1. Jump racing returns to the South West Region of
Jockey Club Racecourses for the 2015/16 season
The magazine for the South West region of Jockey Club Racecourses
Autumn/winter 2015
PLUS ALBERT ROUX OBE, WILLIE MULLINS, CONEYGREE, AND ‘THE HOME OF JUMP RACING’ TICKET INFORMATION
Eyes on
the prize

2. A UNIQUE
OPPORTUNITY
AT THE HOME OF
JUMP RACING
This magnificent room stretches the whole way across the top of the
new grandstand and features a stunning glass rotunda overlooking
the famous Cheltenham paddock and Winners Enclosure.
Membership of The Cheltenham Club is exclusive; a concept never
seen before at Cheltenham. Those who subscribe to Full Membership
of The Cheltenham Club will be able to use the facility throughout
the season – they will have their own table for all 16 racedays, from
which they can enjoy a delicious four-course, a la carte lunch, while
taking in the surroundings and the top-quality racing.
Members of The Cheltenham Club will enjoy stunning viewing areas,
looking out at both the course, with the beautiful Cleeve Hill as the
backdrop, and the paddock. There are private tote facilities and TV
screens throughout the room. In addition, on those cold winter days
during the jump season, there is a fireplace, in front of which guests
can sit back and relax between races.
There are two other membership options: Hurdle Membership and
Chase Membership. Members of both options will be able to use
The Cheltenham Club eight days of the season, including two days
of The Festival™. For the two days of The Festival™ that they are not
in The Cheltenham Club, members will be allocated a table of the
same size in Chez Roux at Cheltenham, a facility that also overlooks
the course and is hosted by the famous French chef Albert Roux.
Champion jockey AP McCoy will be The Cheltenham Club ambassador,
ensuring that The Cheltenham Club members and their guests will be
surrounded by the stars of the sport. By being part of The Cheltenham
Club, members will experience the finest The Jockey Club offers.
Tables are available for two, four, six, eight or 10 guests. Opportunities
for private dining at Cheltenham are rare, so to ensure that you are
part of The Cheltenham Club, call the Head of Sales, Lee Moulson,
on 01242 537 601 or email lee.moulson@thejockeyclub.co.uk.
Packages are sold on a three-year basis, commencing from
November 2015 until May 2018.
MEMBERSHIP TO THE CHELTENHAM
CLUB INCLUDES:
Access to the top floor of the
new grandstand;
Raceday admission pass;
Delicious fine dining four-course
à la carte lunch and afternoon tea;
Dedicated Cheltenham Club Manager;
Exclusive parking area;
No joining fee;
Hand-engraved metal badge;
Complimentary Wi-Fi available
throughout the room.
FULL MEMBERSHIP TO THE
CHELTENHAM CLUB FOR THREE YEARS
Allocated table in The Cheltenham Club
for all 16 days of the jump season.
CHASE MEMBERSHIP TO THE
CHELTENHAM CLUB FOR THREE YEARS
Allocated table in The Cheltenham Club
on the following racedays of the 2015/16
season:
Saturday of The Showcase (from 2016)
Friday of The Open
Saturday of The International
New Year’s Day
Wednesday of The Festival™
Friday of The Festival™
Thursday of The April Meeting
Hunter Chase evening
Allocated table in Chez Roux at
Cheltenham on the following racedays:
Tuesday of The Festival™
Thursday of The Festival™
Cheltenham Racecourse is moving into a new era, and with this The Jockey Club is proud to present
The Cheltenham Club. Situated on the top floor of the new £45 million grandstand, opening in winter
2015/16, The Cheltenham Club encompasses everything that The Jockey Club prides itself on.
HURDLE MEMBERSHIP TO THE
CHELTENHAM CLUB FOR THREE YEARS
Allocated table in The Cheltenham Club
on the following racedays of the 2015/16
season:
Friday of The Showcase (from 2016)
Saturday of The Open
Sunday of The Open
Friday of The International
Festival Trials Day
Tuesday of The Festival™
Thursday of The Festival™
Wednesday of The April Meeting
Allocated table in Chez Roux at
Cheltenham on the following racedays:
Wednesday of The Festival™
Friday of The Festival™

3. Kalendar 3
THE TAPES GO UP
Welcome to the fifth edition of our
regional magazine, Kalendar, and
what an exciting season we have
to look forward to across the four
racecourses in the region! Details of
fixtures at Cheltenham, Warwick, Wincanton and
Exeter can be found throughout the magazine.
This season we have made the decision to bring
our seasonal brochure and our magazine Kalendar
into one publication, so within Kalendar you will
now find both details of the ticket options for
the season and many interesting articles for you
to enjoy. We have also included pages on key
information that will help you with your visit such
as venue accessibility (page 31), a list of key dates
(page 7) and the annual membership offering for
the season. If you are a fan of racing and know that
you are going to visit one of the four courses on a
regular basis this season then I would encourage
you to purchase annual membership and use the
benefits that the packages offer.
The 2014/15 season brought us so many
wonderful moments and we have outlined the key
stories from the past 12 months at Cheltenham with
articles around each racemeeting. From the start
of the season at The Showcase, which this year has
moved back a week to Friday 23rd and Saturday
24th October, right through to the ever-popular
Hunter Chase Evening, there is plenty of exciting
racing awaiting us, and we can look forward to
plenty of thrilling finishes and nail-biting moments.
The highlight of the season for any Jump racing
fan is The Festival, and there is no doubt that
one trainer took away the gold medal at the 2015
renewal of the meeting. Willie Mullins broke all the
record books when he won eight of the 27 races
across the week, including his four winners on the
opening day, Champion Day. Fresh from a summer
break, Willie talks about those four days in the lead
interview, starting on page 20.
With a tiny number of horses in their yard
compared to that of Willie Mullins, Mark and Sara
Bradstock also had their moment in the sunshine at
this year’s Festival when Coneygree, bred by Sara’s
father Lord Oaksey, won the Betfred Cheltenham
Gold Cup – the first novice to do so for over 40
years. Coneygree dominated the race from start to
finish and I know all of us are looking forward to
seeing what he can achieve this season. There is an
interview with Mark and Sara on page 63.
Over the past 18 months the face of Cheltenham
has changed dramatically. The £45 million
redevelopment, which commenced immediately
after The 2014 Festival, has really come to life over
the past season, with different facilities opening on
many racedays. These include the See You Then
Bar and Quevega’s, which have already proved
themselves to be popular locations on a raceday.
I am delighted that the new five-and-a-half storey
stand will be opened in the autumn, in good
time for next year’s Festival. Turn to page 12 for
further details, including an interview with Stephen
Limbrick, the principal architect of the project.
I hope that you enjoy the magazine and I look
forward to welcoming you to any of
the four venues in the South West
region of Jockey Club Racecourses
during this season.
Welcome
Ian Renton
Regional Director Cheltenham
and the South West
The Jockey Club
twitter.com/
CheltenhamRaces
facebook.com/
thehomeofjumpracing
instagram.com/
CheltenhamRaces
One to watch
“Having had so many
discussions with architects
over the past few years and
the new grandstand nearing
completion it can only be
Starchitect, who finished
fourth in last year’s Fred
Winter Juvenile Hurdle.”
Ian Renton, Regional
Director Cheltenham and
the South West
Governed by Royal Charter, The Jockey Club invests every penny it makes back
into British racing for the long-term health of the sport.

4. 4 Kalendar
The Jockey Club
Regional Hospitality Sales
Tel: 01242 537 653
Email: cheltenhamhosp@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Regional Head of Sales – South West
Lee Moulson
lee.moulson@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Regional Sponsorship Manager
Carey Buckler
carey.buckler@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Regional Communications Manager
Sophia Dale
sophia.dale@thejockeyclub.co.uk
03 WELCOME
A note from Ian Renton, Regional Director
Cheltenham and the South West for The
Jockey Club
06 THE SEASON AHEAD
Don’t miss these key fixtures at Cheltenham,
Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton racecourses
08 TICKETS AND RACEDAY
PACKAGES
Everything you need to know about buying
your tickets for Cheltenham
12 DESIGNING THE FUTURE
As the £45 million redevelopment at
Cheltenham Racecourse nears completion,
architect Stephen Limbrick shares his
thoughts with Louise Hoffman
16 A REGION MADE
FOR RACING
A celebration of the rich history and
individuality of each racecourse in the
South West region of The Jockey Club
18 UNDER STARTERS ORDERS
The Showcase provides racegoers with
a key insight into the season ahead, says
Martin Kelly
20 ON A ROLL
Willie Mullins relives his record-breaking
experiences of The Festival 2014, as
he prepares to return to Cheltenham
once again
24 OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The second of the season’s fixtures, The Open
promises plenty of action and entertainment
26 THE CHANGING FACE
OF CHELTENHAM
Ali Wood speaks to Edward Gillespie,
former Managing Director of Cheltenham
Racecourse, to find out how Prestbury
Park has evolved over the years
28 TREAT YOURSELF...
Cheltenham’s shopping village is bursting
at the seams with tempting goodies to suit
all tastes and budgets
31 ACCESS FOR ALL
Cheltenham offers a variety of services and
facilities to ensure everyone can enjoy a day
at the races
32 ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Martin Kelly reflects on the excitement of
last year’s International meeting, in advance
of the 2015 fixture
34 SUPPORTING THE
COMMUNITY
Cheltenham reveals its new charity partner,
which works to help local people
37 ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Olivia Hanks catches up with Head
Groundsman Phil Coates to find out how
his team keeps Cheltenham Racecourse
in tip top condition throughout the season
54
CONTENTS
Cheltenham –
Racecourse of the
year 2004-2014
The Festival™ is a registered trade mark
of Jockey Club Racecourses Limited
Published by
Archant Dialogue, Prospect House,
Rouen Road, Norwich, NR11RE
Archant Dialogue is part of
Archant Community Media
Editor
Louise Hoffman
Art Editor
Nicola Preston
Designer
Deb Murray
Account Manager
Laura Stringer
Advertising Print
Production Manager
Kay Brown
Editorial Director
Jonathan Arnold
Finance Director
Jamie Kent
Publishing Director
Zoë Francis-Cox
Managing Director
Gavin Miller
For all advertising enquiries, please
call: 01242 537 665
Cover image: Sarah Brooks Photography
sarahbrookscountry.co.uk
Images: The Press Association,
Racing Post Photos, GJ Multimedia,
J Mayers, Simon Hayward
The views expressed in this publication are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the
views of The Jockey Club or Archant Dialogue.
All rights reserved. Material contained in this
publication may not be reproduced, in whole or
in part, without prior permission from Archant
Dialogue. We accept no liability for any insert,
display or classified advertisement included in this
publication. While every care is taken to ensure
that all advertisers are reliable and reputable, we
can give no assurance that they will fulfil their
obligation.
© Archant Dialogue 2015

