Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson, two of the most successful coaches in Cheltenham Festival history, supported the decision to keep the meeting four days long.
The success of the Festival has led to growing speculation in recent years that the National Hunting Season’s introductory meeting will be extended to five days, and Henderson is one of the main proponents of the idea. that was initially.
However, the man who lit up Cheltenham with three-time Champion Hurdle winners See You Then, Long Run and Bobs Worth Gold Cup winners, as well as two Champion Chase Sprinter winners Sacre and Altior, said the decision was decisive. correct has been given.
“I think it was probably the right decision,” said Henderson. “I am one of the supporters [five days] but I think the more you think about it, they made the right decision. “
He added, “It was very good. I have seen some of its pros and cons in a way. I’m not really too confused, but having said that I’m leaning on it thinking that if we have six races a day, you don’t have to start until 2pm and then you don’t need to dilute the product. Products.
“Remember it’s not mandatory to go, it’s for us the trainers, not for all the others! I see the logic and I would probably say yes, it was the right decision. “
Mullins, the Festival’s most winning coach, echoed Henderson’s sentiments.
He said, “I think it was the right decision to keep it more compact and tight and I’m glad that’s the decision they’ve come to.”
Regarding the logistical challenges the 5-day Festival will bring, Mullins added, “There are pros and cons. Five days will make it easier for us to get our horses and staff back and forth. I would imagine if they went to five days there would be fewer races per day, so it might be easier.
“But I think the best decision has been made at this point for the meeting. It’s great that they’ve come out and put everyone’s mind on what’s going on, so we welcome that decision.”
According to Ian Renton, who runs Cheltenham as Jockey Club’s west region chief executive, Monday’s announcement comes after extensive consultation and analysis on how best for the sport. this sport.
He said, “At Jockey Club, we care deeply about the long-term future of our sport and its role in society. It is a mission to help us think differently when making decisions.
“While we explore the financial benefits and opportunities to reach new audiences, we also find some counterpoint to this. For example, it would obviously be challenging from a turf management standpoint, without the extra work on the track, and on balance we still feel 28 races in four days is the right format. fit. “
He added, “This study allows us to do more than just answer the question of whether expanding the Festival is the right thing to do. We will now evaluate all the insights to improve our facilities, invest in new activities on the pitch and bring to the fan base, participants, owners Our owners and other stakeholders have the best possible experience at Cheltenham Racecourse.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved in this process and welcome the opportunity to hear from racehorse owners, participants, Jockey Club colleagues, the local community Our partners, loyal racing fans and many others have a passion for our sport and the Festival. “
Cheltenham Festival is currently Britain’s third largest sporting event in terms of attendance and attracts a record total attendance of 280,627 over four days in 2022. This includes the number of individuals attending. record attendance for both Thursday (73,754) and Friday (73,875).
After consulting on the future format of The Festival, in August this year, in August this year, the event in 2023 (held from Tuesday 14 March to Friday 17th) March) will take place with a limited capacity of 68,500 per day.
