It might look and feel completely different, but the good news is the Cheltenham Festival 2021 will be going ahead later this month.
Coming, as it does, before the next date of 29th March in the government’s roadmap, the event will be televised but will go ahead without any live spectators. In our book, though, this is a huge success as it means the livelihoods of thousands of people and horses who are associated with the horseracing industry are protected.
TV coverage starts on Sunday 14th March with an official preview evening. If you’re planning to have a flutter this is a must-see to pick up the tips and ones-to-watch.
In an effort to make things continue to feel special during this historic event, the organisers are even offering the opportunity to buy an at-home hamper. It’s a great opportunity to bring the atmosphere into your home viewing and enjoy champagne and artisan foods as well as helping out the events charity partner, Wellchild.
The festival itself runs from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th March and, as ever, it remains the pinnacle of the jump season. Here are some facts and figures you might not be aware of:
- There are a total of 28 races over the course of the festival (with the Cheltenham Gold Cup perhaps being the most famous), and prize money back in 2019 totalled over £4,590,000;
- In a normal year, there are an incredible 36,500 vehicles parked up, 100 helicopter movements per day and an incredible 71,500 people attending for Gold Cup Day (this all seems very alien after a year of not seeing more than six people, doesn’t it?)
- The Cheltenham Gold Cup first ran in 1924. Previous years with racing interruptions include 1931 when the course was frozen, 1937 when it was flooded, 1943 and 1944 when the racecourse was home to troops waiting to be sent to war, 2001 when foot and mouth forced the entire festival to close.
We’re delighted that 2021 doesn’t have to join that list of cancellations. We’d love to see your pics of how you’re celebrating this auspicious date in the equine calendar – dig out your tweed, leather and suede, order a hamper and sit back for what is sure to be spectacular entertainment!
Email your pics to info@thespanishbootcompany.co.uk or tag us in on Instagram @myspanishboots
