Cheltenham Festival History

You want to learn about Cheltenham Festival history but find old racing records hard to grasp. Many racing fans struggle to understand how this grand event grew from small races into Britain’s biggest jump racing festival.

The story starts in 1815 at Nottingham Hill with the first flat race meeting. Today, the Festival draws over 250,000 visitors across four days each March at Prestbury Park. The National Hunt Chase marked the beginning of what became the Cheltenham Festival.

This guide walks you through the key moments that shaped the Festival’s rich past. You’ll discover how the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and other famous races began. From its early days at Warwick to becoming racing’s spring highlight at Prestbury Park, each chapter reveals exciting tales of winners, records, and racing legends.

The Festival’s story starts now.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cheltenham Festival began in 1815 at Nottingham Hill and moved to Prestbury Park in 1902. It now draws over 250,000 visitors each March for four days of racing.
  • Key races include the Gold Cup (started 1924), Champion Hurdle (1927), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1959), and Stayers’ Hurdle (1972). Golden Miller holds the record with five straight Gold Cup wins from 1932-1936.
  • The Festival survived major challenges like both World Wars, foot and mouth disease in 2001, and Covid-19 in 2020-2021. The 2021 Gold Cup ran without crowds for the first time ever.
  • Ruby Walsh leads all jockeys with 59 wins, while Rachael Blackmore made history as the first female Leading Jockey in 2021. The Festival brings £274 million to Cheltenham’s economy as of 2022.
  • Irish racing dominates modern festivals, winning 23 races to Britain’s 5 in 2021. The Royal Family maintains strong ties through the Queen Mother Champion Chase and regular attendance.

What Is The Origin Of The Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival started in 1860 at Market Harborough with the first National Hunt Chase. W.A. Baring Bingham moved the races to Prestbury Park in 1902, which became the new home for this grand racing event.

Early Beginnings In 1860

Racing at Cheltenham started in 1815 with flat racing on Nottingham Hill. In 1860, W.A. Baring Bingham created the National Hunt Meeting, which marked the birth of modern-day festival racing.

Market Harborough hosted the first National Hunt Chase before it moved to Warwick Racecourse.

Prestbury Park became the permanent home for racing events in 1831. Your first glimpse of a Gold Cup race happened in 1819, setting up a tradition that still runs strong today. National Hunt Committee worked with Messrs Pratt & Company to establish proper racing rules and standards during these early years.

Move To Prestbury Park

Prestbury Park became the new home of Cheltenham’s racing in 1831. Reverend Francis Close led strong protests against racing at Cleeve Hill, which forced the move. The National Hunt Festival found its permanent base at Prestbury Park in 1902.

This marked a vital change in British racing history.

The grounds at Prestbury Park offered perfect conditions for horse racing. In 1853, the site turned into a fixed location for regular race meetings. The Jockey Club Racecourses took charge of the venue’s operations.

Frederick Cathcart played a key role in making Prestbury Park the main spot for National Hunt racing.

Development Of The National Hunt Meeting

The National Hunt Meeting grew from a small event in 1898 into a major racing fixture. W.A. Baring Bingham started this racing tradition at Prestbury Park. The first National Hunt Festival took place in April 1902, marking a new chapter in British racing history.

The Festival gained more fame after adding the Gold Cup in 1924. This race turned into one of the most important steeplechases in Britain. The Champion Hurdle joined the programme in 1927, making the Festival even bigger.

These races helped turn the National Hunt Meeting into a must-see event for racing fans across the UK and Ireland.

When Did The Festival’s Most Famous Races Begin?

The Gold Cup started in 1924, but it wasn’t the first big race at the Festival. The Champion Hurdle kicked off in 1927, while the Queen Mother Champion Chase joined in 1959 – each race brought its own magic to Prestbury Park.

The Gold Cup History

A prestigious race started at Cheltenham in 1924 with Red Splash winning the first nine-carat gold trophy. This 644-gram golden prize marked the start of racing greatness at Prestbury Park.

Golden Miller stands as a true legend, claiming five straight wins from 1932 to 1936 – a record that still amazes fans today.

