(estimated four minute read time)
The Cheltenham Festival 2023 was a thrilling and memorable event that drew crowds of racing enthusiasts from around the world. This annual four-day festival is one of the most prestigious events on the National Hunt racing calendar, and it did not disappoint!
As the sun’s rays peeked over Cleeve Hill on the opening morning of The Cheltenham Festival, Champions’ Day Tuesday was finally upon us and the air was filled with anticipation ahead of the ‘Olympics of Horse Racing.’ Eager racegoers descended upon Cheltenham in their droves and Prestbury Park look resplendent as Green Room guests began to arrive. Greeted with the obligatory Champagne and/or a fresh pint of Guinness plus a quick chat with racing legend Sir AP McCoy, the laughter (and Guinness) flowed freely as guests relaxed into their day.
But what of the racing? Champions’ Day was set to be a memorable day with two incredibly popular horses in contention. Could Constitution Hill win the Champion Hurdle and in what was to be her final appearance before retirement, could the fans’ favourite Honeysuckle cap a magnificent career by bringing home the Mares Hurdle? As celebrities like Laura Woods and Richard Hammond mingled with guests and soaked up the experience, the action on the track was underway, with the infamous ‘Cheltenham Roar’ ringing around The Green Room when the first race started.
The Champion Hurdle is one of the most prestigious hurdle races in the world, and this year’s edition was no exception. The race featured some of the best hurdlers in the business, but the Nicky Henderson trained Constitution Hill was one of the favourites for a reason as he cantered to victory with Nico de Boinville aboard. It was to be double delight at Cheltenham as the following race, the Mares Hurdle would be a final outing for Honeysuckle and with Rachael Blackmore on board, who could have doubted her? In what is an amazing performance, Honeysuckle delighted fans with a final win of her career, giving Rachael Blackmore another win at Cheltenham. In what was an especially poignant and emotional moment, this was victorious trainer Henry de Bromhead’s first win since the tragic loss of his son last year.
Day 2 of Cheltenham is of course Ladies’ Day and as out guests began to arrive in all the racing finery, another brilliant day lay ahead in The Green Room. David Flatman and Tom Shanklin were joined by a bunch of Saracens rugby players, not to mention Natalie Pinkham, Kelly Sotherton and Laura Woods also enjoying the experience. Ladies’ Day featured a range of high-profile races, including the Queen Mother Champion Chase, which is considered one of the highlights of the entire festival. This year’s race was won by the Tony Bloom owned Energumene who produced a stunning performance to clinch victory. As Sweet Caroline rang out around The Green Room and the whole room enjoyed a post-race dance, we could not wait for day three.
After the rain of Wednesday, could St.Patrick’s Day Thursday shine any brighter? The atmosphere at the festival was electric and the highlight of the day’s racing was the Stayers’ Hurdle, a three-mile hurdle race for horses aged four and over. The race was won by Ashdale Bob, a surprise winner who was able to better one of the favourites Blazing Khan.The return of Shishkin in the Ryanair Chase was also a big story of the day but sadly, he could not live up to the billing and could only finish a disappointing last place.
After a brilliant week of hospitality in The Green Room where we were joined by a host of stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment including Mike & Zara Tindall, Jonny Bairstow and Julian Lewis Jones, could Gold Cup day end the festival with a bang? One of the biggest race days anywhere in the world certainly did not disappoint! The festival culminated with the Gold Cup, the most prestigious race of the National Hunt season. The Gold Cup is a three-mile, two-and-a-half-furlong chase, and is open to horses aged five and over. This year’s race was won by the Irish-trained horse, Galopin des Champs who gave both trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend their third Gold Cup win respectively. In what was a slightly shock result, the noise in The Green Room as the horses thundered past was incredible.
Overall, the 2023 Cheltenham Festival was a resounding success, with some fantastic racing and a great atmosphere. The Green Room was buzzing each day, with our ambassadors Sir AP McCoy and Jonjo O’Neill Jr. only adding to the wonderful entertainment on show. With only a few weeks until The Grand National, you don’t have long to wait until The Green Room is back racing and we hope to see you there!