5. Kalendar 5
40 FESTIVE FIXTURES
Why not wrap up warm and celebrate
Christmas at the races this year?
42 A FRESH START
Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day card
offers fun for the whole family
45 A TEST OF STRENGTH
Festival Trials Day is one of the most
important one-day events in the season
48 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Tracking down the equine stars of the
sport to see how they are spending
their retirement
52 BUILDING UP TO BRILLIANCE
Bernie Sheehan hears the story behind
Cheltenham’s newest sculpture, in
conversation with artist Ollie Holman
54 THE SPORT OF KINGS
Heart-stopping finishes, breathtaking
winning streaks and poignant moments
– Catherine Austen reflects on The
Festival 2015
58 SPECTATING IN STYLE
A selection of the latest fashions to inspire
your autumn/winter racing wardrobe
60 A FRIENDLY RIVALRY
All eyes are on the Prestbury Cup as
The Festival draws nearer, says Irish
correspondent Niall Cronin
63 THE DARK HORSE
Julian Muscat meets the proud owners
of the 2014 Gold Cup’s victorious
underdog, Coneygree
66 MEET THE TEAM
Lee Moulson, Regional Head of Sales,
steps into the spotlight
67 SAY CHEESE!
Jessica Phillipson speaks to Owen Davies
of supplier Harvey & Brockless, who is
responsible for selecting Cheltenham
Racecourse’s cheeses
69 A LIFE OF TWO HALVES
Albert Roux OBE shares the story of his
career, which has allowed him to pursue
his love of food while also staying close
to his other passion in life: racing
72 ENDING ON A HIGH
The April Meeting and Hunter Chase
Evening are sure to keep spirits high as
the season draws to a close
75 A TOUCH OF CLASS
Dress to impress at the upcoming South
West region ladies’ days
76 LEAP OF FAITH
There’s no better way to fully immerse
yourself in the racing experience than by
owning a racehorse. But what is the best
way to get started? And what are the
financial implications?
83 JOIN THE CLUB!
The many benefits of Cheltenham
annual membership
84 AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
Where better to soak up the atmosphere,
watch the raceday action and impress your
guests than at the top of Cheltenham’s
brand new grandstand?
87 ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRYSIDE
Accommodation that will enhance your
enjoyment of the races this season
93 GOING FOR GREEN
The latest innovative sustainability
initiatives that have been launched at
Cheltenham Racecourse
94 SHARED VALUES
The Novices’ Hurdle Series has proved to
be a perfect match for the brand values of
sponsor Neptune Investment Management
96 VISIONARY VENUES
If you’re looking for a place to host your
meeting, conference, exhibition, ceremony
or live event, look no further than Jockey
Club Venues
98 A MODERN BRITISH HERITAGE
Paul Fisher, Group Managing Director of
Jockey Club Racecourses, explains how
the organisation is working to protect and
preserve British racing
42
26
69
32
87

6. 6 Kalendar
JUMP RACING IN the South West region of The
Jockey Club needs little introduction – The Festival in
March and The Open, both at Cheltenham; Boxing Day
at Wincanton; Haldon Gold Cup Day at Exeter; and
Betfred Classic Chase Day at Warwick all provide the
very finest in racing excitement and spine-tingling action.
The region races on 64 days of the year and features
the country’s finest jockeys, trainers and horses battling
it out to the finish line.
It’s the sound of horses thundering past, the passion
in the betting ring and the feeling as the hairs on the
back of your neck rise… it’s time to go racing, and to
the plethora of other events hosted by the South West
region racecourses.
THE SEASON AHEADDon’t miss any of the excitement and entertainment at Cheltenham, Exeter, Warwick
and Wincanton this season – here are the key dates for your diary
The Festival at
Cheltenham
Festival Trials Day
at CheltenhamWincanton Ladies’ Day
Warwick Racecourse

7. Kalendar 7
SEPTEMBER 2015
Tuesday 22nd WA
OCTOBER
Thursday 1st WA
Thursday 8th EX
Friday 16th WI
Tuesday 20th EX
The Showcase
Friday 23rd CH
Saturday 24th CH
Cheltenham’s season begins
with a bang as the leading
horses, jockeys and trainers
return to the spiritual Home
of Jump racing. See page 14
for more details.
Sunday 25th WI
NOVEMBER
Haldon Gold Cup Day
Tuesday 3rd EX
Devon racegoers and those
from much further afield
descend on Haldon Hill to
watch the fast, fabulous and
exciting Haldon Gold Cup.
There have been a number of
stunning winners in the past –
Cue Card, Best Mate, Edredon
Bleu and Viking Flagship to
name a few.
Wednesday 4th WA
Saturday 7th WI
Wednesday 11th EX
The Open
Friday 13th CH
Saturday 14th CH
Sunday 15th CH
Considered by many to be the
weekend that the Jump racing
calendar really gets underway,
visitors will be treated to
fantastic racing on all three days.
See page 20 to find out more.
Wednesday 18th WA
Thursday 19th WI
Friday 20th CH
Jools Holland and his Rhythm
and Blues Orchestra
Sunday 22nd EX
DECEMBER
Thursday 3rd WI
Friday 4th EX
Thursday 10th WA
The International
Friday 11th CH
Saturday 12th CH
Even on a cold, crisp day in
December, the magic remains
with two days of the hottest Jump
racing around. The International
is featured on page 28.
Thursday 17th EX
Boxing Day
Saturday 26th WI
A major fixture in the
Wincanton calendar, the
Boxing Day meeting provides
the perfect excuse for a trip
out in the fresh air during the
festive celebrations.
Thursday 31st WA
JANUARY 2016
New Year’s Day
Friday 1st CH
Raise a glass to 2016 with
friends as large and enthusiastic
crowds begin the New Year in
style with cobweb-clearing fresh
air and fantastic racing. Turn to
page 38 to find out more.
Friday 1st EX
Saturday 9th WI
Betfred Classic Chase Day
Saturday 16th WA
One of Warwick’s most
valuable racedays, the main race
of the day, The Betfred Classic
Chase, is usually contested
by several horses who
subsequently compete in The
Crabbie’s Grand National.
Thursday 21st WI
Thursday 28th WA
Festival Trials Day
Saturday 30th CH
Arguably the best one-day
Jump fixture anywhere in
the UK, with top-class action
unfolding during every race and
notable pointers of horses to
follow ahead of The Festival
in March. See page 41 for
further details.
FEBRUARY*
Thursday 4th WI
Saturday 6th
True Believer Comic Festival CH
Saturday 13th WA
Sunday 14th EX
Saturday 20th WI
Friday 26th EX
Friday 26th WA
MARCH
Wednesday 2nd WI
Tuesday 8th EX
Thursday 10th WI
Sunday 13th WA
The Festival™
Tuesday 15th CH
Wednesday 16th CH
Thursday 17th CH
Friday 18th CH
The highlight of the Jump season,
with an atmosphere that will
make the hairs on the back of
your neck stand up, The Festival
epitomises and encompasses
everything that is great about
Jump racing, while delivering an
unbelievable occasion as the
finest horses, jockeys, owners
and trainers battle it out for
the highest racing honours,
their reputations and over £3.8
million of prize money. Join the
party, as more than 250,000
people pass through the gates
over the four days. Turn to
page 50 for all the action.
Tuesday 22nd EX
Wednesday 23rd WA
Wednesday 30th EX
APRIL
Monday 4th WA
Monday 4th WI
Tuesday 12th EX
Wednesday 13th CH
Thursday 14th CH
Sunday 17th WI
Thursday 21st WA
Wednesday 27th CH
MAY
Monday 2nd WA
Tuesday 3rd (e) EX
Ladies’ Evening
Thursday 5th (e) WI
Saturday 7th (e) WA
Tuesday 10th WI
Ladies’ Day
Wednesday 18th WA
Ladies’ Day
*
Booking fee applies
PHOTOS:GJMULTIMEDIALTD;EMPICSSPORT/TIMGOODE;PAWIRE/PRESSASSOCIATIONIMAGES/DAVIDDAVIES
RACECOURSE KEY EX EXETER CH CHELTENHAM WA WARWICK WI WINCANTON
The Festival™ 2016:
Price increase dates
for your diary
Saturday 24th October, midnight
Sunday 15th November, midnight
Friday 29th January, midnight
Monday 7th March, midnight
Visit cheltenham.co.uk for
more information and to
book tickets.
Hurry and get £10 off...*
Receive £10 off Boxing Day
on-the-day ticket prices for
the Premier and Grandstand
Enclosures at Wincanton
when purchased before
Saturday 31st October 2015.
Rewards4Racing.com register today
JUMP ONLINE and book your
tickets today at cheltenham.co.uk
YOU CAN book tickets for all racemeetings by
calling the Booking Hotline on 0844 579 3003
Governed by
Royal Charter, The
Jockey Club invests
every penny it makes
back into British racing
for the long-term
health of the sport.

8. 8 Kalendar
WHEN YOU BUY in advance there
is a booking fee of £1.50, which will
be shown at checkout, but it’s still
cheaper than on-the-day prices.
TICKETS & RACEDAY
PACKAGES
Buying tickets for Cheltenham Racecourse is easy:
you can buy in advance and save money or purchase
on the day, at a slightly increased rate
ONLINE IN ADVANCE* ON THE DAY
CLUB/TATTERSALLS £22 £28
GOLD PACKAGE £42 In advance only
18-24 – CLUB/TATTERSALLS - £20 proof of ID required
GROUPS – CLUB/TATTERSALLS 10+ £20 In advance only
BEST MATE £9 £12
BEST MATE PACKAGE £18 In advance only
We encourage customers to use
the ‘print at home’ option when
purchasing tickets, to save on the
cost of postage.
THE SHOWCASE – FRIDAY 23rd, SATURDAY 24th OCTOBER
ONLINE IN ADVANCE* ON THE DAY
CLUB/TATTERSALLS £25 £30
FINAL FLIGHT ENTRANCE CLUB
TICKET BADGE HOLDERS ONLY
£10 £15
GOLD PACKAGE £42 In advance only
18-24 – CLUB/TATTERSALLS - £20 proof of ID required
GROUPS – CLUB/TATTERSALLS 10+ £22 In advance only
BEST MATE £9 £12
BEST MATE PACKAGE £18 In advance only
THE OPEN – FRIDAY 13th, SUNDAY 15th NOVEMBER
CAR PARKING
The Open Saturday 14th November, £4 in advance £5 on the day
The Festival 15th to 18th March, £8 in advance £15 on the day
Select Cheltenham Spa and catch the buses from the
station direct to the course – charges apply
Cheltenham town centre to the course, about 30 mins
To the course – cycle racks available
Don’t drink and drive
Why not travel by coach? Book your ticket and travel
at www.nationalexpress.co.uk
BOOK ONLINE NOW – CHELTENHAM.CO.UK
*Booking fee applies
TICKETING
2015-16 SEASON AT CHELTENHAM THE PACKAGE CONTAINS:
Admission to Best Mate Enclosure
Racecard voucher
£4 worth of totepool bets (TOTE)
£6 worth of food and
refreshment vouchers
BEST MATE
RACEDAY PACKAGE
THE PACKAGE CONTAINS:Admission to Club/Tattersalls EnclosureRacecard voucher£10 worth of totepool bets (TOTE)£9 worth of food andrefreshment vouchers£5 Cheltenham merchandisevoucher
GOLD
RACEDAY PACKAGE
Children
under the
age of 18 get free
admission at all our
meetings except
The Festival™

9. Kalendar 9
ONLINE IN ADVANCE*
BEFORE 24th OCTOBER
(MIDNIGHT)
25th OCTOBER TO
8th NOVEMBER*
ON THE DAY
CLUB £30 £35 £40
18-24 – CLUB - - £22 proof of ID required
FINAL FLIGHT ENTRANCE CLUB
TICKET BADGE HOLDERS ONLY
£10 £10 £15
TATTERSALLS £25 £25 £30
GOLD PACKAGE INCLUDES
TATTERSALLS TICKET
£45 £45 In advance only
TATTERSALLS GROUPS OF 10+ £22 £22 In advance only
BEST MATE £12 £12 £15
BEST MATE PACKAGE £23 £23 In advance only
THE OPEN – SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER
ONLINE IN ADVANCE* ON THE DAY
CLUB/TATTERSALLS £22 £28
GOLD PACKAGE £42 In advance only
18-24 – CLUB/TATTERSALLS - £20 proof of ID required
GROUPS – CLUB/TATTERSALLS 10+ £20 In advance only
BEST MATE £9 £12
BEST MATE PACKAGE £18 In advance only
THE INTERNATIONAL – FRIDAY 11th DECEMBER
ONLINE IN ADVANCE* ON THE DAY
CLUB/TATTERSALLS £25 £30
GOLD PACKAGE £42 In advance only
18-24 – CLUB/TATTERSALLS - £22 proof of ID required
GROUPS – CLUB/TATTERSALLS 10+ £22 In advance only
BEST MATE £12 £15
BEST MATE PACKAGE £23 In advance only
THE INTERNATIONAL – SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER
ONLINE IN ADVANCE* ON THE DAY
CLUB/TATTERSALLS £25 £30
GOLD PACKAGE £42 In advance only
CLUB/TATTERSALLS - £27 print at home before 10am
18-24 – CLUB/TATTERSALLS - £22 proof of ID required
GROUPS – CLUB/TATTERSALLS 10+ £22 In advance only
BEST MATE £12 £15
BEST MATE PACKAGE £23 In advance only
NEW YEAR’S DAY – FRIDAY 1st JANUARY
RACECARD SAVERPACKAGESFOR JUST £2.50 ONTHE PRICE OF YOUR TICKET
GET A RACECARD VOUCHER
AS WELL – IN ADVANCEPURCHASES ONLY
*Booking fee applies
TICKETING
For carer
and disabled
racegoer
information,
please see
page 31
BOOK ONLINE NOW – CHELTENHAM.CO.UK

