It’s almost time for the Cheltenham Festival 2022. The annual showpiece is merely days away. Racing fans have waited two years to attend Prestbury Park, so the event is eagerly anticipated.
When is Cheltenham Festival 2022?
This year’s Cheltenham Festival is held over four days from Tuesday 15 March to Friday 18 March 2022.
With seven races each day between 1.30 pm and 5.30 pm.
We kick off with the Supreme Novices Hurdle on Tuesday at 1.30 pm, and the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle closes this year’s festival on Friday at 5.30 pm.
Tickets
Tickets prices start at £40, which differ for each of the three enclosures. The Best Mate Enclosure is priced from £40. Opposite the main Grandstand, you can enjoy on-course bookmakers, bars, and food options.
While the Tattersalls Enclosure is £50 or higher. This ticket gives access to the winner’s enclosure and winning post, plus plenty of food and drink outlets.
Expect to pay £80 for the Club Enclosure with access to all public areas of the course. A good option if you want the widest choice of refreshments. The official Cheltenham Festival website has the latest ticket information.
Hospitality
As you would expect at such a prestigious event, on-site cafe and restaurant facilities are available. For example, The Panoramic Restaurant is on the fifth level of the Grandstand. Enjoy great views of the racecourse including the race-winning post.
Private box packages offer an exclusive area for 30 to 50 guests. For an even more discreet experience, The Orchard Pod accommodates 12 to 20 guests plus a private balcony.
See The Jockey Club website for full details of all hospitality packages. For those seeking a more informal snack, look out for the numerous mobile catering units in each enclosure.
Odds
Looking for the best Cheltenham odds?
The 28 races give something for all styles of betting. From handicap, hurdle, and chase contests. Whether you fancy betting win only, each way, lucky 15/31/63, or a forecast. Major bookmakers will be queuing up to offer price boosts, enhanced odds, and extra places concessions.
Let’s look at the leading contenders for the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2022:
- A Plus Tard 7/2
- Galvin 7/2
- Minella Indo 5/1
- Protektorat 8/1
- Al Boum Photo 10/1
Weather
At the time of writing, racegoers are expecting a mild and sunny week with temperatures around 13 to 14 degrees Celsius. This is of course subject to the variable British weather in March.
Festival Trivia
- The festival was extended from three to four days in 2005.
- Tiger Roll won the Cross Country Chase and also Grand National in both 2018 and 2019.
- Quevega won the Mares’ Hurdle six times in succession between 2009 and 2014.
- 2001 saw the festival canceled due to foot and mouth disease.