National Hunt racing reached new heights as the Gold Cup grew into the main event at the Festival. Your chance to see racing history comes each March, where champions battle for glory on the final day.

Modern winners now chase the same dreams that began with that first golden trophy nearly 100 years ago.

The Champion Hurdle Origins

The Champion Hurdle started its grand story at Cheltenham on 9th March 1927. Blaris made history as the first winner of this prestigious race. The national hunt chase brought new excitement to the racing world.

Insurance showed amazing skill by winning back-to-back titles in 1932 and 1933.

Irish champion Istabraq stands out in the Champion Hurdle’s rich past. He won three straight races from 1998 to 2000, joining the ranks of racing legends. The race takes place at Prestbury Park each March as part of the National Hunt Festival.

Top horses still battle it out over eight hurdles across two miles and 87 yards of testing ground.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase Story

Queen Mother Champion Chase started in 1959 at Cheltenham Racecourse. This famous race honours Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who loved horse racing deeply. In 1980, race officials changed its name to mark her 80th birthday.

Her own horse, Game Spirit, raced in this chase and came second in 1976. Many top horses have won this race at the National Hunt Meeting. Each year, the best two-mile chasers compete in this race at Prestbury Park during the festival.

The Stayers’ Hurdle Evolution

The Stayers’ Hurdle burst onto the national hunt scene in 1972. Parlour Moor grabbed the first win at this new race during The Cheltenham Festival. Racing fans saw the event grow into a major fixture at Prestbury Park.

British racing officials brought back the original name ‘Stayers Hurdle’ in 2017. This race tests horses over three miles on the old course at Cheltenham. Top jumpers must clear 12 hurdles to claim victory in this stamina-testing contest.

How Has The Festival Changed Over Time?

The Festival grew from a small racing event into Britain’s second-largest sporting gathering. The changes brought new grandstands, better viewing spots, and modern facilities that welcome over 250,000 visitors across four days.

Pre-War Era Development

Racing at Cheltenham grew fast between 1911 and 1939. You could spot major changes in the festival during this time. The National Hunt Chase moved to Prestbury Park in 1911, marking a new start.

Dick Rees played a big role in making the festival better each year.

Crowds got bigger as more races joined the schedule. In 1924, Red Splash won the first Gold Cup, which became a key race. The course saw many improvements to help both horses and visitors.

New stands went up, and better facilities made everyone more comfortable. Irish horses started coming over to race, making the event more special.

Post-War Expansion

The post-war era brought major growth to the Cheltenham Festival. The national hunt chase saw its first Irish triumph in 1948 when Cottage Rake claimed the Gold Cup. This win marked a new chapter in the festival’s history, opening doors for Irish trainers at Prestbury Park.

The 1980s proved a golden age for the festival. Silver Buck’s 1982 Gold Cup victory sparked fresh excitement. Dawn Run made festival history in 1986 by winning both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup – a feat no other horse had achieved before.

The festival expanded its race card during this time to meet growing demand from trainers and spectators alike.

Modern Festival Format

Today’s Cheltenham Festival runs for four exciting days, with six races each day. Since 2005, the festival has grown into a massive event that brings in over 260,000 people every year.

You’ll find 28 top-class races spread across the four days at Prestbury Park.

The festival now features clear themes for each day. The Champion Hurdle leads Tuesday’s races, while Wednesday hosts the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Thursday brings the Stayers’ Hurdle, and Friday caps off with the famous Gold Cup race.

Each race day starts at 1:30 PM sharp and ends with the final race at 5:30 PM.

Course Improvements

Cheltenham Racecourse made major upgrades to its facilities in 1923. The course added new grandstands and better viewing areas for race fans. These changes helped the Festival grow from a small meeting into a three-day event.

Prestbury Park saw more big changes in 2005. The racecourse built modern stands and improved the racing surface. Better drainage systems kept races running in wet weather. These updates led to the Festival becoming the four-day racing showcase you see now.

The National Hunt Chase moved here from Warwick, making the course even more special.

What Were The Most Significant Moments In Festival History?

The Cheltenham Festival has seen amazing wins, like Arkle’s three Gold Cup victories from 1964 to 1966, and Dawn Run’s special feat as the only horse to win both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup – you’ll want to learn more about these racing legends.