10. 10 Kalendar
ONLINE IN ADVANCE* ON THE DAY
CLUB/TATTERSALLS £25 £30
GOLD PACKAGE £42 In advance only
18-24 – CLUB/TATTERSALLS - £22 proof of ID required
GROUPS – CLUB/TATTERSALLS 10+ £22 In advance only
BEST MATE £12 £15
BEST MATE PACKAGE £23 In advance only
FESTIVAL TRIALS DAY – SATURDAY 30th JANUARY
ONLINE IN ADVANCE* ON THE DAY
CLUB/TATTERSALLS £18 £20
GOLD PACKAGE £36 In advance only
18-24 – CLUB/TATTERSALLS - £15 proof of ID required
GROUPS – CLUB/TATTERSALLS 10+ £17 In advance only
BEST MATE £9 £12
BEST MATE PACKAGE £18 In advance only
APRIL MEETING AND HUNTER CHASE EVENING – 13th-14th, & 27th APRIL
SALES TO
24th OCTOBER
(MIDNIGHT)*
SALES TO
15th NOVEMBER
(MIDNIGHT)*
SALES TO
29th JANUARY
(MIDNIGHT)*
SALES TO
13th MARCH
(MIDNIGHT)*
ON THE DAY
IF AVAILABLE
CLUB £65 £70 £75 £80 £85
FINAL FLIGHT
ENTRANCE CLUB
TICKET BADGE
HOLDERS ONLY
£10 £10 £10 £10 £15
TATTERSALLS £35 £40 £45 £49 £55
GOLD PACKAGE
– TATTERSALLS
TICKET
£55 £60 Not available Not available Not available
TATTERSALLS
GROUP 15+
£35 £35 £35 £35 Not available
BEST MATE £22 £25 £30 £35 £40
BEST MATE
GROUP 15+
£22 £22 £22 £22 Not available
THE FESTIVAL™ – CHAMPION DAY: TUESDAY 15th;
LADIES’ DAY: WEDNESDAY 16th; ST PATRICK’S THURSDAY: 17th MARCH
For The Festival™
we advise you to book in advance.
The cheapest prices are available until midnight on
Saturday 24th October and details of further dates
when ticket prices increase can be found below
UNDER
25 YEARS OLD?
LADIES’ DAY
16th MARCH OFFER
TATTERSALLS TICKET
£30 ON THE DAY
PROOF OF ID
REQUIRED
TICKETING
*Booking fee applies
BOOK ONLINE NOW – CHELTENHAM.CO.UK

11. Kalendar 11
SALES TO
24th OCTOBER
(MIDNIGHT)*
SALES 25th OCT
TO 15th NOV
(MIDNIGHT)*
SALES 16th NOV
TO 29th JAN
(MIDNIGHT)*
SALES 30th JAN
TO 13th MARCH
(MIDNIGHT)*
FESTIVAL
WEEK SALES
IF AVAILABLE
CLUB £79 £85 £90 £95 £100
FINAL FLIGHT
ENTRANCE CLUB
TICKET BADGE
HOLDERS ONLY
£10 £10 £10 £10 £15
TATTERSALLS £49 £55 £60 £65 £70
GOLD PACKAGE
– TATTERSALLS
TICKET
£69 £74 Not available Not available Not available
TATTERSALLS
GROUP 15+
£49 £49 £49 £49 Not available
BEST MATE £35 £40 £45 £50 £55
BEST MATE
GROUP 15+
£35 £35 £35 £35 Not available
THE FESTIVAL™ – GOLD CUP DAY FRIDAY 18th MARCH
The last day for ticket sales
with delivery method selected
as posting to UK postal address
is 7th March.
Club tickets and packages
purchased after 7th March
will be collection on the day of
racing only.
The last day for ticket sales with
delivery method selected as Royal
Mail signed for posting to UK
postal address is 11th March.
CHELTENHAM ENCLOSURES
For The Open Saturday and over the four days of The Festival™, Cheltenham operates three separate enclosures
– Club, Tattersalls and Best Mate. Detailed below are the facilities that are available in the three different enclosures.
**Available on certain days. Check the Final Flight page on the website for more details
CLUB TATTERSALLS BEST MATE
VIEWS OPPOSITE THE FINISHING LINE
COVERED GRANDSTAND
ACCESS TO FOOD OUTLETS
ACCESS TO BARS
BETTING FACILITIES
ACCESS TO DISABLED FACILITIES
WI-FI
SIDE VIEW OF THE FINAL FURLONG
SIDE VIEW OF THE FINAL FENCE/FURLONG
COVERED GRANDSTAND SEATING
VIEW OF THE PRE PARADE PADDOCK, PADDOCK AND WINNERS’ ENCLOSURE
ACCESS TO THE SHOPPING VILLAGE
ACCESS TO GUINNESS VILLAGE (FESTIVAL ONLY)
ACCESS TO THEMES AND CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT
ACCESS TO FINAL FLIGHT BAR **
ACCESS TO QUEVEGA’S TAPAS AND WINE BAR AND TWO BARS IN THE NEW STAND
DRESS CODE – SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
ACCESS TO RESTAURANTS
ACCESS TO THE CENTRE OF THE RACECOURSE
SAVER PACKAGES AVAILABLE
HEAD-ON VIEWS OF THE RACECOURSE
THE FESTIVAL™
15th -18th MARCH
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FOR JUST £3 ON THE PRICE
OF YOUR TICKET GET
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ST PATRICK’S THURSDAY £25GOLD CUP DAY £30CLUB OR TATTERSALLSTICKET REQUIREDLIMITED AVAILABILITY
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Children
under the
age of five get
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The Festival™
BOOK ONLINE NOW – CHELTENHAM.CO.UK
2015/16
TICKET
DELIVERY
METHODS

12. Kalendar
Designing
thefuture
REDEVELOPMENT

13. Kalendar
STEPHEN LIMBRICK, THE architect
at the helm of the Cheltenham
redevelopment, readily admits that he is not
a “horse person” as such, but racecourses
have captured his creative mind.
“A real highlight of my career was
winning my first racecourse job, which
was for The Centaur and the Best Mate
stand at Cheltenham Racecourse, in
about 2000,” he affirms. “I was actually in
a bar in Barcelona celebrating a friend’s
40th birthday with a bottle of Champagne
when I received the phone call from
Edward Gillespie, who was then the
MD of Cheltenham, telling me I had
won the job. So then it was my turn
with the Champagne!” he laughs.
The first in his family to go to university,
and the only one to become an architect,
Stephen formed his own practice in 1987
in Covent Garden and started out by
entering competitions to win work. During
the recession in 1991 he returned to his
hometown of Gloucester and eventually
merged his business with Roberts Gardner
to become Roberts Limbrick Ltd, as it is
still known today.
From day one, sport and leisure
projects have been a core area of
expertise for Stephen’s company, and this
has continued to be the case post-merger.
He has worked on a wide variety of sites
over the years, but ever since he first
entered the world of horse racing in the
Millennium, racecourses have become
one of his favourite areas of work –
“thanks to The Jockey Club!” he enthuses.
When asked what makes racecourse
design stand out from other projects,
Stephen replies: “Racecourses are exciting
but also challenging projects. They’re
very large and spread-out, with multiple
venues, but they are also often located on
fantastic sites, usually in the green belt.
“The difference between horse racing
and other sporting events is that you’ve
got a really mobile crowd, and they’re
there all day. One minute they’re at the
course side watching a race, then they
move to a different location to watch
LOUISE HOFFMAN speaks to Stephen Limbrick, who is the
principal architect behind the exciting redevelopment
at Cheltenham Racecourse, during the final stage of the
project – the realisation of the magnificent new grandstand
another race, or go to the Parade Ring,
have a bet, get a drink and something
to eat and visit the shopping areas. So
the crowd is constantly moving, quite
quickly – a race is on for a few minutes,
and then everybody relocates – therefore
you’ve got to bear in mind ease of
movement and viewing.
“The Festival is probably the number
one Steeplechase meeting in the world,
but a lot of people go to racing purely for
the experience. The horses are incidental
to them, but they still have a great day
because there are lots of things going
on and the atmosphere is very exciting.”
Another key aspect of modern-day
racecourse design is, as Stephen
highlights, hospitality. “Racing actually
only takes up a small part of the year
– at Cheltenham, for instance, fantastic
facilities are required to cater for 248,000
people over the four days of The Festival,
as well as at other key fixtures, but what
do you do with those facilities for the rest
of the year? The answer is that they have
to be flexible, so they attract 365-day
conferencing and events business, and
that’s part of the work we’ve been doing
– producing amazing venues that are
REDEVELOPMENT
Stephen Limbrick

14. 1 lendar
great for racing, but also suitable for use
on non-racedays.”
Following the successful completion of
The Centaur and Best Mate stand project,
Roberts Limbrick has been awarded a
steady stream of Jockey Club contracts,
including the July Course at Newmarket,
the Duchess’s stand at Epsom and various
projects at Huntingdon, Exeter and
Wincanton, as well as a significant amount
of master-planning across the group.
The latest in this line of major
projects is of course the huge £45 million
development at Cheltenham Racecourse,
which began in earnest following The
Jockey Club Stewards’ formal approval
of its exciting plans in December 2012.
As may be expected of such an extensive
undertaking, the redevelopment posed
many challenges. “First of all it was the
planning,” says Stephen. “The site is in the
green belt, and there were lots of emotive
issues involved in taking down the old A&R
stand, which was the oldest part of the
racecourse. Cost was also something we
had to work to, of course, to make sure
the project stayed within the budget.
“A comprehensive professional team
was assembled, and we also held an
extensive, open and successful public
consultation process. We had an
exhibition at the Regent Arcade in
Cheltenham and at the racecourse,
and we met with the Civic Society and
constantly updated the local council
members as we moved forward. This
comprehensive consultation process
allowed the planning to be achieved in
record time, and we were then able to
enter the design process and appoint
a high-quality contractor, Kiev.
“The whole project has progressed
without any loss of racing, so the logistical
side took a serious amount of planning
and we had 13 sectional completions over
the period of the project. Development
actually started on-site after The Festival
in 2014 and a series of areas were gradually
handed over as we went along, such as the
refurbished Weighing Room, the See You
Then Bar and Quevega’s.”
One of the key requirements in
The Jockey Club’s original proposal
for the work was improved pedestrian
movement, harking back to Stephen’s
earlier comments. The new design
addresses this problem in several
ways, including a dramatic elevated
walkway linking the Parade Ring to
the grandstand to allow for two layers
of crowd circulation and viewing.
Speaking of the grandstand, this
is the last and largest part of the
redevelopment project, and is set for
an eagerly awaited unveiling during
this coming season. “There are only four
months left, and my role throughout
has been absolutely hands-on, which is
quite unusual for an MD of a firm I
suppose. We’re now at the point where
we’re generally assisting and monitoring
the quality of work; we regularly visit the
site to help the contractor, finalise all
the interiors and just generally offer
architectural and constructional support
where it’s needed. If I can help, I will,
because it’s very important to me.
“The Jockey Club is probably my
main client, and I love working with
the people there. Right the way through
the project there’s been corporate
professionalism combined with a family
feel – they have embraced us so that we
all feel like we are part of their team.
“The project has been very demanding,
no doubt, but they believe in doing
things properly, as evidenced by the
full involvement and influence of MD Ian
Renton and his team. We have therefore
been able to express our opinions and
really work things through to achieve the
optimum solution to push what they’re
trying to achieve – the brand, the quality,
the architecture, the operation; you’ve
got to understand the whole thing, which
is all very exciting.
“This is a very hands-on approach,
which is great because the team effort
really builds. After all, these things take
a number of years to complete and you
almost become friends during that time
– there is a mutual respect.”
Stephen is now looking forward to
a trip to the races when his vision has
been fully brought to fruition, to enjoy
the action from the new grandstand – and
maybe even with friends and clients from
a box.
“This is the largest investment
The Jockey Club has ever made in a
single project, and it’s a privilege to
be involved in such a fantastic project,
to meet the needs and aspirations
of The Jockey Club and the iconic
racecourse of Cheltenham. Long may
it continue!” he concludes.
“The whole project
has progressed
without any loss
of racing, so the
logistical side took
a serious amount
of planning”

