A Staggering Surge in Guinness
Racegoers at this year’s Cheltenham Festival are gearing up for an epic celebration, with a record-breaking amount of Guinness on the cards. According to estimates, nearly 380,000 pints of the iconic Irish stout will be poured, marking a staggering 43 per cent increase from last year’s total of 265,000. The surge in demand is partly fueled by the viral social media trend known as ‘splitting the G,’ where drinkers attempt to pause their sip precisely at the midpoint of the letter ‘G’ on the Guinness glass. With the price of a pint rising by 30p to £7.80, sales of Guinness alone are expected to generate close to £3 million. The festival, which kicks off on Tuesday, is set to be one of the liveliest yet, especially with Thursday’s early St. Patrick’s Day celebrations expected to drive even higher consumption.
Beyond Guinness: A Diverse Drinking Scene
While Guinness remains the star of the show, the Cheltenham Festival offers a wide array of libations for racegoers. Alongside the nearly 380,000 pints of Guinness, attendees are expected to enjoy around 120,000 pints of lager and 10,700 mini bottles of Moet Champagne. Even non-drinkers are getting in on the action, with an estimated 3,500 pints of alcohol-free Guinness expected to be enjoyed over the four-day event. The diversity in beverage options ensures that there is something for everyone, contributing to the festive and inclusive atmosphere that the festival is known for.
Gastronomic Delights and Enhanced Facilities
To balance out the revelry, the Cheltenham Festival boasts an impressive array of food options. If laid end-to-end, the food stalls would stretch for three miles, offering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisines. This year’s upgraded facilities include more choice, increased indoor seating, and enhanced hospitality experiences. Around 12,000 guests are set to enjoy premium three- and four-course meals across 17 award-winning restaurants and hospitality areas as they watch the prestigious festival unfold. A spokesperson for the Cheltenham Festival commented, "We’ve made several improvements for this year’s Cheltenham Festival, all with the aim of enhancing the racegoer experience. Our goal is to ensure everyone leaves with incredible memories—whether it’s for a day or the entire week."
The Heart of the Festival: The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the most eagerly-anticipated days in the horse racing calendar, will take place on the fourth and final day of the festival—Friday, March 14. It is expected that on average there will be over 65,000 attendees each day, with the Gold Cup day drawing the largest crowd. Paul Townend, the finest National Hunt rider of his generation, is determined to secure further glory at the Gold Cup. As a stable jockey for the Willie Mullins yard, he is poised to be festooned with prizes when the festival ends on Friday, with his most coveted prize being a third straight Gold Cup on Galopin Des Champs.
The Rising Star: Inothewayurthinkin
While Galopin Des Champs remains the odds-on favorite to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the third consecutive year, another horse is making waves in the racing world: Inothewayurthinkin. The ante-post favorite for the Randox Grand National on April 5, this gelding has been prepared by his trainer Gavin Cromwell for the Aintree showpiece. However, such is the gelding’s well-being that JP McManus is almost certain to pay the £25,000 supplementary fee to add him to the field for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. Inothewayurthinkin started to blossom 12 months ago, running away with the Kim Muir Chase at the Festival before winning the Mildmay Novice Chase at Aintree. Although he has not managed to win so far this season, the seven-year-old has kept the very best company and shown significant improvement with each of his three runs.
A Showcase of Talent and Tradition
The Cheltenham Festival is not just about the drinks and the food; it is a showcase of the best in horse racing talent and tradition. Gavin Cromwell’s strong festival team, which includes Hello Neighbour in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, Stumptown in the Cross Country Chase, and Sixandahalf in the Mares Novice Hurdle, is a testament to the depth of skill and competition at the event. The festival runs from Tuesday, March 11 to Friday, March 14, with racing getting underway from 1:20 pm each day. Whether it’s the thrill of the races, the camaraderie of the crowd, or the rich cultural experience, the Cheltenham Festival promises to be an unforgettable week for all who attend.
