‘I think we’re in a good spot’ – positive signs for Cheltenham changes

For many Cheltenham’s first fixture of the autumn marks the start of the jumps season proper – and there were a number of notable changes as the home of National Hunt racing reopened its doors for the two-day Showcase meeting.

Last month Jockey Club Racecourses outlined plans to further enhance the customer experience at Prestbury Park, including the removal of all remaining drinks restrictions in the Club Enclosure and perhaps even more notably a 30p reduction in the price of pints of draught beers and cider.

A pint of Guinness has dropped from £7.80 to £7.50, a move which sees the price return to 2022 levels, while racegoers were able to joy Cheltenham’s favourite tipple in the newly-named Prestbury View bar, a fully refurbished trackside facility comprising of the two bars formerly named after Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes Cottage Rake and Mill House.

Other changes include an upgraded PA and racecourse TV system as well as improved car parking, while the Tented Village is in the process of being redesigned and is set to feat a new covered food court.

Looking further ahead to the 2026 Festival in March, the overall capacity will be reduced from 68,500 to 66,000 each day.

Cheltenham’s chief executive, Guy Lavender, said on Saturday: “I think generally the changes have been received really well.

“There are a number of changes we have made. The PA system as you can hear is working well and we made some changes to alcohol movement around the racecourse and redid some bars – positive I think in the round and I think people have really appreciated it.

“It’s not the end, it’s the beginning of continuing to develop the racecourse and doing the things we need to do to make it better.

“Generally I think we’re in a good spot.”