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16. 12 Kalendar
A REGION MADE
FOR RACINGThe South West region has a rich history of horseracing that extends much further
than Cheltenham, with the racecourses at Exeter, Wincanton and Warwick each
boasting its own distinctive personality and plethora of influential racemeetings
The field pass in front of the grandstands in the
Bathwick Tyres & Festival Racing Supports Racing
‘National Hunt’ Novices´ Hurdle at Exeter
YOU CAN book tickets for all race meetings by
calling the Booking Hotline on 0844 579 3003
EVERY PENNY The Jockey Club
makes it reinvests in British racing£

17. Kalendar 1
PHOTOS:PAARCHIVE/PRESSASSOCIATIONIMAGES/DAVIDDAVIES;EMPICSSPORT/JULIANHERBERT
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE IS the Home of
British Jump racing, but its position at the heart of
this scintillating sport stretches far beyond this globally
recognised stage.
It is also at the hub of the regional racecourses where
the expertise of a hugely experienced team ensures that
the South West tracks of Exeter, Wincanton and Warwick
have constant support.
This consistent approach in all processes, from sales
and marketing to operations, was first introduced via
The Jockey Club’s regionalisation process in 2013,
to ensure that its objective to be the best racecourse
operator in Europe – with the best quality Flat, Jump
and all-weather racing, and with all profits invested back
into the sport – is to the fore.
While support from the hub is very much at the heart
of the racecourses’ functionality, autonomy is still key and
each one is steeped in its own individual traditions.
Huw Williams was at the helm of Warwick Racecourse
as General Manager for 10 years. His skills have now
been transferred to Wincanton where he has taken over
following Steve Partlett’s move to Kempton Park.
Expressing his pleasure about the appointment at the
time, Huw said: “I am delighted to have been given the
opportunity to move within Jockey Club Racecourses
to Wincanton and I look forward to taking on a new
challenge in the heartland of Jump racing.”
The Somerset racecourse has several key meetings
including Kingwell Hurdle Day, which features a grade two
hurdle of that name in February and is an important trial
for the Champion Hurdle at The Festival.
It’s a little-known fact that when Wincanton fell into
financial difficulties in 1921 it was saved from liquidation
by the intervention of Lord Stalbridge of Motcombe
House in Shaftesbury, and under a new board of
directors a few years later a new course was built at
Kingwell Farm – its current location – with the first
meeting held on Easter Monday in 1927. Lord
Stalbridge died in 1949 and the Lord Stalbridge
Memorial Handicap Chase is now run at the Boxing
Day meeting in remembrance of him.
Exeter Racecourse is considered to be one of the very
best nurseries to educate novice steeplechasers, with many
who began their careers on Haldon Hill going on to taste
big race glory. Viking Flagship, Best Mate, Kauto Star and
Desert Orchid have all graced the Devon turf and delighted
a legion of loyal race fans.
Exeter’s premier race is the Haldon Gold Cup, a
thrilling grade two chase run over two miles and held
on the first Tuesday in November. It’s an early season
highlight of the Jump season and is included in race
plans for two- and three-mile chasers who are bound
for The Festival. Just one example is Cue Card, whose
victory in 2013 was followed with success in the Ryanair
Chase at The Festival.
Daniel Thompson, a Jump racing enthusiast, was
appointed General Manager this year having worked at
the course until 2013 when he left to join Cheltenham’s
sales team.
When the opportunity arose to return, he jumped at
the chance and is now implementing a host of new ideas
so that his vision that the racecourse should become a
pillar of the local community becomes a reality. “I am
really enjoying being back and I have plenty of new
ideas, including some tweaks to the race programme
and plans to improve the raceday experience even
further for our customers.
“We have some exciting times ahead and great projects
in mind and so I really hope I can steer us, with the aid
of our great team, on our journey to continued success
and growth.”
Fascinating times lie ahead for Warwick Racecourse,
where a new General Manager will soon be adding his
or her stamp to the course. Set within sight of Warwick
Castle, it oozes heritage and is one of the oldest courses
in the country, with racing dating back as far as 1707.
Its key race is the grade two Kingmaker Novices’ Chase,
named after the 16th Earl of Warwick. He was known
as the Kingmaker during the Wars of the Roses. The
race is held in February and is a leading trial for the
Arkle Challenge Trophy at The Festival. The first horse
to win the race in 1999 was the Paul Nicholls-trained
Flagship Uberalles, and in 2010 Long Run hacked up
under Sam Waley-Cohen.
Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton are very much the
lifeblood of racing where racegoers can see every class
of horse, from those on their way to stardom to seasoned
handicappers. While coming under the Cheltenham
hub, they each retain their distinct characteristics and
are icons in their own right within their communities.
Left Blue Heron
and Harry
Skelton return
to the Winners’
Enclosure after
victory in The
Bathwick Tyres
Kingwell Hurdle,
Wincanton

18. 1 Kalendar
B
arry Geraghty teaming up with
JP McManus in the Irishman’s
green, white and gold hooped
colours will become a mainstay
through the forthcoming winter, and at
the 2014 Showcase meeting there was a
glimpse of what was to come.
The two-day fixture always throws up
clues for the season ahead – subsequent
Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner
Moon Racer made his debut on the card
last autumn – and the new owner-jockey
combination of Geraghty and McManus
teamed up to success.
Barry Geraghty’s appointment to the
former AP McCoy role was only announced
this summer, and In The Rough’s victory in
Saturday’s opening Lewis Badges Novices’
Hurdle was, in hindsight, a snapshot of
the future pairing.
The six-year-old was completing
a four-timer on that occasion for
trainer Jonjo O’Neill and the McManus-
Geraghty link is one that will become
a dominant force at Cheltenham through
the coming winter.
In The Rough was not Barry’s only
winner at The Showcase meeting, as
he also came home in front aboard the
John Ferguson-trained Commissioned,
who easily obliged as the 4/9 favourite in
the Harrison James and Hardy Maiden
Hurdle, and The Romford Pele in the
Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business
Club Novices’ Chase.
The Showcase meeting is the first of
the season at Cheltenham and really
gives race fans, owners, trainers and
jockeys an early sighter of some of the
names that could come to dominate the
months ahead.
The atmosphere is a more relaxed one
compared to that of later meetings, with
the feeling of a first day back to school
after the long summer holidays as old
friends – human and equine – reacquaint
themselves.
Racegoers also have a unique chance
to see parts of the racecourse that are
usually off limits before racing, and
MARTIN KELLY explains
why The Showcase is
more than just two days of
entertainment – it provides
racegoers with a key insight
into the season ahead
PHOTOS:GJMULTIMEDIALTD;PAARCHIVE/PRESSASSOCIATIONIMAGES/DAVIDDAVIES/TIMGOODE
UNDER
STARTERS
ORDERS
The crowd cheer on the winner in the
Masterson Holdings Hurdle during day two
2015 DIARY DATES The Showcase
Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October
JUMP ONLINE and book your
tickets today at cheltenham.co.uk
BOOK HOSPITALITY and
restaurants by calling 01242 537 653

19. Kalendar 1
a tour of the Weighing Room – the
jockey’s inner sanctum – always proves
to be popular.
But there are plenty of clues to be
gleaned and top-class action out on the
track with the likes of The New One
registering success at The Showcase
in 2012 before his Festival triumph in
the Neptune Investment Management
Novices’ Hurdle.
Last year it was Moon Racer who
completed The Showcase-Festival
double for David Pipe and Tom
Scudamore after he made his debut
for new connections in the Jockey
Club Venues Standard Open National
Hunt Flat Race.
The 11/4 favourite had won on his
only start in Ireland, and after getting
his career with new connections off to
a great start with a swaggering 12-length
win, he was off the track until March
when he reappeared in the Weatherbys
Champion Bumper.
He was to win again that day despite
circumstances being against him during
the run – and many of those who saw
him at The Showcase must have
reinvested as he was gambled at The
Festival to win as the 9/2 favourite!
Jonjo O’Neill’s Johns Spirit is a
firm favourite with the Prestbury Park
faithful and the 2013 Paddy Power
Gold Cup winner made his seasonal
reappearance to win at the meeting
for the second successive year, before
returning to be touched off in the
Paddy Power and finish fifth in the
Ryanair Chase.
There was Irish success at The
Showcase last October thanks to the
rising force that is Gordon Elliott.
His Tiger Roll may have disappointed
in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle in
March but last year’s JCB Triumph
Hurdle winner was maintaining an
unbeaten record at the track when
landing odds of 15/8 in the Masterson
Holdings Hurdle. Barry Geraghty was
not the only jockey to dominate, with
Paul Nicholls’ new stable jockey Sam
Twiston-Davies also landing a hat-trick.
The new jockey-trainer combination
made an immediate impact as Vicente
struck in Friday’s opening Neptune
Investment Management Novices’
Hurdle, with the youngster’s other
two wins coming for his father Nigel
courtesy of subsequent New Year’s Day
winner Splash Of Ginge and Sybarite.
Those looking for clues later in
the season were also rewarded by the
Alan King-trained Ulzana’s Raid who
went on to win again at Cheltenham two
months later following his success in the
Vanilla Photobooks Handicap Hurdle.
Philip Hobbs, who was to go on and
dominate The Open meeting with six
wins, laid down an early marker for the
season to come with his Ralco De Farges
seeing off Standing Ovation to take the
Showcase Trophy.
So, as you can see, paying early
attention to this meeting, which kick
starts the winter National Hunt
campaign, can reap rich dividends
in the months to come – as well as
providing world-class entertainment!
Moon Racer takes
the lead in the bumper
at The Showcase
Top right The relocated Best
Mate statue during day one
Middle right Joy after Splash Of
Ginge’s success in the Novices’
Chase at The Showcase
Bottom right Calipto ridden by
Sam Twiston-Davies runs in the
Masterson Holdings Hurdle Race
during day two
Visit the Food and Drink zone in
The Centaur, which features real ale
and cider from Severn Cider and, on
Saturday, the first semi final of the Rugby
World Cup live on The Centaur big
screen. Jump online and book your
tickets today at cheltenham.co.uk
THE CENTAUR
OF ATTENTION

