The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of the National Hunt season, but for years, fans have called for changes to keep it fresh and competitive. It’s clear that the festival has needed a shake-up for some time. Attendance figures have been in steady decline over the last two renewals, with many pointing to the exorbitant costs of accommodation and travel as a deterrent.
Beyond logistics, there are issues with the racing itself. Since the event expanded to 28 races in 2016, last year’s festival saw the lowest average field sizes on record – down 15%. For punters, this has dampened betting opportunities, with most races dominated by short-priced favourites, forcing many to rely on longshot multiples in hopes of turning a profit.
In response, the Jockey Club has announced changes aimed at addressing these concerns. Notably, the Cross Country Chase and Turners Novice Chase will be converted into handicaps in an effort to boost field sizes and competitiveness.
The decision to handicap the Turners Novice Chase has some merit. Despite providing memorable moments, like Galopin Des Champs’ infamous final fence blunder in 2022, that year’s race featured just four runners. Many top novice chasers bypass the Turners in favor of the Arkle Chase or the Brown Advisory Chase. By making the Turners a handicap, it may become a more attractive option for trainers. However, this raises the question: shouldn’t Cheltenham be all about the best facing the best?
The changes to the Cross Country Chase, on the other hand, feel like a misstep. This unique 3m 6f race over unconventional obstacles has been a fan-favorite, with iconic showdowns like Tiger Roll vs Delta Work. The event already attracts large fields and offers great value for punters, so turning it into a handicap seems unnecessary – like throwing the baby out with the bath water. By doing so, Cheltenham risks losing the charm and competitive spirit that make the Cross Country Chase such a highlight of the week.
The debate over increasing competitiveness through handicaps has some rationale, but there’s a cost. Forcing races like the Cross Country Chase into a handicap format risks stripping them of their unique appeal.
The real question is whether the festival needs fewer races to recapture its magic. Cheltenham is the crown jewel of National Hunt racing, and we want to see the best horses going head-to-head. Reducing the schedule could force trainers’ hands and ensure more competitive fields in the races that matter most. This idea, long proposed by many racing fans, might now gain further traction.
Ultimately, Cheltenham must find a balance between competitiveness and preserving the essence of what makes it special. Whether these changes will strike that balance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the festival is in need of reform. The question is whether these are the right ones.
HJC Journalism 