The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious horse racing festivals. The prize pot is the second largest behind the Grand National with trainers and jockeys from all corners of the globe entering to win a share of those riches and go down in racing history. However, while many parts of the festival are draped in tradition, some aspects must adapt and change with the times. That is why we have compiled a guide examining what’s new at Cheltenham in 2025.
Cheltenham routinely attracts more than 250,000 spectators over the four-day festival. Along with these eye-catching crowds, millions watch every race at home and enjoy a bet or two on the action. But how do the organisers keep punters coming back for more?
By listening to feedback from racegoers and viewers, they have made some key enhancements to the festival for 2025. Racecourse officials said they wanted “to improve the overall Customer Experience at The Festival across the areas that matter to you most.”. With the festival start date fast approaching, let’s take a closer look at the key areas where officials made these changes.
Cheltenham Festival 2025 Race Changes
There are 28 races scheduled for the Cheltenham Festival in 2025. The excitement begins on Tuesday 11th March and continues until Friday. However, this year there have been some major modifications to important events. Below is a summary of the Cheltenham Festival 2025 race changes.
Removing The Grade 1 Turners’ Novice Chase
One of the biggest modifications is the removal of the Grade 1 middle distance Novice Chase (Turners’ Novice). Officials have explained its removal, saying that it is challenging to sustain three Grade 1 and a Grade 2 Novice Chase at the festival. The Turners’ Novice Chase will be replaced by a 2m 4f Grade 2 Limited Handicap Chase, a race currently run at Sandown Park as part of the Imperial Cup. This new edition will be similar to the race previously run at The Festival until 2020 when it was removed to accommodate the Mares’ Chase.
This has some exciting implications for other races at the festival. The change will encourage more horses to target the Broadway and Arkle races, enhancing their competitiveness and field size. That is because the removal of the Turners has allowed for an increase in prize money for both races.
Changes to National Hunt Chase Race Conditions
The National Hunt Chase has undergone significant changes in recent years. Previous renewals had the race open only to amateur jockeys, but those rider requirements are softening in 2025. This will now be open to professional jockeys. The Kim Muir and St James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase will still be reserved for amateur riders, giving young jockeys a place to showcase themselves and gain valuable riding experience.
The National Hunt will now run as a Novice Handicap Chase, reflecting the change to a smaller field. Smaller field sizes led to the removal of the previous 120 minimum rating condition for each horse, but the previous rider and horse experience requirements remain. This change aims to give more horses opportunities to compete at Cheltenham and strengthen the Broadway Novices’ Chase.
Cross Country Chase Now A Limited Handicap
The Cross Country Chase will also see further welcomed changes this year. In 2016, the race transitioned from a handicap to a conditions race. The best runners in those races were rated around 150, leaving an unfairly balanced field despite a good average field size of 15.2 since 2016. Five of the eight renewals have seen the favourite go off below 2/1. Officials have now moved to add some much-needed competition by making it a handicap race.
Entries will now differ by a range of 20 lbs. That should stop the race from being dominated by a small sample of highly rated horses. That makes for some exciting betting opportunities with our online bookmaker.
Increased Experience Requirements For Non-Novice Handicaps
The eligibility criteria for entering a Class 1/2 non-novice handicap were updated in 2022. We saw an increase in the required number of previous runs from three to either three chase runs or four hurdle runs. This adjustment was made in response to the dominance of unexposed horses in major handicaps.
The expected benefits of this change include more competitive Festival handicaps, an increase in potential winners, and a greater willingness from connections to enter their horses. Additionally, it is likely to encourage high-quality, unexposed novices to compete in graded races.
Removed Penalties From The Dawn Run
In 2016, the festival added the Dawn Run race as part of the broader Mares initiative. Before this renewal, there was a penalty structure that required mares who had won a Class 1/2 race before the festival to carry a 3lb penalty, and a 5lb penalty for winning a Class 1 weight-for-age race. Historically, the race has averaged 18.1 runners, but in 2024, only eight entries ran.
While field sizes are not a major concern because of positive trends in the mares’ horse population, the penalty structure is seen as a factor influencing race plans. Some horses are opting to skip high-quality prep races to avoid the penalty, leading to fewer appearances before The Festival. The goal of this change is to encourage mares to race more frequently throughout the season.