20. lendar
OnarollDavid Jennings, reporter for the Racing Post, catches up
with WILLIE MULLINS to hear about the highs and lows of his
record-breaking achievements at The Festival™ in March
It was all anybody could talk about.
Six inches of snow could have fallen
overnight but no one would have even
mentioned the weather. Lionel Messi
could have signed for Hartlepool United
and no one would have cared. Norris
from the corner shop could have been caught
snogging Tracy Barlow in the Rovers Return and
no one would have batted an eyelid. It was all about
one bet and one man.
“Did you do the accumulator?” was the Tuesday
morning question thrown at almost every punter
at Cheltenham.
Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls and Jonjo O’Neill
had all been crowned champion trainer at The
Festival with three winners since the turn of the
century, yet here we were predicting Willie Mullins
would have four in just one day. Ridiculous.
But the sublime is never far away where Willie
is concerned.
“It was one day, probably around mid-January,
when I was flicking through the Racing Post and I
came across the ante-post markets for Cheltenham
that it first started to sink in,” Willie replies when
asked about the pressure his Festival day-one
dream team brought.
“I was shocked, I have to admit. I said to myself,
‘These guys are mad!’, but I knew the fact that they
were all favourites would heap more pressure on
me. It meant that people were all expecting them
to win. With expectation comes pressure.
“The funny thing is that I felt more under
pressure eight or 10 weeks before The Festival than
I did the week before. Back then, I had to get one
Above: Willie Mullins
and Ruby Walsh with
the Champion Hurdle
trophy at Cheltenham

21. Kalendar
INTERVIEW
more run into them and make sure they all got there
in one piece. That was the hard part.
“I was much calmer the closer it got. We had a
great run in the weeks leading up to The Festival;
the weather was great and we had no big injury
scares, so it was plain sailing really. With so many
big guns running the first day, there was going to
be no time to settle in – there was pressure from the
word go to get that winner on the board.”
The wait for winner number one did not last long.
Douvan lived up to the hype in the Sky Bet Supreme
Novices’ Hurdle. The Festival opener was billed as a
battle between Britain and Ireland, Henderson versus
Mullins, L’Ami Serge versus Douvan.
It didn’t pan out that way as Barry Geraghty was on
the back foot on L’Ami Serge from a very early stage.
In contrast, Ruby Walsh sat motionless on Douvan
until the home turn.
When the accelerator was pressed, the response
was instant. Douvan won by five lengths. Willie also
trained the second, Shaneshill, as well as the sixth
and seventh.
“Relief – that was the only emotion I felt,” says
Willie. “I used to enjoy it a lot more. When we
get a winner it is all about relief, not enjoyment.
The expectation is so big now that each winner is
expected. It is a case of job done. We are there to
do a job and winning a race is that job.
“There is no time to dwell or celebrate winners.
Win, lose or draw, we usually have at least one horse
in the next race. There is no time to stop and enjoy
the feeling of having a winner at Cheltenham. You
have to make sure everything is in place for the
next race.”
The next was quite important in this case. It was
the Racing Post Arkle and Willie was responsible
for the odds-on favourite, Un De Sceaux. As is his
trademark, the seven-year-old went off like a scalded
cat. Could he be caught? Of course he couldn’t.
Two races in, two winners for Willie and, for so
many Cheltenham punters, two legs up out of four
in the acca.
The Stan James Champion Hurdle was leg three.
Faugheen had never been beaten and he wasn’t
going to be today. Ruby Walsh made all and, while
stable-mate Arctic Fire closed him down close to
home, he never looked like being reeled in. It was
all so simple: the best horses, trained by the best
trainer, ridden by the best jockey.
Three legs down, one to go, and the last part of
the four-timer would be the most straightforward, it
seemed. Annie Power’s only previous loss came in the
2014 Ladbrokes World Hurdle when she succumbed
late to More Of That. This time, against her own sex
in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle, she was fully expected
to fill the niche left by the record-breaking Quevega.
The layers were petrified and cut Annie Power’s
odds to 1-2. She was rated 7lb clear on the figures;
she had won 11 of her 12 starts; she was the hottest
favourite of the entire week. What could possibly
go wrong?
Nothing, it seemed, as she cruised to the front at
the second-last and left her 14 rivals in her wake.
“The four-timer is on,” screamed course
commentator Ian Bartlett as Annie Power swung for
home three lengths clear. But no sooner had punters
decided how to spend their winnings, when the cash
was snatched from their grasp. Annie Power took off
a stride earlier than Ruby Walsh expected at the final
flight, she clipped the top and down she came. A
gasp of disbelief swirled around the grandstands.
“It was one of the strangest feelings coming down
from the stands,” Willie recalls. “I thought the worst
thing possible had happened – the unthinkable.
Annie took the most horrific fall and I feared the
Above Paul Townend
celebrates winning
the OLBG Mares'
Hurdle on Glens
Melody with trainer
Willie Mullins (right),
during Champion Day,
at the Cheltenham
Festival at Cheltenham
Racecourse
Below Ruby Walsh
celebrates his victory
on Douvan in the
Sky Bet Supreme
Novices’ Hurdle
PHOTOS:PAWIRE/PRESSASSOCIATIONIMAGES/NICKPOTTS;EMPICSSPORT;EDWARDWHITAKER

22. Kalendar
INTERVIEW
worst. The green screens were up and I had no idea
what was happening behind them.
“I had one mare behind green curtains after an
almighty fall and another who had been chinned on
the line. I was completely down in the dumps. It was
the lowest I had been in a long time.
“The next 60 seconds or so were remarkable,
though. Someone informed me Annie Power was
running loose, not a bother on her, and then the
result of the photo-finish was announced. Our horse,
Glens Melody, had just held off Nicky Henderson’s
Polly Peachum and won. I was absolutely thrilled for
her owner, Fiona McStay. It’s amazing how quickly
your mood can change in a matter of seconds.”
Willie had won four
races on day one. It
might not have been with
the four horses expected
but he had done it
nonetheless. There
was no time for Ireland’s
champion trainer to
revel in the achievement,
however, as there were
three more days to go.
“We barely mentioned
the winners at dinner
that evening,” he says. “It
was all about our runners
the next day. That’s the way we work – it’s all about
the next day. I always say to the staff before the week
starts to keep their heads down all week and not
to dwell on anything that has happened.
“Win, lose or draw it doesn’t matter on the day.
We’ll sit down the following week and go through
it all. There’s no time to stop and celebrate at
Cheltenham. Nor is there time to feel sorry for
yourself if something goes wrong.
“When I look back on the day now, I’m still
gobsmacked,” he reflects. “We went to Cheltenham
on the Tuesday hoping to have one winner that day.
We would have been very happy to have two. Three
would have been unbelievable, so to have four was
phenomenal really. I know others were expecting
us to have four winners, but we genuinely weren’t.
Statistics show just how hard it is to do.”
Training a horse who hasn’t run in the same
calendar year to win the RSA Chase is pretty hard
too, but Willie shapes racing trends like Louis
Vuitton shapes handbags, and Don Poli defied the
lessons of history to give Mullins his fifth winner of
the week; and only nine races had been run.
“Don Poli was very good and he relished the trip.
He was favourite and had some really good form in
the lead-up to the race so I suppose it wasn’t a huge
shock to see him do what he did,” Willie says, in the
tone of a trainer who is expecting big things from the
staying chaser this season.
The most exhilarating performance of the week
had still to come. It has to be seen to be believed.
Vautour had his reputation tarnished by Clarcam in
the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown over
Christmas, but Mullins had not lost faith. This was
a horse like no other, he had told reporters after
victory in the previous year’s Supreme Novices’
Hurdle. How right he was.
Irish Saint proved a constant menace to Vautour at
the head of affairs in the JLT Novices’ Chase. So much
so, that the 6-4 favourite’s finishing effort surely had
to be compromised. But the more challengers that
arrived, the more stubborn Vautour became.
He kicked clear off the final bend, pinged the last
two fences and stormed up the hill in a manner
rarely seen at The Festival. It was, in the words of
Willie, exhilarating. But did he enjoy the experience?
“I didn’t enjoy it. Not at all,” he replies. “I know
everyone else probably loved watching him but it was
torture for me. I was
just waiting for the
whole thing to come
crashing down. Nerves
got the better of me.
“He’s always been a
horse I’ve thought of
very highly. He let us
down a bit at Christmas
but he was back on
song at Cheltenham
– and when he’s on
song, he’s very, very
good. He’s one to look
forward to.”
Willie came within a short-head and a lengthy
stewards’ enquiry of winning the 2014 Betfred
Cheltenham Gold Cup with On His Own and had to
settle for second in 2015 as well, as Djakadam got
closest to the outstanding Coneygree. Big things are
expected of him this season.
“I asked Djakadam two huge questions: to run
him in the Hennessy at Newbury on his first start
of the season was a big ask and then to run him in a
Gold Cup after winning the Thyestes was a massive
question. Hopefully those tests haven’t scarred him
“There is no time to stop
and enjoy the feeling
of having a winner at
Cheltenham. You have to
make sure everything is in
place for the next race”
PHOTOS:EDWARDWHITAKER;PAWIRE/PRESSASSOCIATIONIMAGES/NICKPOTTS

23. Kalendar
INTERVIEW
because, granted normal improvement, he should
be a major player in all the big staying novice chases
again this season.”
The Gold Cup may have eluded Willie once again,
but he still managed to smash previous records by
registering wins number seven and eight on Friday.
Wicklow Brave didn’t want to move in the previous
Saturday’s William Hill Imperial Cup but he moved
more quickly than anything up the hill to win the
Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle, stretching eight
lengths clear under Paul Townend. What a difference
a week makes.
Willie trained the 3-1 favourite for the Martin
Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle in the
shape of Roi Des Francs, but it was Killultagh Vic who
handed him his final winner of the week under Luke
Dempsey, who managed to get him back up close
home to deny Noble Endeavor.
“We came out the right side of two photo-finishes;
both Glens Melody and Killultagh Vic looked beaten
but managed to get back up,” Willie enthuses. “The
year before we were beaten by a short-head in the
Gold Cup – these things are swings and roundabouts.
“It was one of those weeks where everything went
right for us. I suppose you could say we got a
‘member’s bounce of the ball’ on a couple of
occasions. That’s the way it works sometimes.
“The only real downer was the performance of
our bumper horses, but I think we got our tactics
wrong with them. Time might prove they’re not
that good but I’m convinced they’re better than
they showed. Other than that, everything went
great. It was just extraordinary.”
It was an extraordinary week indeed for an
extraordinary trainer.
Above Ruby Walsh
celebrates winning
the Racing Post Arkle
Challenge Trophy
Chase on Un De
Sceaux alongside
trainer Willie Mullins
(far right) and other
connections, on
Champion Day, during
the Cheltenham
Festival Left Willie
Mullins with the first
three in the Champion
Hurdle at Cheltenham
15th-18th March 2016
Don’t miss Champion Day as Willie Mullins tries
to emulate his stunning performance in 2015.
Jump online and book your tickets today at
cheltenham.co.uk
THE FESTIVAL™

24. 2 endar
Any true racing
fan will know
that mid-
November
means it’s
time for
Cheltenham’s Open meeting, which
is held over three days with 19 races.
For many, the fixture is viewed as a
mini-Festival, and with top-quality racing,
star names in action and entertainment
both on and off the track, one can see why.
The Paddy Power Gold Cup takes
centre stage on the Saturday alongside
six other captivating races, but the fun
doesn’t stop there – the tented village
proves a tempting shopping haven for
many and there’s music that continues
long after dark.
A big field is always assembled for the
Paddy Power Gold Cup – a two-and-a-half-
mile Grade Three contest – and last
Open
Festival fever is in the air as Cheltenham’s Open meeting
approaches, promising plenty of action and entertainment. Here,
Kalendar reflects on the highlights of last year’s three-day event
November it was won by champion
trainer Paul Nicholls and his new stable
jockey Sam Twiston-Davies.
Caid Du Berlais put worries about the
rain-softened ground to rest and scored
at 10/1 to provide Paul Nicholls with his
second win in the race, which was first
staged in 1960.
Course specialist Johns Spirit was to
come home in second place, and having
led over the last he came agonisingly
close to recording back-to-back wins for
Jonjo O’Neill.
That was as near as the local Jackdaws
Castle trainer got to a winner, though,
with Paul Nicholls adding to his haul
over the weekend, but the stars of the
show were undoubtedly trainer Philip
Hobbs and his jockey Richard Johnson.
At a meeting where the racing is so
competitive and the winners hard to
come by, Philip and Richard completed
a tour de force with six and seven
successes respectively.
The opening amateur riders’ race on
the Friday went the way of jockey Harry
Bannister and trainer Kim Bailey, but
as soon as the professional riders swung
into action the bandwagon was rolling,
as Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson
combined with Bold Henry in the Paddy
Power Handicap Chase.
After 35 minutes to gather their
thoughts, the pair struck again in the
Steel Plate and Sections Novices’ Chase
with 7/2 chance Champagne West
seeing off his notoriously hard-to-win
stablemate Colour Squadron.
Many races at this meeting function as
trials for the main events in March, and
although Champagne West failed to
make The Festival 2015, he did return to
Cheltenham to win again in December,
and finished second on New Year’s Day.
businessfor

