HAVE you decided to attend the Cheltenham Festival for the first time this year? If so, continue reading to find out everything you need to know before you go.
If you have decided to attend the Cheltenham Festival for the first time, you must ensure you are as prepared as you possibly can be. It can be difficult to know where to begin, especially if you have little to no knowledge or experience of horse racing under your belt, but by doing your homework and finding out everything you need to know in advance, you can get the most out of your time there and ensure the entire day is a breeze. To find out how to prepare for your first Cheltenham Festival, continue reading.
Do your research
It might sound like an obvious step but before you attend your first Cheltenham Festival, you must do your research. This includes brushing up on the history of the event, familiarising yourself with the layout of the racecourse, and getting to grips with the schedule for the day. It can allow you to plan a rough itinerary for the day and, in doing so, prevent you from missing out on any important races or events with expected attendance, traffic delays, and dietary requirements just some of the factors that must be considered before the highly anticipated day eventually rolls around.
Analyse the odds
If you have only ever experienced a major horse race in the past by placing a bet from the comfort of your own home, it may benefit you to get to grips with the Cheltenham Races schedule and analyse the odds before you attend in person. This can be done by visiting a bookmaker and betting on a horse that has piqued your interest or that is sitting with the shortest odds on the day. It can, after all, change dramatically from day to day but by waiting until you are in the betting ring, you can make the most of the most accurate and up-to-date odds available to you at the time.
Stand by the running rail
If you have little to no experience of attending major horse races in person, you should stand by the running rail during important races if and when you can. This can allow you to gain a better understanding of the sheer power, speed, and energy of the horse as it races past you or jumps over an obstacle and, in doing so, appreciate the physical fortitude and endurance required to not only win a race but complete a race from start to finish. It might be the same footage that you would watch at home but with only metres between you and the action, it truly must be seen to be believed.
If you have decided to attend Cheltenham Festival for the first time this year, there are a number of tips you must familiarise yourself with in advance to ensure you make the most of the time you spend there. It may, for example, benefit you to do your research ahead of time, analyse the odds, and stand by the running rail for a truly immersive experience from start to finish.
