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Cheltenham’s Early Racing Days

Racing started way back in the early 1800’s in Cheltenham. Meetings were held on Nottingham Hill and Cleeve Hill, before eventually moving to where the racecourse is today, Prestbury Park. It has long been recognized as one of the premier destinations for jump racing.

The Move to Prestbury Park

Cheltenham’s success story wasn’t always going smoothly though. Racing faced its early years struggling to impress and one early grandstand had been set fire. The sport kept on growing though and Prestbury Park became the home of the racecourse.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

The horse most associated with Prestbury Park is the Cheltenham Gold Cup. First run in its modern format in 1924 it has become one of the supreme tests for staying chasers and past winners include the likes of Golden Miller, Arkle, Dawn Run, Desert Orchid, Best Mate, Kauto Star and the impressive Galopin Des Champs.

Champion Hurdle

First run in 1927 the Champion Hurdle is the main race for 2-mile hurdlers. It is a race of speed, tactics and great prestige that has delivered some classic Cheltenham performances and past winners include the legendary Hatton’s Grace, Persian War, Istabraq, Hurricane Fly, Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill.

Queen Mother Champion Chase

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the Festival’s primary 2-mile chasing contest. Introduced in 1959 it is another race renowned for its pace, sharp jumping and small margin of error. Horses like Badsworth Boy, Moscow Flyer, Master Minded, Sprinter Sacre and Altior have helped make it one of the Festival’s finest events.

Stayers’ Hurdle

Introduced in 1972 the Stayers’ Hurdle is a championship 3-mile hurdling contest and one that requires the tenacity of stamina rather than speed. Big Buck’s has been the modern standout with 4 wins between 2009 and 2012.

Famous Cheltenham Moments

But Cheltenham has delivered much more than just winners – the great moments created here live long in the memory. Dawn Run’s 1986 win in the Gold Cup made her the only horse ever to complete the Champion Hurdle-Gold Cup double. Desert Orchid’s incredibly gutsy 1989 Gold Cup win is one of the all-time greats while three consecutive Gold Cup victories for Best Mate from 2002-2004 etched a modern legend. Most recently in 2022 Rachael Blackmore became the first ever female jockey to win the Gold Cup.

Cheltenham’s Racing Legacy

Today, Cheltenham’s past can still be found throughout the racecourse, from the parade ring to the grandstands and the famous steep climb to the finish. It is a venue steeped in tradition, where immense pressure is created and unforgettable performances are unleashed; each meeting is another opportunity to write racing history.