The Jockey Club has announced that it will implement a cap on the number of racegoers allowed to attend the Cheltenham Festival in 2023, to 68,500 per day.
The move came after feedback was gathered from attendees of the 2022 Festival, which saw a record aggregate attendance of 280,627, including record attendances on both Thursday (73,754) and Friday (73,875).
While the majority of the feedback was positive, highlighting the lively atmosphere, high-quality racing, and superb facilities at Cheltenham racecourse, complaints about the large crowds and resulting difficulties in movement around the course were noted.
The decision to cap attendance is expected to enhance the overall Festival experience and avoid overcrowding, while ensuring it retains its vibrant atmosphere.
It will create a safer and more convenient experience for racegoers, reducing queues for food, drinks, and facilities such as bathrooms.
Crowds on Tuesday and Wednesday are unlikely to be impacted: this year the Tuesday attendance was 68,567, while 64,431 people braved the wet conditions on Wednesday.
Ian Renton, The Jockey Club's Managing Director for Cheltenham and the West Region, said:
“It was fantastic to attract capacity crowds on both Thursday and Friday to witness some brilliant racing in glorious sunshine. However, we are well aware that our facilities, even after significant investment in recent years, are stretched at these attendance levels.
“Despite the financial implications of reducing attendance numbers, we will be capping daily capacity at 68,500 in the recognition of the importance of ensuring that The Festival remains an attractive and enjoyable experience for the long-term."
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL ATTENDANCES
2022
Tuesday: 68,567
Wednesday: 64,431
Thursday: 73,754
Friday: 73,875
Total: 280,627
2020
Tuesday: 60,664
Wednesday: 56,943
Thursday: 65,218
Friday: 68,859
Total: 251,648
2019
Tuesday: 67,934
Wednesday: 59,209
Thursday: 67,821
Friday: 71,849
Total: 266,813
2018
Tuesday: 66,632
Wednesday: 58,959
Thursday: 66,382
Friday: 70,684
Total: 262,657
2017
Tuesday: 66,019
Wednesday: 57,681
Thursday: 66,200
Friday: 70,160
Total: 260,060
The 2021 Festival took place without spectators due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
