Rumors swirl around Cheltenham Festival possibly moving to a five-day schedule in 2023

There's a buzz within the racing circles about the suggestion from the Jockey Club to add an extra day to the festival, extending it from four to five days. Martin St Quinton, who has been overseeing Cheltenham racecourse since 2019, initially brought up this idea last year, sparking widespread speculation about its potential adoption. However, despite recent headlines indicating it's a done deal for 2023, the Jockey Club isn't making any definitive statements just yet. Cheltenham Festival According to a Jockey Club representative, the discussions around a possible fifth day are always intriguing. The spokesperson mentioned that during public consultations, some key figures within the industry expressed a strong desire for such a change. The Jockey Club is open to exploring ideas that could enhance the festival's offerings and bolster British racing overall, though no firm commitment has been made to expand the festival's duration.

Many within the horse racing industry are convinced that a fifth day is more than just a rumor, despite attempts to downplay the speculation. Cheltenham is regarded as the highlight of jump racing, and its schedule was last extended to four days in 2005; last year, it attracted a crowd of 266,000 attendees. Adding another day, particularly on a Saturday, could boost festival revenues significantly, with projections suggesting a turnout of around 65,000 people, each paying at least £50. Additional income from course operations and media rights is also anticipated. Mr. St Quinton remarked that while the proposal might face resistance, people eventually adapt to change, referencing how the four-day format was initially met with criticism but is now widely appreciated. He drew parallels to Royal Ascot, where the Saturday Heath meeting became extremely popular over time.

Historically, the Festival accommodates seven races per day, making a total of 28 races. With the possibility of an extra day, it might mean scaling back to six races daily, requiring two additional races to be introduced. Some trainers and horse owners might welcome this as a chance to participate in new events, while others are cautious. Willie Mullins, the festival's most accomplished trainer, pointed out the complexities of such an expansion, noting that while the notion of having six days may seem appealing for trainers, a five-day festival doesn't appear feasible yet. His concern is that merely adding more handicaps could undermine the event's quality altogether.

There's a genuine worry that expanding to another day could lead to thinner, less competitive fields—a concern that echoes sentiments already prevalent in flat racing circles grappling with an abundance of top-tier races. Since the festival extended to four days in 2005, there's been an increase in odds-on favorites, attributable to fewer horse yards available, yet the rise in races seems to also play a role. Racing fans cherish the thrill when top contenders go head-to-head, and they fear that extending to five days could dilute the level of competition and excitement.

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