25. Kalendar 2
PHOTOS:PAARCHIVE/PRESSASSOCIATIONIMAGES/DAVIDDAVIES;EMPICSSPORT/ANDREWMATTHEWS;
Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson
combined for an opening-day treble
courtesy of Balthazar King, who
returned to the track for a remarkable
eighth course win in the Glenfarclas
Cross Country Chase.
After a dominant display on
Countryside Day, where countryside
and equine pursuits are advertised
and demonstrated as soon as the gates
open, the duo had to wait until the
final race on Saturday for their fourth
win, with Golden Doyen obliging as
the 13/8 favourite in the JCB Triumph
Hurdle Trial.
The winner fell on his return to
Cheltenham in the Fred Winter
Handicap Hurdle, while runner-up
Hargam was third in the Triumph
itself to his stablemate Peace And Co.
The Open Sunday is the only Sunday
on which racing takes place during the
year at Cheltenham, and Philip Hobbs
and Richard Johnson again stole the
limelight, with the pair teaming up
with Dunraven Storm in the Racing
Post Arkle Trial Novices’ Chase and
Garde Le Victoire in the feature
Greatwood Hurdle.
Dunraven Storm sadly failed to win
again, while Garde Le Victoire ended
up landing a Listed prize at Sandown
the following February. Meanwhile,
Richard completed his seven-time
in the final race of the meeting as
the Steve Gollings-trained Definitely
Red put in a commanding display
to take out the High Sheriff Of
Gloucestershire’s Standard Open
National Hunt Flat Race.
Elsewhere there were several Festival
pointers on the card; the most significant
was the win of Uxizandre in the Shloer
Chase under Barry Geraghty.
Alan King’s seven-year-old returned
to The Festival to provide AP McCoy
with his final win at the meeting in the
Ryanair Chase amid highly charged and
emotional scenes.
Kings Palace was another winner at
The Open for the David Pipe team as the
novice chaser kicked off a winning spree
over fences, while Paul Nicholls sent out
Sam Winner to win the staying handicap
chase prior to his Lexus Chase third,
while also scoring on the Friday courtesy
of Morito Du Berlais.
The Neptune Management Novices’
Hurdle also contained a future star, as
John Ferguson’s Parlour Games caused
a 10/1 upset under Barry Geraghty en
route to his Christmas win in the Grade
One Challow Hurdle.
JUMP ONLINE and book your
tickets today at cheltenham.co.uk
BOOK HOSPITALITY and
restaurants by calling 01242 537 653
THE FINAL
FLIGHT BAR
Late night live music
and cocktails for Club
ticket holders are
available at £10 in
advance online
CLUB/TATTERSALLS ENCLOSURE
On The Open Sunday, the Children’s Entertainment Zone is situated
in the Club/Tattersalls Enclosure, featuring meerkats, rabbits, a
mouse farm and face painting as well as special visits from Ben and
Holly. Free entry to children under the age of 18.
Opposite page
Balthazar King, ridden
by Richard Johnson,
jumps the last on the
way to victory in the
Glenfarclas Cross
Country Chase during
day one of The Open
Left Jockey Richard
Johnson acknowledges
the crowd as he is
led into the Winners’
Enclosure on Garde La
Victoire after winning
the StanJames.com
Greatwood Hurdle
during day three of
The Open 2014
Below Children
in the Petting Zoo
at Cheltenham
Racecourse
The Open
Countryside Day: Friday 13th November
Paddy Power Gold Cup Day: Saturday 14th November
The Open Sunday: Sunday 15th November
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
2015 DIARY DATES The Open
Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November

26. 22 Kalendar
I
n 1830 a fire swept through
Cheltenham’s racecourse at Cleeve Hill,
burning the grandstand to the ground,
and putting a smile on the face of
Reverend Francis Close. Horseracing was
evil, he’d preached to his congregation,
but racegoers remained unperturbed.
Within a year Cheltenham Racecourse
had moved to Prestbury Park, and almost
two centuries later, as it approaches the
final stages of a £45 million development,
it has never been more popular.
Despite a history as chequered as a
jockey’s shirt, two things remain constant
about Cheltenham: the course and the
people. Former Managing Director
Edward Gillespie worked at the racecourse
for 32 years, and explains it’s the broad
mix of spectators that makes it so special:
“Horseracing at Cheltenham is an
extraordinary social potpourri, attracting
people of all different backgrounds and
upbringings. That’s the essence of Jump
racing – it brings people together.”
Even in the 19th century the two-day
meeting in July would attract crowds of
30,000 people. However, there were a
few attendees Edward would not have
wanted to bump into today: “It was a
big, big social event. A complete mix
of men, women and children from
across the county and beyond,” he says.
“It was a bit like a country fair, only it
also attracted ladies of the night and
all the rogues and vagabonds that were
associated with racing in those days!”
Flat racing took place at Cheltenham
Racecourse for almost 70 years before
steeplechasing was introduced, and even
then, the latter did not soar in popularity
in the way its sister sport had.
“There was steeplechasing at
Andoversford as early as the 1830s,”
explains Edward, “but it was much less
formal than Flat racing; more like
THE
CHANGING
FACE OF
CHELTENHAM
Cheltenham Racecourse, and indeed horseracing as
a sport, has come a long way since it first opened at
Prestbury Park in 1831. ALI WOOD finds out more from
former Managing Director Edward Gillespie
PHOTOS:PAARCHIVE/PRESSASSOCIATIONIMAGES;EMPICSSPORTMIKEEGERTON;S&GANDBARRATTS/EMPICSSPORT
Crowds watch the
jumpers during the
Cheltenham Gold
Cup 1945

27. Kalendar 2
HERITAGE
point-to-point meetings are now. There
was no grandstand, no ballyhoo.
“Steeplechasing grew up around the
farming folk. In the autumn, once they’d
got the crops in, they’d go hunting and
have races. It was their time off, if you like.
Around here there’s quite a lot of arable
and sheep farming, and you don’t have to
do much with sheep during the winter.”
It wasn’t until 1898 that steeplechasing
moved to Prestbury Park. Four years
later, businessman Mr Baring
Bingham set up the Steeplechase
Company and from then
on it became a much more
business-like operation.
Amazingly, the original
steeplechase course from
1898 is still in use today.
“It’s been changed a bit,”
says Edward. “Some of
the rough edges have been
sorted out, but it’s essentially
still following the contours of the
land. It is up and down – hardly any
bits are really straight – and it’s a very
natural test of a horse.”
In 1964 a second course was opened
when Racecourse Holdings Trust (now
Jockey Club Racecourses) was formed to
secure the future of Cheltenham. It was
also during this decade that significant
redevelopment took place. The original
Tattersalls Grandstand was opened to
cope with the racecourse’s increasing
popularity and the Weighing Room was
built underneath the Festival Restaurant.
During this time the centre of the
racecourse was also developed and
became a popular raceday enclosure.
1979 saw the first stage of the
construction of a new grandstand, which
was extended twice in the following
decade, and in 1997 the old Tattersalls
Grandstand was eventually pulled down.
Today, as the final steel beams
are being craned onto the latest and
most ambitious iteration of this most
important of buildings, Edward reflects
on the early days of construction:
“The original grandstands were made
of wood, but actually the ones that
were built in the 1930s were very early
concrete. We found, when we started
pulling them down, that they were an
extremely innovative design. There was
a lot more concrete than we had
anticipated and it took a lot of
work. We even had students
come and look at them
because they were so
cutting-edge for the time!”
In the Millennium,
£3 million was invested
in the Best Mate
enclosure, named after
the winner of the Gold
Cup from 2002 to 2004,
and £17 million went towards
building The Centaur, the biggest
conference and entertainment venue
south of Birmingham.
“The Centaur attracts top artists,”
says Edward. “It’s got good acoustics
and accommodates over 2,000 people
sitting down. My highlights were
watching Dame Kiri Te Kanawa,
Nigel Kennedy and Van Morrison.”
So what, given all the investment at
Cheltenham Racecourse over the years,
does Edward think is the most important
advance in technology?
“It has to be television. TV allows
everybody who doesn’t come to the
races to see them, and those who do
attend to see them far better. The way
the BBC took the Gold Cup and The
Festival into people’s homes in the 60s
and 70s has to be the biggest technical
innovation of all.”
Opposite Mr G H
Smithson who designed
the new grandstand that
can be seen behind him
Above Master Troy
(No.10), leading Hastily
over a fence near the
stands, 1945
Below Nico De Boinville
celebrates on Coneygree
after winning the Betfred
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Chase on Gold Cup Day –
viewed on one of the TV
screens at Cheltenham
One to watch
“It has to be Johns Spirit.
He won the Paddy Power
Gold Cup two years
ago and is a Cheltenham
course specialist.”
Edward Gillespie, former
Managing Director at
Cheltenham

28. 2 Kalendar
a myriad of goodies are a familiar sight.
A stroll around the village will reveal
everything from dachshund-inspired
bags and belts, luxury pet furniture
and worldwide horseback adventures;
to handcrafted children’s wear,
upmarket chutneys and deluxe
cheeses; to paintings, portraits and
sculptures. You can also find elegant
tweeds and hats for every occasion
– why not look for your perfect raceday
outfit for the next racemeeting?
Regional Sponsorship Co-ordinator
Maddie Webster, a self-confessed
shopaholic who looks after the shopping
village, says: “I spend months trawling
around shows looking for the next new
and exciting exhibitor – something that
will amplify the Cheltenham shopping
village and satisfy the appetite of our
avid shoppers with new and exciting
accessories and gifts.
“Bringing together a hand-picked
collection of unique gifts, beautiful
homewares and stunning fashions,
you’re sure to find that statement
piece to be admired by all.”
SHOPPING
MADDIE WEBSTER, Regional Sponsorship
Co-ordinator for Cheltenham, extols the
virtues of the racecourse’s shopping village
THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE at
Cheltenham’s Open Meeting in
November and The Festival in March
is nothing if not alluring, with hundreds
of trade stands and shops bulging at the
seams with a diverse range of goods to
suit every taste and budget.
The mix of wares on sale is eclectic
and inspiring, and with Christmas just
five weeks from The Open, arms laden
with brightly coloured bags packed with
yourself…
Jonny Beardsall
jonnybeardsall.com
One to watch
Maddie Webster’s
horses to follow
are Zubayr
and Anatol.
Treat
Shopping at Cheltenham offers
racegoers the chance to rediscover that
old-fashioned pastime of quietly browsing,
where nothing is rushed and everything is
to be pondered.
Whether it is tweed, the most
fashionable texture in the Cotswolds,
a classic-cut wool jacket, jewellery, a
handbag, outdoor gear or a tough pair of
wellington boots, Cheltenham’s shopping
village is an experience for everyone.
Estribos Argentina
estribos.co
Ostrich 2 Love
ostrich2love.co.uk

29. ADVANCED TICKETS JUST £10*
*Only available to those with Club admission tickets & Metal Badges
JUMP ONLINE TODAY
WWW.CHELTENHAM.CO.UK
TICKET HOTLINE 0844 579 3003
EXCLUSIVE AFTER PARTY AT
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
FEATURING THE ‘CHIP SHOP BOYS’ LIVE
THE OPEN
NOVEMBER 2015
FRIDAY 13th
SATURDAY 14th
SUNDAY 15th
THE
FESTIVAL™
MARCH 2016
TUESDAY 15th
WEDNESDAY 16th
THURSDAY 17th
FRIDAY 18th

30. Rosconn House, 1 Grove Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6PE
www.rosconngroup.com | 01789 868 211
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Strategy is key when trying to obtain the
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will always know the best move to make.

