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Cheltenham Festival 2025: Attendance Declines Amid Competitive Races
The experience of attending the Cheltenham Festival can be both exhilarating and costly. Despite the steep costs associated with race days, many enthusiasts still revel in witnessing some of the finest racing events. Although 2025 was expected to be a year of lesser quality, the reality showcased exceptional racing, generating discussions not just about the races but also the attendance numbers which have experienced a notable decline.
The BBC reports a significant drop in attendance, marking the smallest crowd at the Cheltenham Festival since 1993. On Wednesday, only 41,949 fans filled the stands, a decrease of nearly 5,000 from the previous year. This trend began earlier in the week, with Tuesday’s attendance falling from 60,181 to 55,498. The numbers for the Queen Mother Champion Chase day in 2022, which reached close to 65,000, starkly contrast this year’s turnout, which is the lowest since 40,662 attended the second day of the festival 32 years ago.
Weather conditions have also presented challenges, with reports indicating hailstorms affecting the course. The Cheltenham track is known for its unpredictable weather, often showcasing multiple seasons within a single day.
Cheltenham Day 2 Attendance Over the Years
2025 – 41,949
2024 – 46,771
2023 – 50,387
2022 – 64,431
As the festival progresses, discussions surrounding attendance paint a troubling picture, especially as Thursday is known to be relatively quieter than other days.
Exciting Races Ahead
Among the highly anticipated events is the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, which has been a part of the festival since 2002. This competition obligates runners to qualify through numerous races held in the UK, Ireland, and France, making it an intriguing challenge for both the participants and punters. Prominent contenders include the likes of Jeriko Du Reponet and Win Some Lose Some, which have reportedly been targeting this race for several months.
SELECTION: D ART D ART.
Another race generating excitement is the Jack Richards Novice Limited Handicap Chase, which has reverted to handicap status after being a level-weights contest for the last decade. It has attracted a larger field than previous years, indicating renewed interest. Firefox and Caldwell Potter stand out among the competitors, with the latter making his handicap debut after a high profile sale.
SELECTION: ANSWER TO KAYF.
The Mares’ Novice Hurdle also joins the roster of events, bringing together a substantial field of 24 competitors. Among them, Aurora Vega, a descendant of the legendary Quevega, is watched closely, while Sixandahalf has attracted attention after a strong debut.
SELECTION: SIXANDAHALF.
Wednesday at the festival will also serve as a tribute to the late Michael O’Sullivan, adding a poignant element to the day’s proceedings.
Current Course Conditions and Expectations
The going for day three, St Patrick’s Thursday, is officially classified as Good to Soft. After two successful days, today is expected to showcase another exciting array of races on the New Course, which will also be utilized on Gold Cup Day. Race events will commence at 1:20 PM, featuring seven races, with the Ryanair Chase being the highlight.
Weather conditions show promise with temperatures eventually anticipated to reach around 8°C, following a cold night with temperatures dipping just below freezing.
Important Non-Runners:
4.00pm Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle: 8 Langer Dan (IRE) (Vet’s Certificate, Respiratory Infection)
10 Monmiral (FR) (Self Certificate, Cast in Box)
4.40pm Trustatrader Plate Handicap Chase: 19 Lord of Thunder (IRE) (Double Declaration)
5.20pm Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase: 15 Where It All Began (IRE) (Going)
With day three of the Cheltenham Festival underway, it remains to be seen how the rest of the competition will unfold, especially with talk of potential frontrunners like Il Est Francais, whose recent performances have garnered significant attention.
As the festival continues under bright conditions, racing fans and participants alike are hopeful that the excitement of the races will overshadow concerns regarding attendance figures and set the stage for memorable performances.
Source
www.theguardian.com