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A village in the Cotswolds, Prestbury is a popular destination for visitors wishing to experience some of the rural aspects of Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds whilst being within easy reach of all the sights and attractions of nearby Cheltenham. The village is known as one of the most haunted in the country with various famous ghosts making regular appearances but the biggest attraction in the village is Prestbury Park, the home of Cheltenham Racecourse, one of the most noted and respected racecourses in the world.
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Prestbury Park certainly makes the most of the rural location and is a natural amphitheatre formed below the Cotswold escarpment. A natural and beautiful backdrop to horse racing, Cheltenham Racecourse is widely regarded as the home of National Hunt racing and stages some world class jumps and steeplechase events. Prestbury Park is located on the outskirts of Cheltenham itself and can be easily reach by car from the M5 and by buses which are laid on frequently for racedays leaving from Cheltenham Spa station.
Cheltenham races are staged on two courses which utilise broadly the same lengths of track. These are known as the Old Course and New Course, with the latter having early fences and a longer run in with only two hurdles to negotiate in the final 7 furlongs.
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One of the most challenging downhill fences is also a feature of the New Course. Steeplechase events are also held within a further track which is incorporated into the main course.
Cheltenham is so highly regarded in National Hunt racing for one main event in the calendar which is the Cheltenham Festival. Hosted in March each year, the festival offers 4 days of superb national hunt racing with the highlight being the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most lucrative and prestigious chase in the country. Held on the New Course, the Gold Cup is contested over 3 miles 2 1/2 furlongs and requires the negotiation of 22 jumps. The long run in makes for thrilling finishes which elicit that famous 'Cheltenham roar' of the crowd. There is nothing in National Hunt racing quite as special as the Cheltenham Gold Cup. |
What makes the Cheltenham Festival such a highlight in the National Hunt season is not only the quality and prestige of the races but also the social aspects of the event. Held at a time during St. Patrick's Day, there is always strong competition at the festival between Irish and British trained horses and the event draws great crowds from Ireland who help make the event the social spectacular it has become. The easy accessibility of the course, near the major tourist destinations of Cheltenham and the Cotswolds also means Prestbury Park forms a unique and memorable day out as part of a holiday in the area.
The facilities on offer at Cheltenham racecourse are every bit as impressive and extensive as would be expected from such a famous horse racing venue.
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Racegoers can choose between three different enclosures from which to enjoy their raceday, namely the Best Mate Enclosure, the Centaur, and Tattersalls and the Club enclosures. Tattersalls and the Club, although a single main enclosure for standard racedays, is divided into two separate enclosures for the Festival and the Open. At any other time tickets for Tattersalls will admit the bearer into the Club Enclosure, viewing steps, the Paddock and Member's Lawn, and onto the centre of the course. |
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The panoramic views available from the Tattersalls and Club enclosure may be the main attraction for many but there is also a wealth of drinks, dining and betting opportunities to be had in addition to some fine raceday dining within elegant and stylish restaurant facilities.
During the festival, facilities are extended by the addition of the Guinness village, a venue in which the celebrations are every bit as important and the races themselves. The best Festival tickets are for the Club Enclosure and these permit the bearer to access all the exclusive facilities within the club as well as all public areas of the racecourse.
While horseracing is traditionally associated with the elegance and style of spaces such as the Club Enclosure there are many who prefer the more informal environment of the Best Mate Enclosure.
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With great views over the track and all the entertainment, drinks, food and betting opportunities required for a fantastic day out, the Best Mate Enclosure represents an excellent value for money raceday event for any keen or casual racegoer.
The Centaur is an enclosure like no other. It is a premier event space for a range of conferences and concerts, the Centaur seats up to 1000 people who can watch the racing action on big screens and enjoy the hospitality and betting options on offer. After the evening meeting in April and the final races on each Festival day live entertainment is provided within the Centaur to enhance and extend the social experience.
Fully inclusive raceday packages are available for all the main enclosure spaces of the racecourse and represent the best way for those new to racing to get the most from their day in Prestbury Park. The Best Mate package costs just £16 and includes entrance to the Best Mate Enclosure, a £6 food voucher and £4 Tote betting voucher. An alternative option, the Baracouda package costs £35 and incorporates access to the Tattersalls Enclosure plus £10 vouchers for food and for Tote betting. A full selection of additional hospitality packages is available to suit any size of group or party.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses. |
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