Notable Race Winners

Golden Miller stands as a true legend at Prestbury Park. His five straight Gold Cup wins from 1932 to 1936 created a record that still holds strong today.

Best Mate joined the ranks of racing royalty with three Gold Cup victories in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Desert Orchid’s brave win in the 1989 Gold Cup through snow and harsh weather showed pure racing spirit.

His third-place finish in 1990 proved his lasting class at the national hunt chase’s highest level.

Record-Breaking Performances

The Cheltenham Festival has seen amazing records break over time. Michael Dickinson made history in 1983 with an incredible feat at the Gold Cup. His stable took the top five spots in the race – a record that still stands today.

This achievement earned him the nickname “The Master of Prestbury Park”.

Nortons Coin shocked everyone in 1990 by winning the Gold Cup at 100/1 odds. The champion hurdler Istabraq showed pure class by taking three straight Champion Hurdle titles from 1998 to 2000.

These wins at the national hunt chase proved why the festival draws huge crowds each year to Prestbury Park.

Famous Jockey Achievements

Ruby Walsh stands as a true legend at Cheltenham Festival with 59 remarkable victories. His outstanding record shows why he ranks as one of racing’s greatest talents in the national hunt chase era.

Barry Geraghty claimed 43 wins and earned Leading Jockey titles in both 2003 and 2012. Rachael Blackmore made history at the festival in 2021 by becoming the first female Leading Jockey, breaking barriers in this prestigious racing event held at Prestbury Park.

These achievements highlight how top riders have shaped the rich legacy of jump racing at Cheltenham.

Memorable Training Feats

Trainers at Cheltenham Festival have set amazing records through the years. Tom Dreaper trained the mighty Arkle to win three Gold Cups from 1964 to 1966. This feat stands as one of the most impressive training achievements in festival history.

The brilliant Best Mate matched this record under trainer Henrietta Knight, claiming three straight Gold Cups from 2002 to 2004.

Michael Dickinson pulled off the remarkable feat known as the ‘Famous Five’ in 1983. His stable sent out the first five finishers in the Gold Cup – a record that still amazes racing fans today.

Paddy Mullins showed his training skills with Dawn Run in 1986. His mare became the only horse to win both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup at the national hunt chase festival. These training achievements prove the high level of skill needed to succeed at Prestbury Park.

How Has The Festival Survived Major Challenges?

The Cheltenham Festival stood strong through many hard times since 1860. The races went on despite two World Wars, foot and mouth disease, bad weather, and even Covid-19.

Impact Of World Wars

Cheltenham Racecourse played a vital role during World War I as a Voluntary Aid Hospital. From October 28, 1914, to February 28, 1919, medical staff treated more than 3,000 British and Belgian soldiers at this site.

Many brave men found care and comfort within these grounds during tough times.

Racing spirit stayed strong through World War II as the Gold Cup races went ahead in 1939, 1940, 1941, and 1945. This showed great resilience at the national hunt chase venue. You would have seen fewer horses and smaller crowds, but the festival’s heart kept beating despite wartime challenges.

Foot And Mouth Disease Crisis

A foot and mouth disease outbreak forced the national hunt chase to stop in 2001. The festival faced an £8 million insurance claim due to this sudden halt. This crisis hit the betting industry hard, with losses near £100 million.

Racing fans missed seeing their favourite horses compete at the famous Prestbury Park track.

The disease spread quickly through British farms during that time. Safety rules made it impossible to hold such a big event. The festival’s team had to make tough choices to protect animals and people.

This marked one of the biggest challenges in the festival’s rich history since its move from Warwick.

Weather Cancellations

Bad weather has hit Cheltenham Festival hard over the years. High winds forced the 2008 Festival to cancel its Wednesday races. The event managers moved these races to other days that week.

The Festival faced another big test in 2013. A harsh cold snap brought temperatures down to -12°C. This extreme cold changed the normal race schedule.

Cleeve Hill helps shield the racecourse from some bad weather. This natural barrier sits next to Prestbury Park. The hill blocks some harsh winds and rain. Still, the national hunt chase must deal with nature’s challenges.

