The Cheltenham Festival has wrapped up a “terrific” week, with attendance figures rising significantly compared to last year’s event. This year, a total of 226,223 visitors attended the four-day Festival at Prestbury Park from March 10 to March 13, marking a 3.7% increase over the 218,093 recorded in 2025.
Friday, March 13, drew a sell-out crowd of 67,016 eager spectators, witnessing jockey Paul Townend make history with his fifth Gold Cup victory aboard Gaelic Warrior in the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. This highlight underscored a week filled with thrilling competitions and outstanding performances.
Ladies Day, held on Wednesday, March 11, experienced the most significant daily attendance jump, rising by 10.4% from 41,949 last year to 46,317 this year. The increased turnout underscored the event’s enduring appeal among racing enthusiasts and social attendees alike.
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Guy Lavender, CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse, expressed his pride in both the team and the event’s success. “We’ve had four days of highly competitive racing, a fantastic atmosphere, and larger crowds than ever before. Congratulations to Willie Mullins, Paul Townend, and the Riccis for their extraordinary achievements,” Lavender remarked.
He also highlighted the positive reception to this year’s new enhancements at the Festival. “It’s been rewarding to see how well the changes have been received by racegoers. This Festival has reminded us all of how special jump racing is, and the increased attendance is a testament to the popularity of Cheltenham and the hard work of our team,” he added.
With the 2026 Cheltenham Festival now concluded, the event continues to solidify its standing as the pinnacle of jump racing, celebrated for its electrifying races, vibrant crowd, and enduring traditions.