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Cheltenham Festival Welcomes Record Crowds and Female Fans

3/11/2026

30 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Cheltenham Festival opened with 57,242 attendees, a 3% rise from last year.
The five-year hiatus of Ladies Day ended to boost female participation, with 33% of ticket buyers women.
The Jockey Club reduced beer prices and relaxed drinking rules to improve the spectator experience.
Guy Lavender, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said the event aims to welcome more women to racing.

History

Historical Context

The Cheltenham Festival, held in 2023, attracted 57,242 attendees, marking a 3% increase from 2022. Notably, 33% of ticket buyers were women, reflecting a broader trend in sports since the 1980s to engage female audiences. This shift underscores the growing recognition of women's roles in traditionally male-dominated sports, enhancing inclusivity and diversity in the sporting community.

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Story summary

The Cheltenham Festival opened with 57,242 attendees, a 3% rise from last year.
The five-year hiatus of Ladies Day ended to boost female participation, with 33% of ticket buyers women.
The Jockey Club reduced beer prices and relaxed drinking rules to improve the spectator experience.
Guy Lavender, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said the event aims to welcome more women to racing.

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