Our in depth guide to race courses

Cheltenham

Cheltenham, also known as Cheltenham Spa, is a large spa town in Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds in the South-West region of England.

The town was awarded a market charter in 1226, and has been a health and holiday resort since the discovery of mineral springs there in 1716. Horse racing began in Cheltenham in 1815, and became a major national attraction after the establishment of the Festival in 1902.

There are few sporting occasions offering more anticipation and excitement than the four-day Festival in March where the home of jumping stages the National Hunt 'Olympics' featuring the Gold Cup, Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Champion Hurdle. There are other big meetings too such as the Open in November and the Festival Trials day in January.

Both the Old and New courses at Prestbury Park are about a mile and a half and the uphill run to the line has seen many a dramatic finish.

To read more about the Festival Click Here