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DISABLED RADAR KEY TOILETS
Toilets can be accessed using a Radar Key.
Please ask stewards in the proximity of
each toilet for a Radar Key.
RWC
WC
TOILETS
WITH ENLARGED CUBICLES
VA VIEWING AREAS
Kalendar
Cheltenham Racecourse offers a variety of services and facilities
to ensure everyone can have a great day out at the races
ACCESSFOR ALLCHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
AIMS to provide an accessible
environment for all of its visitors,
including the elderly, those with
young children and those with
disabilities, across all of its events –
from racedays to music and comedy
performances.
Below is an outline of available
facilities and assistance we provide
to ensure everyone enjoys a day at
the races. Similar facilities are on
offer at Cheltenham’s non-racing
events, too.
Carer policy
Cheltenham offers a complimentary
carer ticket to those accompanying
disabled racegoers on racedays.
Carer ticket applications must be
made in writing five days before a
racemeeting commences and two
weeks before The Festival.
Unfortunately, carer tickets are not
available on any raceday if they have
not been applied for in advance.
To apply for a carer ticket
please email cheltenham.
accessibility@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Disabled car parking
The main area for disabled car
parking is Red 2, which is situated
near the steam railway line. A
buggy service operates on all
racedays between there and our
North Entrance. We strongly
advise racegoers to arrive early to
secure a place in this parking area,
as once it is full Blue Badge holders
will be parked in alternative
locations. Following directional
signage on approach, rather than
sat nav, will help ensure you take
the quickest route and arrive at
the correct car park.
There are car parking charges
for all racegoers including Blue
Badge holders on Paddy Power
Gold Cup day and at The Festival.
Event mobility
Through Event Mobility Charitable
Trust we offer wheelchair and
mobility scooter hire for all racedays.
Advance booking is recommended,
online at eventmobility.org.uk or by
calling 01386 725 391, however for
those who have not booked in
advance we have limited wheelchair
and mobility scooter hire on the day
at our North Entrance.
Disabled toilet facilities
There are disabled toilet facilities in
all enclosures, which are operated
by a radar key to ensure they
are only used by those they are
intended for. Please bring your
own radar key if possible, but if
you do not have one please see
the nearest steward on the raceday
who will be pleased to help.
Disabled viewing areas
A number of disabled viewing
areas are provided at Cheltenham
including on the balcony inside
The Centaur with lowered rails;
opposite the Weighing Room
overlooking the Parade Ring; on
the Club Lawn overlooking the
finishing straight; outside the
Mandarin foyer; and on Level 2
of the new grandstand. Viewing
areas in Tattersalls can be found
overlooking the finishing straight
opposite the sales arena and on
the Level 2 Terrace outside the
Winged Ox Bar. In the Best Mate
enclosure there is reserved viewing
on Level 2 in the middle of the
Best Mate grandstand.
New grandstand
Cheltenham’s £45 million
development opens later this
year and includes facilities for
disabled racegoers. There are
disabled access routes connecting
the old grandstand with the new
grandstand on Level 2.
Hearing
There is an induction loop facility
on the viewing steps of the
Tattersalls grandstand.
Lifts
All five levels of the grandstand
can be accessed using the lifts in
the Mandarin Foyer and the glass
lifts at the end of the Hall of
Fame. The Centaur has a lift in the
Entrance Foyer, which takes you
into the Istabraq Bar with access
to the balcony and the Hall of
Fame. The Gold Cup and Festival
restaurants have a lift to the See
You Then Bar, enabling diners in
both restaurants to access the
Parade Ring.
Assistance dogs
These are most welcome but
must be kept on a lead at all
times.
For further details visit cheltenham.
thejockeyclub.co.uk/plan-your-race-
day/visitor-information/venue-
accessibility

32. lendar
PHOTOS:PAARCHIVE/PRESSASSOCIATIONIMAGES/DAVIDDAVIES;
Excitement was unconfined at last year’s pre-Christmas
Cheltenham International, which saw huge successes
for racing’s elite. MARTIN KELLY reports
On
world
of the
top
The nights are
stretching out
ever further and
Christmas is just
around the corner,
so the Cheltenham
International meeting in mid-December is
the perfect distraction from the winter blues
and the looming festivities.
The opportunity to escape for two days
to enjoy the crisp and frosty air and soak
up top-quality racing is irresistible – and
those who ventured to the meeting in
2014 were rewarded with four winning
favourites on the Saturday, including
The New One who landed odds of 4/7.
The Stanjames.com International
Hurdle is one of the main events at the
fixture and The New One was a short
price to see off his seven rivals – he easily
made light of them.
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ seven-year-old
already had plenty of course experience
and took the opportunity afforded by
The International to gain further
knowledge of the track ahead of the
Champion Hurdle in March, in which
he finished a lacklustre fifth.
Nigel’s work was not complete with
The New One, though, as his Blaklion
was the most easy 11-length winner of
the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. With
intended jockey Jamie Moore taking a
tumble earlier in the afternoon and
being stood down by the racecourse
doctor, Nigel turned to youngster Ryan
Hatch to partner the 9/4 chance and he
grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Blaklion was one of the easiest winners
Sam Twiston-Davies kisses The
New One after their victory in
the StanJames.com International
Hurdle during day two

33. Kalendar
of the day but failed to win again through
the season and was pulled up back at
Cheltenham in the main event in March.
Rock On Ruby missed The Festival with
a setback but the 2012 Stan James
Champion Hurdle winner was successful
at The International by bagging the
Osborne House Relkeel Hurdle under
Noel Fehily.
Trainer Harry Fry was keen to try the
10-year-old over a longer trip and the
experiment worked well as the 5/4
favourite rounded out the meeting with
a staying-on victory over three rivals.
Hargam was to go on and finished
third to his stablemate Peace And Co at
The Festival, and he booked his place at
the main meeting with an odds-on win in
the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial.
The now-retired perennial champion
AP McCoy was in the saddle aboard
Nicky Henderson’s runner and the JP
McManus-owned gelding came home
up the stands’ rail to beat Karezak who
drifted off to the far side of the course.
Champagne West had scored at the
Paddy Power meeting and Philip Hobbs’
runner was to return to the course to
land cramped odds of 2/5 in the Ryman
Stationery Novices’ Chase.
With Little Jon crashing out through
the rails of the fourth-last fence, Richard
Johnson’s mount did not have to be at
his best to see off Un Ace by a little over
a length.
Others to score on the Saturday were
Colin Tizzard and Brendan Powell, who
combined with Sew On Target in the
Jenny Mould Memorial Handicap Chase,
while the main betting event of the day –
the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup – went the
way of Venetia Williams’ 16/1 chance
Niceonefrankie.
The Friday of The International
meeting belonged to local trainer
Martin Keighley, who ended a quiet
period with a dazzling double thanks
to Any Currency and Benbane Head.
The latter caused a 16/1 upset in
the Majordomo Hospitality Handicap
Chase when making all under Conor
Shoemark for a facile win over 4/1
favourite The Ould Lad, but Any
Currency’s success was a little more
expected.
The 12-year-old is an old favourite
around the banks course, and after
finishing second in 2013 he duly went one
better in the Glenfarclas Cross Country
Handicap Chase – before finishing
runner-up in The Festival equivalent.
Talking of old favourites, there was a
special reception reserved for the 2010
Champion Hurdle fifth Starluck after
David Arbuthnot’s stable star roared
back to form and landed a few decent
bets too with his 6/1 strike in the CF
Roberts Electrical Mechanical Services
Handicap Hurdle.
Big Easy brought some very smart
Flat form to the meeting, but the
Cesarewitch winner let his supporters
down when beaten into second as the
15/8 favourite in the Citipost Handicap
Hurdle, but his trainer Philip Hobbs
did not leave empty handed thanks to
Al Alfa’s victory in the Shloer Conditional
Jockeys’ Handicap Chase.
The Friday card was bookended by
smart novice performances kicked off
by Kings Palaces’ win in the Ryman
Stationery Cheltenham Business Club
Novices’ Chase, while the ill-fated
Seedling was to land the closing British
Stallion Studs EBF National Hunt
Novices’ Hurdle Qualifier.
Left Any Currency ridden
by Aidan Coleman before
the Glenfarclas Cross
Country Handicap Chase
Below left Niceonefrankie
ridden by Aidan Coleman
jumps the last, first time
round on their way to
victory in the Caspian
Caviar Gold Cup during
day two
JUMP ONLINE and book your
tickets today at cheltenham.co.uk
BOOK HOSPITALITY and
restaurants by calling 01242 537 653
2015 DIARY DATES The International
Friday 11th and Saturday 12th December

34. 3 Kalendar
SUPPORTING THE
COMMUNITYIn addition to its raceday partnerships, Cheltenham Racecourse now has a charity
partner for the venue itself, which seeks to make a difference to the lives of local people
KEVINFERN
IN APRIL 2015, the team at Cheltenham
Racecourse announced that they were
planning on working with a charity in
the role of an official charity for the
foreseeable future. This project is a first
for Cheltenham, which often has charity
partners for individual racedays, but not
as a whole venue.
As the racecourse sits at the top of
the town, a key factor when selecting a
charity was that it had to have a strong
local focus. Enter County Community
Projects (CCP), which exists to improve
the lives of children, young people,
families and vulnerable adults by
preventing homelessness, strengthening
families and supporting independence.
With a head office in Cheltenham, the
charity currently employs 80 staff, backed
up by a team of 160 volunteers, working
from sites in Cheltenham, Stroud,
Worcester and Patchway.
The charity was originally founded
in 1989 by a local businessman in
response to the growing number of
homeless young people in Cheltenham.
Recognising that people as young as
16 were sleeping rough around the
town after having been thrown out
of their family home, he purchased a
building and opened a 10-bed hostel.
Over the years, the charity has grown
to become one of Gloucestershire’s
foremost voluntary sector social care
providers, and today, some 25 years later,
the original hostel is still managed by
CCP as part of its Foyer service, offering
integrated accommodation and training
to young people who are working to
achieve sustainable independent living.
Part of the work with Cheltenham
Racecourse involves providing

