Which Cheltenham Festival Raceday Should You Choose

Every March, the Cheltenham Festival transforms the Gloucestershire countryside into the beating heart of jump racing. Over four days, more than 250,000 racegoers will pour through the gates of Prestbury Park - some for the sport, some for the spectacle, and many for both.

But if you’re planning to join them, the big question is: which day should you be there?

Tuesday: The Beginning - Champion Day

There’s something electric about the first morning. As the crowds stream through the gates, you can feel the anticipation building. Scarves and racecards in hand, punters gather by the rails, waiting for the moment that starts it all: the Cheltenham Roar.

When the first race begins, the sound is deafening. It’s tradition, it’s adrenaline, and it’s history in motion. On the track, the Unibet Champion Hurdle takes centre stage, drawing the very best hurdlers to battle it out for glory. For racing purists and first-time visitors, there’s no better way to understand what Cheltenham is all about.

Wednesday: The Style - Ladies Day

If Tuesday is about pure racing passion, Wednesday brings a different kind of energy. Ladies Day is when racegoers bring out their finest countryside style - tailored coats, elegant boots, and striking hats that feel perfectly at home against the backdrop of Cheltenham’s rolling hills. There’s an understated glamour to it all: refined, practical, and effortlessly chic.

And while the fashion catches the eye, the racing holds its own. The Queen Mother Champion Chase delivers high-speed drama, a test of precision and courage that keeps the grandstands enthralled.
It’s the day where tradition, style, and sporting theatre come together in perfect balance.

Thursday: The Spirit - St Patrick’s Thursday

By Thursday, the Irish have well and truly arrived, and they’ve brought the charm! Green scarves, laughter, and the sound of singing ripple through the stands. The Guinness is flowing, and the atmosphere feels as much like a celebration as it does a sporting occasion.

On the track, the Stayers’ Hurdle provides the day’s endurance test, while the Ryanair Chase delivers high-class drama over fences. But really, it’s the crowd that makes Thursday so special - a heady mix of racing passion and party spirit. If you’re looking for a day where the atmosphere is as memorable as the races themselves, this is it.

Friday: The Pinnacle - Gold Cup Day

And then comes Friday. Gold Cup Day is the culmination of everything the Festival builds towards. The stands are packed, the tension is high, and the sense of history is almost tangible.
When the runners line up for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the roar is different, not just excitement, but reverence. This is the race that crowns legends. Arkle, Best Mate, Al Boum Photo - their names live forever because of what they achieved here.

If you want to witness the Festival at its very peak, Gold Cup Day is where memories are made.

So, Which Day Should You Choose?

• If you want to feel the raw tradition of Cheltenham: go on Tuesday.
• If you love style and social buzz: Wednesday is your answer.
• If you thrive on party atmosphere: it’s the Thursday.
• If you crave prestige and history: Friday is your best bet.
Whichever day you choose, one thing’s certain: the Cheltenham Festival delivers an experience like no other.

Make Your Day Unforgettable

At Keith Prowse, we provide Official Cheltenham Festival VIP packages, designed to elevate your day at the races. With fine dining, superb views, and exclusive spaces, our experiences make sure your day at the Festival is as memorable as the racing itself.

So whichever day speaks to you, join us at Cheltenham for something truly extraordinary.