The 2023/24 racing season is getting underway at Cheltenham Racecourse — and there's so much to look forward to this year, from the unmissable November Meeting to the Cheltenham Festival's centenary celebrations.
SoGlos rounds up just some of the thrilling things racegoers can expect this season...
Discover the joy of racehorse ownership at The Showcase Meeting
Kicking off the new racing season, The Showcase Meeting takes place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October 2023, celebrating racehorse ownership at the Home of Jump Racing. For anyone pining for a taste of life inside the legendary winner's enclosure, the Syndicate Village provides the ideal opportunity to find out how to become a racehorse owner — with a parade of syndicate horses on the Saturday, too.
Get a table at Cheltenham Racecourse's brand-new walk-in restaurant
With a cosy Cotswold pub feel and no need to book, The Mandarin walk-in restaurant is brand-new for the 2023/24 season. Promising seasonal food and drink with dishes like Scotch eggs and burgers made with local beef on the menu, racegoers can simply walk in and grab a table for two to eight people at all fixtures except Cheltenham Festival. Prices start at £65 per person for two courses, with half-price children's meals.
Don't miss The November Meeting
As well as being one of the highlights in the British racing calendar, The November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse promises top-class entertainment on and off the track, with race highlights like the Paddy Power Gold Cup; Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin providing floorfillers in The Centaur; and Gloucestershire legend Tweedy the Clown making his first ever appearance at Cheltenham Racecourse on the family-friendly Sunday.
Ring in the festive season at The Christmas Meeting
An early gift for racing fans, The Christmas Meeting on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December 2023 is a festive treat, with Grade Two racing action and plenty of Christmas cheer off the track — including a chance to meet Santa and his elves in his grotto; Christmas crafts; the Got2Sing choir performing Christmas carols; and the spectacular living snow globe gliding through the Best Mate Plaza. What's more, under 18s can enjoy the festive fun for free with a paying adult.
Jump start 2024 with New Year's Day racing
Gather the family and get 2024 off to an exciting start at the New Year's Day racing. With seven races sure to provide some top tips on who's looking good for the Cheltenham Festival in March, there's also a free Family Fun Zone for Club/Tattersalls ticketholders and live music in The Centaur after the last race.
Get ready for the main event at Cheltenham Festival Trials Day
Refine your tips and get ready for the biggest meet of the season at Cheltenham Festival Trials Day on Saturday 27 January 2024. See the very best trainers, jockeys and horses battle it out in seven races to earn their place at the biggest event of the year and find out who to back.
Follow the famous Gold Cup on its community tour
Snap a selfie with one of the most famous trophies in the country, as the iconic Gold Cup goes on tour across Gloucestershire. From gracing the stage at the Everyman Theatre to taking pride of place at The Brewery Quarter, there'll be plenty of chances to catch a glimpse of the cup ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.
Celebrate 100 years of the Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival turns 100-years-old in 2024 and Cheltenham Racecourse is going all out to celebrate. The four-day jump racing spectacular features 28 races, including the absolutely unmissable Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. History will be made alongside unforgettable memories, so get ready to roar and make sure you've got tickets for all four days.
Experience Michelin star dining at Core on Course by Clare Smyth
Make your Cheltenham Festival utterly magical with a Michelin star dining experience at Clare Smyth's Core on Course restaurant. Enjoy Champagne and cocktails on arrival, a stunning six-course tasting menu with matching wines, as well as afternoon snacks, treats and drinks — plus meet the eponymous chef herself — at the most elegant dining experience in all of UK racing. The most luxurious way to celebrate 100 years of the Cheltenham Festival.