35. Kalendar 3
CHARITY
CCP currently runs 63 units of supported
accommodation for young homeless people,
supporting around 220 young people
per year.
CCP has provided over 700 food parcels
to people living on the edge of poverty in
Cheltenham over the past 12 months.
In the last year, volunteers have
contributed 25,262 hours, worth
a staggering £330,929!
At Christmas 2014, its Hamper Scamper
scheme generated over 1,500 gifts for
disadvantaged children and young people,
and 557 food hampers for families and
vulnerable adults living in poverty, worth
over £65,000.
Cheltenham 1st Stop, CCP’s advice and
guidance centre, handles over 8,000
enquiries a year.
70 families in the last year have benefitted
from CCP’s support and intervention.
It operates a network of 6 drop-in
centres across Worcestershire and helped
299 people avoid homelessness in the
last year.
CCP IN NUMBERS
opportunities for work placements
for those in assisted living. For each
racemeeting, as well as other corporate
events held throughout the year, the
racecourse employs a huge number
of temporary staff, such as porters,
waitresses, bar staff, etc. It is hoped
that Cheltenham will be in a position
to offer more regular jobs to those
under the guidance of CCP, as well as
placements in the office, maintenance,
ground staff and catering areas of the
business to further develop and grow
their skills.
On announcement of the partnership,
Ian Renton, Regional Director of
Cheltenham Racecourse, commented:
“CCP works tirelessly in the town to
help those in need and we look forward
to being able to help the team in their
mission. There are a number of exciting
plans for us to work on and I am
delighted that a few of them involve
all of the 100-plus staff members we
have at Cheltenham.”
Cordell Ray, Chief Executive Officer
of CCP, added: “I am proud to have
Cheltenham Racecourse recognising
the work of CCP and supporting us
through committing to a year-long
partnership. We are all excited about the
opportunities that lie ahead, including
how our people can be more involved.
CCP is concerned about transforming
the lives of vulnerable people, and with
the support of businesses such as the
racecourse, we can do so much more
in achieving our dreams.”
CCP delivers a comprehensive range
of other interlocking services, including:
• Supported accommodation and
life-skills training for young people
working to achieve independent living.
• Cheltenham 1st Stop information,
advice and guidance centre.
• Parenting and family support services,
including intensive support to prevent
children entering the care system.
• A Gloucestershire advocacy service,
including generic advocacy, mental
health advocacy (IMHA), mental
capacity advocacy (IMCA),
deprivation of liberty advocacy
(DoLS), and drug, alcohol and
substance misuse advocacy.
• A youth activities programme,
including the Cheltenham Youth
Café and Studio 340 music and
recording centre.
• Drop-in centres for advocacy,
housing, debt and benefits advice
in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud,
Coleford, Worcester, Evesham,
Malvern, Kidderminster, Redditch
and Pershore.
• General and employee-supported
volunteering brokerage services
through Volunteering Gloucestershire
and the newly formed Involve
Gloucestershire.
You can follow CCP on Twitter
@CCProjects and Facebook at
countycommunityprojects. To help
transform the lives of vulnerable and
disadvantaged people, CCP relies on support
from volunteers, members of the public,
churches, schools and businesses. If you’d like
to get involved, please call 01242 228 999.
INTERESTED IN
FINDING OUT MORE?
“We are all
excited about
the opportunities
that lie ahead”
Opposite
Cordell Ray, CEO of
CCP, shakes hands
with Ian Renton,
Regional Director
of Cheltenham
Racecourse, to mark
their new partnership
Above Boxes
filling up at the CCP
food bank
Left Allotment
work is an example
of CCP’s efforts to
support independence

36. FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT CHELTENHAM AND IN THE
SOUTH WEST REGION OF JOCKEY CLUB RACECOURSES CONTACT
CAREY BUCKLER
REGIONAL SPONSORSHIP MANAGER
T: 01242 537 600 M: 07850 179 315 E: carey.buckler@thejockeyclub.co.uk
SPONSORSHIP
“Cheltenham is the ultimate place to be
seen, whether you are a Jockey, Trainer,
Owner or Sponsor all eyes will be on you.”
AP McCOY 20 TIMES CHAMPION JOCKEY AND CHELTENHAM.CO.UK BLOGGER

37. Kalendar 33
A lot of hard work
goes into keeping
Cheltenham Racecourse
in peak condition during
the season, as Head
Groundsman Phil Coates
explains to OLIVIA HANKS
THE PRISTINE TURF at the start of a
raceday is a beautiful sight, promising
a day of excitement ahead. During the
busy winter season the weather might
be wet or frosty, but the course always
looks just the way it should.
As you might imagine, achieving
this can be a mammoth task, and at
Cheltenham it’s the task of Head
Groundsman Phil Coates and his team.
“There are quite a few practices we
carry out through the winter that
people aren’t necessarily aware of,” says
Phil of his team’s vital behind-the-scenes
work. “We scarify the whole of the
course, using a machine with rotating
blades that cut into the turf to get rid of
the build-up of dead grass. Doing that
on every area of the racing surface is
quite a big job – it takes about two
weeks in total.”
Although major improvement is
generally carried out only in the
summer, a considerable amount of
maintenance still has to take place
through the season. “We carry on mowing
and watering, and we strim every single
leg across the three courses here. Other
than that, there are a lot of fence and
hurdle repairs to make.”
After a meeting, the team springs
into action to make sure any necessary
repairs are carried out. “We get a team
of guys in called Turf Services, and they
come and do the filling for us. It can take
two to four days for them to fill in a chase
course and a hurdle course. Once that’s
been done, nine times out of 10 we’ll
move the rail out in order to have a
fresh running surface. We repair any
broken hurdles and put the fences back
correctly so they’re safe and ready for
the next racemeeting.”
Maintaining a racecourse is obviously
a different kind of challenge from a lawn
or a golf course, not least due to the
sheer amount of wear and tear. “It does
get cut up quite badly sometimes!”
RACECOURSE
One to watch
“[Trainer] Martin Keighley
used to work here, so I follow
his horses quite closely, and
I’m a big fan of Creepy in
particular. He hasn’t done
so well lately, but I think
he’s still got a lot to give – he
could do a lot this season.”
Phil Coates, Cheltenham
Head Groundsman
ATTENTION
TO DETAIL

38. 3 Kalendar
real sense of achievement when it all
comes to fruition.”
Phil began his career at Lilley Brook
golf course, and worked as a school
groundsman before landing a job at
Cheltenham. Fourteen years on, he says
the approach to racecourse maintenance
has changed. “When I started it was still
quite agricultural in feel; there was much
less focus on the visual aspect. These
days, a much higher
standard of presentation
is expected – it’s kept
more like a golf course,
everything is cut down
more, and some of the
sports turf treatment
practices have also been
brought in over the years.”
For Phil, working at
Cheltenham has turned
a passing interest into a
consuming passion: “It’s a lot more
exciting to me now – the passion has
really grown with working here. A lot
of the best races are at Cheltenham, and
of course it’s the highlight of the job.
I live on site, too, so I can look out and
see the racecourse, which is nice.
“It does get busy during the season,
but I’m lucky to have great people
working with me.”
affirms Phil. “A lot of people don’t realise
that we actually roll the turf straight
during the evening after a racemeeting.
This takes on average two-and-a-half or
three hours, with two tractors and two
rollers following the path the horses
have run.”
On a raceday, Phil is on site before 6am
to meet Simon Claisse, Head of Racing
and Clerk of the Course, for a course
inspection. “Everything is done
in the build-up to racing, but
there’ll be finishing touches on
the day to make sure everything
is safe,” says Phil. “During the
inspection, we’ll pick up on
anything that might need
doing, then I’ll pass that
information on to my team
when they come in at 7am.”
In bad weather it becomes a
race against time. A particularly
memorable occasion was the winter
of 2012-13, when snow threatened not
only the Festival Trials Day but also
The Festival itself. “Clearing snow off
the course with brushes – that was quite
a task!” Phil recalls. “We do whatever
we can to get the race on. If we have to
move rail we’ll move rail; if we have to
change the positions of hurdles, we’ll
do that. Obviously we can’t move fences,
but we do everything else we can to
accommodate the conditions.”
It’s a lot of responsibility when you
consider that this year’s Festival attracted
almost a quarter of a million spectators
over its four days, and Phil admits that the
run-up to a big meeting can be nerve-
racking. “You do get a bit nervous during
the build-up – you’re worried about how
the course is going to look, because of
course you can’t change the weather. But
once it’s all happening, everything goes
so quickly, and the satisfaction afterwards
is amazing. When you come in the next
morning it’s strangely quiet, like a ghost
town, but it’s a great feeling to know that
you’ve staged a top event and it’s gone well.
“I’m grateful to have such a brilliant
team – they’re all experienced guys and
we look out for each other, so there is a
RACECOURSE
g
y
“I’M GRATEFUL TO HAVE SUCH A BRILLIANT
TEAM – THEY’RE ALL EXPERIENCED GUYS
AND WE LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER, SO
THERE IS A REAL SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT
WHEN IT ALL COMES TO FRUITION”
ALLPHOTOS:JESSICAMAYERS

39. JUMP ONLINE FOR OTHER FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS:
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*Joining fees may apply

40. 36 Kalendar
Christmas is a time for fir trees
laden with decorations, carols in
the street and – for some families –
the thunder of hooves
galloping on the turf
fixtures
of leftover turkey for tea, a day at the
races is perfect for working off the
excesses of Christmas Day, before
building up an appetite for more
feasting in the evening fuelled with
stories of winning bets and unlucky losses.
At Exeter, New Year’s Day is regarded
as a Devon tradition, when family and
friends gather on Haldon Hill to
cheer home the horses and begin
the New Year in style. If it’s your
first experience of the races
you may wish to take part in
a behind-the-scenes tour an
hour before the first race,
and Luke Harvey’s tips from
the podium half an hour
before the starter raises his
flag will give vital clues to the
runners and riders on the card.
If you are planning to bring your
children racing for the first time, you could do worse
than give them a copy of Pony Racer (forelock-books.co.uk),
penned by the racecourse’s Public Relations Officer
Lucy Johnson to give young racegoers an insight into
the magic of horse racing.
CHRISTMAS
Festive traditions are not
restricted to pulling crackers at
the Christmas table or taking a
plunge in the sea to begin the
New Year on a fresh note – for
many, a day at the races is an
annual ritual, where the brisk air, camaraderie and
terrific sporting action prove to be the perfect
antidote to hours of seasonal TV.
You might be a racing expert and relish the chance
of watching your heroes in action, or your festive fix
might be the only time you head to the racecourse
for some trackside action with your friends and family
in tow. Whatever the reason, great racing and an
atmosphere that can be sliced with a knife are just
two of the many draws that bring people back year
after year.
The South West region’s flagship Christmas
meetings – Boxing Day at Wincanton, New Year’s Eve
at Warwick and New Year’s Day at Cheltenham and
Exeter – are terrific sporting traditions that offer a
wonderful opportunity to gather friends and family
and share a very special experience together.
Boxing Day at Wincanton is a highlight of
Somerset’s social calendar and always attracts a
huge surge in advance bookings. With the prospect
Feeling in the
Christmas spirit? All
South West Jockey Club
racecourses offer a range
of party options to help
you celebrate.
Party time!
Don’t
miss out!
Wincanton offers a
discount on Boxing
Day tickets, so make
sure you grab
yours before
31 October.

41. The International,
Cheltenham
11th-12th December
This two-day December
meeting includes festive
shopping, Christmas carols
and highly competitive racing
17th December
Christmas Fun
Raceday, Exeter
A day of festive frolics as we
approach Christmas Day
26th December
Boxing Day, Wincanton
This hugely popular traditional
Boxing Day meeting is the
perfect way to re-energise
yourself after the excesses
of Christmas Day.
31st December
New Year’s Eve
Raceday, Warwick
Toast the final day of the year
as Warwick hosts an afternoon
of racing and New Year cheer.
1st January 2016
New Year’s Day,
Cheltenham
Celebrate the New Year with
an afternoon of fresh air and
cracking racing.
1st January 2016
New Year’s Day
Racing, Exeter
Let the breeze over Haldon Hill
blow away the cobwebs of 2015,
and come racing on the first day
of the New Year.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
At Warwick the year is rounded off in perfect
fashion with New Year’s Eve racing, where
additional entertainment will keep children
happy and seven races provide the perfect
opportunity to cheer in the New Year from
the grandstand as the horses race towards the
winning post.
While these landmark meetings are intrinsic
parts of their relative county’s social calendars,
the festive season actually gets underway in early
December when a day at the races is the perfect
stage to entertain clients, reward staff and treat
family and friends. Group discounts for bookings
of 10 or more are available at each racecourse.
Wincanton (3 December), Exeter (4 and
17 December) and Warwick (10 December) are
the perfect opportunities to get into the spirit
of Christmas and have a great day out at the
races. So wrap up warm and enjoy the festive
racecourse cheer!
Interested in finding out more?
cheltenham.co.uk
exeter-racecourse.co.uk
wincantonracecourse.co.uk
warwickracecourse.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Kalendar
A racegoer cheers on
her horse during day
two of The Open 2014
at Cheltenham
Racegoers enjoy
their day during
Festival Trials Day
at Cheltenham
Racecourse

42. 38 Kalendar
What better way to blow away the cobwebs of days gone by and
see in the New Year in style than a visit to Prestbury Park?
Jockey Sam
Twiston-Davies on
Ptit Zig (left) and
Tom O’Brien on
Champagne West
battle for the lead
in the BetBright
Novices’ Chase
AFRESH
START