Added Protection For Winners of The Pertemps Qualifiers To Run In The Final
The Pertemps Final is the culmination of 22 qualifiers across Britain, Ireland, and France. The qualification process has evolved from requiring a top-six finish in a qualifier to the current top-four finish. There is now an opportunity to enhance the relevance and competitiveness of the qualifiers. The organisers will protect horses that win a qualifier from elimination, as long as they are within the handicap, with the weight decided at the declaration stage. This ensures that only horses suitable for competing in a festival handicap benefit from this provision. The protection will apply exclusively to the winners of each qualifier.
Cheltenham Race Changes Conclusion
Uncompetitive fields, particularly in Group 1 races where the best runners were kept apart, have plagued Cheltenham in recent years. The festival has lost some lustre, which is a sad fate for one of the most exciting events on the racing calendar. It had become clear that changes were necessary and The Jockey Club has delivered for 2025.
While some particular trainers may not welcome these changes, they undoubtedly make it a far more exciting renewal for anyone betting on horse racing. The Irish dominance at the festival, particularly from Willie Mullins, while impressive, has ultimately led to a dampening down of competition. Paul Nichols, Nicky Henderson, and Dan Skelton’s stables have not been at the races and these changes could help rather than hamper their chances.
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Being able to race safely is a priority, but any racing fan will tell you that competitive racing is also paramount. While tradition plays an important part in any sport, stagnation can lead to uninspiring or uneventful events. These changes might see Cheltenham avoid further deterioration and inspire a revival. We could finally see Cheltenham back to its brilliant, competitive best.
If you are going to bet on the festival this year, these changes will make your experience even more enjoyable. Plus, we have made changes of our own to the online betting service we provide, including some fantastic promotions to use during the festivities. You can claim a €10 free bet every day of the Cheltenham Festival. Plus, we are also paying up to seven places for the 2:40 pm races daily! New players can also claim a fantastic welcome bonus when they sign up at Novibet.
Spectator Experience
A lack of competition in fields at the Cheltenham Festival has coincided with a poorer spectator experience. Everything from ticket prices to parking has become the target of ridicule from racegoers in recent years. The Jockey Club have stepped in to improve and enhance the experience in 2025.
Ticket Pricing
All 2025 tickets were frozen at 2024 prices. Tickets were available for as low as £47 for all spectators this year. While that may still seem a little on the pricey side, it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for racegoers who want to be a part of the famous Cheltenham Roar.
Cheltenham Festival prices are frozen for 2025.
Find out more: https://t.co/NycVA3PJlx pic.twitter.com/NKknUIIsEQ
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) September 27, 2024
Upgraded Bar Facilities
Investments have been made in several bars to improve the spectator experience, providing more seating and options. The upgrade has seen enhancements made to the Main Grandstand, prioritising the Winged Ox Bar and the Betting Hall facility. These areas have been transformed into a Sports Bar-style space.
Meal Deals
To assist racegoers in finding food and beverages at various price points, a ‘Meal Deal’ concept has been introduced. This will offer a range of hot and cold food options with a drink across retail outlets, as well as a cold meal deal at coffee shops.
Entertainment
At The Racing Realm in the Plaza, racegoers can experience the thrill of the Festival by wearing silks, riding a mechanical horse, and competing in the Race.Ride.Cheltenham Champion Steeplechase using a VR headset. The venue will also feature a local Riding for the Disabled Pony, a World Racing Map Competition with a chance to win a trip to Pardubice, and the HorsePWR team offering insights into the life of a thoroughbred. There will also be live entertainment at the festival for spectators to extend their day.
https://twitter.com/CheltenhamRaces/status/1890045514906992741
Improved Car Parking
In response to last year’s weather challenges, a significant investment has been made to improve car parking facilities for better access and convenience. In the first phase, 17 football pitches worth of increased trackway were installed to ensure smoother movement. To enhance traffic management, parking spaces will be limited, and all parking must be booked in advance.
Easier Transport
A partnership with National Express was established to reduce traffic congestion around the racecourse. The Jockey Club have helped double the number of coaches from over 20 pickup locations. Additional Park & Ride options will provide over 1,000 extra off-site parking spaces. Stagecoach Raceday Shuttles will run 84 shuttles between the racecourse, town centre, and rail station.
Cheltenham Racegoers Changes Conclusion
These changes are a net positive for everyone attending the festival. There has been a clear attempt to enhance the day for spectators on and off the course. The Jockey Club are looking to take the Cheltenham Festival back to its glory days and regain some of the lustre it has lost in recent years. This may be the start and we look forward to the renewal, along with any other changes in the coming years.
