The biggest horse racing festival is right around the corner. The Cheltenham festival attracts the biggest crowds from around the world but what is it like for those who don’t have to travel too far?
For trainer Fergal O’Brien, the horses at his stable only have to travel a matter of miles, being based in the Cotswolds.
“Personally, I have been going to Cheltenham for 10 or 15 years, but ever since moving to the area it’s brilliant to have it so close and you can catch more of the thrill,” explained jockey Liam Harrison.
Fergal O’Brien is set to have eight horses compete at this year’s festival with the locals sure to be rooting for his horses. Not only will he have the support of locals, but the thousands of punters coming over from Ireland will also be keeping an eye out for any potential outsiders.
These thousands of spectators will push on into the town centre, where the local economy will thrive. Restaurants have been fully booked for weeks, bars will be standstill, shoulder to shoulder and millions will be spent as Cheltenham Town turns into the party centre of the UK for four days.
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“It’s massive,” Harrison continued.
“I was in Cheltenham yesterday getting my hair cut and everyone was talking about it. It’s massive for the local economy and it’s definitely the biggest four days for Cheltenham and the surrounding area.”
A record 280,627 spectators attended the festival last year, with this year’s figures not expected to be too dissimilar.
Last year, the total economic impact of the festival was an estimated £274 million, with the average expenditure of racegoers just shy of £700. Whether these figures continue to increase due to the current economic climate is yet to be seen but without a doubt, it’s sure to change the landscape of the town.
