The Cheltenham Festival 2015
With spring just around the corner, most of us will be looking forward to getting back outdoors and sampling a few of our nation's great sporting events. And surely, the Cheltenham Festival must rank as one of the very best.
Taking place from 10th to 13th March, the legendary horse racing event has something for everyone, and here we're taking a look at a few of the highlights!
THE RACES
The festival itself celebrates the very best things about jump racing as jockeys and trainers compete for the highest honours. With a staggering amount of races taking place over the four day meeting, the pinnacle of the competition has to be the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup which was introduced in 1924, and has seen some truly legendary horses navigating twenty two fences over three miles of intense steeplechase action.
It's a heady brew of excitement for all of the family, with children under 18 being admitted free. What better introduction do kids need to experience the famous 'Cheltenham roar'!
BETTING
And of course, part of the excitement of the Cheltenham festival has to be the thrill of having a flutter on the horses. From watching the magnificent horses preparing in the parade ring, to the actual race itself, there's nothing like the adrenaline ride of cheering on your favourite horse as it crosses the finishing line.
It's always a good idea to plan your strategy in advance, and there's a good deal of help online such as the Coral website that offers some great tips and advice.
LADIES DAY
Away from the track itself, there's always something to see. And no day holds a greater amount of fascination than Ladies' Day which this year falls on 11th March. This gives you the opportunity to dress up in your most dazzling outfit and of course prepare your most magnificent headwear!
Over the years the festival has increasingly attracted a large amount of celebrities who will all be out strutting their stuff for the cameras in what has to be one of the most fashionable days in the racing calendar.
FOOD AND DRINK
The Cheltenham Festival also offers a fantastic culinary experience for those wishing to refuel between races. With a host of restaurants ranging from the prestigious Chez Roux that offers the finest in French cuisine, to the more simple yet equally hearty hog roast stands, there's something for everyone, with children more than adequately catered for.
ENTERTAINMENT
And once the racing is over and the money has been counted, the Cheltenham Festival offers some great entertainment options for those wishing to carry on the celebrations.
So once you've collected your winnings, then head no further than the Tented Village where the Final Flight bar promises a drink to celebrate and some great live music courtesy of local legends The Chip Shop Boys!
