport.

By Bus

The Cheltenham shuttle bus service operates between Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Cheltenham Town Centre and the Racecourse.

By Car

Cheltenham Racecourse is two hours from London by car and one hour from Birmingham and Bristol. Road users are advised to leave the M5 at Junction 10 and follow racecourse directions from the town.

Cheltenham Racecourse Layout

Track Layout

The Old Course

The Old Course is used during the early part of the autumn/winter and for the first two days of the Cheltenham Festival. It suits horses with speed and those who can jump in rhythm.

The New Course

The New Course is used from December until the end of the season and it is more of a stamina test. It is used for the final two days of the Cheltenham Festival, including the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Riders and horses have to navigate a tricky downhill fence and a longer run-in for steeplechases than they do on the Old Course.

Enclosures and Viewing Areas

The list of enclosures and viewing areas at Cheltenham Racecourse are as follows:

• Best Mate Enclosure

• Tattersalls Enclosure

• Club Enclosure

• The Princess Royal Stand

Key Races at Cheltenham

Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Gold Cup is the showpiece of the Cheltenham Festival and that iconic event, along with the final two days of The Festival, is run on the New Course.

Horses compete over three miles and have to jump 22 fences. Winners of the race receive just over £360,000 in prize money.

Champion Hurdle

The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt race on the Old Course over two miles. Eight hurdles need to be jumped and the winner receives over £250,000.

Queen Mother Champion Chase

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is open to horses aged five or over and takes place over one mile and seven furlongs. Thirteen fences have to be navigated and it is the leading minimum-distance chase in the National Hunt calendar.

Stayers' Hurdle

The Stayers' Hurdle takes place on the New Course and runners have to race over 2m7f and clear 12 hurdles. The Stayers' Hurdle is the leading long-distance hurdle event in the National Hunt calendar.

Ryanair Chase

The Ryanair Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase run on the New Course over 2m4f.

The race was added to the calendar in 2005 when a fourth day was added to the Cheltenham Festival.

Cheltenham Racecourse History

Cheltenham Racecourse Opening Date

The first organised Flat race meeting in Cheltenham took place in 1815 on Nottingham Hill, while the first races on Cleeve Hill took place three years later in August 1818.

Racing at Prestbury Park started in 1831 and the current venue hosted its first meeting in 1898.

When was the first Cheltenham Gold Cup?

The first Cheltenham Gold Cup took place in March 1924, with Red Splash winning the contest.