The Festival team stays ready to change plans if the weather turns bad.

Covid-19 Adaptations

The Cheltenham Festival faced major changes during Covid-19. The 2021 Gold Cup ran without crowds for the first time in its history. This strict measure helped protect public health while supporting the WellChild charity.

The festival’s last normal year saw 150,000 people attend just before UK lockdown rules started.

Medical expert Sir David King raised concerns about the 2020 festival’s timing. He pointed out that the large crowds might have spread Covid-19 faster in the UK. The festival adapted quickly to new safety rules.

They created special areas to keep people apart and added hand washing stations everywhere.

What Makes The Festival A Cultural Institution?

The Cheltenham Festival stands as a grand British racing tradition that brings together royalty, fashion, and Irish racing culture. You’ll find the festival creates a massive boost to the local economy, with shops, hotels, and restaurants packed during the four-day event at Prestbury Park.

Irish Racing Connection

Irish racing fans bring magic to Prestbury Park each March. Your visit to the festival shows clear signs of Irish influence through green colours, Celtic music, and proud racing traditions.

Irish trainers and jockeys dominate modern festival races with remarkable success rates.

Ireland’s racing power shines through the Pertemps Prestbury Cup results. Irish stables claimed an impressive 23 wins against Britain’s 5 victories in 2021. This friendly rivalry between Irish and British competitors adds extra excitement to festival races.

Irish horses, trainers, and jockeys continue to set high standards at national hunt chase events.

Royal Family Association

The British Royal Family shares deep ties with Cheltenham Festival. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother loved horse racing and visited the festival many times. Her passion led to the naming of the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1980, marking her 80th birthday.

The race started in 1959 and became a key part of the festival’s history.

Princess Anne showed the royal family’s lasting support by opening the Royal Box at Cheltenham Racecourse in 2015. The box offers perfect views of the famous course. Many royal family members attend the festival each year to watch the races and present trophies to winners.

Their presence adds extra glamour to this major racing event.

Festival Fashion Evolution

Festival fashion at Cheltenham has moved from strict formal wear to modern styles. Racegoers now mix classic tweed suits with fresh fashion choices. Men sport smart tweed jackets paired with matching trousers, while ladies showcase elegant dresses topped with eye-catching hats.

Green fashion leads the way at modern Cheltenham events. Many guests pick outfits made from eco-friendly materials. You’ll spot sustainable tweed suits and recycled fabric dresses across the festival grounds.

These choices show how racing fashion keeps up with current trends while staying true to its roots.

Economic Impact On Cheltenham

The Cheltenham Festival brings huge money to the local area. Latest figures show it added £274 million to Cheltenham’s economy in 2022, up from £100 million in 2016. Local businesses see major gains during race days as visitors spend more each year.

Guests now spend an average of £697 during their stay, compared to £584 in 2016. This money flows into hotels, restaurants, shops and transport services across the town. Local jobs get a boost too, with many businesses taking on extra staff to handle the busy festival period.

Conclusion

Cheltenham Festival is Britain’s most celebrated racing event since 1860. Racing supporters gather at Prestbury Park each March for four days of exceptional competition. Prestigious races such as Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle create enduring memories each year.

Irish horses, royal guests, and elegant fashion make this festival remarkable. Your visit to this historic racecourse offers excitement from 162 years of racing excellence.

FAQs

1. When did the Cheltenham Festival start?

The Cheltenham Festival originated in when the National Hunt Chase was first held at Warwick. It later moved to its current home at Cheltenham Racecourse.

2. What is the most famous race at the Festival?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the star event. It brings the best horses and riders together for an exciting race that tests their skill and speed.

3. Who owns and runs Cheltenham Racecourse?

The Racecourse Holdings Trust looks after the track. They make sure everything runs well for both racing and guests.

4. Why did the Festival move from Warwick?

The National Hunt Chase was first held at Warwick, but moved to give more space for the growing crowd of race fans.

5. What makes the Festival special for racing fans?

The rich history of the National Hunt Chase, plus other big races, makes it the biggest jump racing event of the year.

6. How long does the Festival last?

The Festival runs for four days each March. It grew from when the National Hunt Chase was first held to become a major racing event.