First-time Cheltenham Races goer Kiera Bracey, aged 21, was stunned by the sheer amount of wealth and money on display during the races this past Friday, the 14th of November.
With no prior knowledge to go by, the things to see and do were a bright awakening “I was a bit naïve about the size of the event”.
With live music at the Guinness Village amongst numerous food and drink stalls, Bracey was almost beside herself on what to do or where to go.
“I went with an experienced group of people that I knew because of my job. They asked me to go”.
Kiera works at a pub in Bristol and was invited to the races by several regulars that she had gotten to know.
With guided hands behind her back to steer her in the right direction, and feathered hats blocking her way, the young Bristolian went through the crowds to find her spot away from the wails and winds of Storm Claudia.
“The storm made the day obviously miserable. But the facilities at the races were really good. I expected to get really muddy, but because everywhere was paved, I was fine”.
After getting settled, Kiera was able to finally take in her surroundings and find her footing. “For whatever reason, I thought there would be more people.
“I know some people would come by private jet or by helicopter, but with the bad weather, that probably put some people off”.
But surprises were on the way. As time passed by and the drinks started to flow for Kiera and her companions. The prices of food and drink started to impact the wallet.
“Drinks were expensive. I had a friend of mine spend £17.50 on a double rum and Coke. From what I remember, I think it was agency workers operating the tills as the pricing of things was not consistent”.
Patience is key 🔑
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 14, 2025
No Drama This End times it perfectly to storm home and win the @albert_bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/Bop7W1KumZ
Money was very much on the mind, especially when it came to betting. “The amounts I heard being placed on the betting. I can’t believe that it is someone’s hobby”.
Despite the cruel weather and bruised bank account, Bracey remained positive and excited for a possible revisit to Cheltenham and how she would better navigate her own way.
“I would do a lot more research. Obviously, it was my first time going. When you’re around people who are so knowledgeable about the sport.
“I saw people come in with notes on paper listing the horses’ names, the trainers, the jockeys, the owners, and the betting odds. From what I saw, I just tried to go with the flow. But for next time, I would put some time aside to try and win some money”.
