Festival attendees 2026 - so who's going?

[jinnyj]

My bad thought you meant in benidorm for Cheltenham. I gotta start reading better.

This is what happens when you start posting at half past onesies at night! Lack of concentration. I seriously hope you are not posting potentially life-changing racing tips at that time, DB.

 

[maureen]

I used to go every year on the Tuesday ( best day imo) for years when Gold Cup day just got too busy but old age and dodgy knees have caught up with me. But because I’ve been there so many times I can actually feel that I’m there ( if that makes sense?). Maybe, if I get a new knee in the near future I’ll celebrate by taking it to the festival. The only course I go to these days is Kelso because my dog is welcome and we can sit at the picnic benches by the last hurdle for the duration. So many memories of festivals over the years though, including waiting to hear if Istabraq was going to run one year ( I think they’d seen a bit of blood on his nose?) And seeing Chief Dan George win the Utlima. And, in the years after I’d lost my dear racing friend Pete but hadn’t met Mike and used to go alone there were always people I’d get chatting to and I’ll always be grateful for their friendliness ( but that’s racing people for you).I’ll be with you in spirit.

 

[Len Madeiros]

No need to take a week off work now, since my retirement! But I will follow the same routine I have followed for the last few years anyway. Tuesday and Wednesday in the pub; Thursday at home, recovering; Friday is Gold Cup Day in the pub, and the culmination of a ‘Fantasy Festival’ compo, that one of my mates runs. Twenty of us in a pub in Westminster. It’s what Cheltenham was made for.

 

[Danny]

This is what happens when you start posting at half past onesies at night! Lack of concentration. I seriously hope you are not posting potentially life-changing racing tips at that time, DB.

Tbf it's not as Rock and roll as it sounds i nodded off about 8pm after work and woke up at half onesies and couldnt get back off to sleep.

 

[jinnyj]

So for any who are making it there on Tuesday - I shall be hoping to get there around 10.30ish (famous last words as I get stuck in traffic trying to find my booked driveway and realising that the entire town has decided to become one way at the most inconvenient places - any local info on this would be much appreciated as I cannot find any online so far! I am parking on Albert Drive which is just off Albert Road.

If that remotely works then I aim to be in by 11ish and a coffee as I shall be in dire need by then. Anyone who does want to say hi/exchange winning tips LOL etc. I am open to suggestions on a meeting point (yes Danny - there could be pizza involved!)

But I'd rather not be left looking like a lemon - horses to view, people to meet!

 

[Gullible]

Keep an eye out for Jinnyj’s hat that she will be wearing on Tuesday

 

[vikingflagship]

I'll be watching from home also

VF x

 

[Gullible]

I will be watching on Friday as I did last from Fakenham

 

[an capall]

I don't think I'll arrive at the course untilm11.30 ish on Tuesday.

Best Mate Statue 12.00?

 

[jinnyj]

That sounds like a good plan! I may have eaten my by then!

 

[viking]

Watching from home got me too but wish you all a great day

 

[Grey]

Best Mate at 12:00 it is.

Who's bringing the wreath and the Aston Villa scarf?

 

[geordiecolin]

One of my daughters lives in Cheltenham so I have no bother with Accom but she hates horseracing and detests the drunk racegoers who make awful comments and behave like letches. But I used to work at racetracks around the country and I loved it. I too will be watching from home.